The Purpose of The Group Is Like Nuclear Energy. It Can Illuminate or Flatten.

Part three in a three-part series about living a life of passionate purpose

Tools are neither good, nor evil on their own. Intent, direction, and accuracy determine their value as a means to build or destroy. The purpose of the group is like nuclear power. This dynamic source of energy can provide power to vast areas. It has the potential to positively impact the lives of millions of people.

As history has taught us, that same dynamic source of energy can wipe out population centers in very short order. It all depends on the human contribution. What intent do humans place on this robust tool? Who is providing the direction? Is accurate information being factored in to decisions and is that same accurate information being shared with all involved?

People become involved in groups and teams for a variety of reasons. The purpose of the group is determined by the same three human factors as listed in that first paragraph. What is the intention in forming this group? Who is directing it and is accurate information being provided? The answers to those queries shines light on how this group is utilized. Will it be for good or for harm?

In part one of this series, we described the pathway our editorial team followed to search for our collective purposes. In part two, we offered some steps to help everyone find their own purpose. In this third installment you'll read about how purpose can build or destroy, depending on intent. 

We always stick with the core values found on our home page in building groups whose purpose is to lift people up and leave things better than they found them. You can do the same things. 

Why Do People Join Groups?

For the sake of this page, we'll use the terms "group" and "team" interchangeably. In the strictest definition they aren't exactly the same. A team works together in pursuit of a common goal. That goal could be to help or it could be to inflict suffering. That boils down to intent.

There could be a bunch of people all walking in a cluster down a street as a group, but they might not all be going to the same place for the same reason. But now that we've provided the disclaimer, let's agree that in this page, group and team will carry the same definition.

The Purpose of The Group

Now that we've provided both sides of the possible impacts of teams and groups, we'll focus strictly on using the power of the group for good things. That is where our personal experience lies and where all efforts should be directed.

On our home page we wrote about the importance of a clear mission statement. The purpose of the group must be spelled out in a short concise call to action which is the definition of an impactful mission statement. Whenever we start a new team, we make the intent of the group the first thing we articulate.

Understanding the direction, the "why" of the group will bind the members together in a unified vision. It will allow each new member to visualize how they can use their unique skills to help drive this new team forward.

The purpose of the group is to bring together individuals and blend them into an effective force determined to accomplish a set goal in a specified time. If you read our page about goal-setting, you will notice a similar plan.

The purpose of the group is to provide a place for everyone to join and be part of something bigger than themselves. The team provides an opportunity for even the most shy, reserved person to belong and to blossom at their own pace.

Built successfully, this group will develop new leaders along the way. It will foster an environment that teaches people to understand others who come from different backgrounds and life situations.

The purpose of the group is to take all these various life experiences, limited or vast, provide them some accurate, well-intentioned direction and set them out to make a positive difference. And then teach the process to the ones who will follow them.

We've Seen Both Sides

The human example of that nuclear power simile has been evident for years. Those of us old enough to remember, have seen how an obscure character in post World War I Germany rallied up a legion of oppressors by telling them how they were the victims of an unfair system. He was able to convince his legion to do despicable things that affected an entire world. He convinced them to carry out his mission.

We saw an obscure character in California rally up some young drifters who were looking for somewhere to belong, to do despicable things. Charles Manson convinced them they were victims of an unfair system. He convinced them to carry out his mission.

We've also seen an obscure character working in a wretchedly impoverished area of India, an area avoided at all costs by most people. She convinced some young women to go with her to care for the very sick, to provide assistance to those who had nothing, to risk their own lives in service to people in need. Mother Teresa started a movement where the purpose of the group was to bring together young people that used their talents and compassion to do great things.

We saw four obscure guys, four guys no one heard of, go into a lunch counter to order lunch. They weren't allowed to eat there on that day, but they were part of a catalyst that would inspire a new group to take the direction of peaceful, professional protest to change an entrenched system of evil that had a grip on our nation.

The purpose of the group determines the end result of their efforts. It all comes down to intent, direction, and accuracy of information shared within that group.

Just like nuclear energy. The group can provide power and positively impact millions of people. Or it could inflict suffering. It all depends on the human contribution.

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