Start the Year by Finding Your Purpose

Cathie Leimbach • January 9, 2023

“If you can't figure out your purpose, figure out your passion. For your passion will lead you right into your purpose.”   T.D. Jakes

“If you have felt hopeless, hold on! Wonderful changes are going to happen in your life as you begin to live it on purpose.”  Rick Warren

We are all wired differently. We have different interests and different strengths. What one person finds tedious others love to do. When we are in flow or in the zone, using our strengths in an area of interest, we are happier and more successful. We have positive energy which contributes to a positive workplace culture and strong results.

Everyone has something to offer to this world.  When we figure out our passion – something that we love a lot – and determine how we can leverage this passion to serve others, we have found our purpose. This positions us to add great value to the world around us and enjoy doing it!

Many people can’t articulate their passion nor their purpose. They go through life day-by-day without a feeling of self-worth. They don’t feel inspired. Society misses out on what these individuals could offer the world around them.

If you don’t know your passion or purpose, this could be good time to identify them. Take time to think about the things you really enjoy and how these interests can be exercised in your work or life. Position yourself for a wonderful new year.

  1. Put on your thinking cap and jot down: 
  2. What you liked to do in your spare time when you were 10 to 12 years old
  3. What you like doing now
  4. What you would like to be doing more of

   2.  Review the three lists and identify a theme or interest that is common to 2 or 3 of your lists. This is likely a passion for you.

   3.  How could you add value to your organization, community, family, or friends by leveraging this passion?  This contribution to the world around you could be your purpose in life.


What will you do in 2023 to increase your joy in life by exercising your passion and purpose?

People Give More When They Know Why Their Work Matters

By Cathie Leimbach • August 4, 2026
Most employees know what they are expected to do each day. Far fewer fully understand why their work matters or how it contributes to the organization's success. Yet that understanding is one of the most powerful drivers of engagement, commitment, and performance. Gallup research consistently shows that employees who feel connected to their organization's mission and purpose are significantly more engaged, while highly engaged teams achieve stronger productivity, profitability, customer satisfaction, and retention. When people understand how their individual responsibilities help customers, coworkers, and the organization succeed, their work becomes more than a list of tasks—it has meaning. Supervisors play the key role in creating that understanding. A job description explains what to do. Leadership conversations explain why it matters. They help employees see how quality, safety, customer service, teamwork, and continuous improvement all connect to the organization's goals. As work changes, priorities shift, or new challenges arise, supervisors who communicate openly help employees understand not only what is changing, but why those changes matter. Questions, discussion, and regular feedback replace assumptions with clarity and build trust. Employees who understand the purpose behind their work are more likely to make good decisions, solve problems, take initiative, and remain committed during difficult times. They also appreciate knowing that their organization is willing to invest in their future through learning and career development opportunities, even if promotion is not immediate. When supervisors consistently connect daily work to a larger purpose through meaningful conversations, employees gain direction, confidence, and motivation. They don't simply complete tasks—they understand the difference they make. And that understanding creates a workplace where engagement, performance, and retention naturally grow. Need Help with a Difficult Workplace Conversation? Great leadership doesn't happen by accident—it happens one conversation at a time. Join our FREE Workplace Conversations Clinic on the 3rd Monday of every month , from 3:00–3:30 p.m. , beginning August 17 . When you're wondering how to handle a workplace people challenge, join the Workplace Conversations Clinic to run it by Cathie Leimbach and other attendees. Join the Workplace Conversations Clinic Conversation is where leadership happens.

Leaders Who Help People Thrive

By Cathie Leimbach • July 28, 2026
From uncertainty to confident, supportive leadership conversations