Curiosity got the best of me, so I started searching for the true purpose of leadership… How many “last names” do we attach to the word leadership? I stopped counting a long time ago. How many leadership courses, programs, or masterclasses have I attended? A lot. Seriously, a lot!
And lately, I notice we keep adding prefixes to the word itself: self-leadership, neuro-leadership (wait, can I split myself in two, lead myself, and come back?). Or we add suffixes: agile leader, resonant leader, servant leader…
So I go back to the basics: what is the goal of leadership? To influence. To achieve something. A concrete result, of course. But is that really it? Focusing only on the goal can distort everything. When I focus solely on the outcome, I miss what is happening around me. My radar turns off. I am so focused that I fail to see how life flows and changes. And I do not realize that “I” actually have no influence. Am I not already conditioned by my own beliefs and identity?
Who is leading, then?
Focusing solely on the outcome makes me miss everything that is happening around me.
Shall we continue? Let’s dive deeper. I notice the excitement, fear, and leadership opportunities sparked by “digital transformation.” People talk of nothing else. I will quote directly from the McKinsey Global Institute report, “A Future That Works: Automation, Employment, and Productivity” (page 25): “(…) Finally, automation will create opportunity for people to use capabilities inherent to humans that machines find very difficult to emulate: logical thinking, problem solving, social-emotional skills, providing expertise, coaching, developing others, and creativity (…)”. We are ready to make the leap from the emotional to the relational.
The question is: where will we connect from?
This is the challenge. We must give and receive training to develop these deeply human skills. Otherwise, how can I recognize in you what I have not trained in myself? Understanding how the mind works and how our emotions are triggered is vital. It helps me realize what truly drives me. Finally, I can take the pole and leap. This leap takes me to a new place. It is a place not outside of myself, but something that moves us from deep within.
It is the power of purpose
Understanding how the mind works is vital. It helps me realize what truly drives me. It is the power of purpose.
From this authentic place, I can truly connect with others to achieve greatness. This is what Masaru Ibuka, co-founder of SONY, did in 1946. Guided by the power of an idea, he put his purpose into action: “I want to establish a workplace where engineers can feel the joy of technological innovation, be aware of their mission to society, and work to their heart’s content.” That is how SONY was born.
To establish a place of work where engineers can feel the joy of technological innovation, be aware of their mission to society, and work to their heart’s content.
Masaru Ibuka
The first “Purposes of Incorporation” of Sony
Isn’t this the best proof that a leader’s strength lies in a purpose in action that serves life?
