Leading On Purpose

Chaos Theory is a branch of mathematics focused on systems where seemingly-random rules of disorder are governed by deterministic laws that are highly sensitive to the initial conditions. In essence, it looks at complex systems that can be significantly impacted by just a minor change.

One of the by-products of Chaos Theory is called the “Butterfly Effect,” discovered by an American mathematician and meteorologist named Edward Lorenz. Lorenz proved that a tornado could be influenced by a tiny butterfly flapping its wings two weeks before the disturbance, which can, in turn, impact its path and strength. Essentially, one slight, consistent movement, when organized, can create an unimaginably powerful force.

We are all trying to navigate this crisis. We must first work hard at our communication, as we discussed yesterday. Our team is no longer just the players; it includes all the people of influence in our lives, which should make our squad seem more prominent than ever. Once we have expanded our team, we need to organize ourselves in a way where even though we act as one, we all work as little butterflies flapping wings to generate the power, the path, and the unification of all. Small causes can have significant effects—and with each small step we take, we make progress.

Before we can take off, we need to know our direction. We need to give people a purpose. The purpose of rising in the morning, the purpose of producing work, the purpose of uniting. In our messaging, we must be clear and concise about the goal, with an understanding that this is a goal in crisis. What can we accomplish over the next weeks that can be the only goal? We don’t need talent in the coming days; we need a considerable effort to help us create momentum. We must have a simple purpose for the next few days — making a slight improvement from the day before. Then, once we build the momentum through organizing that specific goal, we start to create the butterflies we need. Our biggest priority during this crisis needs to be producing energy, having one productive day as a team. One will lead to two, two to four, and before long, we are off and running.

As leaders, we must give those we lead a sense of purpose. Purpose allows people to “buy-in,” find something bigger than themselves and then work independently. Today, sell your purpose.

P.S. If you are in search of a book recommendation, our team at The Daily Coach highly recommends Tao of Charlie Munger by David Clark. This book is filled with words of wisdom from Charlie Munger—Warren Buffett’s longtime business partner and the visionary Vice Chairman of Berkshire Hathaway—collected and interpreted with an eye towards investing by David Clark, coauthor of the bestselling Buffettology series.

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