It’s been said that 95 percent of business promotions are based on performance, but results account for only 10 percent of the reasons people follow a leader. The most common reason we follow a leader is because of who they are.
The leaders we remember most, in history or our own past, are the ones who have inspired or empowered us.
We don’t usually remember bosses because they were so smart and could figure out spreadsheets in their head. We remember how they made us feel, how they acted.
The reason these leaders are memorable is because they have a sense of their own purpose.
But you would be surprised how many leaders today cannot even identify what is important to them.
Many say they don’t identify their purpose because they are too busy and they have too much to do.
[quote]Our purpose is the foundation of our leadership and life.[/quote]
It gives us the stability to stand, because when the tough times come (and they do) and the ground beneath us begins to shake (and it will) it is our sense of purpose that keeps us solid.
To know your purpose is to know your meaning.
If you know your meaning is to know your direction
If you know your direction is to know your journey
To find your leadership purpose, ask the following questions:
- What are my skills, talents, abilities and passion?
- What are my values, my beliefs, and my convictions?
- What does it look like?
- What does it feel like?
- What does it sound like?
- How do others know what I stand for?
- What can they observe in me that shows them my purpose?
[quote]Those who have failed to work towards their purpose have missed the chance at living[/quote]
Lead From Within: Consider where you are now and where you want to go. See your sense of purpose fill in any gaps between what you are doing today and where you are headed tomorrow.
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
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46 Responses
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Martina
08. Oct, 2013
You are correct Lolly. When we do not live our purpose or out of our purpose, we do not live our best, most fulfilling or a life that resonates with our hearts and souls.
When we know our purpose and are able to give and live freely from that space, we also give our best and richest gifts to others, the most important of which is our authentic selves.
Knowing your purpose is like knowing your name. When you can name a thing, you have a much better chance of seizing the opportunities to become that thing you choose. When you can clearly define your target, you can aim at it.
Know yourself, know your purpose, give freely and pursue the best version of yourself.
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
LOVE THIS Martina. KNOWING YOUR PURPOSE IS KNOWING YOUR NAME.
Karin Hurt
08. Oct, 2013
Living toward your purpose is energizing and leads to a life of possibilities and adventure. I’ve also found it important to stay open as you discover more about your purpose… for me it has evolved and deepened with time.
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
Karin,
You mentioned about staying open. that is so wonderful. because as people we are forever changing and within our transformation, open heart and mind and will is so necessary.
Thanks for your added wisdom. I truly appreciate you.
Lolly
Alli Polin
08. Oct, 2013
Appreciate your powerful questions, Lolly. It’s funny how busy becomes an excuse for avoiding inner work – like knowing who we are and what we most want. Knowing the answers to these questions can propel us even further than success earned to date.
I know many leaders that are so busy doing, they think that they have no time for the being of leadership. It’s our way of being that defines us most as a leader and the time and effort spent to know ourselves matters.
Thanks, Lolly!
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
Thanks Alli for recognizing the importance of questions.
It is in our questioning that we make time to slow down, think deeper and dive into our meaning.
Making time for ourselves is making time for our life.
Your insight is very thoughtful.
Lolly
Jon Mertz
08. Oct, 2013
Great post, Lolly. Distractions are all around us, along with thoughts it can (or should) all happen quickly. No wonder we cannot name our purpose; we lose track of why we are doing things and drift way off course.
We need to center in our purpose. Know it. Lead with it. Embrace it always.
Great charge to take! Thanks! Jon
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
LOVE THIS Jon!
wise words!
Great wisdom.
Thanks Lolly
Linda Fisher Thornton
08. Oct, 2013
Insightful post, Lolly. People want to find meaning in their lives and in their work. When we know our purpose as leaders, it helps us create meaningful experiences that bring out the best in others.
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
Linda,
Thanks YES purpose brings about meaning.
Looking forward to tonight as we discuss LEADING THROUGH ETHICS.
See you on #leadfromwithin tweetchat.
Lolly
Panteli Tritchew
08. Oct, 2013
Hi Lolly et al: Insightful post and comments to wake up to here in the West Coast!
Many of us would say (and I have) that leaders who have inspired us most are those who have a clear vision. Vision is sexy and has a lion’s share of the press within leadership circles, but I love how this post gets at the deeper, more personalized foundation necessary for clear Vision- a sense of Purpose.
For no small reason, the ancients carved this challenge into stone: “Know Thyself.”
Vision statements are sexy (and necessary) to drive corporations forward, but ultimately they are just words. Those leaders who have clear sense of their own purpose and meaning can generate a clear vision, and give purpose and meaning to its manifestation.
Thanks Lolly, Martina, Karin, alli and Jon! 🙂
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
love it Panteli
you are correct, we have lots of manifestations for our business and leadership that is sexy.
defining purpose is meaningful….!
