Profession and vocation: How to master both as a manager

Profession and vocation: Successful leadership in the tension between both worlds

The balance between career and vocation is often challenging for managers. On the one hand, it is important to pursue clear goals and ensure the economic success of the company. On the other hand, personal fulfilment plays a key role in maintaining motivation and authenticity in day-to-day management. Managers who combine their profession and vocation can both realise their own potential and inspire their employees in the long term.

The importance of profession and vocation in day-to-day management

The terms profession and vocation originate from different perspectives, but are closely related: The profession encompasses the formal tasks and responsibilities that managers fulfil in their company. Vocation, on the other hand, describes the deeper motivation, meaningfulness and joy of the job. This inner conviction often acts as a driving force for authentic leadership.

Many successful managers report that they not only work for their job, but also see their work as a calling. This leads to greater commitment and helps them to master difficult situations in their day-to-day work. At the same time, focussing on career and vocation promotes a better relationship with employees, who feel understood and valued.

How managers can actively combine career and vocation

A manager should clearly recognise their roles. For example, there is the role of the strategist who sets long-term goals, the mobiliser who networks people and the talent promoter who develops potential. For each role, the question of how profession and vocation can intertwine is central.

For example, a manager succeeds as an entrepreneur when they not only recognise opportunities for products, but also have a passion for innovation. This creates a corporate culture in which employees are inspired. Similarly, a change manager can drive change in the company if they themselves are convinced of their mission.

When managers reflect on their personal values and link them to the corporate vision, the sense of calling grows. This inner drive increases satisfaction and can therefore also have a positive influence on performance.

Practical examples from a wide range of industries

BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager in the technology sector realised early on that she was not just interested in sales, but in creating real benefits for customers through innovation. With this in mind, she led agile teams that enthusiastically developed new product strategies on their own.

BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) In a service company, the manager was able to significantly reduce staff turnover by providing targeted support to employees and conveying a shared sense of purpose. The manager consciously focussed on trust and individual development opportunities.

BEST PRACTICE at a family business (name changed due to NDA contract) The management combined the traditional company philosophy with modern management tools. Emphasis was placed on the holistic development of managers, who lived their role as a vocation and thus sustainably strengthened a positive corporate culture.

Challenges and opportunities when combining career and vocation

The balancing act between professional pressure and personal fulfilment is a challenge for managers. The pressure to perform, make decisions quickly and achieve goals is often dominant. Combining career and vocation means finding time for self-reflection and inner clarity. Because only those who know their own motivation can lead authentically and inspire others.

At the same time, the interaction of many leadership roles opens up a wide range of opportunities: the culture in the company is strengthened by value-orientated leadership, employees feel involved and innovations are accelerated. This makes it possible to create sustainable success that benefits both the company and its employees.

My analysis

Living your profession and vocation as a manager is a long-term process. It requires an awareness of one's own role, the courage to embrace change and the will to combine personal values with business objectives. Those who find this balance create an environment in which motivated teams can deliver exceptional performance. This not only supports the company's results, but also enriches the personal development of the managers themselves.

Further links from the text above:

[1] Leadership roles: Profession and vocation of German managers

[3] Vocation - explained simply and clearly

[5] Manfred Miglar: "Leadership is not a profession, but a vocation"

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