Communicate with Purpose

In the world of communication, professionals are constantly juggling feedback, criticism, and diverse opinions. Whether it’s from clients, colleagues, or the public, opinions are part of the job. However, a powerful and often underappreciated mindset for communication professionals is the principle to communicate with purpose.

Last month, a historical moment took place for the Philadelphia Eagles when they became the Super Bowl LIX champions. During a media interview, Quarterback Jalen Hurts commented on those who doubted his ability to win, and he coined the saying “I had a purpose before they had an opinion.” This quote encapsulates the importance of staying grounded in your original mission, vision, and objectives, especially in the face of external pressures. But what does this mean in the context of professional communication? And why should communication professionals embrace this mindset? Let’s dive deeper.

At its core, “I had a purpose before they had an opinion” serves as a reminder of the fundamental importance of having clarity and intention in your work. As communication professionals, we are often in situations where our strategies or messages are subject to scrutiny, interpretation, and—sometimes—outright opposition. This saying urges us to prioritize the purpose of our work over the noise of others’ opinions.

Here are the top 5 ways to communicate with purpose:

1. Clarity of Purpose Leads to Consistency: In any communication strategy, clarity is key. Whether you’re crafting a marketing campaign, managing media relations, or engaging in internal communication, knowing your purpose helps you stay focused. When you embrace this mindset, you create a firm foundation on which to base your decisions.

2. Trust Your Expertise: As a communication professional, you are skilled in understanding your audience, tailoring messages, and using communication channels effectively. When you embrace the idea of having a purpose before opinions, you also place your expertise at the forefront. This mindset encourages you to trust the strategies you’ve developed, the research you’ve conducted, and the approach you’ve crafted, even when others might offer different suggestions.

3. Resilience in the Face of Criticism: Resilience doesn’t mean being inflexible; it means staying true to your purpose while remaining open to constructive feedback. Embracing this mindset allows you to filter through criticism effectively and retain focus on what truly matters—delivering the best outcome aligned with your original goals.

4. Enhanced Creativity and Innovation: The fear of criticism or the desire to please everyone can stifle innovative thinking. Embracing this mindset enables you to think outside the box and challenge conventional norms. After all, communication professionals are often called upon to push boundaries, tell compelling stories, and introduce new ways of engaging with audiences.

5. Maintain Integrity and Authenticity: In a world where trends and viral moments often dominate the communication landscape, it can be tempting to shift your approach in response to external pressures. Staying true to your purpose helps you maintain authenticity in your work. Whether you’re crafting a brand message or handling a PR crisis, the core of your communication efforts should reflect the values and mission of the organization or cause you’re representing. When authenticity is prioritized, you build trust with your audience and create a consistent and reliable communication framework.

For communication professionals, the ability to stay focused on purpose—despite the many opinions that come your way—is essential. By embracing the saying “I had a purpose before they had an opinion,” you empower yourself to make decisions with confidence, trust your expertise, and maintain authenticity in your work. Ultimately, when you stay true to your purpose, your communication efforts will be more impactful, meaningful, and aligned with the bigger picture of your goals. So, the next time you’re faced with conflicting feedback, remember your purpose and let it guide you toward success.