Thread by @Eric_Partaker

Most companies build their strategy backwards.

(And wonder why nothing sticks)

They start with culture initiatives.

Pizza Fridays. Ping pong tables. Team building retreats.

Then they craft mission statements in committee meetings.

Generic words that could describe any business.

Next come the values posters.

"Innovation. Excellence. Integrity."

(The same ones hanging in your competitor's lobby)

Maybe they paint a vision on the wall.
Usually something vague about "being the best."

And purpose?
That gets added last. If at all.
Usually buried in some investor deck.

No wonder 87% of employees don't know why their company exists.

Here's what actually works:

1. Start with PURPOSE. Not profit. Impact.

Ask: If we closed tomorrow, what would the world miss?

Patagonia nailed it: "We're in business to save our home planet."

2. Build your VISION on that foundation.

Where will your purpose take you in 5 years?

Make it specific. Make it measurable.

IKEA: "To create a better everyday life for the many people."

3. Then define your MISSION. The daily work that moves you toward that vision.

One sentence. Crystal clear.

TED: "Spread ideas."

4. Layer in real VALUES. Not aspirational nonsense.

The actual behaviors you reward and don't tolerate.

Netflix: "Freedom & Responsibility" (and they fire for mediocrity).

5. Only then does CULTURE emerge.

Naturally. Authentically.

Because everyone knows why they're here.

Whole Foods didn't start with culture perks.

They started with purpose: conscious capitalism.

The "Chief Culture Officers" came later.

Build from purpose up, not culture down.

Everything else is just expensive theater.

P.S. Want a PDF of my 5 Pillars cheat sheet?

Get it for free:

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