Common Purpose

Everyone Starts From Good: A Leadership Principle for Polarized Times

In today’s world, it often feels like every debate collapses into “us vs them.” Politics. Culture. Identity. Even the workplace.

And when we assume that those who disagree with us are acting in bad faith, we shut down dialogue and reinforce division.

But what if leaders started from a different principle? Everyone starts from good. Read our latest blog to explore how: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/everyone-starts-from-good/

Leadership is not a popularity contest. Somewhere along the way, we confused being liked with being effective — and it’s holding leaders back.

Read our blog post on why leaders don’t need approval to succeed: https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-don-t-need-approval-to-succeed

At Common Purpose, we believe real leadership isn’t about keeping the peace. It’s about moving forward — even when that ruffles feathers.

In this blog, we explore:

• Why chasing approval weakens leadership (and teams)
• What respect looks like in action
• Why the most impactful leaders aren’t always the most liked
• How to lead with authenticity, clarity, and courage

You don’t need everyone’s approval. You need the right people’s belief.

Stop chasing likes. Start making impact. Read the full blog 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/leaders-don-t-need-approval-to-succeed

Applications are now open for the AFC Fellowship 2025!

Now in its third year, the AFC Fellowship is a unique leadership development programme designed to connect, empower, and elevate emerging leaders from across the global South and North.

A collaboration between Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) and Common Purpose, the Fellowship brings together a diverse, high-impact cohort to:

✅ Deepen leadership capabilities
✅ Foster meaningful dialogue across borders
✅ Tackle our shared climate challenges and other global issues

Since its launch, over 90 dynamic Fellows from around the world have participated - building lasting connections and driving collective action for a more sustainable future.

If you're a purpose-driven emerging leader who is passionate about climate and global collaboration, this is your opportunity.

You can read more at https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/afc-climate-challenge-leadership-programme-2025-announcement

Learn more & apply at https://commonpurpose.org/the-afc-fellowship/Action/Preview/en

The world has changed—and leadership needs to change with it. Let’s be honest: If leaders are still driven by profit alone, they’re leading like it’s 1995. Today, people expect more—from brands, from employers, from institutions.

Read our blog post: The Social Value Revolution – Why Every Leader Must Be a Change-Maker:

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-every-leader-must-be-a-change-maker

At Common Purpose, we believe this isn’t just a shift. It’s a revolution in how leadership is defined and measured.

Real leadership now means asking:

- What do I stand for?
- Who benefits from my leadership?
- How do I create impact that lasts?

This blog explores:

- Why social value is no longer a “nice-to-have”
- What it really means to lead with purpose
- How courageous, people-focused leadership drives real change

Read the full article here 👇

https://commonpurpose.org/resources/blog/why-every-leader-must-be-a-change-maker