Pondering the who and why questions of our existence is not limited to existential thinking but has application in business as well. We may define ourselves by our offerings or the benefits of those offerings to those we serve. We may have nicely stated value propositions and mission statements but when you take that away who are we and why do we exist? More importantly, if you did not exist, who would miss you?
Ricardo Bueno says
You know, I often find myself feeling like that statue. Some days I stand up with excellent clarity, and others, I’m sitting down again and pondering. Not that there’s anything wrong with that 🙂
Karen Swim says
Andrew, I think every business can benefit from doing a periodic “soul check.” When you tap into the real “who” and “why” it goes beyond simply doing well to creating memorable customer relationships and experiences. You stand out when you leverage the uniqueness of “who” and “why.” As for the broader answers on life, AMEN!
Andrew says
Karen,
Part of any effective business planning is identifying who key stakeholders are and why they need you and your offering.
My guess is that companies without a strong reason to exist in the marketplace probably won’t actually ‘exist’ for all that long.
On broader questions of the meaning of life, I answer them as follows:
(1) Who am I? A creation and child of the wonderful living god, who not only created me but in his mercy has forgiven all of my sins through the death of Christ Jesus on the cross.
(2) Why do I exist? To be in relationship – primarily with god but also with other people.