Nothing is likely to help a person overcome or endure troubles than the consciousness of having a task in life. – Viktor Frankl
Notorious R.B.G. Ruth Bader Ginsburg (z”l) is definitely leading from a purpose and shows leaders around the world that there is always a next level and re-defining of one’s purpose. When you see her documentary on Netflix it’s remarkable how she rises from strength to strength by following her purpose, a Northstar that she doesn’t relinquish.
Leading from a purpose: what lessons can you learn from Ruth Bader Ginsburg as working in a leadership position? I have been in Executive Career Coaching around the world for more then 10 years and hope to inspire you.
Why Ruth Bader Ginsburg was so remarkable?
- Legal Pioneering: Ginsburg was a trailblazer for women’s rights in the legal profession. She encountered significant gender-based discrimination during her early career and overcame it through sheer determination and legal prowess.
- Women’s Rights Advocate: Throughout her career, Ginsburg championed gender equality and women’s rights. She argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, challenging discriminatory laws and practices.
- Supreme Court Justice: Ginsburg was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1993 by President Bill Clinton, becoming the second woman ever to serve on the Court. She served for nearly three decades, leaving a profound impact on American jurisprudence.
- Legal Opinions: Ginsburg authored many influential opinions during her time on the Supreme Court, particularly in cases related to gender equality, reproductive rights, and civil liberties. Her dissents often became rallying points for future legal and social change.
- Collaborative Approach: Ginsburg was known for her ability to build consensus and work across ideological lines. She maintained friendships with justices across the spectrum and sought common ground when possible.
- Cultural Icon: She became a cultural icon and role model, earning the nickname “Notorious RBG.” Her life story, work, and resilience inspired countless people, especially women and young girls, to pursue careers in law and advocate for justice.
- Longevity: Ginsburg served on the Supreme Court well into her 80s, demonstrating remarkable dedication and work ethic. Her tenure allowed her to influence a generation of legal scholars, practitioners, and policymakers.
- Symbol of Resistance: In her later years, Ginsburg became a symbol of resistance and a voice of dissent against policies and decisions she believed were unjust. Her principled stands served as a source of inspiration for those who shared her concerns.
Leading from a purpose: lessons for leadership
- Leaders are often unaware that a purpose is like a fire, it requires all elements to be present for a strong burning fire. Read more about that, in this article. For some, their purpose is less ‘burning’ because factors as their deeper drives, desires or understanding how to rational formulate a purpose are not within their skill set.
- Employee engagement in wealthy countries is relatively low. 59% are quit quitting. If you get people in touch with their own purpose, you’’ll see people who emobody more of the spirit of Ruth Bader Ginsburg (of course she is a remarkable personality so i twill not be copy paste)
- Lastly, working from purpose, increases the efficiency of learning and development. The hardest skills can only be developed from deep motivation – if people want it themselves and it fits their purpose. Do you think people really don’t go through pain if they don’t see the purpose of it? Purpose helps leader and their teams to really work through pain and become (super) competent in unexpected areas.
- The ultimate side effect is we become our purpose. The fight we chose is who we become and ill keep it super cryptic but divinity is in the details …
“The best way to predict your future is to create it.” – Abraham Lincoln
Executive Career Coaching
If you need help redefining or formulating your purpose and are in a leadership position, read more about how Executive Career Coaching can help you.