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Organizational Life Purpose

By Dr. Patrick J. Harbula

Virtually all organizations recognize that extending practical support to employees makes for better business and an increased bottom line. As an executive at Sage Publications, I was instrumental in growing the company from 32 million in annual revenues to over 100 million in about 10 years. Perhaps the most important strategy among many that contributed to such a large increase was a system for empowering employees to do their best work out of loyalty and gratitude.

So what were these employees grateful for? They felt supported not only in the work they were doing for Sage but in the fulfillment of their purpose and in their long-term goals, even beyond their commitment to working for Sage. In addition, I had a feedback system in place to ensure that each employee was getting the guidance they need to meet organizational goals as well as personal ones.

It is crucial that every employee has a clear sense of the long-term vision of the company, so they can support that vision. It is just as important for management to have a clear sense of the employee’s long-term vision. This reciprocal understanding and commitment to long-term visions and goals creates a bond of intention between the employee and the organization.

To take this a step further, I found it exceptionally motivating to connect the purpose of the employee to the purpose or mission of the company. This would give the employee the opportunity to see how their unique life purpose fit in with the mission of the organization. I would do this often in meetings by asking my group of managers, or the entire employee base during annual meetings, to close their eyes and become aware of their own life purpose. I would ask them to intuit the purpose of the organization. I might also read the company mission statement as well. Then I would ask them to envision how their purpose can be fulfilled through the organizational mission and how the organizational mission could support their individual purpose.

I asked each of the managers that reported to me to connect the long-term goals of the employee to their performance evaluations. If an individual was interested in management, then their leadership and people skills needed to be developed as part of their mentoring. My direct management team all had an understanding of each other’s purpose and visions.

I required that all managers and supervisors have regular one-on-one meetings that lasted an hour. Some managers or supervisors resisted this in the beginning because of the time commitment. But the efficiency and employee loyalty that would result from these meetings proved to be more than ample compensation for the time investment.

In the meetings, the manager or supervisor would address employee performance and the employee would communicate what he or she needed from management to better perform his or her job. I would ask managers and supervisors to consistently discuss job performance within the context of the employee’s long-term vision and relate it to the fulfillment of his or her purpose in relation to the team and one’s relationship to co-workers, the team, and the larger company.

The time requirement of one hour is an essential element. Once the discussion around practical issues was over, the remainder of the time would often bear the greatest fruit. When the agenda is complete, employees would often share on a more personal nature and the opportunity for greater mentoring would come into play.

Shortly after I was promoted to director and handed two additional departments to manage (which brought the total number of employees under my management to 75), the manager of one of the newly acquired departments had a conversation with another manager who I had been supervising for about six years. The conversation went something like this:
“So who is this Patrick Harbula and what is this stuff about ‘growing your people’ that he is always talking about ” Tom asked. “Is he for real? I mean what is his angle?”

“What, you mean you don’t believe him?” Janet replied. “I have worked with him for six years, and I know that he is on the level. He really cares about the people who work for him and he wants them to succeed. Not only in business and for Sage, but in their lives as people.”

Janet told me of their conversation later. It was interesting that the idea of someone truly interested in the well being of his employees inspired suspicion. I found this to be true of most employees. In the beginning they would question the motives of a manager who truly cared about the welfare of his employees. At the point that the employee recognized that the concern was on the level, almost all employees would develop a greater dedication to their job and the company.

There is no greater motivator for employees than to know that their life purpose and greatest dream for success is supported. There is no more effective way to create loyalty and commitment to the company and its goals. But, the most important reason to adopt this strategy, at least in my opinion, is not to increase the profitability of the company, but to serve the individuals who work for it. With such an intention, the success of the company cannot help but grow exponentially assuming that effective bottom-line business strategies are being employed while the increased production and creativity from staff is harnessed and directed toward greater success.

Nearly every person who I managed directly made a point of saying to me that as a result of what he or she had learned from me in business, it had improved his or her life in other areas. This is the greatest compliment a manager can receive in my opinion. Those who I trained in this strategy have continued to apply it at the company I work for and many more who have gone on to other opportunities and become successful as a result of this simple yet profound business practice.

