Unlocking the power of purpose
by MAHENDRA S. RATHORE
“I keep six honest serving men; they taught me all I knew. Their names are ‘What’ and ‘Why,’ ‘When’ and ‘How,’ and ‘Where’ and ‘Who.’” – Rudyard Kipling
“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now. All thorns have roses.” – Goethe
In the world of leadership, there’s a common misconception that leadership is primarily about managing people, processes, and resources. While these undeniably are important aspects of leadership, true leadership excellence is about aligning every effort, action, and person with a greater purpose. It’s about answering the fundamental questions of ‘What, why, when, how, where, and who?’ and using these answers to inspire and guide your team toward a meaningful mission.
Leaders who can capture hearts and ignite passion within their teams are those who recognize the fundamental psychological need to contribute to something bigger. They paint a picture of a deeper purpose behind their jobs, going beyond the day-to-day tasks to reveal the overarching mission that unites everyone.
We’ve all heard the adage, “Make every minute count.” But the question remains, “Count toward what?” Time and effort, when aligned with a compelling purpose, become more than just minutes on the clock. They become a means to realize a shared vision, to make a lasting impact, and to leave a legacy. When we connect with a bigger purpose, we find inspiration, and our hearts follow with unwavering commitment, making the accomplishment of the mission a near certainty.
So, why do we do what we do? It all begins with defining the purpose. The stated purpose of an organization is the guiding star that directs its actions. It answers the ‘what’ and ‘why’ – what the organization aims to achieve and why it exists in the first place. It’s about how we improve people’s lives and conditions, making a real, relevant, and lasting difference.
To achieve leadership excellence guided by a greater purpose, we must embark on a journey of self-discovery, asking ourselves three pivotal questions:
1. What are we doing to get there? (Plan)
2. How can I contribute? (Roles)
3. What’s in it for me? (WIIFM) (Rewards)
Answering these questions empowers us to understand how our roles and tasks fit into the broader purpose. It helps us see how our daily activities contribute to the pursuit of excellence. It’s not just about doing a job; it’s about being a vital piece of a much larger puzzle.
LEADING WELL
Leaders who embrace these principles understand leadership excellence isn’t solely about achieving numbers and targets; it’s about fostering a culture where every individual feels their contributions matter and are closely aligned with the organization’s overarching mission.
When leadership is driven by a greater purpose, it inspires individuals to take ownership of their roles – not out of obligation but out of a deep sense of commitment. It encourages them to strive for excellence in their work, not for personal gain but for the collective benefit of the team and society at large.
To sum it up, the art of leadership excellence glued to a corporation’s bigger purpose is recognizing people are the heart and soul of an organization. It’s about infusing every action with meaning, inspiring passion, and instilling a sense of purpose. Leaders who master this art guide their teams towards remarkable achievements that transcend mere statistics and elevate humanity to new heights. In the words of Goethe, “Begin it now.” Your journey toward leadership excellence, guided by a greater purpose, starts today.
Mahendra S Rathore. MBA, BA (Honors) CFP® CRPC® ChFC® CLU® PMP® CHE® CIMA, CHA® SAFe Scrum Master®, is a former hospitality industry professional having managed luxury, upscale, and extended stay properties. He is a hospitality, investments, and asset-management transformation leader and a subject matter expert with more than 22 years of global experience with Fortune 200 companies and leading industry players across the hotels, resorts, and cruise lines, as well as travel and tourism, and wildlife and ecotourism segments. Through his extensive experience in working with leading hotels chains, his keen insights and expertise enable diverse experiences through all lenses of business. He can be reached at (980) 318-9327 or [email protected].
