I’m always intrigued when my original article, Six Big Reasons Why You’ll Love the Role of Manager, shows up at the top of my most-read list. It gratifies me that people are finding this article, yet I don’t know whether they’re clicking on it out of shock value, “Love managing? That sounds ridiculous.” Or whether they’re searching for ideas and inspiration for a challenging role made tougher by our times.
I’m hoping it’s the ideas and inspiration part. That’s why this quote from the late, great Clayton Christensen resonates with me:
“Management is the most noble of professions if it’s practiced well. No other occupation offers as many ways to help others learn and grow, take responsibility and be recognized for achievement and contribute to the success of a team.”
As an executive and emerging leader coach, I run two workshop programs—one focused on new(er) managers and the other dedicated to those with ample experience. I average 400+ participants who join me for 12-hours each year, offering a significant sample size and industry and market cross-section from which to learn. The number one takeaway for me is that the best managers are driven by a purpose more significant than the next quarterly numbers. The numbers and performance indicators are barometers of their effectiveness as managers, not drivers of their actions. Purpose serves as their fuel.
The source of the fuel makes a difference.
Here are some observations of some great managers I’ve worked with in my programs:
Five Key Behaviors of Purpose-Driven Managers
The challenge for all of us as managers is, how do we access the power of purpose in our role when many above and around us might not be playing with the same sense of motivation? Here are some lessons from some great managers about finding and harnessing the power of purpose in their work. Read and think about how you might put their ideas to work.
1. They Don’t Manage—They Tailor
There’s a consistent theme from many purpose-driven managers on wanting to find a way to make the work less laborious and more contributory. These managers strive to help individuals cut out bureaucracy nonsense and find more ways to use their natural skills and abilities. Instead of plugging them into the system as machine parts, they tailor the work and roles to strengths while remaining laser-focused on the mission to serve customers and stakeholders.
2. There’s Only One Measure that Counts
It doesn’t matter what sector the managers come from; those who feel a profound responsibility for serving their customers (internal or external) draw upon this empathy to fuel their work. When the daily challenges and headaches are framed in the context of “The needs of the customers come first,” everyone understands the rubric for decision-making. The only numbers that count here are how satisfied their direct customers are with their service or offerings.
3. Connecting with People is a Driver
I still wince when a manager tells me they rely on an open-door policy for employee communication. While open doors aren’t inherently wrong, they’re not enough.
Purpose-driven leaders focus on meeting their people where they are through regular one-on-ones, daily check-ins or stand-ups, and consistent, positive coaching based on observation. The dialog is a stream, not an event; these managers listen fiercely to understand and ultimately support their team members.
4. They’re Relentless, Professional Warriors for Their Cause
Purpose-driven managers understand they create the most value for their team members and customers by engaging with influencers and finding ways to cut through the bureaucracy. They don’t ignore the political environment or shy away from defending their team members. These managers engage and build value-creating relationships with those who decide what gets done. They leverage these relationships to make improvements in programs, policies, and infrastructure that help them with their mission.
5. Every Day is an Adventure in Doing Good
This last one is perhaps the most important. We all feel the sometimes energy and soul-sapping grind of our days. Our early morning outline of how we want the day to unfold often blows up before the first cup of coffee is consumed. And, it’s easy to grow transactional, striving to survive in a series of days that always feel like too much work and not enough time or resources. Yet, the most effective managers show up every day understanding the mess is the opportunity, and they focus on building value as they engage, consult, respond, and support. They know value isn’t created, and purpose isn’t manifested by thinking about it but rather by doing. And they smile (mostly) while they do it.
The Bottom-Line for Now:
Those who bring a sense of purpose to their work know that their job is to affect others positively to help them create the right outcomes. Their focus is on contributing to the satisfaction of their customers through and with their team members. They engage and learn and help. And they do it because it’s the right thing to do. It’s not about control or power, but rather it’s about contribution.
Leave A Comment