Every business that is successful, is so because they are fulfilling a need—serving society in some way. When employers serve employees in the deepest ways possible, it cannot help but exponentially increase the success of the company. Success is always equal to the degree of need that is fulfilled. When management deeply fulfills the needs of employees while fulfilling a need in society, then management is simply using time more efficiently. And the result is that employees work harder, with greater joy and creatively to advance the fulfillment of the company’s service.

When focusing on life purpose recognize that it is not a job or activity but an intention that can be fulfilled through any job or vocation and at any moment in time. If you can’t fulfill the purpose standing in line at the supermarket, then make it more general. Once the life purpose definition has been created it can be used as a motivation for an employee to help others in the organization by fulfilling their purpose while doing their job.

In this way, employees will have deeper meaning, greater creativity, and a higher degree of passion in their work. It can be periodically reinforced to consistently fulfill one’s purpose on the job. For example: if some kind of conflict comes up, each employee can be asked, how would you have handled this situation if you were fulfilling your purpose in the situation.

Use these four (five counting the Alternate question 2) to help your partner clarify life purpose. The goal is to come up with a concise (preferably 7 words or less), powerful definition that can be affirmed in any moment to maximize passionate living. Write down your partner’s answers on his or her sheet.

Anyone can employee this system in management. If you are a skilled enough facilitator and want to help those you influence (in business, coaching, or otherwise) to deepen their understanding of life purpose, you many use the simple formula below that thousands of people have found invaluable for clarifying life purpose.

Question 1: What do you love to do that makes the world a better place?

Question 2: (If the purpose is a general one that can be used in any situation, then move on to question 3). If the answer is an activity through which a purpose could be fulfilled, such as “writing,” then ask: What is the most profound experience or feeling you like someone to receive from a conversation or any interaction with you?

Alternate question 2: What is the most profound experience, you would like someone to receive from a conversation or any interaction with you?

Question 3: What is the quality or guidance that you did not receive enough of as a child that you wish you had more of, the most important thing?

Question 4: How does it feel when you give others _____ (what he or she didn’t get)

Life Purpose Definition: Brainstorm a short definition of life purpose based on the answers. Then ask: Is that most meaningful or is it more meaningful to create the experience of ____ (what the he or she didn’t get enough of) for others? One’s passion is found in the emotional hit. Look for the emotional hit and use their response to formulate the definition. Try different phrasings. The uniqueness of wording is important.

 

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Email: patrick@magicofthesoul.com

Testimonial

Sage Publications is a world-renowned academic publisher that has grown from a 32-million dollar company to over 100 million in 15 years.

I fully believe that we could not have accomplished the success in our organizational goals that we have realized without the guidance and leadership from Patrick Harbula.

--Blaise SimquPresident, Sage Publications

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2017-08-07T11:03:01+00:00

--Blaise SimquPresident, Sage Publications

Sage Publications is a world-renowned academic publisher that has grown from a 32-million dollar company to over 100 million in 15 years. I fully believe that we could not have accomplished the success in our organizational goals that we have realized without the guidance and leadership from Patrick Harbula.
A valuable day of focus and encouragement. Since the LPI training, my position at the job I already loved has completely shifted to come into alignment with my clearer sense of purpose.

--Molly Rockey, Nationwide Director of Volunteer Services, ALS Foundation

5.0
2017-08-07T11:04:14+00:00

--Molly Rockey, Nationwide Director of Volunteer Services, ALS Foundation

A valuable day of focus and encouragement. Since the LPI training, my position at the job I already loved has completely shifted to come into alignment with my clearer sense of purpose.
Learning that what was missing in my childhood is a gift that contributes to my life purpose, helped me identify how to change some of my patterns. I got my money's worth by lunchtime!

