Performance Starts with Purpose—And That Starts with People
Reconnecting Performance to Purpose: A 3P Reflection
When people see how their work connects to something greater—and know their impact matters—that’s when performance becomes purpose-driven.
On a recent podcast, I had the chance to share the foundation of my leadership philosophy—the 3Ps that shape performance: People, Purpose, and Process. The conversation was energizing, but one question caught me off guard (in the best way): How do we connect people to a shared purpose?
My immediate thought? There are two levels to purpose. First, there’s the broader, higher purpose—team goals, organizational mission, community impact. But second—and perhaps more powerful—is the purpose of the individual.
As leaders, it’s easy to focus on the big picture and forget that every organization runs on individual contributions. Every person deserves to know:
Their work matters.
Their efforts make a difference to their team.
They are valued—and needed.
When someone understands their personal impact, they’re better equipped to align with the higher-level purpose. That’s when real engagement kicks in. That’s when teams begin to thrive.
Action Steps for Leaders:
Spotlight Individual Impact: Take time to recognize a team member’s specific contribution and how it moves the needle.
Tell the Story of Connection: Draw the line from individual effort to team success. Make it visible.
Invite Ownership: Ask people how they see their role evolving, what strengths they want to use, and where they want to grow.
True alignment starts when we move purpose from abstract to personal. Let’s lead with intention and never forget that process and performance begin—always—with people.
Interested in exploring how the 3Ps can drive performance impact in your organization? I help leaders connect strategy to people, embed purpose into daily work, and refine processes that support sustained results. Let’s talk about how your team can make purpose personal—and performance inevitable.
#LeadershipDevelopment #EmpoweredTeams #PurposeDrivenWork #PeopleMatter