Skip to main content

Know Your Why: The Relentless Drive for Excellence

know-your-why-the-relentless-drive-for-excellence

Ever wonder what truly sets a company apart? Is it the technology, the strategy, or perhaps something deeper? At Mplus, we believe the difference lies in knowing our why.

The other day, a client asked me something that really got me thinking. “What makes Mplus different?” he said, leaning in, clearly curious. “I’ve worked with a lot of companies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Everyone here acts with such urgency, like they’re always ready to jump into action. How did you manage that? What’s the secret?”

I smiled, knowing that this was one of those questions that digs deeper than the usual business talk. “You know,” I began, “everything starts at the top. When everyone in leadership is aligned with the same purpose, it filters down through the entire organization. We’re all individually hungry and motivated. It’s something you can’t quite put into words, but you can definitely see it. Like attracts like, and at Mplus, we’ve been fortunate to bring together a team of people who are each driven by their own motivations. When you combine that drive, it sets the tone for everything we do.”

The Catalyst: A Purpose-Driven Culture 

The client listened intently as I continued. “It’s not something you can manufacture. You can’t create this kind of culture through policy alone. It’s organic. At Mplus, our collective motivation stems from a deep understanding of why we do what we do. We know our why, and that clarity fuels our actions. We’re not just going through the motions; we’re on a mission to deliver exceptional experiences and push boundaries.”

A Culture of Urgency: The Mplus Difference 

He nodded, starting to grasp the concept. “But where does that urgency come from?” he asked, still trying to pinpoint the source.

“It’s a mix of purpose and passion,” I explained. “When you’re clear about your purpose—when you truly know your why—you don’t waste time. Every action is intentional, every decision made with the bigger picture in mind. At Mplus, we know why we’re here: to elevate customer experience, to innovate, and to lead the way in our industry. That clarity drives us to act swiftly and with purpose, not just to keep up, but to set the pace.”

Alignment at the Top: Leading by Example 

“And this really starts at the top?” he asked, seeking confirmation.

“Absolutely,” I said. “When leadership is aligned, it creates a ripple effect throughout the company. Our leaders at Mplus aren’t just figureheads—they’re fully engaged in the culture we’ve built. They embody the same drive as the rest of the team, setting the standard for everyone else. When your leaders are committed and motivated, it’s hard not to follow suit. We’ve built an environment where taking initiative and pushing boundaries are the norms, not the exceptions.”

The Power of Collective Motivation 

The client leaned back, a look of understanding dawning. “I see it now,” he said. “It’s not just about individual drive—it’s about the collective energy.”

“Exactly,” I responded. “When you gather enough motivated individuals working towards a common goal, it creates a powerful force. One person’s drive sparks another’s, and soon you have an unstoppable team. That’s what we’ve cultivated at Mplus—a team that’s not just working together but thriving together, each person driven by their own why, yet all aligned with the bigger mission.”

The Power of Personality: Why It Matters 

The client seemed satisfied, but still curious. “But how do you get people to act with such urgency? What makes them so motivated?”

I leaned in, knowing this was a key point. “It comes down to personality. You can teach people anything—skills, processes, tools. But you can’t teach someone to care, to be motivated, to have that inner drive. That’s why, at Mplus, we focus on hiring the right personalities first. Skills can be taught, but personality is innate.”

I continued, “We look for people who are naturally proactive, who have that intrinsic motivation to go the extra mile. When you bring people like that into the team, everything else falls into place. They’re not just doing a job; they’re invested in the outcome. They care about the results, about the customer experience, about their own growth. That’s what creates the urgency you see—it’s not about pressure from the top, but passion from within.”

Building a Team of the Right People 

The client nodded, understanding the importance of this approach. “So, it’s not just about hiring for skills.”

“Exactly,” I said. “Skills can be developed over time, but personality—the drive, the enthusiasm, the commitment—that’s what really makes the difference. That’s why we’re so careful about who we bring into the team. We want people who are not just capable but who also fit our culture, who share our values, and who have that same hunger for success. When you get that right, you don’t have to worry about motivation—it comes naturally.”

The client left the meeting with a new understanding of what drives us at Mplus. But more importantly, he left with a sense of excitement, knowing he was partnering with a team that didn’t just strive for excellence—they lived it.

And that’s the essence of our why. It’s not just a statement; it’s a story we write every day, together, as a team.