Alisha Mithal (am2658) HADM 4125

April 25th, 2019 Purpose Driven Assignment – Original

I believe purpose corresponds to internal reasons for “why” we are motivated to

accomplish something. In a company setting, the founder may be interested in contributing to a
certain social cause due to their past experiences. For example, I feel strongly about
destigmatizing mental health in the US given that some of my close friends and family members
have struggled with depression. Our purpose allows us to contemplate an issue and reach the
conclusion that change needs to be made, and our purpose also drives us toward a vision.
The vision is “the grand goal” down the road that we hope to see come true. It is often in
the form of measurable impact. For instance, if my purpose is destigmatizing mental health, a
grandiose vision I have is for mental health services to become easily accessible (within 7 days
of request) and free of charge at every university and every corporation in the US. The vision
guides those in the organization— it shows new employees who may not have the same purpose
originally what can come out of their company and why they should find strength in a purpose.
We see that a company plans its activities with the aim of realizing this vision, which ties into
mission. The mission of an organization corresponds to “how” it plans to realize their vision, or
the strategy/game plan for how its leaders plan to create impact.
Values of a company serve to shape company culture, conduct, and inspire employees.
As an organization grows, values hold the organization together. Employees who agree with
their company values and purpose are proven to perform better. Some common values include
integrity, leadership, and quality, and convey what the organization aims to be an exemplar of.
With strong values, a company culture can stand the test of time even when key leaders who
established the organization are no longer part of it.
In order for an organization to accomplish tasks and reach goals, it will rely on both
strategies and tactics. We have mentioned how a strategy is closely linked to the mission of an
organization. It is the long-term plan that outlines the checkpoints needed to reach the grand goal
or vision. In some cases, the strategy is the thought process based on research and ideas. On the
other hand, tactics are the smaller, short-term steps that are in the form of implementable and
measurable practices. These are often actions that allow the organization to start addressing the
next checkpoint in its strategy.
One of my sources of inspiration is my family and the environment they have created for
me. My parents have been supportive of every endeavor and career goal I have had, despite the
fact that they did not have the same freedom or flexibility. My father wanted to be an
astrophysicist, but sacrificed his passion when offered a stable job in the US. He chose this path
because my brother and I would have many more options and what my parents hoped would be a
“better life.” I am so thankful for everything they have done for me, as they truly put me in a
position to use my knowledge of STEM and experience in computer science to design
technology for social impact.
Additionally, I find strength in visual creativity— I am always looking for new ways to
use or reuse materials so I can create art in a new medium or learn a new art form. Not only is
this process relaxing for me, but I often make something for a friend or family member and find
a way to turn my artwork into something personal for them. Artists are constantly finding new
ways to send a message to their audience, and I am inspired by so many artists.