Why True Growth Comes from a Commitment to Intention

The power of intention is one of the things that frequently gets lost in the chaos of running a business. As CEOs, we frequently forget to take a step back and ask ourselves why we are doing what we are doing because we are too preoccupied with the day-to-day operations, strategic planning, and the bottom line. What motivations drive our behavior? The most crucial question is: Are we devoted to that goal?

Real growth, a form of growth that is long-lasting and significant, results from a dedication to purpose. It goes beyond only boosting your company's revenue, earnings, or market share. Naturally, those are crucial, but they are not the ultimate objective. The motive underlying those activities is the ultimate goal.

Making changes to intelligently

Since change is the only thing that is continuous, CEOs must be able to adjust. Still, adaptation entails more than only responding to events as they happen. It involves identifying change, making plans for it, and even using it to spur growth.

Defining your vision

This is the strength of intent. As CEOs, we must define our vision not only for our organizations but also for ourselves as leaders. What do we hope to accomplish? Which effect do we wish to have? What do we want to be remembered for? These are substantial inquiries, but they are necessary for deliberate development.

Sir Donald Bradman was a world-famous, record-setting cricketer who always dreamed of playing for Australia. As a young boy, he would spend countless hours every day practicing, honing his skills, and envisioning his future. He had a clear vision of what he wanted and he committed to making it happen.

Making the right decisions

Once our vision has been identified, we can begin to make decisions consistent with it. Here is where true growth occurs. It is not a matter of doing more, but of doing what is important.

It is about concentrating on the activities that have the greatest impact and abandoning those that do not. It is about making difficult decisions that bring us closer to our vision.

But intent is not limited to what we do. It also involves what we do not do. Sometimes our decisions not to act have the greatest impact. By rejecting things that do not accord with our vision, we make room for those that do. We create room for expansion.

How can you cultivate a commitment to intention?

Define your intention - What is the purpose behind your actions? What is the impact you want to make in the world? Be clear about your intention and communicate it to your team.

Align your actions with your intention-  Every decision you make, every action you take, should align with your intention. If it doesn’t, then you should consider whether it’s worth pursuing.

Measure your progress - How do you know if you’re moving toward your intention? You need to have clear metrics that measure your progress. These should not just be financial but also qualitative, such as customer satisfaction, employee engagement and social impact.

Stay committed - Commitment is not a one-time thing. It’s a continuous process. Stay committed to your intention, even when things get tough.

True growth results from a commitment to purpose. It's not just about earning money, but also about making a difference. Creating value, not just wealth, is the objective. And it is not enough to be successful in the eyes of the world; you must also be faithful to yourself and your values.

As chief executive officers, we can shape the future of our companies, industries, and the globe. Let us use this authority with purpose and determination.