Within the inter-related landscapes in which purpose-driven products exist, a different mindset is needed to decipher the complexity and distill the necessary insights. Purpose-driven leaders conceptualize products and user experiences across stakeholders, organizations, and ecosystems, gaining a holistic view. To accomplish this, they leverage systems thinking to consider how each part will interact with the others and with the product and recognize the likely consequences throughout its life cycle.
Additionally, these leaders employ an expanded definition of “stakeholder” that extends far beyond customers and employees to include, for example, suppliers, think tanks, scientists, nonprofits, academic institutions, government…all who are impacted.
The exponential increase in perspectives requires well-honed listening and communication skills to build relationships and obtain the input and support of these diverse stakeholders. Internally, they use influencing skills to help their colleagues relate to the social issues being addressed, develop empathy for the people they impact, and prioritize their needs.
With such a comprehensive system to engage, leaders are the superglue that holds it all together. They unify the larger group’s efforts through a consistent, compelling vision and are typically more interested in team success than individual accolades. They also navigate with a servant heart, removing obstacles and successfully galvanizing and motivating teams to collaborate on joint execution and achieve shared success.