While control-based organizations’s rely on AUTHORITY for their structure, collaborative ones use purpose. As explained HERE, the two approaches are fundamentally different. And though bureaucratic, control-based organizations might discuss purpose, for collaborative ones it’s essential. Plus they must agree on it. That singular purpose, represented by a circle, unites and holds individuals together.

There is a duality to purpose having both a task and relationship/supportive component – a common objective (CO) focussed on the organization’s work and shared values (SV) which both bring a sense of meaning to members and defines how they should behave. Both are important and can vary in the time and effort needed to solidify.