Purpose Driven Leaders

There are different styles of leaders (political, business organizations, NGOs, civil societies, bureaucracy etc.), but the best leaders recognize that leadership is not about them, but about the opportunity to make a difference in terms of service to others.

Purpose-Driven Leaders are best than the Self-Centered ones. The latter also have purpose in their life, the main purpose being mere self-glorification & self-gain rather than true service to others. Here the phrase ‘Purpose-Driven Leadership’ means a purpose to make a difference in the lives of others. What clearly differentiates those leaders from all others is their mission in life to make a positive change in the lives of others. Mark the word 'positive'.

A person does not necessarily need to have a certain position in an organizational hierarchy to be a leader. Many people who possess a passion for service-to-others have been playing influential roles as informal leaders. A Leader-with-Purpose, whether formal or informal, possesses certain characteristics, norms and qualities.

Purpose-driven leaders
1. Turn challenges into opportunities
2. Emphasize on teamwork and always give credit to the team.
3. Know when they need help from outside.
4. Have realistic goals and plans
5. Always focus on completion of the job.
6. Look to stay ahead of the inevitable winds of change and unforeseen challenges

1. Purpose-Driven Leaders turn challenges into opportunities
All organizations face challenges, such as the need for:

• Growth in the organization
• More financial resources to achieve strategic objectives
• New ways to respond to competition within the organization and outside.
• Staying ahead of others.

A Purpose-Driven Leader turns challenges into opportunities with the help of his team.

2. Purpose-Driven Leaders emphasize on teamwork and always give credit to the team.

• A Purpose-Driven Leader looks for members who can perform with others as a team.
• He gives preference to a team player than an individualist. He knows that it takes competent team members to run a successful institution.
• He always gives credit to his team rather than glorifying himself.

3. Purpose-Driven Leaders know when they need help from outside

• A Purpose-Driven Leader always looks to advice and help from outside sources when needed. He knows that preventive help is always better than curative help.
• Such leaders hire professionals, consultants, advisors who put the institution's best interests ahead of that of any one leader.
• Bringing in outside help takes a lot of confidence in a leader.

4. Purpose-Driven Leaders have realistic goals and plans
Purpose-driven leaders get involved in developing strategic goals and plans. Those plans include:

• Action steps which mention what needs to be done
• Realistic implementation plans that show how the action steps will get done
• Identification of accountable persons
• Realistic time frame to achieve the goal
• Tools to monitor progress on a continuous basis.

5. Purpose-Driven Leaders always focus on completion of the job.

• Purpose-driven leaders do not let distractions prevent the organization's mission, goals and plans.
• They focus on priorities, communication, implementation and celebration.
• They know what is important and how priorities are to be fixed. Everything cannot be a priority for a Purpose-Driven Leader.

6. Purpose-Driven Leaders look to stay ahead of the inevitable winds of change and unforeseen challenges.
Purpose-driven leaders strive to keep their organi­zations ahead of the inevitable winds of change and unforeseen challenges. Key steps to achieve this out­come are:

• Focus relentlessly on achieving results.
• Develop realistic growth plans for yourself and for your organization. Be willing to learn new skills or learn about new methods or technologies
• Seek partnership with others to strengthen the organization.
• Demand accountability and be accountable too. Accountability is probably the one key word that best separates the best performing leaders and organizations from the rest. Top performers hold themselves and those around them accountable.

If you want to be a Purpose-Driven Leader, ask yourself questions like

• What drives you?
• What is your burning passion?
• What do you want to achieve in life?
• How can you serve others best?

If you are sincere, the answer lies within you. You can be a Purpose-Driven Leader.

If you are true to the spirit of Purpose-Driven Lead­ership, this is what will determine your accomplish­ments as a leader, on behalf of your organization, community and country. To begin with, let you be the first strive to be Purpose-Driven Leaders in the organization where you are involved in.

Remember, as a current or aspiring future leader, the best leaders recognize that leadership is not about them, but about the opportunity to make a difference in terms of service to others.