How to tap into your team's purpose, from a leader of 17 million volunteers

Want to better understand purpose and motivation? Ask the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), an organization with 17,000 volunteers.

The IFRC shows up on the world's worst days and helps the most vulnerable through 65,000 disasters each year.

IFRC's Jagan Chapagain joined the organization as a volunteer when he was a teenager in Nepal. Several roles and decades later he is still fueled by the organization's purpose as its Secretary General and Chief Executive.

He spoke to the World Economic Forum’s Meet the Leader podcast about what he's learned about purpose and motivation during his time at the IFRC -- and the steps leaders must take to make sure that individuals feel they are contributing to the greater whole and can provide the momentum to drive the organization forward.

At its heart is one simple idea. Said Chapagain, "Listen, learn, help define a purpose, and demonstrate that you are delivering on that purpose." Leaders who keep these steps in mind can scale the change they need through their teams.

Effective leadership hinges on the ability to listen actively, he says. Understanding the needs and aspirations of team members lays the foundation for meaningful engagement.

“It is extremely, extremely important in any context, the ability to listen and learn,” Chapagain points out. “Listening without learning is not useful. And I think when the leaders have that ability to listen and learn, that’s when you engage with the purpose of the people who you want to be associated with your organizations and the value and objectives of your organizations.”

In listening and learning, leaders make room for change -- for factoring in perspectives they might not have had otherwise or needs they didn't previously understand. Effective listening should help you change in someway, whether it's deepening your knowledge or even changing your mind or approach.

Defining a clear purpose that gives clarity to team members is critical, says Chapagain. This aligns efforts and fosters a sense of belonging and dedication. Every team member should understand the broader purpose behind what they are doing, and this is what keeps them going

Defining the purpose is a shared effort. He says, it is important to “help define a purpose together and demonstrate that you are delivering on that purpose,” This can earn buy-in while reinforcing that you are connecting your team's talents to the organization's mission and needs.

A shared purpose can bring incredible results. The COVID-19 pandemic, he mentioned, brought a host of challenges simultaneously. But a shared purpose and a true effort to make progress inspired thousands to help.

“We had, you know, when lockdown was happening and people were asked to stay at home, we had, on average, 1 million volunteers every day going out to help others.”

Explain to each team member the difference their work is making and how their contributions are positively impacting the organization. Chapagain shared a personal anecdote about how he began as a volunteer himself, and how he draws on that experience to inspire others.

Show your team that giving their all, even in the face of challenges, is what matters, rather than focusing on outright results. People need to see leaders giving their best and this inspires and motivates them, even in challenging times.

Demonstrate that you are invested in the organization's mission. “Do you become 100% successful every time? No, but people need to see that you have given 100%.”