The Power of Connection: Why Purpose and Clarity Matter for People & Performance
In every organisation we work with, one theme continues to stand out. Connection. Not the surface level kind, but the deeper connection that helps people understand why their work matters, where they belong and how they contribute to something bigger.
We know that ‘work’ isn’t simply about salary and job titles. At our recent OKA event, people spoke about the energy shift that happens when teams feel aligned around a shared purpose. And also . . . . how quickly things unravel when clarity and direction are missing.
This reflects what the research shows:
Gallup reports that only around 10 percent of UK employees feel actively engaged at work, and disengagement continues to have a significant impact on productivity, innovation and retention.
The Center for Creative Leadership talks about the quality of connections between team members, explaining how the negative ties have an outsized impact compared to positive ones.
Connection matters because people cannot perform at their best if they’re unclear about the direction of travel, about shared objectives and the organisations vision for the future. They cannot stay motivated without a compelling sense of purpose. And they struggle to contribute meaningfully when they cannot see how their role links to outcomes that matter.
When people feel connected in three key ways, we consistently see a lift in energy, confidence and performance.
1. Connection to the organisation
People want to understand the organisation's purpose and the direction it is moving in. When leaders make purpose visible in everyday actions, it becomes an anchor for decision making and behaviour. McKinsey highlights that companies with strong, lived purpose see higher growth and stronger performance.
2. Connection to their own purpose
Motivation deepens when people understand what energises them. When individuals connect with their strengths and values, they take greater ownership and feel more confident in their contribution. When personal purpose aligns with organisational purpose, engagement and accountability strengthen.
3. Connection to their role and contribution
Clarity creates momentum. When teams understand shared goals and how they work best together, progress accelerates. Whether onsite, remote or hybrid, the quality of team connection shapes performance. Forbes talk often about organisations with strong cultures, connected teams are significantly more likely to meet or exceed their performance targets.
This is why investing in development for individuals & teams isn’t a nice to have. It is a strategic decision that directly influences productivity and retention. And it doesn’t always require a long-term, transformational approach. Small, well designed interventions can shift clarity, cohesion and performance. Coaching that builds confidence. Team sessions that strengthen alignment. Tools like Lumina Spark or Hogan that deepen insight and understanding.
These investments create lasting impact by helping people feel clear, confident and connected to the work that matters most.
Reflective questions:
Where does connection feel strongest in your organisation right now?
Where might people be feeling stretched or less certain?
What could be possible if clarity of purpose and team energy were strengthened?
If you are exploring how to build deeper connection and performance in your organisation, we’d love to hear your ideas and talk through any questions you have.
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