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> Contribution
Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps wrote in his book, Man’s Search for Meaning that during his internment he often observed an important trait. Those that survived the experience endeavored to make some kind of contribution, even under intensely brutal conditions. ”It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us.”
While none of us will have to endure those unspeakable horrors, we can learn something from Frankl’s observation: We must contribute to others in order to live a full life. As you consider your executive leadership, how would you describe your contribution? How is your leadership role helping others to lead better lives?
Tough questions like these require us to align our chosen professions with our values. As you continue to grow as a leader, do your practical corporate decisions agree with your inherent beliefs? The two absolutely must agree for your contribution to be authentic. Otherwise, if your values and professional role aren’t aligned you are unlikely to demonstrate passion, the essential fuel of successful leadership. Without this passion, you’re simply going through the motions.
Periodically, leaders have been known to define their contribution somewhat narrowly, as in “I contribute by helping my people become more effective.” For others, their contribution has a broader reach such as improving communities, raising living standards and providing employment. Defining your contribution is intensely personal and uniquely yours. Either way, it’s important to remember there is no “right” or “wrong” contribution; focus instead on finding what works best for you and your company.
Senior executives are challenged to “wow” their customers, grow profitability, expand market share, innovate and drive efficiency. However, these targets are just “empty calories” if they can’t be achieved in the context of a broader, more meaningful contribution.
Take the time to carefully conceive your contribution; there’s nothing more important to maintaining the short- and long-term health of you and your organization.
Best regards,
Tim Stratman
Tim Stratman is President of Timbre Executive Coaching, Inc. headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
To read more about Tim Stratman click here
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