--Ted KalalReliability Engineer and Author of Improving Product Reliability

5.0
2017-08-07T11:15:09+00:00

--Ted KalalReliability Engineer and Author of Improving Product Reliability

Learning that what was missing in my childhood is a gift that contributes to my life purpose, helped me identify how to change some of my patterns. I got my money's worth by lunchtime!
Patrick Harbula's appearance at our Center was a phenomenal success. It was the largest turnout and MOST PROFITABLE we have had for a workshop since I have been the minister here. We had standing room only for the Sunday service and 78 participants in the paid workshop. Patrick also dropped in and co-facilitated the class we were doing on his book The Magic of the Soul, and the students raved about the experience. Patrick's office secured a lot of publicity on their own including a national radio show that brought many new people to the center. Six months later people are still talking about their experiences with Patrick.

 

-- Reverend Patrick Cameron, Center for Spiritual Awareness, Edmonton

5.0
2017-08-07T11:22:33+00:00

-- Reverend Patrick Cameron, Center for Spiritual Awareness, Edmonton

Patrick Harbula's appearance at our Center was a phenomenal success. It was the largest turnout and MOST PROFITABLE we have had for a workshop since I have been the minister here. We had standing room only for the Sunday service and 78 participants in the paid workshop. Patrick also dropped in and co-facilitated the class we were doing on his book The Magic of the Soul, and the students raved about the experience. Patrick's office secured a lot of publicity on their own including a national radio show that brought many new people to the center. Six months later people are still talking about their experiences with Patrick.  
We had Patrick Harbula at the Center for Spiritul Living Princeton, and my community loved him and his workshop. He spoke at my service, and he was warm and welcoming. His workshop later that day was extremely well attended and financially very profitable! In his workshop, he focused on one's Divine Purpose and gave wonderful tools for everyone to continue working on their purpose and goal-setting. Patrick is also VERY generous.

I am offering the former ICSL accredited course, Magic of the Soul, using Patrick's book and curriculum next term, and his workshop was a great kick-off for that class. I may have to add an additional class (for the first time) because the interest in that class is so strong. In short, I highly recommend Patrick to come to you, both as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and a wonderful colleague. He is a dear man and friend.

-- Rev. Dr. Karen Kushner, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Princeton

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2017-08-07T11:23:49+00:00

-- Rev. Dr. Karen Kushner, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Princeton

We had Patrick Harbula at the Center for Spiritul Living Princeton, and my community loved him and his workshop. He spoke at my service, and he was warm and welcoming. His workshop later that day was extremely well attended and financially very profitable! In his workshop, he focused on one's Divine Purpose and gave wonderful tools for everyone to continue working on their purpose and goal-setting. Patrick is also VERY generous. I am offering the former ICSL accredited course, Magic of the Soul, using Patrick's book and curriculum next term, and his workshop was a great kick-off for that class. I may have to add an additional class (for the first time) because the interest in that class is so strong. In short, I highly recommend Patrick to come to you, both as a speaker, workshop facilitator, and a wonderful colleague. He is a dear man and friend.
I was so excited when I first heard that Patrick Harbula had given his consent for ICSL to use The Magic of the Soul as part of our 200 series for Science of Mind classes. I found the curriculum well suited to bring out the best in a group. It is inspiring and fun for both teacher and students. My class particularly appreciated the guided exercises on the accompanying CD.

-- Dr. Candice Becket , Previous President Centers for Spiritual Living

5.0
2017-08-07T11:25:28+00:00

-- Dr. Candice Becket , Previous President Centers for Spiritual Living

I was so excited when I first heard that Patrick Harbula had given his consent for ICSL to use The Magic of the Soul as part of our 200 series for Science of Mind classes. I found the curriculum well suited to bring out the best in a group. It is inspiring and fun for both teacher and students. My class particularly appreciated the guided exercises on the accompanying CD.
Patrick Harbula was a delight to have at our Center. A total professional but with the graces that go beyond the requirement. He created rapport with my congregation the moment he opened his mouth. His teaching was clear and my congregation responded beautifully to him, his workshop and his Sunday lesson. Great reviews did come from his workshop. Thank you Patrick for the work that you are doing. And to the field, inviting this man in to your Center is a great idea. Patarick has a beautiful consciousness and is a man of Principle and demonstration.

