Why You Shouldn't Compromise the Mission in Order to Make Money

Very few businesses or corporations have as their driving mission the desire to only make money. Most of us start businesses and get involved with work for other reasons-we want to help people, solve a problem, or make the world a better place in some small way. Many businesses and organizations have well thought-out mission statements and guiding principals to help keep the organization moving toward its goals. It can get a bit confusing, however, when the opportunity to make more money opposes the mission and goals of the business and/or organization.

Despite what movies and television shows may lead you to believe, there is such a thing as ethics and morals in business. In fact, look over the curriculum of any respected business school and there will be classes in that very topic. What seems very clear and concise on paper, however, is not necessarily so easy to maneuver in the real world. What happens when the opportunity to make more money seems too good to pass up? Even when it would mean a compromise in the company's mission?

How far can you deviate from your company or organization's mission and not lose track of your purpose? For some businesses, there is some flexibility here but for others, deviates will affect how customers perceive the integrity of the company. How will you feel about yourself if you make key changes that take you away from your intended mission?

Know your target market and make it your business to know why they are purchasing your product or service. It is also important to revisit your mission periodically to make sure it still fits with the operations side of things. If things are askew, it can interfere with moral and the ability to adequately serve and market to your customers or clients. It is better to adjust the mission than to move operations in directions that are opposed to the stated mission and/or goals of the organization or company. Consider how keeping things aligned makes for a clear, concise and powerful roadmap to guide the company or business toward the future.