In today’s fast-paced and demanding business environment, managers are expected to embody purposeful leadership, championing values, and embracing proactivity. But what does it mean to be purpose-led, and how can one remain proactive amidst a flurry of daily tasks?

From a leadership perspective, being purpose-led involves acting deliberately, with clear intentions and values. It goes beyond just knowing your values or having a clear direction in the form of a “Sinek’s Golden Circle.” Being purpose-led requires focus and clarity in understanding your role and responsibilities as a leader and demonstrating this through your actions, leading by example.

At the same time, being purpose-led also means acknowledging what falls outside your responsibilities and avoiding unproductive behaviors and cultural norms that could hinder your impact. This can be challenging, especially when you are swamped with tasks and responsibilities. During such times, our brains tend to narrow our focus, making it easier to be efficient but potentially overlooking the bigger picture.

In the past, organizations might have measured success solely based on the amount of work completed. However, the focus has shifted to assessing impact and the ability to leverage new ideas and thinking. Some effective leaders even manage to achieve greater impact while seemingly working less.

The key lies in prioritization and taking the time to reflect and delegate when necessary. Our brains are not naturally wired to be both intensely focused and broadly creative at the same time. Effective leaders learn to switch between these two modes of thinking, and being purposeful is the key to unlocking that ability.

Being purposeful involves several aspects:

Self-care: Taking care of yourself ensures you show up as the best version of yourself, enabling you to lead with clarity and energy.

Motivation: Understanding what truly motivates you and identifying your goals for growth and progress.

Impact: Creating a plan to maximize your impact in your role, making every action count.

Influence: Being purposeful in influencing both superiors and subordinates, seeking support and collaboration from colleagues.

Setting Boundaries: Knowing when to say no and not taking on too much, avoiding burnout and spreading yourself too thin.

Reflective Habits: Developing the right habits that encourage reflection and growth, leading to continuous improvement.

Being purpose-led allows you to be intentional in your leadership, aligning your actions with your values and goals. It requires mindful decision-making and a willingness to slow down and think strategically amidst the hectic pace of daily responsibilities. By staying purposeful, you can achieve greater effectiveness, enhance your impact, and lead your team to success in today’s complex business landscape.

If you would like to participate in a world class Leadership programme to help you reset and get purposeful about your leadership impact and growth; we invite you to check our  widely regarded Leadership Connect programme.

Our next intake is coming up quickly on September 6^th 2023

Or contact as info@mantle.co.nz   and we will work with you to see if this a good fit for you.