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The Five Layers of Purpose: Understanding Core Needs for Enhanced Workplace Performance (Part 1)

Writer's picture: Mark ReidMark Reid

Updated: Jan 15

At MTR Performance Coaching, we understand that unlocking the full potential of individuals in the workplace begins with understanding the unique layers of purpose that drive them.


The Five Layers of Purpose framework is designed to help clients assess and align their personal and professional priorities, enabling them to perform at their best, achieve fulfilment, and drive success.

Clients often seek outcomes, but first, they require an understanding of the basics.


As Mark Tanchoco Reid, the founder of MTR Performance Coaching, states:

"Clients often seek to find outcomes, but first require an understanding of the basics. The Five Layers offers a structure as a guide to getting alignment and understanding on how leaders should think, feel and act, with an awareness of how these are linked."

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What drives you forward? Explore more about yourself to experience a rewarding journey in and out of the workplace

The Five Layers of Purpose

The Five Layers of Purpose represent the essential needs that drive individuals in the workplace. By understanding and prioritising these layers, employees can enhance their personal satisfaction and workplace performance.


  1. Security: The Foundation of Stability

    Security refers to feeling safe and having a sense of predictability. In the workplace, this can manifest as job stability, clear expectations, and a supportive environment. Outside of work, it includes financial security, physical safety, and emotional stability.

    Actionable Tip: Regularly review and update your personal and professional goals to ensure they align with your long-term security needs.


  1. Adventure: The Spice of Life Adventure is essential for keeping life dynamic and engaging. At work, this could mean taking on new challenges, exploring different projects, or developing new skills. In personal life, it’s about hobbies, travel, or spontaneous experiences.

    Actionable Tip: Volunteer for cross-functional projects or suggest process improvements to bring variety to your role.


  1. Connection: The Power of Relationships

    Connection refers to building meaningful relationships and fostering a sense of belonging. At work, this could include teamwork, mentorship, and camaraderie. In personal life, it’s about nurturing relationships with family and friends.

    Actionable Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with colleagues and friends to build and maintain strong relationships.


  1. Recognition: Feeling Valued

    Recognition involves feeling appreciated and acknowledged for your contributions. This can take many forms, from formal awards to informal “thank you.”

    Actionable Tip: Recognise others’ contributions regularly; creating a culture of appreciation often ensures reciprocity.


  1. Impact: Making a Difference

    Impact is about contributing to something larger than oneself. In the workplace, it involves aligning one’s role with the organisation’s mission. Outside of work, it might involve supporting causes you care about.

    Actionable Tip: Align your tasks with organisational goals and seek roles or projects that resonate with your values.


Real-Life Example: Amelia’s Journey to Alignment

Amelia, a mid-level manager at a growing marketing agency, was feeling unfulfilled despite her outward success. She had been promoted twice in the past three years, and her team was consistently meeting targets. On paper, everything seemed perfect. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was missing.


In her first coaching session with MTR Performance Coaching, Amelia was introduced to the Five Layers of Purpose framework. Through this process, she was encouraged to select two of the five layers that felt most pressing in her current situation. This decision allowed her to focus her attention and efforts on understanding her highest priorities, ultimately helping her meet her daily needs more effectively. Here’s how it worked:


  1. Security: Amelia realised that although her job was stable, she felt a lack of financial clarity and emotional stability. By addressing these concerns, she immediately felt more grounded in both her work and personal life. The clear focus on security allowed her to reduce anxiety and set actionable goals for improving her financial planning, creating a solid foundation for her to perform at her best.

  2. Adventure: Amelia also selected Adventure as a key layer. She had grown accustomed to the repetitive nature of her role and recognised a deep desire for new challenges. She asked for a stretch project that would allow her to expand her skills and bring creativity back into her daily routine. This focus on adventure reignited her passion for her work and provided the excitement she had been missing.


By selecting these two layers—Security and Adventure—Amelia was able to tackle her immediate needs in a structured way. Instead of trying to address all five layers at once, she honed in on what mattered most at that moment, aligning her daily actions with her personal and professional priorities. This not only increased her clarity but also gave her a sense of control over how she spent her energy and time.


Coaching Perspective: The power of selecting two primary layers is that it provides a focused approach, allowing individuals to assess their most urgent needs and take concrete steps to address them. It encourages clarity and simplifies decision-making, leading to faster alignment with personal and professional goals.

As Amelia worked through these two layers, her performance improved significantly. Her team’s morale increased as she shared her newfound sense of security, and the exciting challenges she took on revitalised her leadership. Her colleagues noticed her renewed energy and passion, and her overall satisfaction grew exponentially.

Amelia’s journey is a great example of how understanding and prioritising specific needs can drive action and lead to both personal and professional fulfilment.


Conclusion

Understanding and addressing these five needs—Security, Adventure, Connection, Recognition, and Impact—is key to achieving balance and fulfilment in life and work. By proactively assessing your needs and taking steps to meet them, you can enhance performance, build resilience, and foster well-being.


All of these elements are aligned with The Five Layers of Purpose, helping guide you towards a more intentional and rewarding journey both professionally and personally.


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References

  • Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation. Psychological Review.

  • The Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology (2005). Job Enrichment and Employee Satisfaction.

  • Gallup (2018). The Importance of Workplace Friendships.

  • The Harvard Business Review (2019). Why Recognition Matters.

  • The Journal of Business Ethics (2018). The Role of Meaningfulness in Workplace Engagement.

  • Gallup. (2023). State of the Global Workplace 2023 Report. Retrieved from https://www.gallup.com


Author: Mark Tanchcoco Reid, Founder of MTR Performance Coaching


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