Overcoming the Obstacles to Leading on Purpose: A Guide for Leaders

There is one particular theme that comes up consistently with my leadership clients: the tendency to prioritize what is seemingly urgent over what is important.

What is it that pulls us out of alignment with our values and away from the things that matter the most to us in our lives?

Why is it so common for us to live and lead unintentionally despite the fact that we 'know better'?

This newsletter will shed light on:

• the common factors that prevent us from leading intentionally
• the benefits of leading intentionally
• three steps that you can take to start leading on purpose

5 Common Factors that Prevent us From Leading Intentionally

1. Fear of Failure and Uncertainty:

Fear often holds us back from leading intentionally. The fear of failure, rejection, or making the wrong choices can paralyze us and prevent us from taking meaningful action. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who fear failure are more likely to avoid challenging tasks and opportunities for growth.

As a leader, our fear of failure can lead us to the follow self-sabotaging behaviours:

• avoidance when it comes to decision-making or conflict
• resisting change
• micromanagement and an incessant need for control

2. External Expectations and Societal Pressure:

Many individuals feel pressured to conform to societal expectations and meet external standards, which can hinder their ability to lead intentionally. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who prioritize extrinsic goals (e.g., wealth, fame) over intrinsic goals (e.g., personal growth, relationships) reported lower well-being and life satisfaction.?

As a leader, external expectations and societal pressures can lead us to:

• define our success in ways that conflict with our true values
• prioritize external validation above all else
• narrow or limit our perspective to match the perception(s) of others.

3. Lack of Self-awareness and Clarity:

Without self-awareness and clarity about one's values, passions, and purpose, it can be challenging to lead intentionally. A survey conducted by the Harvard Business Review found that only 15% of respondents felt they had a clear sense of their personal values.? A survey conducted by Gallup found that only 27% of employees strongly agree that they have a clear understanding of what their organization stands for and what makes it different from competitors.

As a leader, a lack of self-awareness and clarity can lead to:

• a lack of direction
• inconsistent decision-making, leading to a lack of trust
• difficulty in prioritization, leading to a sense of overwhelm and burnout

4. Overcommitment and Busyness:

Being constantly busy and overcommitted can prevent individuals from leading intentionally. A study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that individuals who perceive themselves as busy are more likely to make impulsive and less intentional decisions.?

As a leader, overcommitment and busyness can result in:

• a lack of focus, resulting in increased reactivity and less proactivity
• neglecting personal well-being and the sacrifice of essential self-care needs
• reduced quality of work and a lack of attention to detail, resulting in an increased number of mistakes

5. Lack of Prioritization and Time Management:

According to a survey conducted by the Workforce Institute, 33% of employees struggle with time management, which can result in neglecting important personal goals and values.?

As a leader, a lack of prioritization and time management often leads to:

• reactive decision-making
• overwhelm and stress
• missed opportunities to evaluate progress, learn from experiences and make intentional adjustments

Top 3 Benefits of Leading Intentionally:

1. Increased Well-being and Happiness:

Leading intentionally allows us to align our actions with our values and passions, resulting in a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness. Research conducted by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on the concept of "flow" suggests that when we engage in activities that challenge us and provide a sense of purpose, we experience higher levels of well-being.

2. Enhanced Productivity and Focus:

By leading intentionally, we prioritize our time and energy on what truly matters, leading to increased productivity and focus. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that leaders who set specific goals and regularly reviewed their progress were more likely to achieve their desired outcomes.

3. Improved Relationships and Leadership:

Living intentionally allows us to cultivate deeper connections with others and become more effective leaders. When we are clear about our values and communicate them authentically, we inspire and motivate those around us. A study conducted by leadership development firm Zenger/Folkman found that leaders who demonstrated a clear sense of purpose were more likely to be seen as effective and trustworthy.

Steps You Can Take to Start Leading on Purpose:

1. Reflect and Define Your Values:

Take time to reflect on what truly matters to you. Identify your core values and write them down. These values will serve as your compass in making intentional decisions and choices.

Suggested resources:

a) The Personal Values Assessment by Mindtools is a free online tool that helps individuals identify their core values. It provides a list of values and asks users to select the ones that resonate with them the most, helping them define their personal values.

b) Values Clarification Exercise by PositivePsychology.com is a step-by-step guide that helps individuals explore and define their values. It includes reflective questions and prompts to assist in the process of identifying and prioritizing personal values.

c) The Life Values Inventory (LVI) by the 密西根大学 is an online assessment that helps individuals identify their most important values. It provides a comprehensive report that categorizes values into different domains, aiding in the definition of personal values.

2. Set Meaningful Goals:

Define clear and meaningful goals that align with your values. Break them down into actionable steps and create a plan to achieve them. Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed.

Suggested Resources:

a) SMART Goals Worksheet by Smartsheet

b) Goal-Setting Apps: Todoist by Todoist , Trello by Trello , Habitica. There are several goal-setting apps available that can assist individuals in setting and tracking meaningful goals.

c.) Goal-Setting Courses: Online learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera offer goal-setting courses that provide guidance and strategies for setting meaningful goals. These courses often include exercises, videos, and interactive content to help individuals develop effective goal-setting skills.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Self-Awareness:

Cultivate mindfulness and self-awareness to stay present and connected to your intentions. Practice meditation, journaling, or other mindfulness techniques to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your desires.

Suggested Resources:

a) Headspace 's meditation app.

b) Calm -head to their website to check out their meditation resources

c) Insight Timer

Living intentionally is a transformative, lifelong journey that requires self-reflection, courage, and consistent effort. By overcoming the barriers, embracing intentionality, and taking those first tangible steps, you can unlock a purposeful and fulfilling life.

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on leading with intention! Feel free to share your insights or links to relevant resources in the comments section below.

Thanks, and happy leading folks :)

-MJ