Profession and vocation: How managers find real success

Profession and vocation in the field of tension of successful leadership

For managers, the terms profession and vocation describe two closely related aspects of working life. Profession encompasses the clear tasks, responsibilities and goals that need to be fulfilled. Vocation, on the other hand, stands for the inner motivation, meaning and joy of the job. The connection between profession and vocation plays a key role in enabling managers to realise their potential and experience a high level of professional success.

In practice, the balance between career and vocation is a challenge. Leaders must pursue economic goals and at the same time integrate the personal fulfilment aspect. Those who combine their profession and vocation act authentically, inspire employees and play a positive role in shaping the corporate culture.

How managers actively combine career and vocation

Managers should consciously recognise their various roles: as strategy developers, network designers or talent promoters, for example. For each of these roles, it is crucial how profession and vocation interact. For example, managers who work as entrepreneurs not only succeed in implementing business strategies, but are also passionate about promoting innovation.

Another example is the role of change manager. When the personal conviction of wanting to make a difference coincides with the professional task, a sustainable drive to positively shape change processes is created. Consciously reflecting on your own values in line with the corporate vision can create inner meaning and thus increase motivation.

BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) It was observed here how the manager sees her day-to-day work not just as a job, but as a vocation. This attitude means that they remain calm in times of crisis despite high levels of stress and proactively support their team, which significantly improves collaboration.

Effects on corporate culture and employee motivation

Profession and vocation have a direct impact on corporate culture. Managers who experience their work as a calling show more commitment and create empathetic cooperation. Employees feel this inner conviction and feel valued, which strengthens their loyalty to the company.

Practical experience has shown that a culture in which both profession and vocation are lived promotes creativity and innovation. When managers act with a sense of purpose, this improves communication within the team and increases collective problem-solving skills.

BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) The manager implemented a regular values reflection meeting in which personal motivations and company goals are harmonised. This led to a noticeable strengthening of the sense of unity and a noticeable increase in employee commitment.

Profession and vocation as a motor for sustainable success

The combination of profession and vocation is a key driver of long-term success for managers. Consciously experiencing one's own role as meaningful results in greater resilience and a pronounced ability to withstand stressful phases. This not only supports personal development, but also has a positive effect on team performance.

In practice, this means that successful managers know their own values and talents, integrate them into their daily tasks and act authentically as a result. Employees experience this authenticity as motivation and are encouraged to develop their potential as well.

BEST PRACTICE at LMN (name changed due to NDA contract) The manager used coaching and self-reflection to recognise her personal motivations and incorporate them into her management style. The result was a sustainable upturn in team dynamics and a more stable basis for achieving the company's goals.

My analysis

For managers, career and vocation are not opposites, but complementary forces. Integrating the personal search for meaning into everyday professional life creates a powerful dynamic that promotes motivation, authenticity and success. It is important that managers actively shape this process and reflect on it regularly. This not only strengthens individual potential, but also improves the attitude and inspiration of the entire working environment.

Further links from the text above:

[1] Profession and vocation: How to master both as a manager
[3] How managers realise their full potential - SAULDIE
[5] Vocation - explained simply and clearly

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