LEAD WITH PURPOSE

My new program, LEAD WITH PURPOSE, helps successful entrepreneurs and managers build high performance teams. How work gets done makes a difference. Both leaders and followers struggle to find a balance between performance and well-being. I hope these short articles stimulate your curiosity and boost your confidence in inspiring leadership in every team member. Here’s what you can expect in the weeks ahead:

+ Knowing your Values and Your WHY
+ Motivation Inside Out
+ Facing Personality Quirks
+ Attention and Presence
+ Finding Common Ground
+ Leading Creative Conversations

Knowing your values and your WHY

What is your story?

At a cocktail party I might talk with a new friend about current events or give my opinion about the candidates in the Presidential primaries. I personally love to geek out and talk about my trip to the auto show or driverless cars. There is nothing wrong with shallow conversation. I don’t always need to be serious and deep. And laughter moves a story along quite nicely.

In the privacy of your own home can you tell your story to yourself?

I’m pointing to stories that reveal something about your life, what you care about, what lights you up, or where you feel vulnerable. Sharing your words and emotions bring characters to life with feelings and vivid descriptions. Stories paint a picture and form the glue of human relationships. We relate to one another by sharing experiences.

In a public setting, working in teams or inside organizations for example, getting below surface conversation can be awkward. If trust is present and you really want to know what is important to me you might ask questions directed towards understanding values. “What do you honor and respect? What human qualities like honesty, freedom, or family matter to you?”

With regard to purpose and leadership, discovering shared VALUES have proven to be effective in building working relationships. Scientifically validated tools and surveys can be used to identify your strengths and values. These attributes are then shared with others as part of our identity. I believe we can go further.

Purpose describes your values in action.

Purpose is extracted from the stories of our lives. Our indelible memories are ripe with meaning. Purpose emerges by continuing to reflect on the impactful stories of our life, integrating the feelings and seeing a common thread. What motivates us to action in the past likely drives our future behavior. I assert that true PURPOSE activates energy and personal leadership.

We are living in times that require bringing more of our true selves and our authentic expression forward. To know WHY you do what you do creates clarity for yourself and the people you encounter. Knowing your PURPOSE is essential for living authentically and communicating with love and not from fear. It is also an essential step in showing up as a conscious leader.

I invite you to continue down the path of my Lead With Purpose series. Click here to subscribe.

-Peter