Leadership can be incredibly difficult, especially in modern society’s fast paced work environment. Not only are leaders expected to successfully juggle several different tasks, but they must also figure out how to lead with purpose in order to motivate and encourage others.
Leading with purpose requires a strong focus, commitment, and passion for the work you set out to accomplish. According to Forbes, “When you lead with purpose in any environment, you radiate an energy and passion for the work.” As a purpose-driven leader, you will attract the people who share your purpose and want to find meaning in their work. Your purpose will not only provide you with fulfillment, but it can also inspire others around you.
Prioritize what is meaningful to you
Before you can effectively lead with purpose, you need to understand your purpose and yourself. Purpose-driven leaders usually display their unwavering drive and enthusiasm in all aspects of their life. According to Psychology Today, “The best way to clarify your purpose is to reconnect with what is most meaningful for you as a leader. What compels you to take a stand or to act? What inspires you to keep going in the face of adversity or to stay committed?”
Knowing your purpose allows you to align your decisions and actions accordingly. This provides much needed clarity in the workplace – for you and those around you. Not only will this awareness allow you to remove distractions from your daily life, but it will inspire others to do the same. People want their work to be meaningful and look to leaders of an organization to reflect what is important to them. Opening up to the power of purpose will not only allow you to grow as a person but it will allow you to become a purpose-driven leader.
Visualize the impact you want to have on others
Visualizing the outcome you want to achieve is the first step towards aligning with your purpose. According to Harvard Business Review, “You must also envision the impact you’ll have on your world as a result of living your purpose. Your actions—not your words—are what really matter.” This visualization will give a certain power to your purpose and will allow you to break down the task into smaller, achievable milestones that contribute to the ultimate goal.
Create a productive atmosphere
“Truly effective and inspiring leaders aren’t actually driven to lead people; they are driven to serve them,” said author and inspirational speaker Simon Sinek. When you are lacking purpose, it reflects in your leadership of others. However, when you take the time to identify your purpose and live by it, others will notice your commitment and drive. You will be a purpose-driven leader instead of just a manager, working towards a common purpose. A purpose-driven leader has a profound emotional connection to achieving success. This means focusing on the needs of employees and others who help achieve these goals.
Struggles associated with productivity, engagement and achieving results can be compounded by uncertain situations such as economic downturns, natural disasters or supply chain issues. These struggles can be fixed by leading with energy and passion in an effort to motivate and help employees regain focus on a shared goal. When there is uncertainty or work fatigue, identifying with purpose provides resiliency in your thinking, action, and behavior as a leader. Leading with purpose means that you are leading with authenticity, and others will follow. Are you or someone you know trying to find purpose? If so, you’re not alone. Learn more about how Arctos360 can help lead with purpose.
