Intentional and Purposeful Leadership

For any person striving to be a great leader, their clarity of purpose is an extremely important part of their process of learning. Epictetus’ quote, "Say first who you wish to be and then, whatever you do, do it accordingly," captures the essence of intentional, thoughtful leadership. It emphasizes the importance of defining who you are and being precise about what your guiding principles are before taking action. Although many leaders are well-intentioned, those who do not have clarity of their true values can often wander aimlessly as they do not have an anchor to tether themselves to, especially during challenging times.?

The process of growth and evolution is not just about setting goals but about aligning every decision, behavior, and interaction to what leaders value and care about the most. When leaders know who they wish to be and consistently act in alignment with that vision, they create a strong foundation of trust and integrity within their teams and ultimately inspire excellence in those who they lead.

Another quote that emphasizes this point that I hope you consider is:

“It is difficult to know oneself, but easy to counsel others”

Leaders who do the deep internal work to truly know themselves are in a much stronger position to better understand what their emotional triggers are and the barriers that stand in the way of them being the best they can be in their leadership role. Best-selling author Daniel Goleman, who has done decades of research around the themes of emotional intelligence and self-awareness often states that:?

"If your emotional abilities aren't in hand, if you don't have self-awareness, if you are not able to manage your distressing emotions, if you can't have empathy and have effective relationships, then no matter how smart you are, you are not going to get very far.”

So, bearing this in mind, here are three things any leader can do to help them better understand themselves and be the most impactful leader they can be:

1. Know Yourself Deeply. Self-awareness is the cornerstone of authentic leadership. Take the time to truly understand who you are, what drives you, and what your emotional triggers are. This is not a one-time exercise but a continuous process of reflection and growth. When you know yourself, you’re equipped to lead others with empathy and integrity. Remember, as the saying goes, “It is difficult to know oneself, but easy to counsel others.” Start with yourself.

2. Align Your Actions with Your Values. Once you’re clear on who you wish to be, ensure that every decision, behavior, and interaction reflects those values. Consistency builds trust, both within yourself and with your team. Your actions should serve as a living example of your principles. When your team sees you walking the talk, they’re more likely to follow along, creating an ongoing culture of trust and mutual respect.

3. Embrace Emotional Intelligence. Emotional intelligence is not a option for leaders; it’s a necessity. Daniel Goleman’s research shows us that without self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to manage our emotions, all the technical skills in the world won’t make us effective leaders. Cultivate these abilities to connect with your team on a deeper level, to help navigate the challenges that are sure to arise, and to inspire those around you to be their best selves.

Final Thoughts

As leaders, we must remember that our journey is not just about achieving goals but about becoming the person we aspire to be. The more intentional and aligned we are with our values, the more impact we can have on those we lead. Keep these principles close, and let them guide you in every step of your leadership journey. Thanks for reading. Would love to hear your thoughts about how you have learned to identify your core values and how doing so has propelled you toward success throughout your career.?