EQ VitalSigns: The Purpose Tree

The next day I kept thinking about that tree: about what it took to muster the life force and tenacity required to crack open that rock -- to be the lone tree in the meadow. Its branches and seeds now provide a shelter, shade, and food for other plants and animals. I thought about this tiny seed, perhaps drifting on the wind, landing on a barren ton of solid rock. I imagined it asking, “What did I do to deserve this fate? How will my roots ever reach soil and take hold?”

Thinking about the seed on the rock, I began to see parallels in my own life. In a time of transition, my “rock” was confusion and fear. I began to ask myself; will I, how can I ever, find the strength and resolve to grow through the “rocks” in my work and life?

That week I came to see the tree as a symbol of the powerful life force that I now know is present in all of us.

In that week of silence and aloneness, I began to really listen to myself. I listened to my excuses, to my pains, to my losses, and to my dreams. I took stock of who I was and what I was passionate about. I realized that I didn't have the tree's focus; I was living without a strong sense of purpose. While I didn't find the answer right away, the question was powerful. To move from confusion I needed to find the “Why” for my life, a sense of purpose that would restore meaning. I also knew that the Why had to be as compelling as the purpose nature encoded in that Ponderosa seed.

From that moment, everywhere I looked, I saw purpose; I was surrounded by examples of its power. Even dead trees served a purpose - they provided shelter and nutrients to other animals and plants. I became hopeful and energized: When I find my purpose I will be who I most truly am, and like the Purpose Tree, I will also then stand in my authentic presence. Then, and only then, will I be able to have that same engaging influence with others as the Purpose Tree had on me.

The Tree also helped me understand an important lesson as a leader. If I want to motivate and engage the people that I work with, and those that work for me, I need to be comfortable with who I am and what I stand for. The difference between good leadership and outstanding leadership is the ability to convey the power of purpose in our actions as well as our words.

My current purpose is to awaken and inspire hearts and minds for optimal performance and wellbeing. I arrived at this purpose through much self-reflection and exploration and in facilitating others in learning how to become more emotionally intelligent and resilient. When I lead from this vision, I am more authentic, clearer, and more engaging.

What is your purpose? How do you bring that purpose into play as a leader? In your role as a leader you have a unique opportunity to find that clarity and strength - and to support your people to find theirs.

Take care and give care,