About the Book
Dan Pontefract combines years of experience and research on employee engagement, behavior and culture to create a work about the three crucial areas of purpose: personal, organizational and workplace role. If all three can come to fruition--if there is a positive interconnection between the three distinct definitions of purpose--the benefits should be felt by employees, teams, the organization, customers, and perhaps most importantly, society as a whole. We can refer to this balanced state as the "sweet spot." When one area is lacking or ignored the results range from disengagement, apathy, lack of growth and even bankruptcy.
The Purpose Effect is aimed at both leaders and employees who wish to achieve a purpose mindset on a personal level, for the organization where they are employed and in their role at work, too.
A business leader that is committed to purpose will create purpose for the organization. An employee that feels his/her personal sense of purpose is being fulfilled at work will be an invaluable asset to productivity and success. An organization centered on purpose will benefit every stakeholder, from employees to society in general. This "sweet spot" of purpose creates a reciprocal relationship between all three areas and sits at the center of Pontefract's work.
About the Author :
Dan Pontrefact is the founder and CEO of Pontefract Group, a firm that improves the state of leadership and organizational culture. Dan is the best-selling author of five books: WORK-LIFE BLOOM: How to Nurture a Team That Flourishes (2023), LEAD. CARE. WIN. How to Become a Leader Who Matters (2020), OPEN TO THINK: Slow Down, Think Creatively, and Make Better Decisions (2018), THE PURPOSE EFFECT: Building Meaning in Yourself, Your Role and Your Organization (2016) and FLAT ARMY: Creating a Connected and Engaged Organization (2013). A renowned speaker, Dan has presented at four different TED events and also writes for Forbes and Harvard Business Review. Dan is an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria, Gustavson School of Business and has garnered more than 20 industry awards over his career. Previously as Chief Envisioner and Chief Learning Officer at TELUS-a Canadian telecommunications company with revenues of $14 billion and 50,000 global employees-he launched the Transformation Office, the TELUS MBA, and the TELUS Leadership Philosophy, all award winning initiatives that dramatically helped to increase the company's employee engagement to record levels of nearly 90%. Prior to TELUS he held senior roles at SAP, Business Objects and BCIT. Dan and his wife, Denise, have three children, two dogs and two cats and live in Victoria, Canada.
Review :
"As the sense of meaning in the corporate world continues to plummet, the shortage of clear and comprehensive thinking on solutions has become acute. Dan Pontefract rides to the rescue with The Purpose Effect, providing a well-argued and detailed framework for organizations and their people to find and maintain their purpose "sweet spot."
-Roger L. Martin, author and Institute Director, Martin Prosperity Institute, Rotman School of Management
"The Purpose Effect helps individuals and leaders connect the dots between the personal, professional, and organizational. Dan Pontefract makes a strong case that we shouldn't check our core values in life at the office door."
-Adam Grant, Wharton professor and New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take and Originals
"A compelling thesis on how purpose can drive not only personal fulfillment but also lead to more stable, cohesive and higher performing organizations. The Purpose Effect is a must-read for any who doubt the impact of purpose on organizational stability and performance."
-Paul Polman, Chief Executive Officer, Unilever
"Purpose has never been more important in the world. If the workplace is truly going to be 100% human, it has to start with purpose, for individuals and for the organisation. Dan Pontefract takes you on a journey on how to make this a reality for yourself and your organisation."
- Jean Oelwang, President and Trustee, Virgin Unite
"We are at a momentous inflection point. Income inequality, plummeting levels of trust in major institutions, the disillusionment of a generation of young people and a sense that for many, the future is going to be less secure and predictable than the past are leading to a deep hunger for fresh ideas for a new social compact. The Purpose Effect presents a marvelous and optimistic approach to achieving this. For many who are discouraged by the emptiness of organizational life, this readable, practical guide is an antidote to disengagement and cynicism at work and in society. I am delighted to see such a powerful guide to how each of us can proactively take charge of making sure that our lives have meaning."
- Rita Gunther McGrath, Associate Professor, Columbia Business School and author of The End Of Competitive Advantage
"Hollywood and popular literature would lead you to believe that big business and a meaningful life don't mix. Not so, says Dan Pontefract. When we align our purpose with that of our job and our organization, we can have, as Studs Terkel said, 'astonishment rather than torpor... life rather than a Monday through Friday sort of dying.' Read The Purpose Effect to find your astonishment."
- Karie Willyerd, author of The 2020 Workplace and Stretch, Workplace Futurist, SAP SuccessFactors
"Dan Pontefract brings us back to the principles of purpose. The Purpose Effect helps professionals and leaders from all sectors know how to connect the dots between purpose and positive results."
- Don Tapscott, author, CEO of The Tapscott Group Inc., and Inaugural Fellow, Martin Prosperity Institute, Rotman School of Management
"In our quest to grow our careers, advance and develop our skills, we often forget the importance of purpose. The Purpose Effect is a wonderful book that reminds us how important it is to look within, and find purpose in our jobs, careers and organizations."
-Josh Bersin, HR Industry Analyst, Principal and Founder, Bersin by Deloitte
