Purpose Over Performance: Transformational Edge Of Aligned Leadership

Forbes

05-08-2025

Lisa L. Baker, award-winning coach and Founder of Ascentim, empowers leaders to own their voice, amplify their impact, and lead on purpose.
The results-driven environment in which today's leaders operate tends to condition them to measure success solely by metrics and milestones.
But the uncertainty and complexity they navigate require something more: agility, creativity and the ability to inspire continuous improvement.
The solution? Aligned, purpose-driven, transformational leadership.
The challenge? The transformation that results from purposeful leadership doesn't always show up in KPIs or on dashboards, because transformational leadership is much more about being than doing.
And all too often, the constant pressure to perform pushes leaders out of alignment with:
• Who they are
• What they value
• Why their leadership matters
I work with many impactful leaders across levels and industries. They share a strong internal compass. Their purpose grounds them, guides their values and governs their decisions.
Cultivating that kind of leadership requires intention and consistent practice. Too often, leaders dive straight into execution without pausing for reflection. But growth doesn't begin with performance strategy. It starts with self-awareness—the foundation of adult learning and the starting point for meaningful transformation.
When what you believe, what you value and how you lead are aligned, leadership becomes less about proving through performance and more about purpose and partnering for success. You lead with conviction. You create space for others to contribute. And while results still matter, they emerge through alignment rather than at the expense of it.
In this article, I explore what aligned leadership looks and feels like, introducing a simple three-step framework to help you reconnect and realign, along with prompts to guide the process. Ultimately, I hope you lead purposefully and achieve results without losing yourself in the process.
How Aligned Leadership Looks And Feels
While alignment occurs internally, its effects are displayed externally. Those closest to the leader (family, friends, direct reports) are the first to notice. Alignment looks like:
• Pausing to consider the intentions and impacts before taking action
• Exploring what's possible rather than driving for perfection
• Seeking diverse perspectives to prepare for opportunities and solve problems
Misalignment, however, is often subtle and may take time to surface. But leaders usually notice it first as:
• Reluctance to make a decision when it really counts
• Unease before, during or after crucial conversations
• Disconnection from work or activities that used to be energizing
In coaching sessions, I hear some leaders describe it as lingering exhaustion, even after having a good night's sleep. Others say, despite accolades and accomplishments, that they feel "something is missing."
Why Does Aligned Leadership Matter?
People, processes and organizations are positively impacted by aligned, transformational leadership. When done well, it creates the clarity and connection people need to thrive.
But when leaders are unclear internally, the ambiguity spreads outward. Teams begin to mirror the instability, responding to signals that feel reactive rather than purposeful.
According to Gallup's 2025 "State of the Global Workplace" report, employee engagement plummeted to 21%, due in part to disconnection from purpose and leadership.
That's why it matters. Leadership alignment is more than a soft skill; it's a strategic advantage that drives employee engagement and performance.
So, what can you do when you start to notice the tell-tale signs that you're out of sync with your purpose?
How To Reflect And Realign: A Simple Three-Step Framework
It's clear: Transformational leadership flourishes when your beliefs, values and behaviors align.
We've discussed how purpose-aligned leadership shows up and why it matters. Now, let's review a simple but profound three-step framework you can use to reflect and realign.
Your beliefs shape how you live and lead. And they serve as the filter through which you perceive everything: yourself, others, challenges, opportunities, even your leadership.
If you believe leadership is about control, you'll clutch the reins tightly. If you view it as a service, you'll show up with generosity and humility.
Often, beliefs are rooted in old, false narratives. The key is to examine what you believe to determine what still serves you. And what limits your growth in ways that you may not have realized.
Reflect:
• What assumptions guide how I lead, succeed and value myself?
• Do my beliefs empower me, or are they relics from a past I've outgrown?
Values are the internal drivers for decision-making. Therefore, it's essential to clarify your "why." Clarity helps you easily determine what matters, who matters and where you draw the line.
Upholding your values grounds your leadership in integrity.
Reflect:
• What truly matters to me in work, in life, in how I lead?
• Where do I live my values clearly, and where do I compromise them?
Habits are where alignment becomes visible. They're the daily actions that either strengthen or erode credibility.
Many leaders know what they believe and value, but they often feel out of sync when it comes to their calendars, competing priorities and energy levels.
Start small. Realign one choice at a time. Then build a rhythm.
Reflect:
• Do my routines reflect the leader I aspire to be?
• Where can I more closely align my aspirations with my actions?
Final Thoughts
Alignment isn't a destination; it's a disciplined practice.
The head, heart, hands framework is surprisingly simple. However, it can be transformative when put into practice.
Finally, leading with purpose shows steadiness and clear direction and earns trust through consistency. When there's alignment between who you are, what you believe and how you lead, it creates the conditions for psychological safety, deep engagement and meaningful performance.
Honor the best in yourself and make room for others to do the same. That's where transformation becomes possible.
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