Lessons from the Hive: How Nature Reveals the Path to Purpose

Why is knowing your purpose so impactful? And why is it so hard? Maybe because the word itself feels heavy, as if you need to be the next Gandhi, Gloria Steinem, or Martin Luther King Jr. That kind of pressure can be paralyzing. But purpose doesn’t have to mean changing the world on a grand scale. Most of the time, it’s about something quieter yet deeply meaningful—leaving a legacy, fostering connection, or simply doing work that aligns with your values.

So, what do I mean by purpose? It’s the reason behind what you do every day. It’s what drives you, what fulfills you. The Oxford Language Dictionary defines purpose as "the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists." As a verb, it means "to have as one's intention or objective."

One of the most profound shifts we can make as leaders is to understand our purpose. I know it feels daunting. Many of my coaching clients arrive unsure of their answer to this question. Some don’t even know where to begin. But this single question—and your exploration of it—can be the key to self-awareness, confidence, and clarity.

What Does Purpose Look Like?

For me, purpose has always been tied to women’s leadership. I started my career in the late ’90s in the male-dominated world of travel, where most executive, owner, and guide roles were held by men. As I moved up, I saw more men being promoted into top leadership positions while women like me remained second-in-command. I wanted to change that.

My purpose? To be a champion for women business leaders—so their businesses thrive, their voices are heard, and their leadership inspires those around them.

But my purpose extends beyond gender. I believe in purpose-driven leadership, period. That belief shapes the clients I take on, the projects I commit to, and the impact I want to have.

Do I wake up every morning thinking about my purpose? Not exactly. But it’s always there, guiding my decisions, ensuring that my work is meaningful.

Purpose Evolves

A client of mine, a hotel general manager, wasn’t sure about her purpose when we first met. Initially, she thought it was about being outdoors, teaching people about nature. But through our work, she realized it had evolved. Her true purpose was now about sustainability—integrating responsible business practices and teaching others to do the same.

This is common. Purpose isn’t fixed; it grows with us. Just like in nature.

Lessons from Bees

Bees, vital to our planet’s survival, offer a beautiful lesson in purpose. Every bee has a specific role—queen, drone, worker. The queen lays eggs, ensuring the hive’s future. The drones mate, diversifying the gene pool. The workers maintain the hive, gather nectar, and protect their community. Each role is distinct yet essential. If all bees had the same purpose, the hive wouldn’t survive.

Like bees, our roles shift over time. Worker bees start as cleaners, then become nurses, then foragers. Their purpose changes with their life stage and the needs of the hive. The same happens to us. Life events—a child with special needs, a personal loss, an unexpected opportunity—can reshape our purpose in profound ways.

When Purpose and Career Don’t Align

What if your purpose isn’t tied to your job? Maybe your passion is sharing the beauty of art with children through pottery, but your day job is in HR, tech, or healthcare. What then? The key isn’t necessarily to change careers—it’s to create space for purpose, wherever it fits.

A fulfillment center worker who loves cooking might bring homemade hot sauces to colleagues. A tech director who thrives on mentoring might start a leadership group. Purpose doesn’t have to be a job title; it’s about what brings you joy and meaning.

Your Role as a Leader

Whether your job fuels your purpose or simply enables it, it matters. The more fulfilled you are, the better leader, partner, and friend you become. Purpose isn’t separate from life—it’s woven into it.

Reflection Questions

Discovering Your Purpose:

• What has brought you joy and fulfillment in the past?
• Imagine a future where you feel deeply satisfied—what are you doing? Who are you with?
• What change do you dream of making in the world, big or small?
• Do you have a unique gift or passion that deserves space in your life?
• What themes tie these ideas together? Try to summarize them in a few words.

Living Your Purpose:

• How does your current work or life connect to your purpose?
• When do you feel most aligned with it? What does that feel like?
• How does your purpose impact those around you?
• What would it look like if you lived your purpose more fully?
• What’s one small step you can take tomorrow to move closer to it?

Your purpose is already within you—it just takes the right questions, a little reflection, and the courage to listen.

Need support finding your purpose? Contact me at [email protected].

www.caseyhanisko.com

#leadingnaturally #leadership #purposefulleadership