The jumping off point for greatness is a clear and compelling purpose ― Hugh Blane
Every year, in January, so many of us create our new year’s resolutions – lists of things that we want to do differently in the new year: Lose weight; Workout more often; Get a new job; Go back to school; Meet someone special. Many of these ideas are nothing more than wishful thinking…that is to say that there is no plan as to how that resolution will be achieved. It is not surprising, then, that so many resolutions are abandoned just days after their creation. Why, then, are some successful? The answer most likely includes a detailed plan combined with a sense that success is a non-negotiable. Hugh Blane’s book about transformational leadership offers a series of principles that, when applied, can create a mindset that pursues life with the passion and purpose necessary to meet and exceed your goals.
Throughout his book, Blane lays out seven principles: purpose, promise, projects, persuasion, praising, perseverance, and preparation. Each principle provides a foundational concept and its associated practical applications. For example, chapter one focuses on purpose as the foundation for everything else. If we’re honest, it can be a struggle to define our purpose. Many of the businesses and companies that we have associated ourselves with over the years struggle to identify and remain true to a singular purpose. Without this sense of clarity, it is highly unlikely that true focus is even possible. At this point, Blane explains that purpose has three facets: love (for your work), talent (for the work you do) and value (for your customer). Readers can document their progress through the following: “I can ___ (what you do) so that ___ (whoever your customer is) can achieve ___ (what)”.
With limited time and energy, it only makes sense to develop the skills and mental strategies that will empower our teams to have the greatest impact and the greatest sense of fulfillment.