Unveiling Your Leadership Purpose in the Workplace

In the volatile and challenging world of career and corporate work environment, leadership is not just about giving directions, telling people what to do, or achieving certain goals. In a deeper sense, leadership is about a sense of purpose that goes beyond business goals. The adventure of finding one's personal leadership purpose cannot be considered merely as an idealistic goal. So why is this search for meaning so important, especially for managers, and how can this purpose be woven into the fabric of team management?

?The Significance of Personal Leadership Purpose

?A leader who has discovered his personal leadership purpose will be able to act extremely aware of which leadership style he applies and why. If we look at the benefits of this situation:

• Fueling Motivation: People who discover their personal leadership purpose get up from their beds every day with this enthusiasm to achieve this purpose. As Doug Conant, former CEO of the Campell Soup Company, once stated, “To be an effective leader, you need to have a compelling, inspiring vision for the future.” The purpose of personal leadership serves to realize this vision.
• Values Compatibility: Leadership purpose is closely related to the person. Therefore, it will be compatible with the person's values and beliefs. This purpose will be a reflection of who you are rather than an independent phenomenon that occurs on its own. Because your decisions and actions will align with your values thanks to your awareness, they will resonate with authenticity within the team and encourage trust and loyalty among team members.?
• A Guiding Compass in Difficulties: Possible storms are inevitable in the changing and uncertain conditions of working life. For leaders who can discover their leadership purpose, this awareness acts like a North Star and helps them find their direction. Leadership choices help everyone move in the right direction in these challenging environments, allowing the institution and organization to continue on a solid path. Leaders who discover their purpose can apply it healthily in all kinds of difficulties.?

So How Can We Discover Personal Leadership Purpose?

To answer this question, I will quote Doug Conant, who also has online training on the Linkedin education platform. People can take confident steps towards finding their personal leadership goals by asking themselves these three questions and seeking their sincere answers.

Question.1: Why do you choose leadership?

Why do you want to lead? What is the reason that lights and fuels the fire of leadership within you?

Question.2: What is your promise?

What do you aim to achieve in the leadership you decide on? What did you promise yourself about this? What can you do to achieve your leadership goal?

Question.3: What are your values?

Values. Discover the things that make you who you are, not only in your business life but throughout your life. The leader will not be disconnected from the values of the style.

Are you ready to ask these questions first and then find your own answers? If so, you're not far away from discovering your own personal leadership purpose.

Applying Personal Leadership Purpose in Daily Team Management

• Empowerment: Encourage team members to combine their individual goals with team goals. Empower them to make decisions that align with ownership and shared vision. Empowerment is the key to unlocking your team's potential. (by Doug Conant)
• Inspiring Communication: Don't hesitate to share your leadership purpose with your team. This will allow your team to understand the reasons behind your actions. This way, team members who understand your purpose will be more motivated and committed.
• Conflict Resolution: Review the team's common goal when conflicts arise. When you analyze how the solution aligns with your overall vision and purpose, you enable you to find common ground regarding disagreements and resolve problems in a friendly environment. This will also have a positive impact on team unity and commitment.
• Feedback and Growth: Use your leadership intent as the basis for providing constructive feedback. Although healthy feedback is always given based on the situation, team members can personalize the feedback and perceive it as criticism. To avoid this situation, when you share your leadership purpose with the team and it is understood, feedback becomes a tool for growth rather than criticism.

Ultimately, discovering your personal leadership purpose is not a luxury. Rather, it is a necessity for both your career and the well-being of your team. It acts as a compass that guides you on your leadership journey, injecting authenticity, passion, and a sense of direction into your actions. Again, as Doug Conant says, "Leadership isn't about being in charge. It's about taking care of those you're responsible for." By uncovering your leadership purpose and living it every day, you become not just a manager, but a true leader who fosters success for your team and yourself.