Strength in Service - Build Purposeful Leadership That Uplifts, Sustains and Inspires
How contributing to something bigger than yourself strengthens your resilience, deepens your impact, and renews your leadership energy
“What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”
Over the weekend, I joined a charity walk to support a cause close to my heart.
As I walked among the crowd, there was a real sense of connection and energy. Giving my time and effort to something bigger than myself filled me with a deep sense of wellbeing—a reminder that leadership is not just about what we achieve individually, but about what we contribute collectively.
That feeling of giving back has stayed with me. It’s the same satisfaction I experience when I use my skills to contribute as a member of purpose-driven boards and committees. Being part of organisations that exist to serve a greater mission is incredibly rewarding—and it’s a powerful way to maintain adaptive stability as a leader.
Why "Something Bigger" Strengthens Adaptive Stability
Adaptive stability is the ability to stay calm, centred, and flexible even when everything around us is changing. One of the key anchors for adaptive leaders is having a sense of purpose that extends beyond their immediate goals.
Research shows that contributing to something larger than ourselves—whether through volunteering, mentoring, advocacy, or community service—enhances our wellbeing.
This is the kind of wellbeing linked to meaning, resilience, and long-term fulfilment—not just short bursts of happiness.
When leaders are grounded in purpose, they:
Gain perspective during challenging times
Develop stronger emotional resilience
Foster greater empathy and connection with others
Renew their motivation and sense of meaning in their work
It’s not just good for the soul—it’s a critical investment in long-term leadership effectiveness.
"I’m Too Busy"—and Why That’s Exactly the Moment to Step In
It’s easy to think, “I don’t have time right now.” Leadership can feel relentless, with endless demands and competing priorities.
But the evidence is clear: when leaders make time to connect with something bigger, they don't lose momentum—they gain it.
The Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley has found that acts of altruism and service lower stress, build cognitive resilience, and protect against burnout. They create what’s known as a "buffer effect"—strengthening your internal resources for when pressure inevitably builds.
When leaders neglect this connection, the risks creep in quietly:
A sense of meaninglessness or disconnection
Narrow, reactive thinking
Emotional exhaustion and burnout
Being part of something bigger isn’t a luxury. It’s a foundation.
Famous Leaders Who Made Giving Back Part of Their Strength
Many leaders who maintained strong, adaptive leadership through challenge and uncertainty were deeply anchored to causes beyond themselves:
Angela Merkel, former Chancellor of Germany, consistently emphasised serving the stability and unity of Europe, not just Germany’s national interests.
Fred Rogers ("Mister Rogers") built his entire public career around quietly reinforcing kindness, community, and emotional resilience, especially for children.
Dr. Catherine Hamlin, an Australian obstetrician and humanitarian, devoted her life to treating childbirth injuries in Ethiopia, embodying resilience through service.
These leaders weren’t immune to stress or setbacks—but they drew strength from their connection to larger purposes.
How Can You Build a "Bigger Than Self" Connection?
You don’t have to start a foundation or join a massive movement. Small, intentional actions make a real difference.
What’s important is the authenticity of your contribution—the genuine intention to make a difference, however small.
Here are some suggestions to stimulate your ideas:
Volunteer for a cause aligned with your values
Join a board or committee for a purpose-driven organisation
Mentor emerging leaders in your community or sector
Support initiatives within your workplace that create social impact
Advocate for positive change in areas you care deeply about
It’s not about scale—it’s about sincerity. Real impact often comes from consistent, heartfelt efforts that align with your values, not from the size or visibility of the gesture.
Questions to Reflect On
If you’re wondering where to begin, consider asking yourself:
Where do my skills and passions intersect with community needs?
What cause or mission stirs a deep sense of meaning in me?
How can I make a small but consistent commitment to something bigger?
In what ways does giving back strengthen my leadership?
Final Thoughts
Adaptive stability isn’t just about holding steady in rough conditions—it’s about being deeply anchored to a purpose that transcends you.
When we take the time to give back, we expand our perspective, deepen our resilience, and renew our energy to lead.
As you reflect on the week ahead, I invite you to consider:
What is one step I could take to connect to something bigger than myself?
What might shift in my leadership—and in myself—if I did?
In a fast-moving world, purpose doesn’t just help leaders endure change - it gives them the stability to shape it.
