Profession and vocation as the key to authentic leadership
In the modern working world, it is becoming increasingly important for managers to combine their profession and vocation. This connection plays an important role not only in achieving professional success, but also in finding deeper job satisfaction. This is because the challenges in management positions go beyond delegating tasks. It is about taking on a meaningful role that motivates and inspires the team.
How profession and vocation shape the role of managers
Managers are the interface between corporate goals and the people who realise these goals. In addition to traditional coordination, the need to contribute social and strategic skills has grown. Those who harmonise their profession and vocation act more authentically and thus create trust in the team. This combination leads to the development of a working environment that promotes motivation and cohesion.
A manager not only makes decisions and coordinates processes. They should also know themselves better in order to understand their inner drives and use these as a source of motivation. This creates credible leadership that is geared towards long-term cooperation and development.
Personal development as the basis for combining career and vocation
The path to a fulfilling leadership role requires self-reflection and a willingness to develop further. Managers who recognise their potential and formulate a personal vision are more likely to find an inner balance between the company's expectations and their own purpose. It helps to create your own "chip card" of skills and values in order to organise your day-to-day work in a targeted manner and incorporate your individual strengths.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager developed a clear vision for her role with the help of professional coaching. She discovered hidden talents in team communication and utilised these in a targeted manner to make projects more successful. This resulted in new leadership skills that noticeably strengthened the team.
Profession and vocation in practice: concrete examples from everyday management life
In practice, it has been shown time and again how the combination of profession and vocation enriches management tasks. A manager in a medium-sized company organised regular exchange formats in which the personal values of each team member were reflected upon. This format facilitated an appreciative culture and increased mutual understanding.
Similarly, an experienced manager in an international group introduced initiatives that gave employees the opportunity to contribute their own development ideas. The success was reflected in greater personal responsibility and improved implementation of change processes.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager created a framework for workshops that linked professional tasks with personal goals. This significantly increased employee motivation and gave rise to innovative project ideas that supported the company's progress.
The importance of leadership skills in the area of conflict between profession and vocation
Social skills such as empathy and conflict management as well as strategic thinking are important. Managers who are aware of their own vocation promote open communication and break down barriers. This makes it possible to create a trusting environment in which employees can flourish. A sense of responsibility and strong decision-making skills are just as crucial as the willingness to scrutinise and develop oneself.
These competences make it possible to use profession and vocation as a driving force for authentic leadership. Leadership training programmes that specifically address these areas help people to fill their own role with meaning.
Supporting employees in their search for their vocation
Generations Y and Z have new expectations of the world of work. The meaning of their work is increasingly important to them. Managers can support their teams in discovering individual potential and purpose. This coaching creates win-win situations: Employees feel valued and remain motivated, while the company benefits from committed professionals. A modern management style recognises these needs and uses flexible approaches to promote personal development at work.
BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A team leader established a mentoring programme that specifically supported young talents in exploring their professional interests and strengths. The programme strengthened the team dynamic and made a lasting contribution to employee retention.
My analysis
The combination of profession and vocation is more than just a professional ideal for managers today. It has a lasting influence on day-to-day work, team leadership and corporate culture. Managers who follow this path not only contribute professional expertise, but also inner motivation and authenticity. This pays off for everyone involved and strengthens the entire organisation in the long term.
Further links from the text above:
[1] Manager: definition and tasks in the company
[2] Finding your vocation at work - in 4 steps
[4] Profession and vocation: How managers find true fulfilment
[5] Search for the "inner destiny"
[7] Profession and vocation: How to lead teams with purpose and success
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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