Purpose-driven leadership is the secret motor behind high levels of organizational performance and health
Tom Oor
Interviewer: What is the concept all about?
Tom Oor: Purpose-driven leadership is about understanding the core identity of the leader and aligning it with a visionary and elevating challenge in the world. Imagine a scene from a hero movie: the leader gains a profound clarity about their core being—understanding their deepest drive, core strength, and archetypical role. This alignment of who they are and what power they possess starts to relate to a challenge greater than themselves. With this clarity, they can see emerging challenges and opportunities in the world and find innovative ways to address them. Most people believe it’s your why or your core values, yet that isnt enough for defining your area of power and influence. You can read more about the misconception here.
Interviewer: What’s the essence?
Tom Oor: In simple terms, it’s about a leader discovering their true self and aligning it with a significant, visionary challenge. When leaders understand their core identity and strengths, they can see the world’s needs more clearly and respond with innovative solutions. This alignment not only enhances their effectiveness but also infuses their leadership with a renewed sense of zeal and motivation.
Interviewer: Can you provide examples of leaders who transitioned into purpose-driven leadership?
Tom Oor: Certainly. Take the example of a CEO of a small firm focused on lead generation in marketing. He realized his core motivation was innovation and creating automated systems. He saw vast opportunities with artificial intelligence and robotic process automation. Initially, he was generating leads for clients through marketing, but his core drive and strength weren’t fully aligned with his work and the broader opportunities available.
With a perceptive eye, it became clear that he was destined to be a visionary leader in innovation and automation, even though this was an unknown area for him. Without this clarity, leaders often shift from leading to merely managing. When they lose touch with their purpose or ignore a necessary shift in their purpose, it weakens their zeal, motivation, and ability to add value. They become trapped in an outdated business model.
Interviewer: What are the consequences of not aligning with one’s purpose?
Tom Oor: When leaders don’t have this greater clarity, they move from leading towards managing. A lack of connection to one’s purpose diminishes zeal, motivation, and the ability to add significant value. Leaders find themselves stuck in old business models, unable to adapt or innovate effectively. This misalignment leads to a decline in overall effectiveness and satisfaction in their roles.
Purpose-driven leadership is about tapping into one’s core identity and aligning it with the world’s needs, fostering innovation, motivation, and a greater capacity to add value. By doing so, leaders not only transform their organizations but also contribute meaningfully to broader societal challenges.