The Power of Purpose

The traditional, clearly defined job role is a relic of the past. Today's work environment thrives on adaptability and a willingness to embrace ambiguity. While this can be unsettling at first, it also presents exciting opportunities for growth and personal fulfillment.

For over 90% of my career, I've thrived in ambiguous roles.

The dynamic nature of these positions, coupled with the market's ever-changing demands, has provided me with invaluable 360-degree experience.

Gone are the days of rigid job descriptions. Today's focus is on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), with everything else remaining fluid and adaptable.        

Ambiguity isn't a curse, it's a chance to connect the dots and visualize a brighter future.

It encourages you to think creatively and strategically, not just about your specific tasks, but about the overall impact you can make.

The key to success in an ambiguous role is to shift your mindset from fixed responsibilities to impactful contributions.

Focus on exceeding KPIs and use your skills to solve problems and create value for the organization.

This ability to navigate ambiguity is a future-proof skill.

Those who can thrive in uncertain environments, solve unexpected problems, and turn ambiguity into clarity are highly sought after and positioned for career advancement. They are the ones who can't be easily replaced by AI or machine learning.

Returning to the corporate world after an entrepreneurial stint, I faced a new kind of ambiguity.

The new company, unsure how to utilize my diverse skillset, initially assigned me lead generation and sales. While not my initial focus, I quickly identified a major pain point—the company's reliance on expensive external lead generation.

Instead of simply fulfilling my assigned tasks, I saw an opportunity to make a real difference.

I built an in-house lead generation platform that significantly reduced costs and boosted sales. This initiative not only impressed the company but also led to my promotion to Head of Technology.

_My new role, Head of Technology, was a perfect example of an ambiguous position. There was no clear job description, and the company's digitalization goals were still taking shape.

Undeterred, I began with a "High Impact with Return" mindset.

Through careful analysis, I discovered that 80% of the company's revenue relied on a vulnerable and outdated legacy system.         

Taking immediate action, I prioritized data backups and system upgrades, which proved invaluable when the system crashed twice.

These proactive steps, driven by my purpose to see the company succeed, saved the day and solidified my leadership position.

The key takeaway is that purpose doesn't have to be grand or complex. It can be as simple as wanting to contribute to a company's success, learn new skills, or simply enjoy your work. No matter the role, finding purpose fuels your motivation, fosters creativity, and helps you navigate even the most ambiguous situations.

• Develop a Growth Mindset: Embrace challenges and view ambiguity as an opportunity to learn and grow.
• Focus on Your Strengths: Identify your core skills and how they can contribute to achieving organizational goals.
• Become a Problem Solver: Look for ways to improve processes, identify inefficiencies, and propose innovative solutions.
• Be Proactive: Don't wait for clear instructions. Take initiative, anticipate needs, and be a driving force.

• Online Course: "Leading with Curiosity: How to Ask the Right Questions and Make the Best Decisions in Uncertain Times" by Udemy
• Book: "The Upside of Uncertainty: Turning Duality into Destiny" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb

This daily newsletter reflects my personal views, with the sole intention of helping each other grow. I'm always happy to discuss and hear your perspectives!         

#Ambiguity #Purpose #GrowthMindset #ProblemSolving #Innovation