10Purpose
There is a thread that you follow. It goes among
things that change. But it doesn't change…
While you hold it you can't get lost…
You don't ever let go of the thread.
—William Stafford, “The Way It Is”
Having focused on the transformation from I to We, you are ready to discern the purpose of your leadership. Understanding your life story, your crucibles, and the transformation from I to We all help you discover your purpose. As an authentic leader, you must choose your purpose carefully, because your passion for that purpose is what draws people to you as a leader. If you aren't clear about your purpose, why would others want to follow you?
For you as a leader, your purpose is the way you translate your True North into making a difference in the world. For your organization, purpose is the motivating force that binds people together to drive the organization toward common goals. For society, it is the way leaders and organizations contribute to better lives for all people.
Ken Frazier: Medicine for the People
Ken Frazier has led his life with a clear sense of his True North. Now CEO of one of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, he has found great alignment between his True North and his organization's mission. He said,
Merck founder George W. Merck declared, “Medicine is for the people. It is not for the profits.” On the organization chart, it looks like I'm in charge, but every employee knows that George Merck quote by heart, and they look constantly ...
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