Have you ever asked yourself if purpose truly thrives in a world driven by profits?
In a group coaching session on influencing without authority, I had a leader voice a common dilemma: “How can we inspire when working in the finance sector? It’s not like we’ve got a noble cause like a non-profit.”
Another leader nodded in agreement. While they both enjoyed the nature of their role and the prestige of the organisation, passion for the company’s mission was lacking. So how could they inspire enthusiasm in their teams?
A shift occurred when a third participant, with unwavering conviction, shared “I’m actually really proud of the work we do. Given our size, the role we play in bolstering the economy is pretty impressive”. Her authenticity and warmth shone through. The two skeptics sat up straighter, their expressions softening as they realised the intrinsic value their work held for the community.
I shared this story with a fellow coach who faced a similar challenge during a workshop within an insurance company. He reminded them that they insure people like HIM. They contribute to him being able to sleep at night, knowing he is protected.
Is purpose necessary for leadership?
This raises the question: Is “inspiration” through purpose really necessary in leadership? Or can we draw on other influencing strategies like “consultation”, “rational persuasion”, “exchange” and “legitisimising”?
When I asked a recent business owner – who is longing for a more engaged team – what drives her, she said “It’s what’s required for financial stability”. Her tone carried the energy of stress and constriction. Digging deeper, we uncovered her original reason for starting a music studio was to witness and share in the joy of her students’ accomplishments. This revelation ignited a realisation in her – she had lost the heart-centered drive needed to motivate both herself and her team.
In the pursuit of ambitious goals, it’s easy to lose sight of the underlying purpose that once fueled us. But when ambition loses its spark, we’re left feeling adrift and uninspired. Our purpose or “why” serves as a guiding light, infusing our actions with meaning and propelling us forward in the face of adversity.
What makes purpose so powerful?
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- Purpose transcends industry boundaries: Regardless of the sector, the essence of purpose remains universal. It’s more than just what we do but why we do it – contributing to something greater than ourselves.
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- Purpose is personal. Purpose isn’t uniform, it’s unique to each individual. Understanding what matters most to your team members helps to align their personal motivations with the organisation’s goals.
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- Authenticity breeds inspiration: When leaders genuinely share their experiences and intentions – using storytelling to connect with their team emotionally – they inspire others to invest not just their time but their hearts and minds to the cause.
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- Purpose lives in the everyday: Purpose doesn’t have to be grand; it can be found in mundane tasks and everyday interactions. It’s about connecting the dots between individual actions and collective impact.
Tips for inspiring purpose in profit-driven organisations:
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- Focus on impact: Articulate a clear, inspiring, collective vision that aligns company goals with broader societal impact. Ensure employees understand how their role contributes to this larger purpose to foster a sense of belonging and motivation.
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- Foster authentic connections: Cultivate genuine relationships with your team. Share your personal journey and “why” behind your leadership, and get to know what’s important to your team. Discover which part of the vision resonates with them, or doesn’t.
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- Encourage personal growth and autonomy: Empower employees to pursue their passions and aspirations, to tap into their strengths, and to innovate. This supports them in finding meaning in what they do, and shows you value their contributions and care about their individual success.
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- Celebrate success: Recognise wins that benefit customers, the organisation or community. Sharing customer feedback and highlighting success stories instils pride in the difference your team is making. Aligning rewards and recognition to the mission and values also helps reinforce the connection between individual contributions and the organisation’s broader goals.
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- Champion transparency: Clarify your mission, values and strategic goals, and regularly update your team on progress and challenges. Being open to feedback is also important to generate commitment. Transparency builds trust, fosters collaboration and accountability, and reinforces a sense of shared purpose.
Unlike non-profits or sectors like health and education where purpose seems inherent, navigating purpose in profit-centric organisations can be daunting. It requires a balance between ambition, authenticity and heart-centered leadership. However, by embracing purpose, leaders can reignite passion, restore a common intention and drive, and ultimately leave a lasting impact on both their team and wider community.
So what steps will you take to inspire purpose in your team?
