You may be hearing the word purpose a lot lately. Everywhere I look, I am seeing the topic of purposeful living playing a huge role in think pieces and articles online. I think this is because we are growing personally, and as the world begins to have an affect on us, we are all searching on how to be a conduit for change. Utilizing your purpose can be one major way to share your talents with the world and in doing so, give you a sense of purpose. Giving purpose begets purposeful living—and because many of us want to be full, using our purpose for the common good seems something that we are all trying to do.
When it comes to your career, it may not be as easy for you to see your purpose, or exercise it in the workplace. If you are working for someone else, then you have a list of to-do’s, duties, assignments, and deadlines that must be met. Going through all of these motions can often make it difficult for you to see the forest for the trees because in working for someone else, your purpose doesn’t get much shine. But what if I told you that whether you are self employed or at working for someone else, you can still use your purpose and make it shine through in everything that you do professionally?
Yes—this is very true.
I’ve got a list of six ways to use your purpose and make it your superpower at work; six surefire things that can make you feel full even when you are at work.
Check out my list.
Assume a leadership role
Even if you aren’t in a management position or one with authority, you can still lead. We all have different leadership styles, but leading in an authentic fashion without being bullish and heavy-handed usually gets the best results. You can lead quietly by offering suggestions without asking, helping others without expecting something in return, and being the voice of reason during conflicts or debates. With this leadership role, then you can begin to exercise your purpose. For example, my purpose is to help others in need. By sharing my story and getting to know people on my team, then I would be able to know who needed help and how I could assist them. You can easily work your purpose into the workplace by showcasing it while leading others. This is also a good way to get noticed for other roles of authority within the office.
Reach out and pull others up
Whatever your purpose is, you aren’t an island. When you reach out and pull others up with you, you are looked upon as someone people can trust and you are then considered a person worth knowing. One of the greatest assets you can be is someone others want to get to know, and this will give you the opportunity to share your purpose as well.
Share your story when you can
Even though you are in a professional environment, your personal story or testimony can help others. When I worked as a HR manager for a huge call center, I had many employees that were single mothers. As a once single mother myself, I could often sympathize with these employees. In our talks and short moments in my office or in the break room, I would share these stories with them—how I struggled to make ends meet and how it took me years to graduate college so that I could have a job that would pay me a decent wage. Hearing my story let them know they weren’t alone and that if I could overcome it, they could too. My purpose and sharing my story allowed them to see the bigger picture.
Offer words of encouragement
Even if you haven’t been in someone else’s shoes, whatever your purpose is, it should be rooted in love. If you see a fellow coworker who is down, send them a funny email or a word or two of thoughtfulness. These little tokens can go a long way to help others, and are very appreciated.
Make your actions your calling card
When you lead by example and are a person of your word, then your actions speak positively, thus, you are the person in the office to go to. When it comes to clarifying sticky situations or being the voice of reason, because you are a formidable employee, you are much respected and sought after (even if you aren’t in a management role). This can help you move up the corporate ladder, which can bode well for your purpose. The higher your role, the more you can make your purpose a part of your role.
Boldly show your passion
Yes, you must be professional at work. But that doesn’t mean being a stoic and unfeeling individual. It’s okay to share your passion and purpose and gifts with your coworkers and colleagues. As long as it is something that doesn’t make people feel uncomfortable, you should let your purpose guide you and shine onto others.
Be purposeful. Live purposely. And I say this is important, not only in your personal life, but professionally as well. These are just a few examples of how to use your purpose while at work, but I am sure that you can also come up with more of your own.
Now go forth and shine your light. 🙂
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