Building Bridges: The Power of Purpose Alignment for Positive Impact

The search for the meaning of life has been a constant pursuit throughout human history. Discovering our individual purpose is crucial for our emotional well-being and fulfillment as human beings. When our personal life purpose aligns with the mission of the organization we work for, it takes on a greater significance. Feeling that our work contributes to a greater cause leads to increased commitment and performance, creating a state of “engagement” that benefits both the individual and the company. It’s a mutually beneficial situation.

Cisco’s purpose to power an inclusive future for all not only guides the company’s strategy and operations but also inspires its employees to work with passion and dedication. It helps answer the question of “Why” we do what we do. Aligning personal goals with corporate objectives creates a work environment where individuals feel part of something bigger, driving motivation and commitment. Engaging the broader ecosystem not only amplifies positive impact but also strengthens business relationships, showing that doing good is beneficial for business.

APO Giving Back Week

During FY23, the Americas Partner Organization (APO) initiated “APO Giving Back Week” to align efforts and enhance impact by involving the external partner community. Over the course of a week, more than 20 Cisco champions across cities from Canada to Argentina mobilized employees, contractors, and channel partners to support local community causes and NGOs.

The results were remarkable: 385 Cisco employees and 125 channel partner individuals contributed over 1,300 hours of volunteer service, engaging in activities like packing food parcels at food banks, serving at shelters, litter picking, and reading to children, among others.

Adding a fun and competitive element, the activity with the highest channel partner employee participation earned a cash donation for their chosen NGO. Special recognition was given to teams in Atlanta, Toronto, Mexico City, and San Jose (Costa Rica) for their outstanding involvement and contributions, winning a cash donation of $1,500 each for their selected NGO.

The innovative approach of this giving back week involved engaging channel partners in the US, Canada, and LATAM under the global initiative “Partnering for Purpose,” fostering collaboration based on shared interests and goals.

What We Can Achieve Together

Here are some of the remarkable results and highlights from the week:

Team Canada: “From Montreal to Vancouver, we had 46 volunteers, including 12 partner volunteers from Bell Canada and Ingram Micro, at four different food banks, moving over 13,000 pounds of food. A total of 90.5 volunteer hours were logged, equivalent to a donation of $1100+ Canadian Dollars!”

Team Costa Rica: “We collaborated with three local partners, collected 20 kilograms of beach litter, planted 30 trees, and strengthened the connection between the community and the environment.”

Team Raleigh: “We harvested food from a local community garden, weeded vegetable rows, and watered garden beds.”

Team Chicago: “We assembled 200 activity packets and 30 children’s books for hospitalized children at Lurie Children’s Hospital.”

Due to the enriching experience, plans are underway to replicate the initiative in June 2024. All employees across APO and the Americas are encouraged to participate. These engagements enhance employee belonging and commitment to the company, foster collaboration and teamwork, and strengthen relationships between the company and its partners.

In conclusion, aligning personal purpose with that of the company and collaborating with the community creates a cycle of commitment, performance, and satisfaction for individuals, the organization, and the entire ecosystem. Let’s bridge the gap.