As always your added comments, are insightful and thoughtful.
Thanks so much
Lolly
LaRae Quy
08. Oct, 2013
Great post! And I appreciate how you encourage people to dwell on what their purpose FEELS, SOUNDS, or LOOKS like…this is the perfect way for people to truly explore all aspects of discovering and uncovering their purpose. Some of us are visual, while others of us are auditory or instinctive in our approach to life.
As leaders, we need to be continually aware of how purpose touches each one of these senses as our circumstances change, and as we change and grow….
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
I believe LaRae that Purpose is life and we live life by sensing our lives with our senses. so for sure it takes all of us to live in our purpose.
I love your comment
Thanks so much for your insightful wisdom!
Lolly
Samantha
08. Oct, 2013
Wonderful post Lolly.
If other people don’t know what we stand for, it’s usually a clear indication that we either aren’t standing up for what we believe in, or we don’t yet know what it is.
Also, there are times when our purpose may not be popular, yet it’s what is needed to lead change. The path of purpose we travel in life will not always be easy or clear.
However, we will not feel fulfilled or find meaning in a life unless we are on that path.
Loved your questions at the end. It’s good to wonder about and review periodically.
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
purpose is personal it is not about being popular.
it is private and profound for ourselves.
our purpose has to make sense to us, has to feel good to us, has to be clear to us.
purpose is not about pleasing anyone.
if you live your purpose for anyone but self, you are not living your life.
Terri Klass
08. Oct, 2013
Our purpose is what defines our choices and decisions and if we are unclear we have an unsteady path.
The greatest challenge is figuring out what we each want to stand for-our own unique brand. Your questions are a perfect way to explore.
And we can change our purpose if we want. That’s totally what growing and learning is all about.
Love, love this powerful post, Lolly!!!
lollydaskal
08. Oct, 2013
Terri
People get so overwhelmed when thinking of their purpose. they feel they need to have a tremendous purpose….
One of my clients was struggling with his purpose he felt that he did not know how to impact or influence the world it feels to overwhelming he said, …. and
so I said to him, why does it have to be you will change the world, why can’t you just change one person.
And a great smile came across his face. Oh I can do that. I thought my purpose had to be bigger than me. I said, changing one life is changing the world, – it is bigger than you.
Simon Harvey
08. Oct, 2013
Love that you wrote:
“Those who have failed to work towards their purpose have missed the chance at living”
For those that feel that they have failed, stop and listen to the sound of a door called learning and opportunity open. Realize that everyday is a day you can start your own journey as you recognize your skills, talents, abilities and passion.
It is never too late to stop, listen and ask again.When we let go of what we think we know, then answers will be revealed if we listen with an open heart and mind.
I think as we see others create visions with purpose we are empowered to do the same. We are then more willing to open our minds and let go of our old mental models of the world.
Time is the great unknown, none of us know how much we have, so for anyone that feels they don’t have the time to ask your important questions, they may well be right! But now is always a good time to make time.
Take a chance that you may open a window of light that will change your life. There is purpose to everything we do, you just have to have the courage to stop and listen within to understand what it is.
This moment is all we have, but it is timeless when a purpose of it is known. Do we follow the person or do we really follow their ideas that they painted with their vision.
Great leaders shine a bright light of purpose for all to follow in there own way, and as they do so that greatness is passed along to others, as connections are made and purpose spreads.
Perhaps there is no greater quest than to know one’s purpose, but I believe that it is one that changes as we grow, and as it changes, we change.
Life is a wonder, full of purpose, some will be reveled, some may not, but none will be handed to you on a stick with a compass.
What is leadership without a purpose, it is a carriage and horses without a driver.
See you tonight, with purpose.
lollydaskal
10. Oct, 2013
Dear Simon,
I always look forward to your comments I know when you stop by I will walk away richer by reading your words!
Particularly tonight your words are beautiful and worth repeating!
Take a chance that you may open a window of light that will change your life. There is purpose to everything we do, you just have to have the courage to stop and listen within to understand what it is.
This moment is all we have, but it is timeless when a purpose of it is known. Do we follow the person or do we really follow their ideas that they painted with their vision.
Great leaders shine a bright light of purpose for all to follow in there own way, and as they do so that greatness is passed along to others, as connections are made and purpose spreads.
Perhaps there is no greater quest than to know one’s purpose, but I believe that it is one that changes as we grow, and as it changes, we change.
Life is a wonder, full of purpose, some will be reveled, some may not, but none will be handed to you on a stick with a compass.
What is leadership without a purpose, it is a carriage and horses without a driver.
Beautiful wisdom …
Thanks SIMON!!!!!!
See you on #leadfromwithin tonight. Appreciate your presence!
