Instead of telling people what you do, try this...

How do you answer the question, "So, what do you do for a living?"



I can't tell you how many times I've felt like a deer caught in the headlights with that question. But, I always knew that simply telling people what I "did" wasn't enough.



I used to tell people, "I'm a coach." because that's what I do. That's my title. But more often than not, I'd be asked, "What sport? Or "What team do you coach?" as a follow-up. And then, after seeing their confused head tilt, I'd explain that I'm a leadership coach and describe what I do.



I'd have to do this because the word "coach" is ambiguous. There is much room for interpretation. A coach means many different things to different people – and left to interpretation, people will assume what they want – or draw on past experiences with people using those titles. That's not just true of me, but it's true of you too -- regardless of what you do.



Are you a manager? A VP? A stay-at-home mom? A CEO? Imagine the number of assumptions (or head tilts) people make about you when leading with your title! How many opportunities do you miss because assumptions keep others from seeing what makes you unique?



So instead, why don't you use this common experience to take the conversation to a whole different level by explaining your job in the context of the larger contribution you want to make in this world and the impact you want to have in the lives of others THROUGH your job. 



You start doing this, and people will learn about you and ask more questions which could lead to a really powerful conversation and a great connection.



So how do you do that? Great question. It's actually quite simple.


There are two parts to every quality purpose statement: 

  1. The contribution you want to make

  2. The impact you want to have 


Have you taken time to reflect on your purpose? What kind of contribution do you want to make to your organization, team, family, or community? Think it through thoroughly, and write it down. 


Next, consider the impact you want to have. How are things different because of you? What kind of transformation do you want to create in your sphere of influence? What kind of change are you making? Again, completely think it out and write it down.


And once both of these questions are answered, you’re in a great position to start writing your unique purpose statement.  


Write your purpose statement in this format: 

  • To (your contribution) so that (your impact).


It really is that simple. 


Your purpose is a powerful and easy-to-remember summary expressing your personal sense of meaning in life. It is the governing principle for your decisions at every level and in every arena of your life – and there is power and freedom in having this kind of clarity of purpose


My purpose is to “help people move from success to significance so that they can leave a legacy and show the way to the next generation.” Notice how it highlights the contribution I want to make and the impact I want to have. 


When asked, “What do you do for a living?” I share my purpose statement. And I love the conversations that ensue because of it. Instead of confused head tilts, I often get enthusiastic nods or encouraging smiles.


So, have you written your purpose statement? 


Take some time today to write it out, and you’ll be ready for the next time someone asks you, “So, what do you do for a living?”  


By doing this, you’ll be well on your way to making an incredible (and lasting) impression on others.


For your growth,


Bill Cox Coaching Team



PS - As a bonus, you can define the purpose of your organization using this same framework. Clearly articulating your purpose will help keep your team focused on what’s most important. Here are a few examples of companies that have adopted this framework when communicating their purpose:

  • The Optimist Company: To inspire people to do the things that inspire them so that, together, each of us can change our world for the better.

  • Airbnb: To connect millions of people in real life all over the world, through a community marketplace– so that you can belong anywhere.

  • La Marzocco: To build relationships so that we enrich the lives of others.

Are you ready to get to the NEXT LEVEL?

If you've found this framework helpful, I'd love to tell you about our latest course, The Next Level Leader. It's full of practical leadership principles like this to enhance your skills as a leader. Email me if you want to learn more about it — along with packages and pricing to fit both individuals and teams.

Bill Cox

Bill is a credentialed and experienced Executive Coach. He has spent the last 20 years coaching thousands of leaders. Bill has a passion for helping leaders get to the next level and live intentional lives of influence. As a speaker, coach, and author, Bill places exceptional value on empowering leaders to thrive professionally and personally. Bill and his wife, Moey, reside in Pennsylvania, where they experience exceeding pleasure watching their son, Joel, grow into a modern-day knight.