Leadership is often associated with authority, influence, or the ability to make decisions that affect others. Yet true leadership extends beyond power and is more so about purpose. To lead with purpose means guiding others with vision, values, and a commitment to creating lasting impact. This deeper form of leadership can be seen as a “bangle,” or a symbol of strength, continuity, and responsibility carried with honor.
Why Purpose Matters in Leadership
Leadership without purpose risks becoming empty ambition. Research from Harvard Business Publishing found that purpose-driven leadership not only increases employee engagement but also improves organizational outcomes and resilience. When leaders ground their actions in meaningful principles, they inspire loyalty, creativity, and trust. Purpose transforms leadership from a role into a legacy.
Defining Purposeful Leadership
Purposeful leadership is not about achieving personal recognition. Rather, it is about aligning decisions with values that uplift others. Leaders who embody purpose demonstrate clarity, consistency, and empathy. They do not lead simply to achieve goals; they lead to create environments where others can flourish.
The “Bangle” of Leadership
The metaphor of a bangle serves as a powerful reminder. Just as a bangle is circular and enduring, purposeful leadership carries continuity. It connects the leader to those who came before and to those who will follow. Wearing this “bangle” is both a privilege and a responsibility, and it symbolizes the ongoing cycle of influence and guidance.
How to Lead with Purpose
1. Define Core Values
Leaders must first know what they stand for. Identifying values such as integrity, fairness, or compassion provides a compass for decisions.
2. Communicate Vision Clearly
A purposeful leader articulates not just where the team is going, but why. A shared vision unites people behind common goals.
3. Prioritize People Over Power
Leadership rooted in purpose focuses on service. Recognizing, mentoring, and uplifting others ensures that success is shared, not hoarded.
4. Demonstrate Consistency
Purpose is not demonstrated in one decision. Instead, it is revealed through daily actions. Consistency builds trust and credibility over time.
5. Leave Space for Growth
Purposeful leaders acknowledge they do not have all the answers. By creating space for innovation and diverse perspectives, they strengthen their teams and communities.
Purpose as Legacy
Leadership with purpose does not fade when titles or positions change. It endures in the people who were empowered, the values that were instilled, and the opportunities that were created. This is the true legacy of purposeful leadership.
I, Millicent Clarke, HR Executive, Leadership Coach, and author of Millie: My Gift of Bangles [audiobook link], try to embody this philosophy. My reflections on leadership emphasize that the “bangle” is not just a symbol of personal strength, but a reminder of responsibility to others. My work’s goal is to demonstrate that to lead with purpose is to create ripples of influence that outlast one’s tenure and become a timeless legacy.
