On-Purpose Leadership: Why It Is Far Better Than 'Purpose-Driven' | Ep. 35 | Science of Leadership

Start with purpose, but not just any purpose. Understand the core of being "on-purpose" rather than "purpose-driven."

Join Tom Collins on this episode of the  @TheScienceofLeadership  podcast as he delves into the transformative power of "on-purpose leadership" with Kevin McCarthy.

This enlightening episode unravels the concept of "on-purpose" leadership, contrasting it with popular notions of being "purpose-driven." Kevin McCarthy shares his unique insights on understanding and harnessing one's innate purpose, which he likens to spiritual DNA, to lead with clarity and effectiveness. He presents a different perspective that challenges traditional views, emphasizing the importance of responding to our inner calling and aligning it with organizational goals.

Throughout the episode, Kevin McCarthy discusses the critical role purpose plays in enhancing organizational performance and personal fulfillment. Using real-life examples, he demonstrates how aligning one's personal purpose with the organization leads to increased engagement, innovation, and overall well-being. The conversation touches on key themes like the importance of knowing one's identity, the dangers of misidentification, and how purpose can act as a guiding light through adversity. Whether you're a leader seeking to inspire your team or someone on a personal journey to discover your calling, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for integrating purpose into leadership and daily life.

 

Key Takeaways:

🔸Purpose is a critical component of effective leadership, serving as a guiding force for both individuals and organizations.

🔸True purpose is innate and should not be equated with roles or titles; it's about responding to an internal calling.

🔸Aligning personal purpose with organizational goals enhances engagement, productivity, and overall organizational performance.

🔸Identifying and living by one's purpose can lead to longer, more fulfilling lives, as shown by studies linking purpose to increased longevity.

🔸Understanding and nurturing the purpose of those you lead fosters a supportive and innovative workplace environment.

 

IN THIS EPISODE

0:00 | Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Innate Nature

8:34 | Purpose-Driven Leadership and Its Impact on Perception

14:42 | Aligning Personal Purpose With Organizational Mission for Success 20:58 | Discovering Purpose Beyond Professional and Social Roles

26:02 | The Impact of Purpose on Longevity and Organizational Success

30:05 | Identity Versus Identifiers in Defining Purpose

38:53 | Purpose as a Guiding Light Through Adversity

 

References

Center for Creative Leadership. (2024). Purpose in Leadership: Why & How. https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/purpose-in-leadership-why-how/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Deloitte. (2015). Becoming irresistible: A new model for employee engagement. https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/insights/deloitte-review/issue-16/employee-engagement-strategies.html

George, B., & Sims, P. (2007). True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership. Jossey-Bass.

Hill, P. L., & Turiano, N. A. (2014). Purpose in Life as a Predictor of Mortality Across Adulthood. Psychological Science, 25(7), 1482-1486.

McCarthy, K. W. (2012). The On-Purpose Business Person: Doing More of What You Do Best More Profitably. On-Purpose Publishing.

McCarthy, K. W. (2017). Chief Leadership Officer: Increasing Wealth So Everyone Profits. On-Purpose Publishing.

Rey, C., Bastons, M. & Sotok, P. (Eds.). (2019). Purpose-driven Organizations: Management Ideas for a Better World. Palgrave MacMillen.

Ribeiro, M. F., Costa, C. G. d., & Ramos, F. R. (2024). Exploring Purpose-Driven Leadership: Theoretical Foundations, Mechanisms, and Impacts in Organizational Context. Administrative Sciences, 14(7), 148.

Sinek, S. (2011). Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action. Portfolio.

Sisodia, R. S., Wolfe, D. B., & Sheth, J. N. (2007). Firms of Endearment: How World-Class Companies Profit from Passion and Purpose. Prentice Hall.