Charge! Four Routes to Your Leadership and Life Purpose

There are those who look at things the way they are, and ask why…I dream of things that never were, and ask why not?
Robert F. Kennedy

What centers and lights the way for you at your place of being in charge? How do you map your way through life?

Organizational mission statements and strategic plans are designed to provide this scope. In life, we may be faced with many battles. Going up our own rough side of the mountain, it’s important to know why we’re climbing. Is there a vision?

Many events in life are ordained, part of our purpose, and they may involve suffering before victory. Leaders need to be on point. Parents need to be focused. An outcome must be sought, dreams turned into reality. Both are sources for guidance and direction, all for achieving the objective.

For the military, no war is fought without a purpose and a plan. During battle, the purpose is to support and defend while staying alive, willing to sacrifice if necessary, proud to serve!

Cause and direction are essential. This scope is to be drilled down to the lowest level, orienting soldiers to the mission and how to take action. Trickling even further, soldiers are issued a compass as a tool to help them orient themselves to where they are and traverse the battlefield. GPS technology also supports this effort in current times. You can’t win without direction and battle orders.

            Driving was also another area that surfaced quite often in our family gatherings. With two uncles that were long haul truck drivers and another one who traversed the country for his military assignments, I too took on the messages from the open road.  Metaphorical and purposeful, driving offers insights geared to continuing the charge in leadership and life.

            There were four strategies I gleaned from him for the long haul:

 

1.      Define where you are going. So set the coordinates.

 

It starts with a vision.

. “Keep your eyes to the sky,” one of my uncles advised as I took on my first long distance road trip. “Read the directional signs and know the name of the next big location or city you’re headed to. Continue to check your map before you get on the road, and each time you stop for a break, familiarize yourself with your route. This will keep you from getting lost out there. You’ll be all right.”

I was—trip successful.

Lesson link. Put a plan in motion with relevant and actionable steps. Where do you want to go and how do you get there? Be very clear on your coordinates.

 

2.      Open all lanes for learning.

Mistakes, setbacks, and disappointments are inevitable. What will you do with that knowledge? Gridlock and resistance show up. We will have learning curves for him when it comes to earning buy-in from those we lead.

3. Don’t be afraid to change destination.

Steer on in spite of roadblocks and potholes such as the economy, a career shift, or lost resources. Find a new route. Use another skill to still be of service.

4. Crank your motivation motor constantly.

Be driven and self-motivated to remain on course. Keep the fuel ignited. Think about why you’re there as a leader. Do you have a passion for your deliverables? Is there a link to your life purpose? Does it afford the flexibility or income potential you seek?

Excerpted from my book, Hardcore Leadership: 11 Master Lessons from My Airborne Ranger Uncle’s “Final Jump”   http://www.amazon.com/dp/1479324760