The Power of Purpose in Work

Having and living your purpose is not a destination; it is a changing journey. I have learned over time that it lies at the intersection of what we are passionate about, what we are good at, and what the world needs. This revelation has been pivotal in my personal and professional life, driving me to strive to align my actions with a clear sense of meaning. Simply put, I do what I believe in and I stay away from what does not align with my core sense of self. Does that mean I have "missed opportunities" willingly? Yes!

One of the reasons behind my success as a leader is that I aim to align my words and actions with a greater sense of purpose. As a servant leader, my goal is for us all to win. So I stop, assess what the needs of the situation are, and then move forward strategically with 'us' in mind. This focus has not only shaped my career but also enabled me to inspire and lead others towards meaningful work.

From an individual perspective, purpose is transformative. When people find meaning in their work, it fosters engagement, satisfaction, and resilience. Research supports this. According to Kegan and Lahey (2016), when individuals align their work with a greater purpose, they develop a sense of fulfillment that enhances their personal and professional growth. Similarly, Schein and Schein (2017) highlight that meaningful work contributes to an individual’s psychological safety and overall well-being.

Yet, finding this alignment requires intentional effort. It means reflecting on what truly matters to us and asking uncomfortable questions, like: What and who is worth suffering for? This inner work may be uncomfortable, but it is essential for aligning our values and aspirations with our actions.

Similarly, organisations thrive when their employees find meaning in their work. Purpose-driven employees are more engaged, productive, and innovative. Werner (2022) emphasises that employees who perceive their work as meaningful are less likely to experience burnout and are more likely to contribute positively to organisational outcomes.

Moreover, cultivating purpose at an organisational level creates a culture of shared values and vision. When leaders create an environment where employees feel valued and their work is connected to a greater cause, it fosters loyalty and collaboration. Purpose is not just a personal benefit; it is a strategic advantage.

It is time for us to shift from a live-for-the-moment mindset to a live-for-a-legacy mindset. Purpose is the foundation of a fulfilling life and a thriving organisation. Leaders must prioritise purpose-driven cultures, and individuals must do the inner work needed to align their careers with their values.

We only have one life. Let us make every moment count. What small thing can you change to live a more purpose-driven life at work?

References

Kegan, R., & Lahey, L. L. (2016). An everyone culture: Becoming a deliberately developmental organization. Harvard Business Review Press.

Schein, E. H., & Schein, P. (2017). Organizational culture and leadership (5th ed.). Wiley.

Werner, J. M. (2022). Human resource development: Talent development (8th ed.). Cengage Learning.