Once, while reading a book, I came across a quote that said “Purpose gives you an identity,” and that’s when it occurred to me that just like our names and our personalities, which make us unique from every other individual out there, purpose is something that sets us apart, while leading. One can never go against a leader whose mind is set upon something. It’s hard to stop someone who isn’t just working for monetary gains, but for a cause.
Why Purpose is an Important Element for You to Lead
Now you must be wondering why it is so essential to have a purpose for you to lead. The reason is – it separates you from the crowd. A world where we, as women, are often taken for granted for almost every contribution, purpose, helps us see the reason to lead and emerge as women in this world, where women leaders aren’t recognised enough. Once we are determined to do something, our focus shifts entirely to that particular task. Purpose helps you to find that motivation, to be determined, and to guide everyone around you.
Leading as a Collective Exercise
To lead doesn’t just mean going ahead with your own task, but to act as glue and bind everyone together as a team, and help them find a purpose, too. Often, people view leadership as a solo sprint to the finish line, but it’s really about being a team and finishing the race and winning together. Another reason why having a purpose while leading is of utmost importance is that whenever you feel like you can’t move forward or you’re stuck at square one, it pushes you to keep going. It is crucial because external noise is fickle and biased, while internal purpose is steady and stable.
In today’s world, many people will think you are not capable enough to do a certain job or be a leader. People would tell you your opinions and voice doesn’t matter, but this is where the voice in yourself will help you. That’s what purpose does – it gives you an inner voice to tell you to keep going, even when you are stuck. It becomes a navigator and helps you when you feel lost. It becomes a silver lining on hazy days.
Being a leader comes with its own set of responsibilities. Along with responsibilities, qualities such as patience, resilience, and strength are also tested while moving forward. ‘Purpose’ helps you to strengthen those qualities. It emphasises asking the ‘why’ question. It becomes a motive in a world where women are put into shackles and are moulded according to society. When everyone around you questions you, it teaches you that gender doesn’t matter in leadership, but the mindset of a leader does.
From Insecurities to Impact (A Personal Reflection)
Speaking about my experience, my work was often overlooked and taken for granted. Purpose provided me the clarity to emerge and lead. Once I was determined, my focus shifted from insecurities to impact. I felt defiant and powerful. I started seeing the positive effects of it; I saw my identity tied to a vision larger than myself.
Sometimes, leading can be exhausting. This is where having a ‘purpose’ comes into the picture. It acts as a reminder, a core reason for how important it is for you to reach somewhere as a leader, and a sheer sense of conviction. It makes you un-ignorable.
When you have a purpose for doing a job, it doesn’t remain as just a job but a mission with a clear and powerful motive behind it. To lead without a purpose is to follow the crowd, to lead with it is to become a force that cannot be overlooked or ignored by anyone. Because in a true sense, when your identity is tied to a mission, you become a true leader with a specific and undeniable vision.
About the Author
Madhura Kulkarni is an enthusiastic student from India who’s passionate about voicing her opinions and a firm believer in the power of inclusive leadership. Beyond the classroom, I’m involved in volunteer work and is committed to using different platforms to advocate women’s rights
