Articles Purpose Driven Leaders
| Purpose Driven Leaders |
| Written by Sacha Sorrell | |||
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By Sacha Sorrell Purpose driven entrepreneurs are traditional entrepreneurs who are starting or growing businesses. However, the term can also apply to those individuals who work for organisations, bringing tangible value through alignment to the organisation’s purpose, values and offering. Here are some of the key capabilities that these leaders demonstrate and why they create the best companies: 1. They are dedicated to their business vision and willing to do the work required consistently over time. Some examples include: Oprah (Harpo & the Oprah TV Show), Bill Gates (Microsoft), Richard Branson (Virgin), Anita Roddick (The Body Shop), Sam Walton (Wal-Mart), Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard (HP). In every case they have spent many years of hard work in developing their company – Sam Walton wrote: “And like most over-night successes, it was about 20 years in the making” (Made in America, 1992). 2. They keep to their core purpose and values and recruit the right people. Jim Collins’ research on leading companies found that: “Enduring great companies preserve their core values and purpose while their business strategies and operating practices endlessly adapt to a changing world”. Getting the wrong people out and right people in, based on the organisation’s values and skills requirements, is critical to success. 3. They face facts in the present, face their fears, learn and take consistent action. They don’t waste time and energy worrying about the past or being fearful of the future. Rather, they stay in the present, the place where we are able to face facts, learn and make things happen. 4. They are purpose driven leaders, and understand the areas they are leading. Many entrepreneurs focus on the business areas in which they are skilled, delegating or giving little attention to those they don’t like. Delegating non-priority roles is important; however, if you don’t have a good understanding of how that role works, how can you manage or lead the people doing the work? 5. They are constantly researching, listening, learning from feedback and innovating. Feedback mechanisms related to your business include: Financial – what’s happening with sales? Human capital – what are your colleagues telling you? The market – what’s the word in the market? Clients - what is the client feedback? Once they have gathered the data they can innovate, differentiate and improve their products and services. 6. They plan their work and work their plan. Taking time to plan regularly is critical. Planning includes where you want to go, what objectives you want to achieve and how you are going to get there. 7. They create and implement values driven quality management systems. Values driven organisations have proven to be the most successful in every industry. How do you develop a values driven organisation? Ensure that every system in every part of your business expresses your core values. 8. They take responsibility for their growth and development and realise that the learning journey never ends. Research has shown that the skills of entrepreneurs who are purpose driven can be developed through effective coaching and practice. Sacha Sorrell is the director of entrepreneurial development company REAL Training. Contact +27 21 421 3977, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.realtraining.co.za. © Entrepreneur magazine SA. All rights reserved. Share this article 
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