Knowing your purpose connects you with your work. It creates greater meaning and motivation. It increases optimism and hope. It provides you with reasons to pursue your work. It helps you get out of bed in the morning. But have you explored your purpose beyond this?
If not, executive coach and author Karen Stein recommends high-level assistants try some self-coaching practices. Here, you’ll pause, reflect and examine your purpose to help further connect with your role and responsibilities…
“By asking yourself several questions you can determine why you are significant. You will realise why you matter, how you add value and why you are worthy. This is your purpose.
The great thing is that it will boost your positive emotions and wellbeing. You’ll also be better placed to tackle the complex problems you exist to solve.
- So, grab your notepad and answer the following:
- What is the human problem you are here to solve?
- Why are you significant in solving this?
- Why do you matter?
Read it back… You have just described your purpose!
Let me give you an example: Jessica worked with a very busy CEO in a data management organisation in the healthcare industry. Its purpose was to improve the wellbeing of the community through health providers’ access to trusted, confidential and reliable information.
To fulfil this purpose the CEO juggled many issues, stakeholders and priorities. It meant long hours and varying levels of stress.
Jessica’s role was to ensure her CEO was focused, planful, connected and prepared as he tried to fulfil the purpose of the organisation (but she also brought his attention to his wellbeing so he could perform at his best).
Jessica asked herself the above questions. She realised the problem she existed to solve was to ensure her CEO was well-supported to be his best every day, to fulfil the purpose of the organisation. This was why she mattered.
She was significant in ensuring this by applying her professional skills. This included proactive communication, time management, stakeholder engagement, prioritisation and curiosity. The latter skill supported her listening and empathy, allowing her to step into the CEO’s shoes and understand what mattered to him.
Jessica’s attention to detail and strong professionalism showed why she mattered and was significant. In her absence, the CEO would struggle to perform in his role, which would poorly impact the organisation in terms of fulfilling its purpose.
So, Jessica connected with her purpose each day and flourished in her role. She was engaged and optimistic. She felt connected; advancing the wellbeing of the community through her actions in support of her CEO.”
