The Purpose-Driven Leader: Creating a Movement that Inspires Change
If you are following all the "lean in" strategies and nothing is working, and your career is still stagnant, your workload is still overwhelming, and you're still not being heard... there's an underlying shift that needs to happen first.
You see, I used to be like that, reading all the books, doing leadership development courses, and getting an MBA.
I was obsessed with professional development, but for the amount of effort I was making, and the time I was investing, my career wasn't growing at the same rate.
To be honest, it was barely moving in an upward trajectory.
And on top of that, my workload kept increasing, and I kept getting bogged down with lots of tactical work that needed to get done, and there was no one else to do it but me.
I came to a point where I was even questioning if this whole "climbing the corporate ladder" was for me.
I got pushed out, not once, but twice.
I had people who raved about me as their leader and others who labelled me a "micro-manager."
And I saw people around me that seemed to have an easy ride, which made me feel jealous, annoyed, and frustrated.
It wasn't until I realised I got it all wrong and I needed to flip things on their head that things shifted.
You see, all the strategies and positive mindset work won't work if you don't lead with purpose.
Leading with purpose starts with discovering your WHY, leadership style, vision, and mission.
This is crucial if you want to withstand ANY leadership challenge you'll face on your journey.
These challenges can be anything from organisational politics, team performance, to productivity and adversity.
You're unlikely to inspire others if you're not strongly connected to your purpose.
And if you're reading this, your heart is in the right place, and you know you have more to offer... you know you can make a bigger impact, so it's time to be more courageous and step outside your comfort zone.
Here are 5 strategies you can start implementing to take your leadership to the next level (and if you're already doing some/all of them, see how you can amplify them):
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1. Embrace Your Why:
As a purpose-driven leader, you'll experience a profound sense of fulfilment and satisfaction when you align your work with your personal values and your mission.
Discover what truly matters to you, and let your values guide your leadership journey. This will help you lead purposefully and inspire others to join you on your path to greatness.
2. Inspire with Your Vision:
As you communicate your vision, paint a vivid picture that stirs the hearts and minds of your team. Use storytelling and visuals to illustrate your values, goals, and the positive change you want to see in the world. By inspiring your team with your vision, you'll motivate them to take action towards achieving your shared goals.
3. Lead with Empathy:
Empathy is a powerful force that fuels connection, trust, and loyalty. As a purpose-driven leader, take the time to understand your team members' needs, desires, and aspirations.
Listen attentively, show them that you care, and respond with compassion. When your team feels understood and valued, they'll be more likely to commit to your cause and take bold action.
4. Cultivate a Collaborative Culture:
Collaboration is key to creating a movement that inspires change. Encourage your team to work together, share their ideas, and learn from each other. Create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone's voice is heard and respected. When your team feels supported and empowered, they'll be more willing to take risks, experiment, and innovate.
5. Take Bold Action:
As a purpose-driven leader, you're driven by a deep desire to positively impact the world. Take decisive action to turn your vision into reality. Be persistent, courageous, and resilient despite obstacles and setbacks. Celebrate your successes, learn from your failures, and stay committed to your cause. By taking bold action, you'll inspire others to do the same and create a ripple effect of positive change.
So, start by leading with purpose.
This is just one of the magic tricks I use to help middle managers become empowered leaders with unshakable presence and confidence.
If you're keen to find out more, download my free workbook, Rise Up & Lead.
If you're ready for the next step and want to see how I can support you, schedule a 10-minute call and we'll discuss the next steps: The Rising Executive.