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strategy tools / Pyramid of Purpose

In short

• Align mission, vision, values, and goals for strategic clarity.
• Can be used for: Value Proposition and Customer Focus
• The Pyramid of Purpose is a strategic tool that helps organizations align their mission, vision, values, and goals in a hierarchical structure. At the base of the pyramid lies the organization's core values, which support the mission statement positioned above them. The vision statement sits atop the mission, outlining the desired future state of the organization. Finally, strategic goals are placed at the peak of the pyramid, detailing specific objectives to achieve the vision. This tool ensures that every aspect of the organization's strategy is interconnected and drives towards a common purpose, guiding decision-making and actions at all levels.
• Type of tool: Vision and Purpose
• Expected outcomes:
  • Clear alignment of mission, vision, values, and goals within the organization
  • Hierarchical structure that prioritizes core values as the foundation of strategic planning
  • Defined future state outlined in the vision statement to guide decision-making
  • Specific strategic goals at the peak of the pyramid for focused objective setting
  • Interconnected strategy that drives towards a common purpose
  • Guidance for decision-making and actions at all levels of the organization

In detail

The Pyramid of Purpose stands as a beacon of strategic clarity and alignment within organizations, serving as a powerful tool to guide decision-making and inspire action towards a common goal. At its core, this strategic framework encapsulates the essence of an organization's identity and aspirations, weaving together its core values, mission, vision, and strategic goals into a cohesive structure.

The foundation of the Pyramid of Purpose is built upon the organization's core values, which serve as the fundamental principles that underpin its operations and culture. These values act as the moral compass, guiding behavior and decision-making at every level of the organization. They represent the non-negotiable beliefs that define the organization's character and set the tone for how it interacts with its stakeholders and the world at large.

Above the core values lies the mission statement, which articulates the organization's purpose and reason for existence. It encapsulates what the organization does, who it serves, and the value it seeks to create in the world. The mission statement serves as a guiding light, aligning the efforts of all individuals within the organization towards a shared goal and providing a sense of direction and meaning in their work.

Sitting atop the mission statement is the vision statement, which paints a compelling picture of the desired future state that the organization aspires to achieve. It represents the ultimate destination towards which the organization is striving, inspiring and motivating stakeholders to push beyond their current limitations and reach for new heights of success and impact. The vision statement serves as a north star, guiding strategic decision-making and resource allocation towards the long-term goals of the organization.

Finally, at the peak of the Pyramid of Purpose, are the strategic goals that outline the specific objectives and initiatives that will propel the organization towards its vision. These goals are concrete, measurable targets that provide a roadmap for progress and success, guiding the allocation of resources and efforts towards the most critical priorities. By aligning these strategic goals with the organization's mission, vision, and core values, the Pyramid of Purpose ensures that every action and decision taken by the organization is in service of its overarching purpose.

In essence, the Pyramid of Purpose is a strategic tool that aims to bring coherence and alignment to every aspect of an organization's strategy, from its foundational values to its aspirational vision and concrete goals. By providing a clear and structured framework for strategic planning and visioning, the Pyramid of Purpose empowers organizations to navigate complexity, drive innovation, and achieve sustainable success in a rapidly changing world.

How to use it

1. Start by gathering key stakeholders in your organization to participate in the Pyramid of Purpose exercise.
2. Begin by defining the core values of your organization. These values should represent the fundamental beliefs and principles that guide decision-making and behavior.
3. Once the core values are established, craft a clear and concise mission statement that reflects the purpose and reason for your organization's existence.
4. Build upon the mission statement by creating a compelling vision statement that outlines the desired future state or ultimate goal that the organization aims to achieve.
5. Next, identify specific strategic goals that are aligned with the vision statement. These goals should be measurable, achievable, and time-bound.
6. Organize the core values at the base of the pyramid, followed by the mission statement, vision statement, and strategic goals in hierarchical order.
7. Review the Pyramid of Purpose to ensure that there is a clear alignment between the core values, mission, vision, and goals.
8. Use the Pyramid of Purpose as a guiding framework for strategic planning, decision-making, and actions at all levels of the organization.
9. Regularly revisit and revise the Pyramid of Purpose to ensure that it remains relevant and aligned with the evolving needs and goals of the organization.

Pros and Cons

When to Use

Businesses evolve from a simple idea into complex entities that undergo various stages of growth, learning, and adaptation before ultimately reinventing themselves to remain competitive. Throughout these stages, leveraging the right tools can significantly enhance success and efficiency. Below are the typical stages highlighting the stages where this tool will be useful. Click on any business stage to see other tools to include in that stage.

Related Tools

• Mission and Vision Statements
• Values Disciplines Model
• Vision Statement