As you might expect for a blog passionate about Visionary Leadership, I’ve heretofore tackled the business-altering difference between vision and mission, and the critical difference between vision and goals.
But it was in the comments of last week’s post about why business vision matters more in this economy that I was asked an important question I hadn’t yet addressed:
Curious to know your thoughts on the difference between a company’s vision and a company’s purpose. ~ Greg Hartle
I responded to Greg in the comments but wanted to share my thoughts with all of you here because it’s an excellent question. Whereas others might say they all ultimately get you to the same place, I disagree. I think there is a clear difference between vision, mission, and purpose and they all play a role in keeping you focused and on the right path.
A Healing Example
I shared with Greg the following example that might be developed by a nephrologist (kidney doctor):
Purpose: To heal
Mission: To eliminate the need for human donors for people who have kidney failure, because many don’t receive a transplant in time
Vision: A world where people with kidney disease no longer need dialysis or human transplants, but are able to live a full life via another therapeutic cure
The vision is the inspiration that keeps this doctor on the path when challenges to fulfill this daunting mission appear. But it’s this person’s purpose in life – to heal – that leads to this particular mission and vision. Without it, s/he will likely lose the fire to continue down the path when challenges arise.
The purpose is at the very core.
A healthcare company working with this doctor might define itself this way, focused on a shared vision:
Purpose: To save lives
Mission: To create an artificial kidney
Vision: A world where people with kidney disease no longer deteriorate, die, or need dialysis or human transplants, but are able to live a full life because of our products
It’s the focus on saving lives will be at the heart of everything they do.
Ask Yourself
What’s your true purpose in life? Is it to heal, teach, train, help, advise, nurture, love, create beauty…? If it’s not at the heart of your current mission and vision, you just might be in the wrong career.
Your passion is ignited by your purpose in life, and your mission and vision enable you to apply that spark to change the world.
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Need help defining a business vision, purpose and mission and the strategies to support them? Hire me for Visionary Leadership programs, and work with me by emailing me at Lisa@CLevelStrategies.com.
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RELATED POSTS:
Visionary Leadership: The Critical Difference Between Vision and Goals
The Business-Altering Difference Between Vision and Mission
How to Screw Your Business in One Easy Step
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Photo is Orange Sky by Abhishek Singh aka Bailoo.
11 Response Comments
I love this Lisa. Purpose, vision, mission — love the way you connected these very different, yet very inter-related elements of one’s life’s work!
@KatCaverly Thank you, Kat! And yes, so critically interrelated!
Wow! I thought I understood the difference between purpose, vision, and mission before I read this. Now I can be certain that I do. Lol. But I really like the way you distinguished between the three and then illustrated their relationship to one another. This was a great insight for me. Thanks!
@KrystalNRoberts I’m so glad to hear that, Krystal! Thanks so much for letting me know. Have a wonderful weekend!
Lisa, thank you for sharing. We are very much in alignment. I always appreciate your opinion and your posts. They cause me to dig deeper. This post was no exception.
That means a lot to me, Greg – thank you!
Hi Lisa. Your clarification is great. I agree completely. In my simple terminology: Purpose provides the “why” behind a company. Vision is the destination. Mission is the map to get there. Of the three, purpose creates the passion and is the key to extraordinary leaders and companies. Thank you for another great post!
What a brilliant way to look at it, Chris! Thanks so much for sharing it; so thankful to have you here! Hope to see you tomorrow evening on Leadership Chat, all the very best!
i am impressed with examples of vision mission.
I have been trying to make a clear distinction as I am doing a paper and I keep getting them confused, but with your kidney example, I feel like its more clear to me and hopefully I will be able to present a better paper. Thank you!
Does purpose and vision go together