Necessity in business: Beyond survival to legacy

This article was written by George Akomas (Ph.D.), Help to Grow: Management facilitator and  Assistant Professor of Economics, Finance and Accounting, at Coventry University.

Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention. Yet in the high-stakes world of business, necessity isn’t just about survival—it’s about creating a legacy. Unfortunately, when you ask entrepreneurs why they’re in business, the answers span a broad spectrum, rarely truly touching on the fundamental essence—their real reason for “being.” Some chase the thrill of creative expression; others pursue the promise of financial independence.

The same holds true for senior business leaders, driven by ambition, the desire to exceed targets, or the opportunity to lead transformative change. But here’s the problem: while many can articulate what they do and how they do it, very few can clearly define why they do it.

I love analogies, so let's use one to drive home this point:

Imagine for a moment that you are a ship’s captain tasked with leading your team from Port A to Port B. In calm waters, the destination might seem like a mere detail, and your crew may simply be waiting for the journey's end to collect their pay. However, when a storm strikes, and you are blown off course—with your crew stretched to their limits—the question resounds in their hearts and on their lips (accompanied by expletives aimed at their captain): “Why? Why are we on this journey?”

Had they set sail with a clear understanding of the purpose behind their voyage, the storm might test their mettle but would be unlikely to break them. As Friedrich Nietzsche insightfully said, “He who has a ‘why’ can endure any ‘how’.” Here, your mission and values act as the sturdy compass that keeps your organization on course, while your vision—the profound “Why”—serves as your North Star, ensuring that every decision, especially in times of crisis, aligns with your deepest purpose.

Simon Sinek famously stated, “People don’t buy what you do; they buy why you do it.” In a market crowded with choices, the decisive factor for consumers isn’t merely the product’s features or the efficiency of its delivery—it’s the story, the purpose that underpins every decision. Yet, despite its importance, many organisations struggle to articulate that core reason.

Unfortunately, many businesses cannot answer the question, “Why are you in this business?” As a result, they are buffeted by every trend and gust of change, struggle to rally their teams, labour to innovate, and often find themselves lost and starved of ideas. Over time, organisations risk becoming mere shadows of their former selves. Frequently, vision statements are drafted by PR teams or marketing consultants rather than emerging from the heart of business leadership. Although these professionals excel at crafting catchy slogans, they often miss the essence that makes a company unique causing those vision statements to ring hollow and fail to inspire.

According to Gallup research, companies with highly engaged employees—often driven by a shared and clear purpose—are 21% more profitable than their less-engaged counterparts. This isn’t just a statistic; it’s a stark reminder of what you risk losing by neglecting your “why.”

That is why the Module on Vision, Mission, and Values is a cornerstone of the Help to Grow: Management Course. In this module, we work with you to rediscover and define your core purpose. The results are consistently transformative. For many, it feels like a rebirth—a reawakening and rediscovery of the passion that first drew them into business.

Those who don't have vision statements get to write one. Those who already have one get to re-examine them and, in many cases, have them rewritten or, at the very least, gain a renewed appreciation for their visions. Whatever the case, everyone finds a new wave of inspiration—not only for themselves but also for their teams.

So, where does that leave you? If your business is facing turbulent times or if your organisation has lost its way, it’s time to reconnect with your “why.” Imagine leading a team that isn’t just compliant but passionately engaged—a team that stands united in the face of challenges. Picture your customers not as fleeting transactions but as loyal advocates who believe in your vision, mission, and values as deeply as you do. Ask yourself: “Am I truly aligned with my why? Can my team rally behind a vision that goes beyond profit margins and quarterly reports?” It’s time to stop drifting aimlessly and chart a course toward a future where every decision is guided by purpose.

So, if you’re seeking to rally your troops, spark a fresh wave of inspiration, or navigate a crisis with a clear North Star, ask yourself:

Why am I not on the Help to Grow: Management Course?