A few years ago, I came across the book, Conscious Capitalism and was impressed with how they captured so succinctly the importance of a business Purpose Statement. For me, my primary take away from the book was the Purpose Statement as “an uplifting, moral-quality that appeals to the highest ideals and motives of the organization that rises above personal concern.” The book explains that a business should focus its attention on those it serves (customers, vendors, community, and all stakeholders, not just shareholders).
Most business schools teach the focus should be on the bottom line as a responsibility to shareholders. But Conscious Capitalism makes the case that organizations that put the needs of society before their own, more often than not, deliver on the needs of society, but also produce revenue requirements beyond their stated projections.
As a Christian business owner, I believe this philosophy is in line with my Biblical Purpose to serve others and make Christ known to them. It is not limited to my personal life but extends into my businesses. David Hagenbuch says, “Every business, especially a new one, should have a clear and succinct expression of its purpose — its reason for being beyond the products it makes or the services it provides. A great example comes from Whole Foods, which states its purpose simply as ‘Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.’” This is perfect since John Mackey is CEO of Whole Foods and co-author of Conscious Capitalism!
As I reflected on this, I looked to the Bible to better understand what God says about our businesses and their purpose. There are many passages that provide uplifting messages for us on this topic. For example, Romans 8:28 (KJV) And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. And, Deuteronomy 8:18 (KJV) But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
I believe that God’s intent is that we acknowledge him as the source of all that we are and in our obedience to him, he provides not only what we need but more beyond measure. So, I conclude that our business Purpose Statements should reflect our acknowledgement that we are only stewards of what he provides to us.
Do you have a business Purpose Statement? If not, consider drafting one today.
Small Business Spoken Here 