David Tumbarello
09. Oct, 2013
Thanks Lolly for the great post. The comments are always inspiring as well. I think about purpose and as someone said, be responsive to the open door. A bit more active way of putting that is to say seek out opportunities to grow. I don’t exactly have a purpose statement, but one word that is at my core is “growth”. I care about personal growth and giving growth away. The word is very flexible! Not everyone is going to have the same purpose, as we all know, but what is important is that our value system honors self and others. Begin with that and your purpose is sure to be right.
lollydaskal
10. Oct, 2013
Dear David,
I love that you have a word I do the same for the year. I have a word for the year. instead of a new years resolution.
LEARNING, BLOOMING, LOVING, SILENCE, OBSERVING. TRUSTING.
I really like GROWTH because it covers so much of what you can do with your life and leadership!
It is a fantastic idea! I hope many people read your comment and get inspired to do the same!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Lolly
Sharon Reed
09. Oct, 2013
Purpose and vision go hand in hand. We can have a vision for the future, but purpose provides us with meaning and the motivating fuel to execute, despite the inevitable obstacles we’ll face along the way. Feeling purposeful also reminds me I am a part of something bigger than myself.
Thanks, as always, for inspiring and challenging others to go within.
lollydaskal
10. Oct, 2013
Purpose and vision do go hand in hand. You are right Sharon!
you have brought the concept full circle and for that I thank you!
we challenge each other to bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
Love to you Sharon
Always great to see you
Lolly
Faith Presley
09. Oct, 2013
Thank you for this thought provoking post. These questions really nail some important aspects of the professional relationship.
lollydaskal
10. Oct, 2013
The idea is to always keep asking questions Faith, the more we ask the more answers we shall receive!
Thanks for stopping by. Come back next week!
Dan Black
10. Oct, 2013
Great post, Lolly!
Discovering and walking in our purpose is so essential. I’ve earned our strengths, passions, and purpose are closely connected with each other. When we begin to find one of those areas, the other two will be close behind.
I really enjoyed the quotes you shared. Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts.
Dawood Chishti
12. Oct, 2013
“To know your purpose is to know your meaning,
If you know your meaning is to know your direction,
If you know your direction is to know your journey!”
YES,
Lolly,
It
Will
Keep on
causing ‘Inner stimulus’
Steven Menzel
13. Oct, 2013
Great blog Lolly, I would really like to connect you to our CEO Nathan Mellor, you would so enjoy his messages, certainly his last TedX talk. Go to our website if you have time. I’m sure you get many requests like his.
lollydaskal
13. Oct, 2013
Thanks for reaching out Steven, it would be an honor to talk to Nathan.
Maybe we can set something up.
Lolly
Dawood Chishti
13. Oct, 2013
How does it look like?
How does it feel like?
How does it sounds like?
‘Calls the morning bird’
Raghunandan
13. Oct, 2013
Great thought Lolly. Each Leadership is about enabling the followers in their thought they believe can make a difference. Certainly there should be a purpose to lead the team and as a leader the primary responsibility is to enable, empower and ensure ethics and values.
sridhar laxman
15. Oct, 2013
Lolly
Thank you for this important post. I love your thoughts on leaders becoming memorable because of how they made us feel. So simple and powerful yet missed out by many. Also like your point about using sense of purpose to fill the gap between whats being done today and where one is headed tomorrow.
Am sharing a quote on purpose that I find highly inspiring
‘ Realize what you want. It stops you from chasing butterflies and puts you to work digging gold.’ ~ William Moulton Marsden
Guvenc Altas
20. Oct, 2013
Great post !
Promoting someone who makes the best results is always the safe choice to make.The system is programmed to make the safe choices but as i understand from your post it will not work for so long because we need leaders to inspire us ! So we need more courage to get out of our comfort zone of making safe choices !
Thanks Lolly
Natalie Anne Lanoville
21. Oct, 2013
I actually just figured out my purpose a couple of weeks ago, and it made me kick myself for not doing it sooner. It is: “To connect caring people with opportunities to make the world a better place.”
AnandaSwarup
27. Jun, 2014
Succinctly put indeed!
A clearly worded, well-meaning sense of purpose instills a desire to “Live Your Life Truly”, doesn’t it? Authenticity follows naturally. And authentic leadership is the need of the hour, both in business and in government.
practical driving test uk
27. Jul, 2016
Good way of describing, and good piece of writing to take data regarding my presentation topic, which i am going to present in school.
H
16. Oct, 2016
What do u mean by if its too good to b true, it probably is
Kay | Klangwelt
06. Apr, 2017
I think the only way to be successful in life – regardless if you are a leader or not – is to live out your purpose and to do what you love. That’s what gives meaning to life. I mean sure, making money is great, but if you have to drag yourself to do something you hate every day and you start feeling like your existence has no meaning, than all the money in the world couldn’t make you happy. At least those are my two cents.