Ep 019 with Mark Hannum
Amidst the hyper-pace of today’s work environments, where staying afloat feels like the only option, Mark Hannum offers a compelling alternative: the path of purposeful leadership.
In this episode of What’s Possible, I had the privilege of sitting down with Organizational Consultant and Chief Research Officer Emeritus at Linkage, Mark Hannum about what happens when hone into purposeful leadership to foster meaningful impact in today’s dynamic workforce.
Mark is a seasoned veteran in the leadership development arena and the author of “Become: The 5 Commitments of Purposeful Leadership.”
Journey to Leadership
Mark’s journey into leadership development was unconventional, beginning with teaching chimpanzees sign language and culminating in a career spanning 25 years across various industries. Inspired by a mentor who embodied purposeful leadership, Mark has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations unlock their potential and achieve meaningful impact.
“Becoming” a Purposeful Leader
“Become” offers a comprehensive guide to purposeful leadership, outlining the five essential commitments that define this transformative approach to leadership. Drawing from years of experience and research, Mark Hannum presents a roadmap for leaders to inspire vision, engage people, innovate, organize, and become inclusive.
Through actionable insights and real-world examples, the book empowers leaders to cultivate courage, foster psychological safety, and create environments where individuals thrive and achieve their fullest potential. “Become” is a must-read for anyone seeking to unlock their leadership potential and make a meaningful impact in today’s dynamic world.
Finding Your Purposeful Leadership
At the heart of purposeful leadership lies a commitment to inspiring vision, engaging people, innovating, organizing, and becoming inclusive. These commitments, Mark explains, are rooted in courage, the cornerstone of effective leadership. With courage, leaders can navigate challenges, foster psychological safety, and create environments where individuals thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
One of the key takeaways from our conversation was the importance of self-reflection and asking the right questions. Mark shared a simple yet profound practice of asking oneself four questions daily: Who am I? How am I wrong? Am I having the impact I want? What can I accomplish that others can’t? These questions serve as a compass for personal and professional growth, guiding leaders towards greater self-awareness and authenticity.
But purposeful leadership isn’t just about individual growth; it’s about creating a collective vision and empowering others to contribute their unique gifts and talents. Mark emphasizes the role of leaders in creating a safe space where team members feel motivated, valued, and empowered to think critically and innovate.
Channeling a New Type of Leadership
As leaders, we have the opportunity to positively impact those around us by showing up authentically, caring for our team members, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth. By embracing purposeful leadership, we can unlock our full potential, inspire others, and create lasting change in our organizations and communities.
In today’s dynamic world, where the only constant is change, purposeful leadership offers a guiding light amidst uncertainty. It’s a journey of self-discovery, growth, and impact—a journey worth embarking on. Join me as we explore the transformative power of purposeful leadership and discover what’s possible when we lead with purpose.
Want to have a deeper conversation about how to implement these steps? Send me a message, I’d love to hear from you!
