Written by Claytoya Tugwell
What does it take to lead with purpose—especially when you’re navigating complexity, managing people, and trying to make a real difference?
At Positively Partners, we’ve spent years immersed in this question. And while we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions, we have noticed a pattern: the leaders who thrive—who build trust, spark innovation, and stay grounded—tend to lead with more than just authority. They lead with clarity of purpose.
Not the vague, motivational poster kind of purpose. We’re talking about the kind of purpose that shows up in the small moments. The kind that gives people something to believe in, even when the work is hard.
In our 5-Part Foundations of Leadership Training Series, we talk about five behaviors that define what we call Pro-Social Leadership:
- Inspiring shared vision
- Modeling shared values
- Being revolutionary
- Inviting discretionary effort
- Giving care and kindness
Each behavior might seem intuitive, but when practiced with intention, they can radically transform how a team operates. They’re not just about getting results—they’re about getting results together.
And they all begin with one essential shift: showing, not telling.
In Made to Stick, authors Chip and Dan Heath highlight the power of concreteness—the idea that people remember what they can picture. It’s why stories stick, but jargon doesn’t. If you want your team to rally behind a vision, you can’t just say “we’re going to elevate our impact.” You need to show them what that looks like. What will be different in a month? What will we be proud of by year’s end? How will it feel to get there?
Purpose-driven leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about inviting others into the process. It’s about turning “my idea” into “our shared goal.”
That takes courage. It also takes vulnerability.
Leaders who build influence often do so by naming their values, owning their missteps, and asking questions they don’t yet have the answers to. That transparency becomes a magnet for trust. And when trust is high, people lean in—not because they have to, but because they want to.
That’s what we mean by discretionary effort—the extra energy people bring when they feel seen, heard, and valued. When they feel connected to the “why.”
So if you’re wondering how to deepen your impact as a leader, start by getting specific. What does success look like? What does your team care about? What’s the story you’re telling with your actions?
Here’s how the five Pro-Social Leadership behaviors show up in practice:
1. Turn Your Vision Into Something People Can See
People don’t remember strategy documents. They remember stories. As Made to Stick teaches us, the most “sticky” messages are concrete, emotional, and story-driven.
Instead of saying, “Let’s increase impact,” try:
“Imagine this: six months from now, our new initiative has doubled participation from community partners. People are calling us—not just for help, but to collaborate. That’s the future we’re building.”
Concrete vision builds alignment and energy—and makes the destination feel real.
2. Lead by Living Your Values—Not Just Naming Them
Anyone can list core values. But the leaders who truly earn trust are the ones who show how those values inform their decisions.
Start small. If one of your values is transparency, open a team meeting by saying:
“Here’s a choice I made this week, and here’s how it connects to what we believe as a team.”
When people see your values in action, it builds credibility—and invites them to do the same.
3. Invite Ownership (Not Just Compliance)
You can’t force accountability. People choose to be accountable when they feel trusted and seen.
Our Accountability Code centers on inviting discretionary effort—that extra energy people bring when they’re connected to purpose. And the simplest way to spark it? Ask better questions:
“What part of this project feels most meaningful to you?”
“What would success look like from your point of view?”
“What’s one idea you haven’t shared yet?”
Empowered voices become committed contributors.
4. Celebrate Progress That Aligns With Purpose
Recognition matters most when it’s tied to shared values. Don’t just praise outcomes—acknowledge the how and why:
“I noticed how you made space for quieter voices during that meeting. That’s the kind of inclusion that makes us stronger.”
Specific, values-based feedback not only boosts morale—it reinforces the kind of culture you’re building.
5. Give Care & Kindness Without Losing Accountability
Purposeful leadership isn’t soft. It’s strong because it’s rooted in care.
One of the most powerful things a leader can do is say:
“I care about your growth, and I want to help you be successful here. Let’s talk about what’s getting in your way and how we can move forward together.”
When high expectations are paired with high support, people rise.
A Quiet Kind of Leadership
In a world that often pushes urgency over intention, leading with purpose is a quiet kind of rebellion. It invites reflection, relationship, and real impact.
You don’t have to be perfect. But if you can be clear about what matters, consistent in how you show up, and curious about what your team needs—you’re already leading in ways that matter.
Let that be your compass.
The confidence, the influence, the impact?
They’ll follow.
