What is the Purpose? — The Art Of Powering Down
Questions are powerful tools. One of my favorite questions is just four simple words. But it works almost magically to bring clarity and alignment to groups and personally. The question is simple: What is the purpose?
In a very creative graduate class on leadership, the professor showed us why being clear on the purpose matters. It was a class that I will never forget.
In small groups, the task was to agree on ten items from a list of twenty that we would take from a sinking ship. At the end of the exercise, each group shared their list and process.
Then the “bam” moment came. The professor in a class on Leadership asked, “Did you ask the right question?”
We looked at each other and thought, what other question is there to ask but, “What is the most important thing to take on the lifeboat?”
With a twinkle in his eye he said, the most important question to ask at the beginning of any group task is: What is the purpose. We looked at each other still a little confused, but asked each member of the group, “What is the purpose?”
One person in the group had been prioritizing the items on the list based on survival. Another team member made her choices on the assumption that signaling a plane was the goal. Still, another thought flagging a ship would be the best option. Another thought we were all going to die anyway so, have fun.
Every person in the group had a different purpose in mind when it came to completing the exercise. It was a very profound moment to realize that every member of the group had a slightly different outcome (purpose) in mind. No wonder we could not agree on the priority of each object!
We each assumed that everyone was looking at the question exactly the same. How many ways can what items should you grab off a sinking ship be understood? Turns out for every individual the answer was slightly different.
A truth hidden in plain sight. We KNOW that everyone is different. But we don’t always take the time or have the tools to understand all the different perspectives. What is the purpose is a simple question that can bridge that divide in every group. It helps bring clarity and unity to the group.
What is the purpose? This is a question that forces a pause. When people are in the trap of movement for movement’s sake, a pause can bring clarity.
Reactive vs. Responsive
When we take the time to ask: what is the purpose it shifts us from being reactive to being responsive.
Reactive living is reacting after an event, with no reflection. Something happens (stimulus) and we respond without thinking (response).
Stopping to ask, “What is the purpose” might not change the response. But it ensures that our action is meaningful or at the very least thoughtful and intentional.
Responsive living is stimulus (something happens). A pause reflection about what happened and considering how to respond. And then responding (addressing the problem).
Reactive:
Stimulus (event) — >Response (action)
Responsive:
Stimulus — > PAUSE (what is the purpose?) — >Response
Alignment
What is the purpose, is also an alignment question. It challenges us to consider the why in every decision. When we understand the why we can do it better.
What is the purpose is a game-changing question in a group. It also works personally, too.
Next time you meet someone for coffee ask yourself: What is the purpose?
Any time you consider adding something to your calendar: What is the purpose?
Before a trip to Target: What is the purpose?
Before a family dinner or event: What is the purpose?
When texting a friend: What is the purpose?
Working on a group project: What is the purpose?
For more Questions to Recharge Your Soul visit www.theartofpoweringdown.com
Originally published by Amy Hoppock at http://theartofpoweringdown.com on October 12, 2018.
