Lead with Clarity
- Lisa Askins
- Aug 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 2
Intention begins with purpose.
We work hard to hit our KPIs, but can we clearly state the deeper reason behind our work?
Without clarity of purpose, achievement can feel meaningless.
Intention isn’t about your task list — it’s about knowing why you act, and letting clarity of purpose guide your choices. Without it, it’s easy to get pulled into others’ priorities and confuse productivity with purpose.
Alignment starts with intention. And intention starts with purpose.
Naming your purpose is challenging. When asked, “Why am I doing this?” many of us only see the surface: it’s my job, it’s expected, it has to get done.
Here’s a simple reflection you can try today:
Clarifying Purpose
Ask the Why. Take a project you’re working on right now and ask: Why am I doing this?
If the answer feels unclear, try asking: Who benefits from this work? What changes because of it? What would be missing if it weren’t done?
Find the Thread. Ask it again at the role level: Why am I in this role? What am I here to create, protect, or advance?
If you’re unsure, try: What do I uniquely bring that matters here? What drew me to this role in the first place? When do I feel most alive in this work?
Step Back. Ask it once more at the broader level: Why am I leading at all? What do I want to leave stronger than I found it?
If the why still feels cloudy, ask: What would be missing in the world if I didn’t lead? What do I want others to carry forward because of my leadership?
Write down what you notice. Pay attention to what comes up more than once. That’s often where your intention and purpose start to become clear.
When we lead with intention, we stop performing leadership — and start embodying it.
Let’s talk. If you’re navigating change and want to lead with more clarity, confidence, and connection, I’d love to support your next step.
