Stepping into Leadership: Harnessing Purpose and Values to Elevate Performance

June 5, 2023

Company Culture

In the role of a new leader, one faces challenges and rewards. It involves guiding a team, making crucial decisions, and driving performance. However, effective leadership goes beyond achieving targets and managing tasks. It encompasses inspiring individuals, fostering trust, and creating an environment conducive to growth and success.

We dive into how new leaders can leverage the power of purpose and values to enhance their performance.

To begin with, let us explore the concept of purpose. Purpose represents the underlying reason or motivation behind our actions. It is the driving force that lends meaning and direction to our endeavours. A leader is about achieving personal goals and impacting their team, organisation, and the world. However, the purpose of a leader encompasses a broader significance beyond personal achievements.

The transformative potential of purpose is highlighted in the book “Start with Why”. Simon Sinek emphasises how leaders who lead with purpose can inspire their teams to achieve remarkable feats.

A prime example is Apple and its co-founder, Steve Jobs. Jobs did not simply strive to create computers; his purpose was to “put a dent in the universe.” This overarching purpose has driven Apple’s innovation and success.

For new leaders, defining their sense of purpose is vital. First, they should ask themselves why their role holds significance, why the work of their team matters, and, most importantly, why it should matter to the team members themselves.

Once determining the ‘why’, share it with the team. This purpose becomes the foundation of the leader’s approach. When the team comprehends the ‘why’ behind their work, they become more motivated, engaged, and committed to achieving their goals.

However, purpose alone is insufficient; we must ground it in values. Values encompass the guiding principles that shape our behaviour and decisions. They represent the ‘how’ that complements the ‘why’. As a leader, one’s values define leadership style and team interactions.

Values-based leadership is always held in high regard. Leaders who lead based on their values create a culture characterised by trust, respect, and integrity.

They set the tone for the team’s behaviour and foster an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

A case in point is Herb Kelleher, the former CEO of Southwest Airlines. Kelleher prioritised putting people first, and this value was at the core of his leadership approach. He treated employees with respect, acknowledged their contributions, and cultivated a sense of camaraderie. This values-based leadership approach played a pivotal role in Southwest’s success.

For a new leader, it is imperative to define and embody their values through their actions. Whether it is integrity, respect, empathy, or other values, it is crucial to ensure these values manifest in their leadership style. More than merely expressing values to the team is required; it must show them through actions.

Here are several practical tips to assist leaders in leading with purpose and values:

• Communicate Your ‘Why’: Share your purpose with the team and incorporate it into their narrative. When the team appreciates the ‘why’, they are more motivated and committed.
• Lead by Example: Exemplify your values through your actions. Demonstrate to the team what it means to lead with integrity, respect, or any other value you hold. Your efforts will establish the standards for the team’s behaviour.
• Foster a Culture of Trust: Trust is the foundation for effective leadership. Be transparent, honour your commitments, and show trust in the team. This will cultivate a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Recognise and Reward Values-Aligned Behaviour: Acknowledge and reward team members who embody the organisation’s values. This reinforces the importance of values and encourages others to align their behaviour accordingly.
• Create a Safe Space for Feedback: Encourage open communication and feedback. Demonstrate to the team that their opinions matter and that you are receptive to learning and personal growth. This fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
• Invest in Relationships: Devote time to building relationships with team members. Show genuine care and interest in them as individuals, not merely as employees. This fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty.

Stepping into a leadership role represents personal growth and discovery. It entails finding one’s purpose, leading with values, and inspiring the team to reach their full potential.

In addition, it involves creating a culture where everyone feels valued, heard, and motivated to contribute. Above all, leadership is not solely about achievements but personal development throughout the process.

As new leaders embark on their journey, it is essential to remember that leadership is not about wielding authority but caring for those entrusted to their charge. It involves serving others, inspiring them, and aiding in their growth.

By leading with purpose and values, leaders elevate their performance while making a meaningful impact on their team, organisation, and the world.