In my twenty-year career in the field of purposeful leadership, I have read, digested and repeated many quotations from leaders past and present. If I had to identify the one that has impacted me most it would be this:
“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” – Viktor E. Frankl
There is so much depth and wisdom in Frankl’s words, especially when his personal experience is considered. Frankl was an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist and a Holocaust survivor. He survived Theresienstadt, Auschwitz, Kaufering and Turkheim. He was uppermost in my mind when I personally visited Auschwitz and Birkenau last month (June 2019). He was also uppermost in my mind when I chose to follow the footsteps of several of Primeast colleagues by enrolling to become a practitioner in The Leadership Circle, a powerful diagnostic to help leaders tap into the wisdom identified by Frankl.
The Leadership Circle is a 360 degree instrument to give leaders feedback on the extent they are creative (top half of the circle) or reactive (the bottom half). It is grounded in leadership research from not one but many respected sources. Having gone through the process as a participant, I can speak first-hand on the profound effect it had on me. But that’s another conversation that I’m very happy to have another day with interested parties.
The reason for writing this article is simply to make the connection between Frankl’s wisdom and this modern-day leadership development tool,emphasising the importance of understanding one’s leadership purpose.To what extent do we really make use of the space between stimulus and response?’
I am aware of the profound difference between being reactive (not using the space) and being creative (using the space).’ I catch myself frequently failing to use the space, reacting to stuff that happens, at work, at home, in restaurants, you name it. I also notice that, when I’m busy, the chances of ‘reacting’ are increased.
Let’s face it, in today’s busy world of work, is anyone not busy? Is there anyone that wouldn’t benefit from understanding their leadership gap (between reactive tendencies and creative capability)?
Understanding Purposeful Leadership
Purposeful leadership is more than just a management style; it’s a commitment to leading with a clear sense of direction and intent. Purposeful leaders are driven by a strong sense of purpose that guides their decision-making and behaviour. They are not just focused on achieving business goals but are also dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of their employees and stakeholders.
These leaders inspire and motivate others by creating a positive organisational culture where everyone feels valued and engaged.
Research has shown that purposeful leadership is linked to numerous positive outcomes. Employees who work under purposeful leaders often exhibit higher levels of engagement and job satisfaction. This, in turn, leads to improved organisational performance. By fostering a sense of purpose within their teams, leaders can create an environment where everyone is working towards a common goal, resulting in a more cohesive and productive workplace.
Discovering Your Purpose as a Leader
Discovering your purpose is a deeply personal journey that requires introspection and a willingness to explore your core values and passions. It’s about understanding what drives you, what you stand for, and what you hope to achieve in your leadership role. Your purpose should resonate with your personal values and align with the organisational purpose, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation.
To embark on this journey, take time to reflect on your values, passions, and strengths. Ask yourself what kind of leader you want to be and what kind of impact you want to make. Seek feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors to gain insights into your strengths and areas for growth.
By aligning your purpose with your personal values and the broader organisational goals, you can lead with authenticity and make a positive difference.
Framework to use to discover your purpose as a leader
These steps provide a practical framework for leaders to discover their unique purpose, enabling them to lead with clarity, authenticity, and lasting impact.
- Deep Self Reflection
- Set aside dedicated time and space to think.
- Reflect on your life experiences, key moments and personal achievements.
- Ask yourself: What drives me? What do I stand for as a leader?
- What impact do I want to have on others and the organisation?
- Clarify Your Core Values
- What are your top values (e.g. integrity, growth, empathy, impact)?
- When have you felt most fulfilled or proud — what values were present?
- Write down 5-7 core values that describe you and how you lead.
- Your Passions and Interests
- What parts of work or life get you fired up?
- What types of problems or challenges do you enjoy solving?
- What am I naturally drawn to in my role as a leader?
- Define Your Leadership
- Imagine the type of leader you want to be and the legacy you want to leave.
- What leadership qualities and characteristics do you most admire in others?
- Write your personal vision for leadership in 3-5 sentences.
- Your Strengths and Unique Abilities
- Take an honest stock of your strengths, skills and natural talents.
- Use self-assessment tools or ask for feedback from trusted colleagues, mentors or coaches.
- Where do your skills and passions overlap — these are often clues to your purpose.
- Seek Feedback and Perspective
- Have open conversations with mentors, coaches and trusted colleagues.
- Ask for feedback on your leadership style, strengths and areas for growth.
- Use their feedback to challenge your own assumptions and discover blind spots.
- Align with Organisational Purpose
- How does your personal purpose support or align with the organisation’s purpose?
- How can you contribute to something bigger than yourself?
- Where can you create more meaning and impact in your role.
- Write a Personal Purpose Statement
- Combine your values, passions and leadership identity into a purpose statement.
- Make it simple, memorable and inspiring (e.g. “To inspire others to reach their full potential through empathy, courage and continuous learning”)
- Review and refine this statement as you grow as a leader.
- Live Your Purpose Daily
- Live your purpose in your daily actions, behaviours and decisions.
- Stay true to your values and purpose even in tough times or uncertainty.
- Use your purpose as a “North Star” to guide your leadership journey.
- Revisit and Evolve Your Purpose
- Your purpose may change as you grow or as your role changes.
- Review your purpose periodically and ask if it still aligns with your values and goals.
- Let your purpose evolve as your leadership journey unfolds.
The Importance of Vulnerability for Purposeful Leaders
Vulnerability is a cornerstone of purposeful leadership. It involves being open, honest, and transparent, even when it feels uncomfortable. Vulnerable leaders create a safe and supportive environment where employees feel empowered to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback. This openness fosters trust, collaboration, and innovation, as team members feel valued and heard.
By embracing vulnerability, leaders can connect with their employees on a deeper level, understanding their needs and concerns more effectively. This connection enables leaders to make more informed decisions that benefit the entire organisation. Vulnerability also demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn from mistakes, which can inspire others to do the same. In a culture of openness and empathy, everyone can contribute to the organisation’s success.
Leading with Purpose
Leading with purpose means using your sense of purpose as a guiding star for your decision-making and behaviour. Purposeful leaders are driven by a clear direction and are committed to making a positive difference. They inspire and motivate others by creating a positive organisational culture and making tough decisions that align with their purpose.
To lead with purpose, start by crafting a clear purpose statement that encapsulates your values and goals.
Use this statement to guide your decisions and actions, ensuring they align with your purpose. Communicate your purpose to your team, helping them understand the “why” behind your decisions. Additionally, prioritise your own well-being and development, recognising that your purpose is closely tied to your personal values and passions. By leading with a clear purpose, you can create a meaningful and impactful leadership journey.
Overcoming Challenges
Purposeful leaders often face significant challenges, from resistance to change to limited resources and conflicting priorities. To navigate these obstacles, leaders must be resilient, adaptable, and creative. They need to be willing to take risks, experiment with new approaches, and learn from their mistakes.
Staying focused on your purpose and values can help you overcome these challenges. By keeping your greater purpose in mind, you can make decisions that align with your long-term goals, even in the face of adversity. Inspire and motivate your team to work towards a common goal, creating a sense of collective purpose and direction. By overcoming challenges with resilience and creativity, purposeful leaders can make a lasting positive impact on their organisations and the people they lead.
Find out more about how Primeast services can support you and your organisation to achieve greater success here: Leader and Leadership Development.
