The value of purpose

Last night I had the privilege of attending a private corporate dinner with Andrew Mc Connell as the chef.

Andrew won The Age Good Food Guide Best Chef of the Year, owns two leading Melbourne restaurants, Cumulus and Co and Cutler and Co – the latter achieved two hat status in its first year and was awarded best new restaurant. Well, all that is fine you might say!

Actually what occurred to me when Andrew addressed the dinner guests was the clarity of his commitment and purpose. This man was clearly committed to being the very best he could be and in so doing ensured that all those around him had the same commitment.

A visit to the kitchen confirmed this; what was evident was great process and organization. The creativity of the dishes spoke for themselves, the presentation was outstanding, but it was the system around plating the dishes that was so impressive. Andrew is successful not just because he is creative but also because he has developed great systems.

As Andrew spoke about what makes for success in this competitive area of business, he mentioned the importance of great and reliable suppliers. He is supplied directly by growers who are equally committed to the highest level produce, this in turn gives his restaurants a competitive advantage.

As he spoke someone in the group asked why he had bandages on every finger – this man is not one who leads from the front – he is one of the workers who leads by example.

It was clear to everyone at this dinner that this was a man with a clear purpose which served to drive him to achieving the highest standards.

It all reminded me of the value of purpose – beyond goals and intentions – what really drives us to be our best?

It is a great time of the year to consider these questions — what is our purpose? What gives us the greatest satisfaction? What drives us to achieve? What takes us through the tough times?

With griffin+row coming to the end of our first year in business these are questions I have been addressing. Business is not easy and while we have had many wins we have a way to go to securing the success we are striving for.

But I can clearly say that the greatest satisfaction I am getting from this business is meeting customers who tell me how much they love our skincare, beyond any statistics, margins, balance sheet, this is a driving and a sustaining force.

As we all head for a break and rest over the next few weeks I wish you all a wonderful restful and happy time. I am taking the longest break I have had in many years, travelling, and I can’t wait. I need a rest and need to refresh because even with the strongest purpose we all need input to restore and revive our spirit.

Happy Xmas and a wonderful New Year to you all.

To read more Marcia Griffin expert advice, click here.

Marcia’s latest book, High Heeled Success (pictured left), is a frank account of building a business from a solitary sales person to a multi-million dollar business with 4700 sales consultants around Australia and New Zealand. Contact Marcia to purchase. Marcia’s latest venture is skin care company griffin+row.