The Leadership Dilemma: Why Purpose Isn’t Enough ????

Let’s dive into a little truth bomb – purpose is undeniably important, but it’s not the sole secret sauce for success. Shocked? Don’t be! Let me break it down for you.

Recently, I ran a poll on LinkedIn, tapping into the insights of executives just like you. Guess what? 83% of respondents agreed that while purpose is crucial, it’s not the sole driver of success. Enter: motivation.

When we talk about purpose, it often revolves around the organisation’s or team’s overarching mission. Take my experience leading an in-house legal team for a bank, for example. Our purpose, as defined by the organisation, was all about managing legal risks inside and out. Sounds noble, right? But did it light a fire in each lawyer’s belly every Monday morning? Not so much.

Here’s where mindful leadership kicks in: recognising the missing puzzle piece – motivation. It’s not just about having a purpose; it’s about ensuring that each team member’s internal drive aligns with that purpose. That’s the real game-changer.

This critical alignment starts right from the hiring stage. Remember, skills and experience matter, but they should never overshadow internal motivation. In fact, motivation trumps skills and experience.

And then there’s engagement. Crafting your collective purpose isn’t a one-person job. It’s about involving your team in the process, fostering a culture of shared responsibility and ownership. That’s where compassionate leadership shines, nurturing an environment where every voice matters.

If your team’s been through some changes lately, now’s the perfect time to reignite that purpose-motivation combo. Reach out to me, and let’s explore how I can help you accelerate your team’s performance. Together, let’s lead with purpose, passion, and compassion! ????