If you’ve made it to this first blog of our company, you’re probably looking for answers. What is the genesis of Center for Executive Excellence? How is it different from other, amazing leadership development and strategy consulting companies? How might the discourse on navigating organizations through the forces of the 21st century be served by its existence? In short, what is its purpose?
The question of purpose — the need to connect the why to the what and how — is the essence what it means to exist. It’s the question of insatiably curious 3-year old children. It’s the question young adults seek to answer when traditional education falls short. It’s the question on the minds of the Millennial workforce, today’s consumers, and discerning shareholders when considering whether to work for, buy from, or invest in your company. Center for Executive Excellence is driven by the premise that a tipping point exists in 21st century America – that the answer to the question of why organizations exist can no longer be simply, “to make a profit.”
Consider these trends behind this tipping point:
2.5 billion people online worldwide — along with their shared knowledge, social contacts, online reputations, and computing power — are rapidly becoming a collective force of unprecedented power.
86% of Millennials in a 2011 study by Forbes reported that they believe businesses can have a positive social impact on the world, and they are optimistic about playing a role in that change.
83% of U.S. consumers want more of the products and services they use to benefit causes.
20% of shareholder-sponsored proposals of U.S. public companies focus on environmental and social concerns.
The case for defining and living your organizational purpose has never been more compelling. It’s the glue that will hold you fast in a world of constant technological, social, and economic change. It’s about being clear about your inner compass – about what should not change – so you can be liberated to challenge assumptions, test new theories, and remain relevant.
Traditional business based on the factory model is dying. The factory model dictates that products or services are cranked out with measurable output for as little cost as possible. Factories can be duplicated, even outsourced. Factories are filled with bureaucracy and clock watchers. Successful organizations of the 21st century will thrive with engaged people driven by the knowledge that their collective effort has intrinsic meaning. Those people will require leadership.
That’s why Center for Executive Excellence exists. To inspire and train leaders to create organizations with a purpose that rises above the bottom line. To weave that purpose into the organizational DNA so that it becomes part of everything from the strategic plan to the brand to the key performance metrics to employee incentives and rewards.
We believe in the power of why. When the demand for an answer reaches a critical mass by enough employees, customers and shareholders, 21st century leaders must be ready with the answer. We are here to help you reply.
Question: Have you worked for an organization with a clear sense of purpose and one without? What differences did you experience as an employee? Please leave your comments below.
