Career and calling: How leaders find true fulfilment

Career and calling: The inner drive for leaders

The difference between a job and a calling is often crucial when leaders are seeking genuine fulfilment in their working lives. A job secures one's livelihood and is often driven by pragmatism. A calling, on the other hand, represents a deep inner drive that brings meaning and passion to daily work. For many leaders, the transition from purely job-driven to calling-driven action becomes a key factor for sustainable satisfaction[1][4].

Career and vocation: What moves leaders

In the role of a leader, external demands frequently clash with one's own values and passions. Career and calling offer two different perspectives here: while a career is often based on competence and a sense of duty, a calling demands that one live out their personal mission. This can manifest in the development of employees, the shaping of company culture, or the implementation of sustainable visions. Leaders who recognise their calling often report experiencing their daily lives with more energy and purpose as a result.

BEST PRACTICE at company XYZ (name changed due to NDA contract) A manager transitioned from a purely operational role to focusing on employee motivation. They initiated regular feedback sessions and specifically foster the personal development of their teams. This led to the creation of new projects that enrich employees' daily professional lives and strengthen the company culture, without negatively impacting the daily routine.

How calling enriches leadership practice

Those who combine career and calling create a powerful foundation for authentic leadership. It's not just about taking on new tasks, but primarily about bringing one's own strengths and values into daily work. This creates impulses that inspire the team and promote the company's success. Career and calling are not opposites in this regard, but can complement each other ideally when personal development is paramount.

BEST PRACTICE at ABC (name changed due to NDA contract) A leader developed a new employee retention strategy, stemming from their personal conviction that authenticity is crucial. They supported open communication channels and encouraged employees to contribute their individual talents. This led not only to increased motivation but also to innovative solutions within the team.

Discovering one's calling in everyday leadership

The search for one's calling is a process that begins for many leaders as they reflect on which activities truly bring them joy and what personal goals they are striving for. Vocation and profession can be better distinguished through conscious self-reflection and a pronounced engagement with one's own values. Especially in challenging times, a clear orientation towards one's calling helps in making decisions that have long-term impact.

Best Practice at DEF Company (Name changed due to NDA) A member of the executive board began a series of individual coaching sessions to gain a better understanding of their strengths and personal values. This led to an initiative focused on sustainability and social responsibility within the company. This direction significantly strengthened the sense of community and cohesion.

Career and Vocation: Impulses for Personal Development

Profession and vocation are not static entities. They change over time and through new experiences. Leaders who actively connect them draw from a source that carries them through phases of change or uncertainty. Clients often report that through accompanying coaching, they gain new perspectives and discover room for manoeuvre that previously remained hidden from them. Impulses from this support can help find the balance between the demands of one's profession and the power of one's vocation.

This also includes continually asking yourself the question: What activities truly motivate me? Where do I experience meaning in my work? The answers to these questions are individual and can vary in different career stages. It is important that engaging with one's profession and vocation is seen as an ongoing process.

My analysis

For leaders, career and vocation mean the opportunity to shape work with purpose. The conscious connection of these two elements can provide energy and satisfaction that go beyond pure pressure to succeed. By placing their values and strengths at the centre, leaders not only create a fulfilling day-to-day life but also establish conditions that strengthen teams and advance companies in the long term.

Further links from the text above:

[1] Career vs. Vocation: These are the Differences – RUHR24JOBS

[4] Calling – Simply and clearly explained – Job Coordinates

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