The Five P’s of Great Leadership: Insights from Amy Jen Su

I recently read an amazing book by Amy Jen Su on leadership, and it has left a lasting impact on how I see myself as a leader and how I aspire to grow. In the book, Su shares her model for successful, resilient, and effective leadership: The Five P’s of Great Leadership.

In her influential work on leadership, Amy Jen Su shares a framework designed to help leaders become the best versions of themselves and inspire those around them. Her updated Five P’s—Purpose, People, Presence, Peace, and Process—outline essential qualities that leaders can develop to create a positive, balanced, and effective approach.

1. Purpose

Purpose is the foundation of effective leadership. It involves having a clear sense of direction and meaning in your role. Leaders with purpose can inspire their teams by sharing a compelling vision and connecting the work to a larger goal. Purpose-driven leaders help people understand the “why” behind their work, which is critical for motivation and satisfaction.

What It Means: Leaders have a clear vision and goal that guides their decisions.

Why It Matters: Purpose provides direction, motivates teams, and drives commitment.

Key Message: A sense of purpose keeps leaders and their teams focused and aligned.

Tips for cultivating purpose: Regularly revisit your core values and long-term goals. Communicate these openly with your team, and make time to align projects and goals with your deeper mission.

2. Process

Process is about creating and refining systems that ensure clarity, consistency, and efficiency within the team. Effective processes allow the team to operate smoothly, providing structure while allowing for flexibility when needed. Process-driven leaders make sure everyone understands their role and how their work contributes to the larger goals.

What It Means: Effective leaders establish processes to streamline work and ensure efficiency.

Why It Matters: Consistent processes bring clarity, reduce confusion, and foster a smooth workflow.

Key Message: Great leaders design processes that empower their teams to excel.

Tips for improving processes: Set up clear workflows, provide feedback loops, and ensure everyone understands the team’s goals and expectations. Regularly review and adapt processes to support ongoing improvement and agility.

3. People

A great leader places emphasis on People. This P is about building meaningful relationships, supporting team members, and recognizing individual strengths. Fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and engaged is key to building a cohesive and high-performing team.

What It Means: Leadership revolves around people—building relationships, trust, and teamwork.

Why It Matters: Investing in people drives team success and personal development.

Key Message: Leaders who prioritize people build cohesive, motivated, and resilient teams.

Tips for focusing on people: Take the time to understand each team member’s strengths, interests, and development needs. Make sure that each person feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.

4. Presence

Presence is the ability to be fully engaged in each moment and to show up authentically for your team. Leaders who demonstrate presence build trust by actively listening, empathizing, and responding thoughtfully. A strong presence can make team members feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

What It Means: Leaders need to be present, approachable, and engaged with their teams.

Why It Matters: Presence strengthens trust and communication, creating an inclusive environment.

Key Message: Being present encourages open dialogue and supports a strong, positive culture.

Tips for building presence: Practice active listening and cultivate mindfulness. Avoid distractions and give team members your undivided attention. Authenticity is key—when leaders are genuine, it creates an environment of trust.

4. Peace

Peace is an essential yet often overlooked quality in leadership. It represents an internal sense of calm, balance, and self-compassion. Leaders who have cultivated inner peace can remain resilient and clear-headed in the face of challenges, maintaining a positive outlook that helps stabilize the team.

What It Means: Great leaders cultivate a sense of calm and resilience, even in challenging times.

Why It Matters: A peaceful mindset helps in making rational decisions and maintaining morale.

Key Message: Leaders who foster peace inspire confidence and stability.

Tips for fostering peace: Practice mindfulness, manage stress effectively, and cultivate emotional resilience. By prioritizing your mental and emotional well-being, you can lead with calm confidence.

Bringing the Five P’s Together

In Amy Jen Su’s view, the Five P’s work together to create a well-rounded, effective leader. Purpose gives you direction, Presence keeps you connected, People provide support, Perspective brings clarity, and Perseverance fuels your drive. By committing to these five principles, leaders can not only achieve their own goals but also inspire and elevate those around them.

Reflecting on Su’s model, I realize that becoming a great leader isn’t about mastering everything at once but about committing to growth in each of these areas over time. For any aspiring leader, these Five P’s offer a roadmap to meaningful and impactful leadership.