Profession and vocation: The inner drive for managers
The difference between profession and vocation is often crucial when managers are looking for real fulfilment in their working life. A profession secures a livelihood and is often characterised by pragmatism. A vocation, on the other hand, represents a deep inner drive that brings meaning and passion to daily work. For many leaders, the transition from a purely professional to a vocation-driven approach is a key factor for lasting satisfaction[1][4].
Profession and vocation: What motivates managers
In the role of a manager, external demands often clash with your own values and passions. Profession and vocation offer two different perspectives here: While the profession is often based on competence and a sense of duty, the vocation demands that you live your own personal mission. This can manifest itself in the promotion of employees, the shaping of corporate culture or the realisation of sustainable visions. Managers who recognise their vocation often report that they experience more energy and meaning in their everyday lives as a result.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) One manager switched from a purely operational role to a focus on employee motivation. She initiated regular feedback sessions and specifically promotes the personal development of her teams. This resulted in new projects that enrich employees' day-to-day work and strengthen the corporate culture without compromising the daily routine.
How vocation enriches leadership practice
Those who combine their profession and vocation create a powerful foundation for authentic leadership. It's not just about taking on new tasks, but above all about incorporating your own strengths and values into your daily work. This creates impulses that inspire the team and promote the success of the company. Profession and vocation are not opposites, but can complement each other ideally if personal development is at the forefront.
BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager developed a new strategy for employee retention based on her personal conviction that authenticity is crucial. She supported open communication channels and encouraged employees to contribute their individual talents. This not only led to increased motivation, but also to innovative solutions within the team.
Discovering your own vocation in everyday leadership
The search for a vocation is a process that begins for many managers as soon as they reflect on which activities they really enjoy and which goals they personally aspire to. Profession and vocation can be better distinguished through conscious self-reflection and a pronounced examination of one's own values. Especially in challenging times, a clear focus on one's vocation helps to make decisions that are sustainable in the long term.
BEST PRACTICE at DEF (name changed due to NDA contract) A member of the management team began a series of individual coaching sessions to get to know his strengths and personal values better. This resulted in an initiative that focussed on sustainability and social responsibility within the company. This focus significantly strengthened the sense of community and cohesion.
Profession and vocation: impulses for personal development
Profession and vocation are not static variables. They change over time and through new experiences. Managers who actively combine them draw from a source that carries them through phases of change or uncertainty. Clients often report that they gain new perspectives through coaching and discover room for manoeuvre that was previously hidden from them. Impulses from this support can help them to find a balance between the demands of their job and the strength of their vocation.
This also includes asking yourself the question again and again: Which activities really motivate me? Where do I find meaning in my work? The answers to these questions are individual and can vary at different stages of your career. The important thing is to view the examination of career and vocation as an ongoing process.
My analysis
For managers, profession and vocation mean the opportunity to shape work with meaning. The conscious combination of these two elements can provide energy and satisfaction that go beyond the mere pressure to succeed. By focussing on their values and strengths, managers not only create a fulfilling daily routine, but also a framework that strengthens teams and drives companies forward in the long term.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Profession vs vocation: these are the differences - RUHR24JOBS
[4] Vocation - Explained simply and clearly - Job coordinates
Legal notice: Coaching does not replace therapy. It serves personal development. I do not diagnose or promise a cure. My offer is for personal development and is not a substitute for medical, psychotherapeutic or curative treatment. Please consult a medically qualified specialist if you have any health complaints. The experiences described here are based on individual feedback from my clients. They are not a guarantee of success and do not replace medical or therapeutic counselling. For more information and if you have any questions, please contact Contact us on the topic or read further blog posts on the Topic here.
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