From Safety to Purpose: One Question That Lifts Leadership

You’re back in the thick of it.

There’s a deadline. A tricky conversation. Discord in the meeting.

And in that moment, whether you realise it or not, your leadership is being shaped by one thing: Safety or Purpose.

Part of us wants to be about doing something great and meaningful at work and in life.

Part of us isn’t up for that much risk... to our relationships, intellect or career... (not to mention our mortgage…)

At Noggin, we use tools like The Leadership Circle Profile to help people explore this tension in real time .

It maps how your behaviour either stems from a “reactive” drive to protect ourselves  (Safety), or a “creative” drive to create what matters most (Purpose).

It’s not about fixing this ever present polarity…. It’s about resolving the tension…

This can begin with a question.

The question: “What’s important to you about this?”

In a moment where the tension is rising: Stop. Take a moment. Breathe… Ask: “What’s important to me about this?”

It’s deceptively simple. But it does three important things:

• It breaks the reactive loop

When we’re in safety mode, we tend to react quickly—often without conscious thought. Asking this question creates a pause. A moment of awareness.

• It invites meaning into the room

Purpose doesn’t always mean mission statements. Sometimes it means: “I want to be clear on what I stand for”,” or “I want to empower them to decide.”

• It gives you more choice

Understanding what’ important at a higher level helps you explore more options... 

Whatever it does for you, it’s a move upwards towards more meaningful dialogue.

So next time you’re stuck, tense, or triggered, ask:

“Am I operating from a place of Safety or Purpose?”

Then:

“What’s important to me about this?”

It’s not just a question.

It’s a ladder.

Let us know how you get on…!

If you want to find out more about the Leadership Circle Profile tool and maybe even have a free go at it let me know……