In 2009 author and thought leader Simon Sinek published his book Start with Why and it quickly became a hit. The premise of his book is that we too often start by asking ourselves and our teams “how” or “what” we’re supposed to do, but our “why” is the fuel that truly makes things happen. It’s the purpose behind our tactics and strategies.
So many leaders are wearing themselves out by staying busy without being purposeful. When we are purposeful, it alters the way we think and act. It makes us more intentional. It makes us better.
If you want to become a leader who gets the most important things done with and through your followers, consider the following for being a more purposeful leader:
1 – Give of Yourself
Leading with purpose often requires that you set your agenda aside so you can serve your team in meaningful ways, which in turn empowers them to perform better. Leadership isn’t a one-person show. It’s about attracting, training, equipping, and deploying your team members to accomplish well-defined goals and tasks. When you give of yourself to your followers, they are more likely to buy into your leadership and vision. This leads to them working more purposefully.
2 – For the Benefit of Others
Many leaders sacrifice their time, energy, and health trying to receive accolades and pats on the back, but purposeful leaders who attract and retain high-quality team members work for the benefit of those they lead. They find ways to serve them so they can improve their skills and abilities. They help them define their personal goals and help them advance on their career paths. They find ways to add value to their followers daily. They don’t use their position for personal gain and power plays, but rather for enhancing the quality of the workplace environment. This gains favor with followers and motivates them to become better team players so the organization’s goals and objectives are achieved.
3 – For the Sake of the Mission
Whether stated or not, each organization has a mission to accomplish. So do individuals. When you serve your followers purposefully, you not only help them grow and develop but you also increase your chances of accomplishing your mission more effectively. As a leader, you must continually keep the mission in front of your people. No one should show up to just work, but rather to take the next steps toward accomplishing key goals and objectives. When you serve purposefully as a leader, you set the tone for the team’s performance. They will follow your lead as you guide them to meet personal and team goals.
It’s often been said to serve “without an agenda.” I disagree. The most effective leaders always have a worthy agenda to pursue. The mission of your organization is part of it. The development of your followers is another. Your personal success can be yet another. The key is to keep things ordered so everyone has the chance to be successful.
Imagine having a team of men and women who show up with a passion to pursue your organization’s mission each day.
Imagine having dedicated followers who are excited to be on your team and recruit other talented people to help you achieve your mission.
Imagine ending each day feeling accomplished and enthusiastic because you are making consistent progress.
All this can be your reality when you choose to serve purposefully rather than working in a random, scattered manner.
In my new book, The Magnetic Leader: 18 Essential Actions of Leaders People Love to Follow, I go much deeper into Essential Action #15 – Serves Purposefully. CLICK HERE to learn more and to purchase your copy today!
Until next time…make today GREAT!
