Last week during the University of Georgia (UGA) State of Extension speech Associate Dean Dr. Laura Perry Johnson concluded her remarks with the following statement, "This purpose sums it up very, very perfectly. I don't know how we lucked on such a great purpose, but the facilitators that helped us get to this I think really nailed it.” I am proud to have worked with Dr. L. Rochelle Sapp and the UGA Extension Leadership Team to develop this statement:
"We translate science of everyday living for farmers, families and communities to foster a healthy and prosperous Georgia."
My pre-academic life as a management consultant, and later as the president of my own consulting organization, helped me to appreciate the importance of connection and how organizations can share who they are, and what purpose they serve in the world. This strategic approach is grounded in my Issue Leadership model, which is based on the principle that exceptional leaders (and organizations) are those who are committed to making a positive change in the world.
I am a huge fan of Simon Sinek and the power of Why. My view on the strategic statement of purpose is that is helps to complete the equation, specifically, Why Us? When we as individuals, or organizations, understand the change we are trying to make (Why = Critical Issues) as well as our role (Why Us = Core Strengths) we can clearly communicate what we are trying to do and how we are going to do it.
In future blog posts I will share more about how I use research based techniques to help guide individuals and organizations through the strategic statement of purpose process. Please be sure to share your thoughts and feedback in the comments below!
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