What?
Common purpose is about having the same goal in mind as a group. As a group, you have full commitment from each person. I first learned about common purpose when I was a kid. I may not have known it then, but I do now. As a kid I played soccer, while not much happened on the field, we still learned that we all had a common purpose, to win the game. I also learned this when I was in high school on color guard. Our common purpose as a team was to look good and perform well so we could score high. And by scoring high we could place high or even move up in divisions. In college, I learned this by playing rugby and having to be in sync with my team, know the plays, and know how to play the game. Another way I learned in college is through the comedy troupe I’m in. I have to put the effort in by going to rehearsal, knowing my lines, and blocking.
So What?
Common purpose is important so the whole group is on the same page. Now, this doesn’t mean that everyone in the group thinks the same, but it means we all share a common goal. In teams, it is important to share ideas and think outside the box, but as members, we also have to stay on track and reach the target. Having a common purpose allows groups and individuals to strive for something great. Common purpose also allows us to develop our skills in decision-making.
Now What?
Common purpose has and will continue to have an impact on me throughout my whole life. Having skills in common purpose will help me as I transition from school to the workforce. Within each industry, the common purpose will change greatly between each company too. I plan to work within the environment, so my common purpose won’t change too much if were to change jobs. My goal as a person is to be able to help people and the environment. I hope to be able to find a job that has similar ideas and goals to mine. A good example for me would be the camp I am working at over the summer. The common purpose across the whole camp is to have fun and keep the kids safe. This purpose is shared at all levels of the camp. I remember even seeing campers holding each other to this by keeping each other safe while also maintaining a fun environment.
References
Komives, S. R., & Wagner, W. (Eds.). (2017). Leadership for a better world: Understanding the social change model of leadership development. John Wiley & Sons.
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