When my business partner and I first started our company, we split our responsibilities to keep things moving. My partner focused on the client side of things, while I handled sales, finances, and leading the team. We were laser-focused on growth, getting tasks done, and making sure everything ran smoothly. But after a while, something felt off. We were busy, sure, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that we were just checking boxes. There was no bigger sense of direction driving us forward.
One day, during a regular team meeting, I found myself asking, “Why are we doing all of this? What’s the end game here?” The room went quiet, and then someone hesitantly answered, “Honestly, I think we’re just trying to get through the week.” That response hit me hard. I realized that we had gotten so wrapped up in the day-to-day hustle that we’d lost sight of why we started this business in the first place. It wasn’t just about completing tasks—it was about building something bigger, something that mattered.
It’s moments like that when you realize how crucial it is to lead with purpose. I started thinking more about the “why” behind our work. Simon Sinek’s concept of starting with “why” really resonated with me. When your team understands the purpose behind what they do, they’re more motivated, more engaged, and more committed. It’s not enough to just focus on the “what”—you have to show your team the bigger picture, the impact their work has on the business and beyond.
That meeting sparked a shift in how I approached leadership. Instead of just assigning tasks, I began to tie everything back to our company’s mission. For example, when I’d ask someone to complete a report, I’d explain how that report helps us track how we’re helping that client win, which directly affects our ability to deliver a great experience. It wasn’t just another task—it had a purpose.
What I found is that people work differently when they understand how their actions contribute to a larger goal. It gives them a sense of ownership. They’re no longer just doing their job—they’re part of something bigger. And when you get your team to feel that sense of ownership, they take more initiative. They start asking themselves, “How does my work help us move closer to our goals?” That kind of mindset shift makes all the difference.
Once I started making those connections for my team, I noticed a change in how we operated. Frequently, I’d take a few minutes to revisit our goals and remind everyone of our mission, whether it was in a quick huddle or an email. It wasn’t about micromanaging or adding more to their plates—it was about giving meaning to their work. Even the smallest tasks became more important because they were linked to something greater.
As a leader, it’s your job to make sure every task is connected to the bigger mission. If you don’t show your team the “why,” they’ll just go through the motions. But when you take the time to align daily tasks with the purpose of your business, you create a culture where everyone is working with intention. And that’s where the magic happens.
So, the next time you’re assigning tasks, ask your team, “How does this help us get closer to our bigger goal?” Make it a habit to connect the dots, and you’ll see how much more engaged and accountable your team becomes. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about doing it with purpose.