# Unification By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-01-18 For those interested in improving organizational performance, it is beneficial to understand what unites a group of people. Ideally, what unites an organization is a sense of purpose. As organizational theory and consulting suggest, the mission and vision are potential points of unification. Through these statements, focus and support can be galvanized. This, at least, is the theory. In practice, many people are simply at a given organization for the money, prestige, or opportunity. It has very little to do with the mission and vision and everything to do with the relative benefit of being there. This focus is likely one of disunity. People do not tend to unify around the notions of greed and self-centeredness. There is hope that the mission and vision of the organization are compelling and that its positive message will help its members transcend individual considerations and unify. This can happen, but it is somewhat rare. Increasingly, in our society, people unify around a common hatred of the other. The list of _others_ is almost infinite. This common hatred is an effective point of unification. Stronger and more active than the unification achieved through inspiration. From abortion to marijuana and from minimum wage to speed limits, the United States does not seem to be _united_ about anything. Different states have different laws regarding each of these things. Despite this obvious disunity, America used to be united by its shared commitment to democracy. Now, we don’t even have this. The unity of hatred is strong, but it requires an enemy. As Senator Abraham Lincoln explained, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.” We are divided. This state will not endure. We will find a positive point around which we can unify or dissolve in violent chaos. #### Related Items [[Chaos]] [[Unity]] [[American]] [[Inspiring]] [[Hatred]] [[Mission Statements]]