By Marcos Lagos Suárez – Chile.

Purpose reflects the object of our interests. It may involve the kind of professional one aspires to become, the focus a business chooses to pursue, or the way an individual wishes to contribute knowledge or experience to a social or political enterprise. Purpose provides direction; however, it is not sufficient on its own. It requires reason — particularly critical and creative thinking — to transform ambitions into concrete outcomes. Without reason, even the strongest aspirations would remain unrealized.

Purpose is the intended end or goal that directs an agent’s action, whereas reason is the ability to think logically, analyze, and draw conclusions. Purpose and reason are part of a process through which an agent turns freedom of choice into action. For example, our curiosity has helped us discover solutions to many of our problems over time. However, curiosity alone does not explain the creation of entire educational systems or research laboratories. Similarly, although we need to eat to survive, this basic need does not by itself account for the development of large chains of supermarkets and restaurants. Finally, if survival is an instinct, what led humans to design complex health systems to ensure the survival of the species, if not an intrinsic motivation that we call purpose?

Someone might argue that although my needs may influence my behavior, they do not determine it entirely, nor do they prevent me from choosing what is best for me in terms of what I want in my life. For example, one thing is the fact that I need to eat; another is what I choose to eat; and yet another is where I choose to eat it. In other words, purpose and freedom of choice make the difference.

At work, purpose gives you a sense of commitment. It helps you design your quality objectives, your vision, and your mission. However, the impact of purpose varies according to each leader’s and team’s competencies and skills. Therefore, it is not enough to decide what to do; you also need to determine how you will do it and with whom you will implement your idea in order to ensure that the job is done properly.

Purpose is the compass which guides our existence. It is the bridge between existence and the world of ideas.

– English Magazine