Last week I talked about the importance of discerning a political candidate’s purpose before deciding to vote for them. I would like to share more about what is so important about purpose in the life of a leader.
I recently ran across a definition of leadership that I absolutely love. In his book “The Power of Character in Leadership”, Dr. Miles Munroe defines leadership this way:
Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration motivated by passion, generated by a vision, produced by a conviction, and ignited by a purpose.
Notice that everything rests on, and is driven by, a leader’s purpose.
To be an effective servant leader one must clearly discern their purpose. God has a purpose for each of us. It is up to us to discern what that is. Purpose becomes the intersection of one’s God-given strengths, talents, & abilities, with their values, their passions, and the legacy they would like to leave.
A servant leader’s purpose will then drive their convictions on what they want to do with their life. Servant leaders have a conviction for wanting to enhance the lives of those people they are serving. They are driven by that daily and do not waiver.
A servant leader’s convictions will then lead them to develop a vision for how they will make a positive impact during their time on this earth. They will see this so clearly that it already will seem like a reality.
This vision will drive their passion, enthusiasm, and energy to fulfill their aspirations. Abraham Lincoln was committed to a vision of freedom and equality for all. His assertion “I have said nothing but what I am willing to live by and, if it be the pleasure of the Almighty God, die by.” A compelling vision based on conviction from a purpose will provide relentless motivation.
When people see that level of passion and commitment to a purpose and vision they will be inspired by it. That inspiration will compel them to follow the leader, getting on board to help bring the vision to fruition. That leads to influence!
A servant leader uses this influence to have a positive impact on people. They positively impact attitudes, behaviors, and performance. They enable people to achieve their goals and the legacy they want to leave.
Bottom line: Purpose is Important! It drives everything. It behooves us to know our personal purpose, as well as the purpose of those leaders we follow.
Mark
The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Matthew 20:28