Making Life Easier for Others: The True Purpose of Organizations – Mary P. Follett
Created at: March 30, 2025
The best reason to start an organization is to make life less difficult for others. — Mary P. Follett
Purpose-Driven Leadership
This quote underscores the idea that the most meaningful reason to establish an organization is to serve a higher purpose—specifically, to alleviate challenges others face. It reframes success in terms of societal value rather than profit.
Human-Centered Business Philosophy
Mary P. Follett advocates for a people-centered approach where businesses focus on improving human experiences and easing burdens, promoting empathy as a foundational business value.
Social Responsibility
The quote highlights the role of organizations in contributing to the greater good. It emphasizes that companies and nonprofits alike should prioritize social impact and improving quality of life over purely financial objectives.
Leadership and Service
It conveys that true leadership is about service—helping others and addressing their needs through organized efforts. This aligns with servant leadership models that prioritize the needs of employees, customers, and the community.
Legacy of Mary P. Follett
Mary Parker Follett was a pioneering management thinker in the early 20th century. Her forward-thinking ideas about participatory leadership and collaborative work environments continue to influence organizational theory and practice today.