When you hear the word “leadership", what comes to mind? Do you understand it? As an executive coach, I have studied and practiced leadership, coached leaders, read books, attended conferences, and consequently, experienced different angles on the subject. Also, I have learned that people see leading from different perspectives. However, I’m convinced that it has a nucleus.
In my view, everything starts with leadership. The leadership guru, John Maxwell, puts it this way: "Everything rises and falls on leadership." More than ever, we need to understand how leadership works. The increasingly complex challenges in modern culture makes it wise to prioritise learning to lead.
So, what is the essence of leadership? Purpose. Leadership is the expression of purpose. Here, purpose is the work you’re here to do, and when activated, people can be uplifted by your expression. Furthermore, effective leaders consciously deploy their power to transform the lives of those they lead. Purpose affects leaders in interesting ways – here are three of its effects.
Leadership Instinct: In my line of work, I argue that there are people who become coaches through professional certifications and others who are designed to be coaches (they are wired for it). There is nothing wrong with certifications – I have them. However, my purpose and design give me an edge in that I have leadership instincts that cannot be taught; it’s my baseline by design. Effective leaders understand the power of leadership instinct. It makes you function like every creature in nature – the wildebeests or birds are not taught how to migrate when it's time. Purpose births an instinct in you that makes you distinct.
The Pull Effect: Purpose pulls you to those who you are designed to serve. When you become aware (and grow in your) purpose, the pull becomes automatic. I attract leaders by design. I understand it because my work is focused on helping leaders; my purpose requires proximity to them. Your purpose will pull people, resources, and places to you – it would place you in environments where you are poised to be most effective.
Activate People: Every leader who is aligned with their purpose is an activator because purpose activates purpose. You are active in your purpose when your work inspires people to get on their path. It is one reason why people see successful people and aspire to be great themselves. When purpose is on display, it awakens purpose in others. Effective leaders understand this principle, and therefore, take conscious steps to inspire greatness in others.
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