Purpose-Driven Leadership

In terms of purpose, leaders need to possess a laser-like focus on providing direction to guide their followers. However, with artificial intelligence (AI) being a disruptive force that transforms work, calls are being made for a fundamental and innovative rethink of how leaders make the transition. This chapter emphasises the essential elements of purpose-driven leadership, which is emerging as a transformative force for modern firms. The role of purpose-driven leadership emphasises aligning organisational goals for each actor concerning economic, social, and governance. In this context, change management is persistent, but strategy, technology, and market offer can cause leaders to suffer fatigue. Serendipitous inspiration is often one of the missing ingredients that can impose huge costs, but deliver unexpected performance benefits. Change management can buckle under the strain without staff buy-in to the purpose. Failure to address this can erode followers’ faith and may lead to a slow-motion catastrophe. Organisational trauma, the influence of AI, ethics, and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are discussed. “Sustainable Strategy Toolkit (4) – Triple A Leadership Framework” outlines three essential dimensions of leadership – Accountability, Authenticity, and Agility. The Hitachi Mini Case Study, which refers to its PLEDGES sustainability plan, provides some valuable insights. The Unilever and Accenture Strategy Nugget shows how AI can enhance productivity.