Walk into any modern office and you’ll likely find a bold mission statement posted on the wall or website. Today’s organizations are brimming with purpose. They’ve defined their North Star. They’ve invested in workshops, consultants, and branding exercises to clarify why they exist and what they stand for. And it works—at least at first. Purpose attracts talent, especially those who want to be part of something bigger than themselves.

But something’s getting lost in translation.

Recent research found that while most executives believe their organization provides a clear purpose, only about a third of employees experience that purpose in their day-to-day work.

What explains the gap?

Purpose alone is not enough to make work meaningful. It’s not enough for an organization to have a purpose. Employees need to feel connected to it. They need to know how their individual efforts contribute to that bigger mission. Contribution activates purpose.

Tope Awotona, founder and CEO of Calendly, understands........

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