For any organization to be successful, solid leadership is a key component. There are many factors that create a great leader, but one vital piece is a sense of purpose. That alone can be the difference between an average leader and a leader who truly inspires.

In an article titled, Purpose in Leadership: Why & How, on the Center for Creative Leadership web site, authors Stephanie Wormington and Paige Graham describe what they mean by purpose-based leadership:

Purpose-driven leadership means helping employees find personal meaning in their work and fostering a deeply committed workforce that thrives on shared goals and aspirations. Purpose-driven leaders model value-based decision-making, take time to learn what truly matters to their employees, connect work to a greater objective, and help employees understand their organization’s mission and find ways to personally connect to it.

The authors proceed to identify six specific items that drive the sense of purpose. Purposeful leaders help their followers experience the following in their work:

1. Utility: Work is practically relevant to our goals and aspirations, either now or in the future.
2. Personal Development: Work facilitates opportunities for self-growth, developing either skillsets or mindsets in personally meaningful ways.
3. Impact: Work empowers us to make a tangible and positive difference in the world, contributing to the greater good of society, our communities, or those close to us.
4. Identity Reinforcement: Work reinforces our sense of self, aligning with the core elements of who we are.
5. Intrinsic Interest: Work is inherently fun and energizing, offering enjoyable experiences that naturally appeal to our interests.
6. External Rewards: Work leads to a desirable payoff, from a paycheck to a promotion.

Read the rest of the article to learn the two specific ways to cultivate greater purpose in your leadership.