On Purpose: Why great leaders start with the PLOT

PART IIManifesto

This book has been written on purpose — in the literal sense — as we head into a time when our models are failing to predict the future (of anything, from the weather to the economy). In the words of Winston Churchill, ‘It's useful to look to the future but not further than you can see'. The majority of people accept that we have unprecedented change ahead and seemingly intractable issues to address; so how do individuals, government, corporates and not-for-profits steer their course? I love serendipity as much as the next guy, but it is not going to stop this ship from hitting the rocks.

What should be our rudder? How will we get there? What moral code do we hold on to without rationalising away what truly matters?

Why? Because it is hard to make everyone happy. It is hard to look after all our constituents — our family and friends, our customers, our employees, our community, our mother earth, our shareholders, our bottom line — ourselves. It is easy for one to dominate, one person, one interest group. Could we become the narcissist or simply forget to look after ourselves?

In the thick of this it is easy to rationalise a new truth. It is easy to make mistakes. It is easy for the wrong person to be leading.

In a world where so much is happening I look to one of our most brilliant minds, Albert Einstein, who said, ‘Out of clutter, find simplicity. From discord, find harmony. In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.'

I believe in simplicity, harmony and ...