As a provider of services that help people and families, it's easy for you to approach each new day with a sense of purpose. (At least, it should be!)

That's because you're building something of value; your contributing to your community; you're creating an asset; improving the outcomes for families; something that will become bigger than you are.

But have you ever thought about your employees? When they arrive at work each day, what - other than a paycheck - do they have to look forward to?

Fact #1

The overwhelming majority of employees do not give their work 100% each day. That's not because they're bad people or lazy... It's simply because they aren't motivated to do their best each and every day.

Fact #2

By giving your employees a bigger purpose... A better reason to contribute... A compelling reason to give their work everything they've got each day... You give your agency a huge advantage over every other agency in your marketplace.

You see, at the end of the day, work and career can and should be much more than receiving money for services rendered.  It's about feeling fulfilled; feeling good; knowing that you're making a difference, that what you do matters.

Everyone on this planet - including your case workers - wants to feel that he or she are a part of something bigger than themselves. That at the end of the day they did more than simply put in their time. It's much more rewarding and meaningul - and fun to be part of something big.

That's where your WHY comes in.

Your WHY is a story that defines what your agency and business is all about.  It's a story of passion, motivation, and the overcoming of obstacles.  It's the narrative of what sets your operation apart from all the rest.  In other words, it shows what makes your business unique and what differentiates it from the rest of your market.  It pulls back the covers and shows everyone who you are and why you do what you do.

Your WHY takes on the role of a legend, a symbol in the hearts and minds of your clients and staff.  It clarifies the meaning and significance of the work being done inside your agency.  It's the WHY you do what you do.  And it shows how your purpose and promise affects the daily lives of your case workers and the vulnerable children and families that you serve.

Best of all, your WHY gives everyone who associates with your agency a rallying cry that screams "This Place Is Different!"

It is THE story behind all the beliefs you want to reside in the minds of your people, clients, co-workers, peers, board members, advocates, collaborators... and your marketplace.

Do You "Walk the Walk"?

Now, is it enough to just talk about your WHY?  No.  Your WHY must come from the heart and be seen through the daily actions that you take.  You must live it every day.