-- Michelle Wadleigh, Spiritual Director, Center for Spiritual Living North Jersey

5.0
2017-08-07T11:26:36+00:00

-- Michelle Wadleigh, Spiritual Director, Center for Spiritual Living North Jersey

Patrick Harbula was a delight to have at our Center. A total professional but with the graces that go beyond the requirement. He created rapport with my congregation the moment he opened his mouth. His teaching was clear and my congregation responded beautifully to him, his workshop and his Sunday lesson. Great reviews did come from his workshop. Thank you Patrick for the work that you are doing. And to the field, inviting this man in to your Center is a great idea. Patarick has a beautiful consciousness and is a man of Principle and demonstration.
We had the Rev. Patrick Harbula at our Center last month for his workshop "Busting Loose From The Money Game". He did a NorthEast tour and taught at several Centers in the area. It was a great event. Patrick is clear, authentic, inspiring and open hearted. He brought something fresh and new and yet, deeply steeped in our teaching. I felt inspired by his presentation. I highly recommend him for an event at your centers.

-- Rev. Frankie Timmers, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Morristown

5.0
2017-08-07T11:28:02+00:00

-- Rev. Frankie Timmers, Senior Minister, Center for Spiritual Living Morristown

We had the Rev. Patrick Harbula at our Center last month for his workshop "Busting Loose From The Money Game". He did a NorthEast tour and taught at several Centers in the area. It was a great event. Patrick is clear, authentic, inspiring and open hearted. He brought something fresh and new and yet, deeply steeped in our teaching. I felt inspired by his presentation. I highly recommend him for an event at your centers.
Patrick brings a unique energy to his presentations, workshops, and meditations, and I always receive the highest praise for from our misters, practitioners, and congregants. Patrick has a certain magnetism that inspires and draws people to receive the wisdom gained from his vast experience in metaphysical studies, the ministry, and corporate success. His Busting Loose from the Money Game class last year was the second largest class we had for the year at our Center. I heartily endorse him for any spiritual community looking to create a positive spiritual experience for its members.

-- Dr. Jim Lockard, Director Center for Spritual Living, Simi Valley and author of Sacred Thinking.

5.0
2017-08-07T11:29:23+00:00

-- Dr. Jim Lockard, Director Center for Spritual Living, Simi Valley and author of Sacred Thinking.

Patrick brings a unique energy to his presentations, workshops, and meditations, and I always receive the highest praise for from our misters, practitioners, and congregants. Patrick has a certain magnetism that inspires and draws people to receive the wisdom gained from his vast experience in metaphysical studies, the ministry, and corporate success. His Busting Loose from the Money Game class last year was the second largest class we had for the year at our Center. I heartily endorse him for any spiritual community looking to create a positive spiritual experience for its members.
. . . . I have had the opportunity to see the benefits of his work when he has presented his seminars at OneSpirit Center for Conscious Living on several occasions. . . . Patrick has a rich background of training in New Thought, meditation, spiritual psychology, and corporate success. I consider him to be a selfless mystic who extends himself from his heart. By my observation, that’s Patrick’s strongest quality—he has the ability to open people’s hearts at a deep and most authentic level. His lectures are strongly based on New Thought principles and his workshops are a place where healings happen. I am honored to know Patrick, consider him a friend, and am especially pleased to be one of the facilitators in the Life Coaching Certification Program through his organization, The Living Purpose Institute.

-- Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones, Previously Director of the Simi Valley Center for Conscious Living and author of Speaking Religious Science, The Art of Being and The Art of Uncertainty.

5.0
2017-08-07T11:30:22+00:00

-- Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones, Previously Director of the Simi Valley Center for Conscious Living and author of Speaking Religious Science, The Art of Being and The Art of Uncertainty.

. . . . I have had the opportunity to see the benefits of his work when he has presented his seminars at OneSpirit Center for Conscious Living on several occasions. . . . Patrick has a rich background of training in New Thought, meditation, spiritual psychology, and corporate success. I consider him to be a selfless mystic who extends himself from his heart. By my observation, that’s Patrick’s strongest quality—he has the ability to open people’s hearts at a deep and most authentic level. His lectures are strongly based on New Thought principles and his workshops are a place where healings happen. I am honored to know Patrick, consider him a friend, and am especially pleased to be one of the facilitators in the Life Coaching Certification Program through his organization, The Living Purpose Institute.
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