Meaning in work; many people never find it or find it only in moments or short periods of time. Others don’t even realize it is possible – and search for meaning in other areas of life. Finding meaning in work is a beautiful gift - we are happier, more fulfilled and engaged, do excellent work, and move towards our potential more fully.
Finding meaning in work is ultimately a personal exercise and journey, yet as leaders, we may be able to help more than we realize. If we can help others find meaning in work, we will help them in amazing ways, serve the team and our organization, and likely find greater meaning in our work too.
While this journey is personal, as a leader there are things we can do to help. As you choose to do these things you may be helping in ways you can’t even imagine.
Build relationships and trust
There are innumerable reasons why leaders need to have relationships with their team members. This is one – as the level of trust deepens, people will be more open and willing to share things of deeper importance with you. Without a significant level of trust, your ability to help them find meaning in work will be limited.
Ask more questions – and listen
I’m not suggesting we ask questions to pry or go into areas they aren’t comfortable with. But when we ask questions about more than the daily work - and then stop everything else and listen, we will learn more about the person (and build trust even further along the way).
Learn their drivers
We all have drivers of meaning – the values and beliefs we hold dearest. When we are living and expressing them in our work we find meaning and fulfillment. The more you know these things about a person, the more you can help them find meaning in work.
Clarify their role and impact
Make sure people know what their role is, and why it matters. Meaning is far easier to see when we are clear on what our role is and what is expected of us. Help people personalize their work to the big picture and to those they directly impact.
Help them connect the dots
Make sure people know how their role matters to the organization and the people connected to it. One of the best things you can do is to help people see how their work serves customers. Give people ways to meet and interact with customers. When people have met and talked with some of those customers and can put a face to who they are serving, it can change how people see their work in powerful ways.
Help them find a new way/place to contribute
If you have done those things and people just don’t see a connection, there may be another way you can help. Is there another place in the organization where they might find more meaning? If so, help them prepare for and get to that position or team. Are they seeing their place in another organization? Perhaps the best thing you can do as a leader then is to help them make that transition too.
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