A PATH TO EMPOWERMENT, LASTING IMPACT

For much of my career, I was primarily focused on fulfilling my duties and responsibilities, ensuring that I performed to the best of my ability. I adhered to expectations outlined in my job description, trying to meet the demands of my employer. Yet, after some time, I realised that there had to be more to my job and career than merely meeting expectations. This realisation sparked a deep reflection on my actions, and that’s when the idea of discovering my purpose as a leader began to take shape.

We all make career choices, climb the corporate ladder and eventually, we arrive at those much-anticipated leadership roles. But when we get there, do we truly understand why we’ve been placed in that position? Do we know the unique value we are called to bring to our organisation or the lasting legacy we want to leave behind? Or, are we simply there to earn a living, fulfilling the same duties as the junior staff we lead, just in a different capacity?

Crucial

As leaders, it’s crucial to identify and embrace your purpose within the organisation you lead. It’s not enough to just ‘show up’ and execute your role. True leadership involves more than just fulfilling a job description — it’s about contributing meaningfully to the larger vision of the organisation. While it’s well-known that the general purpose of any leader is to provide direction and clarity, and to help team members connect with the organisation’s vision, the true essence of leadership goes beyond that. It’s about motivating and inspiring others toward personal growth and development.

This general purpose aligns with the expectations of the employer, but we also need to consider our own personal purpose. What do you want to achieve as a leader, and what mark do you wish to leave? In SiSwati, we might ask, yini kusebenta lokuhle lofise ubonakale uphidze watiwe ngako njengalo phetse? In other words, what is the good you wish to create that will be remembered long after you’ve gone? Finding one’s purpose isn’t always straightforward, but it’s a powerful process.

One way to discover your purpose is by reflecting on your personal attributes. For instance, if you are a strong communicator, consider how you can use this skill to enhance your leadership role. Good communication, when honed, becomes a tool for connecting your team to the vision and goals of the organisation. It ensures transparency, builds trust and keeps everyone informed about what is happening in the organisation.

Uncover

Your strengths and attributes, when applied with purpose, can greatly contribute to your leadership journey. Another way to uncover your purpose is by identifying what matters most to you - your values, your passions. For example, if integrity is a core value, you may feel compelled to combat unethical behaviour and corruption within your organisation, fostering a culture of honesty and strong moral standards. This connection to your personal values will fuel your leadership decisions and actions. When you are grounded in your purpose, you will find the strength to endure challenges and navigate your responsibilities with a sense of fulfilment.

Leadership

However, it’s important to remember that for your leadership to be truly effective, your purpose must align with the strategic objectives and values of the organisation. This alignment is where the true magic happens. Without purpose and alignment, you risk pursuing goals without direction, which could lead to exhaustion and unfulfilling outcomes. But when your purpose is aligned with the organisation’s vision, you create a harmonious synergy, making it easier to achieve your goals and advance the organisation.

This alignment means that as a leader, you must understand the vision and strategic objectives of the organisation you lead. From there, you can create an action plan that delivers on these objectives while honouring your personal values and leadership purpose. By aligning your purpose with the organisation’s strategy, you unlock tremendous potential for both personal and organisational growth.When a leader operates from a place of purpose, rooted in alignment with both their personal values and the strategic goals of the organisation, they unlock untapped potential — not just within themselves, but also within their teams and the organisation at large.

Goals

According to Kathy Miller Perkins, in her article ‘How to Refuel Your Leadership Strategies: Aligning Personal and Organisational Purpose, ‘this alignment is essential to your well-being and leadership impact. When your leadership responsibilities fail to align with your core values and passions, you are likely to lose sight of your authentic self. So, let us take the time to define our purpose as leaders, and then harmonise it with the strategic objectives of the organisations we lead. In doing so, we will create lasting change — the kind of positive transformation that will help the organisation grow and succeed. Purpose-driven leadership isn’t just about achieving results; it’s about creating a legacy of growth, integrity and impact that transcends the here and now. Let us all strive to lead with purpose and inspire others to do the same.

 

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