Power of purpose: transforming organizations by measuring what matters

4 November 2024
Estimated Read Time 4 minute read

Summary: This episode highlights the importance of measuring employee well-being and cultivating a purpose-driven culture. Brandon West shares insights on how organizations can celebrate mission moments and foster a sense of belonging. By shifting from an outcome-based mindset to one focused on flourishing individuals, leaders can create environments prioritizing care and connection, ultimately leading to greater organizational success.

On Episode 5 of the Hearts Not Heads Podcast, Garry Ridge and Davin Salvagno sit down with Brandon West, Chief Purpose Officer of PHOS Creative and 2024 recipient of the Purpose Leadership Awar, presented at The Purpose Summit in Charlotte, North Carolina.

What’s the story behind PHOS?

PHOS Creative is a digital marketing agency dedicated to a purpose-driven culture that prioritizes people and fosters a strong sense of community among team members. With a focus on love and support, PHOS not only aims to create impactful designs and compelling content but also strives to build lasting relationships with clients, acting as trusted advisors and partners in their success.

Conversation highlights on measuring what matters

Brandon West: “What you measure immediately gets better. If we want to create a culture of care, we need to identify what matters and ensure we’re celebrating those moments consistently.”

Garry Ridge: “The presupposition that bigger is always better can destroy us. We should prioritize small but flourishing teams over large, burnt-out organizations, emphasizing the importance of well-being in leadership.”

Brandon West: “At FOS Creative, we use a light wall to visually celebrate our mission moments, showing how our work directly impacts the lives of those we serve. This connection reinforces our culture and mission among our team.”

Davin Salvagno: “When we focus on well-being and meaningful metrics, we can cultivate an environment where team members feel empowered and valued, which directly influences our outcomes.”

Brandon West: “It’s not just about the outputs; it’s about creating a culture where people can flourish and contribute meaningfully to the organization’s purpose.”


For the whole conversation, listen to the episode on Spotify, iTunes, or HeartRadio.

https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1333-hearts-not-heads-podcast-214320467/episode/episode-5-brandon-west-chief-224722163/

Key Points on transforming organizations by measuring what matters from Brandon West

  1. Heartfelt Leadership: Effective leadership requires recognizing and addressing the emotional well-being of employees, as hurting hearts hinder operational potential.
  2. Flourishing vs. Growth: Organizations should consider the value of a small but flourishing team over a large but burnt-out one; success isn’t just about size but about the well-being of the people involved.
  3. Outcome vs. Faithfulness: Leadership should shift from an outcome-based mindset—where success is defined by production—to one where the flourishing of people and alignment with values is paramount.
  4. Visual Celebrations: FOS Creative utilizes a “light wall” to visually celebrate mission moments, creating tangible recognition of achievements and fostering team spirit.
  5. Measuring Impact: Organizations should measure aspects that contribute to employee well-being and mission fulfillment; what gets measured improves.
  6. Culture of Care: Establishing a culture of care involves team members actively participating in each other’s well-being, creating a collaborative environment where shared values drive success.

Key points on transforming organizations by measuring what matters from Garry Ridge

  1. Empathy in Leadership: Leaders must see employees as whole individuals, valuing their personal stories and experiences beyond their professional roles.
  2. Heart-Centered Focus: The focus should be on the “hearts” of employees rather than just their heads, emphasizing emotional engagement and connection.
  3. Profit and Purpose: Organizations must balance profit motives with a genuine concern for the well-being of employees and the community, ensuring that all stakeholders flourish together.

Key points on transforming organizations by measuring what matters Davin Salvagno

  1. Holistic Engagement: Managers should ask about employees’ personal wins and aspirations to understand their lives outside of work, promoting genuine connections.
  2. Flourishing Dynamics: A flourishing workplace involves the well-being of employees, customers, and communities; profit should not overshadow the need for personal and professional growth.
  3. Appreciation Culture: A culture that values gratitude is essential; recognizing and thanking employees for their contributions fosters a sense of worth and belonging.

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