Finding Purpose in the System: Insights from Professor Peter Hawkins

Have you struggled to find your team's purpose? It's a common problem and can even seem like an esoteric concept in a world where we just need to get the job done. In the latest episode of "We Not Me," we explore this very issue with Professor Peter Hawkins, Chair of Renewal Associates and author of several books, including "Leadership Team Coaching." Hawkins inspires us to find our purpose by looking out at the system and to the people we serve.

Hawkins emphasizes that purpose isn't something we create but something we discover by engaging with our stakeholders. He states, “The purpose is there before we set up a team. It precedes the team but keeps changing because the world around us keeps changing.” This perspective shifts the focus from internal team dynamics to external needs and challenges, encouraging teams to think beyond themselves and consider their broader impact.

One practical method Hawkins shares is to map out your team and stakeholders visually. This exercise helps teams see the relationships and spaces between individuals, highlighting how conflicts often arise from differing stakeholder needs rather than personal differences. By understanding these dynamics, teams can move from being a collection of leaders to a cohesive leadership team.

Hawkins also introduces the concept of “pracademics,” which blends practical application with academic research. Pia concurred, sharing that Squadify collaborates with Monash Corporate Education to bring evidence-based methodologies into the workplace, ensuring that theoretical concepts are both practical and relatable for busy professionals.

To build a stronger team, Hawkins suggests focusing on collective challenges that require collaboration. He advises translating problems into challenges and locating these challenges in the connections between people and teams, rather than in individuals. This approach not only fosters collaboration but also helps teams to operate more effectively within their larger ecosystems.

In a world of increasing complexity and rapid change, the need for teams to understand and align with their purpose has never been greater. By looking outward and addressing the needs of those they serve, teams can find a deeper sense of purpose and work together more effectively.

Professor Peter Hawkins' insights remind us that purpose isn't just about getting the job done; it's about understanding the system we're part of and the people we serve. By focusing on these connections, teams can find their true purpose and achieve greater success together.