--- title: Purpose-Driven Salespeople description: Purpose-Driven Salespeople --- [![Shift The Work](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Shift_The_Work_July2018/images/new-shift-logo-mobile.png?width=300&height=328&name=new-shift-logo-mobile.png "Shift The Work")](https://www.shiftthework.com/) - [About](https://www.shiftthework.com/about-shift/) - [Blog](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog) - [Latch](https://www.shiftthework.com/latch) - [CONSULTING](https://www.shiftthework.com/shift-consulting) - [SOCIETY](https://www.shiftthework.com/shift-society/) [![Shift The Work](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Shift_The_Work_July2018/images/new-shift-logo-mobile.png?width=300&height=328&name=new-shift-logo-mobile.png "Shift The Work")](https://www.shiftthework.com/) [![Shift The Work](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Shift_The_Work_July2018/images/new-shift-logo.png?width=348&height=348&name=new-shift-logo.png "Shift The Work")](https://www.shiftthework.com/) - [About](https://www.shiftthework.com/about-shift/) - [Blog](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog) - [Latch](https://www.shiftthework.com/latch) - [CONSULTING](https://www.shiftthework.com/shift-consulting) - [SOCIETY](https://www.shiftthework.com/shift-society/) [← Return to Posts](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog) # Purpose-Driven Salespeople May 5, 2016 *•* [Joe Mechlinski](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/author/joe-mechlinski) There is a difference between a cause and a purpose. Salespeople who fail to distinguish the difference between being purpose-driven and cause-driven will never be seen as a trusted partner. Purpose is a huge driving force, not only in sales but also in leadership development. Purpose is a commitment to potentialities. Cause is a commitment to a problem. Purpose unites people who aren’t necessary for or against anything, but are focused on the well being of a larger community or the achievement of a larger outcome. On the other hand, a cause divides people. It has sides that people are either for or against. As an example, you can stand for the purpose of “health.” Or you can stand for the cause of “stop smoking.” Both have the same outcome, but if you are part of the anti-smoking cause, you are alienating people, as opposed to uniting them as a group, and getting them focused on what the ends need is (health). The concept of “taking a stand” is interesting. “Stand” is the root of “standards.” That’s what differentiates people’s ultimate outcomes: what standards you hold yourself to. Are your standards aspirational? Are they mediocre? Are they very low? When you take a stand, you are attempting to align others with your own standards. If your standards are focused on a specific problem, you have a cause, and you are perpetuating the problem. If your standards are focused on a larger solution, you have a purpose, and you are affecting change. Not just salespeople, but all human beings should be purpose-driven, not cause-driven. ### Share this: - Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window) - Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ### *Related* [Why We're All-in on Context-driven Surveys](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/context-driven-surveys) November 1, 2023 In "High Performance" [Less Overload = Faster Reintegration](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/latch-unlocks-less-overload-faster-reintergration) September 26, 2023 In "High Performance" [Ignorance is bliss until it's not](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/latch-unlocks-ignorance-is-bliss-until-its-not) September 26, 2023 In "High Performance" TOPICS: [High Performance](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/tag/high-performance), [Employee Engagement](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/tag/employee-engagement) #### RECENT POSTS ### [![](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.47.12%20AM.png?width=184&name=Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.47.12%20AM.png) The Shocking Truth About the Hidden Cost of Meetings](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/the-shocking-truth-about-the-hidden-cost-of-meetings) ### [![](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.43.13%20AM.png?width=184&name=Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.43.13%20AM.png) 5 Surprising Truths Employees Miss About Their Leaders](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/5-surprising-truths-employees-miss-about-their-leaders) ### [![](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.36.18%20AM.png?width=184&name=Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%2010.36.18%20AM.png) Big Ideas & Bold Predictions for 2024](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/big-ideas-bold-predictions-for-2024) ### [![](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%208.23.22%20AM.png?width=184&name=Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%208.23.22%20AM.png) Are You Ready for the AI Leap in Leadership?](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/are-you-ready-for-the-ai-leap-in-leadership) ### [![](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%208.21.43%20AM.png?width=184&name=Screenshot%202024-04-17%20at%208.21.43%20AM.png) Are You Ready For Your Next Big Meeting?](https://www.shiftthework.com/blog/are-you-ready-for-your-next-big-meeting) [![Shift The Work](https://www.shiftthework.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Shift_The_Work_July2018/images/new-shift-logo-rev.png?width=348&height=348&name=new-shift-logo-rev.png "Shift The Work")](https://www.shiftthework.com/) - [Contact Us](https://www.shiftthework.com/contact-us) - [Latch](https://www.shiftthework.com/latch) © 2026 SHIFT. 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