To empower you and your team to high-performance you need a definite purpose.
Some will say the reason they are in the business is to make money. But what purpose do you have for being in the specific business (or job) that you are in? Is there any value beyond just making money?
Everyone needs to earn a living, but why should someone invest their life in working with or for you? There is pride and fulfillment in work that has meaning and provides value to others. When we lose sight of that value, we lose sight of the purpose and meaning of that work. You will then lose the commitment or engagement of your team.
As a leader, you need to influence and motivate others, especially those on your team. When you have a definite and compelling purpose for your business or the work that you provide, it motivates and encourages you and others to work hard to provide quality products and services.
A clear purpose also reduces stress and insecurity, because your team will know there is a reason and vision for what they are doing. It provides a cause and value, which enables them to have hope in their future and to focus on what is important.
A purpose is NOT something that you create, you discover it. It’s not a feeling, but rather a driving force that draws you forward like a magnet to something greater than yourself. You discover your purpose by looking back at why you are here. You don’t create it!
When you think of a boat, there are row boats and cruise ships. Each boat is designed for different purposes. From fishing for two to traveling across the ocean for thousands. Who determines the most effective use of the boat, the designer. Like boats, we are designed for a purpose.
When you are doing what you should be doing, doing what you were designed to do, you are living out your purpose. Your business also has a purpose, and it needs to be greater than just money or profit.
To discover your purpose look back at your whole life, what natural talents did you have, what was easy for you to learn, and what did you enjoy doing? What knowledge, skills and personality traits do you have that affects your performance and results? Match these to your passions and values and you will have a pretty good idea of what your purpose is for your life and business.
Write out your purpose, your contribution to society. Think about all of those gifts, talents, skills, knowledge or whatever you can contribute. Then write out what the impact could be in society for what you contribute. Sometimes your impact is secondary in that you can create something and that brings security, happiness, or whatever. The end result, the impact is the result of your contribution.
Once you have written out your thoughts, condense them down to a statement like,
“My purpose is to __(your contribution)__, so that ___(your impact)____. (See Simon Sinek’s book: Start with Why?) Keep working on it until if not only feels right but drives you and your life decisions.
A definite PURPOSE for your life and business will influence you and your team’s performance and results.
Stan Broesder
Leadership Mapping
