UNDERSTANDING YOUR PURPOSE 37 the bigger picture It is also vital for you to understand where you and your new role fit into the bigger picture. What exactly is your purpose within your team, within your department and even within the organisation as a whole? It is a common failing of employees to fail to see the bigger picture ­ and a common failing of senior executives to see only the bigger picture! You know what your specific job is but how does this relate to the overall aims and objectives of the organisation? What specific contributions is your team expected to make to the organisation? What is the precise function of your department? Make sure you get the answers to these questions. Don't content yourself with just under- standing your own role; ensure you understand its context and are able to see it in the perspective of the bigger picture. Achieving a full understanding of your purpose goes beyond your organisation and extends to your having an understanding of your customers, suppliers and even your organisation's competition. You want to understand the whole environment or `ecosystem' in which your organisation operates and of which you are a part.