As a leader, one of the most critical steps you need to take is developing your purpose, vision and mission. In other words, what is is that you do? And why do you do it?

When you answer these questions, you’ve defined some of the most essential and foundational elements for your organization, whether that’s a business, a ministry or a church.

A few days ago, I had to drive to Springfield, Missouri, for an appointment. It’s about sixty miles from my home, making it an easy drive most of the time. And Springfield is home to a couple of my favorite places, one of which is a coffee shop called Hebrews.

Every time I go to Springfield, I make it a point to stop and grab a cup of some incredible coffee. In the past, I’ve been known to haunt the place for a few hours, and more than one blog post, lesson and sermon have been written at these tables while consuming my beverage of choice.

But in all the dozens of times I’ve walked through these doors, and through all the conversations I’ve had with the owner and his staff, I saw something this time that I’d never seen before. I saw a sign of success.

As the barista grabbed some supplies out of a cabinet behind the counter, I spied a small paper, with a handwritten message. And I was impressed. You can see a shot of Hebrew’s purpose statement in the image above. It’s simple. And it’s effective.

I see three principles in these few words that can help you make your purpose as focused as you can.

Focus on the product or service

Hebrews has one goal product: coffee. And their goal is to make it the best coffee possible. Steve Jobs applied this principle when he came back to Apple. Apple had spread themselves very thin, doing too much in too many ways. Jobs cut several projects and products, forcing the company to focus only on what they were best at. And it worked. Hebrews has done the same thing. Their focus is on a great cup of coffee. Do they offer other items on the menu? Sure they do, a few. But the focus is on the coffee.

Focus on the customer

This is evident in the phrase “with the best attitude.” And for every time I’ve been in the place, I have yet to see any employee being negative in any way at all. They strive to present the best coffee in the most pleasant way possible. It’s easy to have a great conversation with anyone in the store. This is true with every business. The ones who focus on the customer are the ones who generate the return business. That’s because we like to go where we feel liked and appreciated. When I have a negative experience in a store or business, it’s easy to take my needs elsewhere. But a business that focuses on the customer will gain my loyalty almost every time.

Focus on the immediate

You need to have a long range plan in place; that is true. But the most pressing arena in your organization is the now. Being present in the right now is crucial to being a success, no matter what you attempt to do. Planing ahead is important, and having the coffee on hand in order to make a great cup of coffee takes some strategy and advance work. But the most important time in the whole process is when you hand the product to the customer. Hebrews isn’t focused on who might come in next. They focus on you, right now, and that’s all.

The applications here are numerous; too numerous to list. But think about how this could apply to the church. Too often, we are focused on the wrong thing, in the wrong direction, at the wrong time. Do we need to plan ahead? Of course we do. Is it necessary that we think about policies and programs? Certainly, but only in light of how it affects the people. Can we do other things within our community? Absolutely, but reaching the lost and discipling the saved have to be the priorities.

But think about it… If the church approached our purpose as simply as this, just how effective could we be for the kingdom? I think we’d be blown away by what could happen; the possibilities are endless!

So as you take a look at your church, your ministry, your organization, your business, your blog, keep the simplicity of Hebrews Coffee in mind. And, if you make it to Springfield, stop by and experience it for yourself. You’ll enjoy some great coffee. But you’ll gain so much more than just that. Guaranteed.

What businesses have you had the best customer service experiences with? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.