If You Get These Two Things Right, Effective Leadership is Simple.

As leaders, we often face a whirlwind of challenges that can feel overwhelming. And yet, thriving in these situations isn’t as complicated as it might seem. While some leaders struggle and fail, those who succeed understand two key principles: knowing why your organization exists and ensuring every action aligns with that mission.

This clarity of purpose is particularly evident in higher education. Universities today face competition not just from traditional rivals but from a rapidly growing market of digital education platforms. Degrees and certifications can be earned in hours instead of years. But more than external pressures, universities are increasingly challenged by forces within: alumni demanding influence and student groups pushing their agendas. These pressures can destabilize even the most seasoned leaders—unless they have a firm grasp of their institution's mission.

Take Vanderbilt University, for example. Last spring, amidst student protests and public pressure to take a political stance, Vanderbilt’s president, Daniel Diermeier, held firm. Rather than reacting to the immediate crisis, Diermeier leaned on a set of guiding principles that the university had practiced over time: a commitment to free speech, respect, and institutional neutrality. By focusing on these core values, Vanderbilt weathered the storm. When a few students repeatedly broke the rules, the university took decisive action, confident in its process and principles.

Diermeier’s leadership exemplifies what effective leaders do: They not only know their organization's purpose but also ensure it guides daily operations. This clarity allows them to respond with confidence, even in the face of uncertainty.

Far too many organizations fail to connect their mission to their daily activities. They might know their "why," but if they don't practice it regularly, they struggle when challenges arise. Leadership doesn’t have to be complex, but it does require constant alignment between purpose and action.

As leaders, ask yourself: Do you know why your organization exists? And more importantly, are you living that mission every day? The answer to these questions can determine whether you thrive in uncertainty or get lost along the way.