Finding Higher Purpose: Helping Your Team Discover Meaning and Direction, by Jonathan H. Westover PhD

Abstract: This study examines how leaders can foster meaningful engagement by helping teams discover higher purpose beyond routine responsibilities. Drawing from research on purpose-driven motivation, the article explores how connecting work to broader significance enhances individual well-being and organizational outcomes. The authors review evidence demonstrating that purpose orientation increases motivation, reduces burnout, improves health outcomes, and creates competitive advantages through enhanced retention and performance. The paper outlines practical leadership strategies for cultivating purpose, including modeling authentic purpose-alignment, creating reflection opportunities, highlighting meaningful impact stories, clarifying organizational mission, and redesigning roles to better fulfill purpose. Case studies from healthcare and education sectors illustrate successful implementation of these approaches, with recommendations for sustaining purpose-driven cultures through changing circumstances.