Abstract
This article examines the intersection of leadership and humanity’s quest for existential purpose, highlighting the role of human values such as kindness, empathy, respect, and ethics in guiding individuals toward meaning. It examines how existential purposes—shaped by philosophical, spiritual, social, and scientific perspectives—align with values that foster personal fulfillment and collective well-being. The article highlights the potential of leaders to address existential struggles, such as the dread of insignificance or isolation, by creating purpose-driven workplaces. Two leadership styles, servant leadership and technoversal leadership, are presented as exemplary models. Servant leadership prioritizes community, fostering environments where individuals discover purpose through shared goals. Technoversal leadership blends technological innovation with ethical and environmental responsibility to address global challenges, aligning business objectives with these challenges like biodiversity loss. The article argues that leaders who embody these values can inspire followers to find meaning, but personal reflection remains essential. It concludes that universal leadership qualities—ethics, empathy, and respect—must guide influential corporate leaders to shape a better world, addressing existential questions and global crises through compassionate, value-driven actions.
Recommended Citation
Kapucu, Hakan
(2026)
"DNA of Leadership to Guide Our Existential Purposes Toward Kindness,"
The Journal of Values-Based Leadership: Vol. 19
:
Iss.
1
, Article 6.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/1948-0733.1600
Available at:
https://scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol19/iss1/6
Included in
Biodiversity Commons, Business Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Leadership Studies Commons
