"Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing it is not fish
they are after." – Henry David Thoreau
I don't know what motivates you in your job, but for me it is more than money, great people to work with and cool projects. I am not saying those aren't important, but the thing that really drives me is working when I am clear on the purpose of what I am doing. Once I have figured that out I am hooked. Tell me how what I do really has meaning, and I am ready to get my hands in the dirt. Tell me how what I am doing really makes a difference, you have my best.
When I was a kid I use to ask my parents why I had to do "stupid" Algebra. The only answer I ever remember was "because." "Because" I would ask. "Yes because," was their reply. If my parents had instead said because it will help you become a better problem solver, improve your chess game, make you more intelligent and finally if you take enough of these algebra classes you may never have
to take another one ever again I may have been catapulted into algebra delight. However, their response had the opposite effect.
Every leader would be wise to find the purpose and communicate it to his or her team regularly. I am always amazed at the number of employees, including management, who have no idea what the purpose of their work is beyond doing what they are asked to do and collecting a paycheck. Every employee deserves to know how what they do contributes to the success of the companies goals, aligns with the companies mission and vision and brings value to others. Unfortunately most have no idea the company even has goals, missions and visions.
How have you helped your team or employees find purpose? Please share by contributing a comment or two. We can all value through your experience.
Become
a fan of our new Facebook Page – Click on the Logo Below
Mike Rogers
