What is your WHY?

Why Does Your Public Organization Exist? 

Over the course of the past six weeks, we have talked about great leaders in the public sector - some very recognizable names and even a few obscure individuals, perhaps not widely known outside of their communities. There are many leadership lessons we can learn from each of these individuals, but a few characteristics stand out in each one of the examples. 

• Clear purpose
• Passion
• Trust

All of the leaders discussed thus far had clear objectives in mind as they took on their leadership roles. Captain Abrashoff was committed to "running the best damn ship in the Navy." Mayor Rudy Giuliani's initial mission was to clean up the crime in New York City and return it to the great cities in America. His follow-up purpose following 9/11 was to recover, rebuild and restore New Yorker's sense that nothing or no one could kill its spirit. Rick Baker had a purpose which became the official slogan, "Make St. Petersburg Best." Finally, Roald Amundsen simply stated his expedition would be the first to reach the South Pole and back. Period. 

This week's post discusses the importance of a clear purpose - the "why" organizations exist and how the leader influences followers to help them achieve that "why." Future posts will address the characteristics of passion and trust.

Research by the Gallup Organization found those employees who clearly understood the organization’s mission AND bought into it are more likely to stay with the company, to be proactive in creating a safe environment, are more productive, and connect better with customers.

Simon Sinek, author of Start with Why and Leaders Eat Last describes “why” as the purpose, cause, or belief that inspires you to do what you do. In this Ted Talk, Sinek explains the how the Apple Corporation achieved success when it discovered its true mission. Sinek also weaves Martin Luther King Jr. and the Wright brothers into his presentation to illustrate how a clear purpose can inspire others.

If you hire people just because they can do a job, they'll work for your money. But if you hire people who believe what you believe, they'll work for you with blood and sweat and tears" - Simon Sinek

As a public sector leader, what is your purpose that inspires? What is your "why"?

Robert Behn, noted author and Senior Lecturer of Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, tells us the mission of a public organization establishes the agency's moral imperative and tells us what the agency will do to improve the lives of the citizens. He goes on to state the purpose of the agency should signal what value it contributes to society.

These are lofty ideals for sure, but the public leader who can articulate how his agency will improve the lives of its citizens and add value to society would be exponentially more inspirational than the alternative.

Here are a few examples of inspirational "why's" from public agencies:


"The Queens Library represents a fundamental public good in our democracy. It assures the right, the privilege and the ability of individuals to choose and pursue any direction of thought, study or action they wish."

"We create a community of readers and empower individuals with free access to information and the universe of ideas." Charlotte Mecklenburg (NC) Library 


"All learners believe in their power to embrace learning, to excel, and to own their future." Albermarle County (VA) Public School System

"The Prince William County Department of Public Works does the right thing for the community by creating and sustaining the best environment in which to live, work and play."

"To provide public access to Federal Government records in our custody and control. Public access to government records strengthens democracy by allowing Americans to claim their rights of citizenship, hold their government accountable, and understand their history so they can participate more effectively in their government." - The National Archives


This last one is a bit wordy. It still conveys the big WHY we maintain an archive of our nation's public documents, though. For those of us who can appreciate that, it is an inspiring "why."

Alternatively, take the IRS mission statement for example: "To provide America's taxpayers top-quality service by helping them understand and meet their tax responsibilities and enforce the law with integrity and fairness to all."

What is inspirational about that? In fact, is it even true (remember Lois Lerner pleading the 5th Amendment and the targeted audits of political groups)? The above mission statement was last revised in 1998. One would think in light of their recent controversies, the IRS would rethink the "integrity and fairness" line.

Here is a final thought: If an organization's mission statement is not something the leader will embrace and followers will follow, it is worthless and should be abandoned in favor of a new purpose. The mission statement will tell us a lot about an organization, but whether or not the organization's members embrace the purpose tells us more.