In 1621 the Pilgrims celebrated their first Thanksgiving, offering thanks to their Creator for the blessings that helped them survive their first winter in the new world.  When the pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower in November 1620, 102 people were on board.  By the Fall of 1621, only 53 had survived, but of these 53 survivors, they took time out to give thanks.  

In my reading, a number of recent articles have caught my attention. Here are several stories about companies and executives working to build high-performing companies and a better world.

A clear and compelling corporate purpose is meaningful and exciting. It inspires customers and partners to recognize that you are doing something unique and gets them out evangelizing for your brand. A compelling purpose also gives employees something to rally around and aspire to. Yet according to Gallup research, just four in 10 employees worldwide strongly agree that the mission or purpose of their company makes them feel their job is important. And less than half of workers in any industry feel strongly connected to their company's mission.

Most companies have some kind of statement of purpose. But are they doing the job they are supposed to do? Your purpose statement should fully define who you are as a company and why you exist. Your company may call its statement of purpose a mission or vision statement. Don’t get hung up on what you call your statement, but focus on what it says.