Finding Meaning in Your Work

How do we find a sense of  purpose and link it with our work?

Sometimes we're unhappy because we don't have a full appreciation of our own sense of purpose and how it connects with our work. When we learn to connect our work (what we do) with our purpose (why we do it) then passion, excitement and joy usually follow. That's when people say "I really enjoy what I do." 

Successful businesses spend a great deal of time defining and branding their purpose. They do this because the brain trust of the company knows that a meaningful purpose and branding strategy is a uniting force both for employees and customers. 

Successful people also clarify their own sense of purpose. I know a CEO who says his purpose is "to remove barriers, find opportunities and do this while respecting the dignity of others." According to an article in Fast Company: Denise Morrison, CEO of Campbell Soup Company says that her personal mission is "To serve as a leader, live a balanced life, and apply ethical principles to make a significant difference." Joel Manby, CEO of Herschend Family Entertainment says "I define personal success as being consistent to my own personal mission statement: to love God and love others." Oprah Winfrey's purpose is "to be a teacher. And to be known for inspiring my students to be more than they thought they could be." 

Notice that the purpose statements are action and other oriented; and, they link our tangible reality with our intangible qualities.  The focus on "others" tied to the intangible and often spiritual qualities are what make them meaningful. Notice also that the purpose statements are not the same. We all have unique gifts to offer others. 

Many people spend hours searching for a work but haven't spent any time clarifying their purpose.

When employees don't connect a personal sense of purpose with work they are often unhappy, prone to complaining and disengaged. The ultimate outcome is apathy.

Unfortunately, I have witnessed a lot of apathetic individuals within organizations. There are many factors that lead to apathy, for instance, it may be a result of poor leadership and management. On the other hand it may not. It may be a result of employees not finding real meaning in their work, or not taking the time to sort out their own purpose and how it relates to their work. In this latter case apathy results from a disconnect between what matters to the person and what they're asked to do.  

If an employee is disengaged and apathetic, managers are presented with an opportunity for some career coaching. Often managers respond to disengaged and apathetic employees by  "Joe is not performing so let's get rid of him." There is another way of handling the situation. The manager can work with the individual to find a personal sense of purpose and then give him the opportunity to find a fit within the company (if there is one); or, help him come to his own conclusion that there isn't a fit, and he needs to find another workplace where he can better apply his skills and talents. My experience suggests that when individuals leave an organization where they received career coaching, they become ambassadors for that organization. 

Sometimes people find passion within their work after they are involved in it for some time. Initially they may see their work just as a job then something clicks - they find a home, their inner yearning for their own purpose becomes known - they find their passion. Jim was like this, for years he idled along in his work. He wasn't fired up about what he did. Then one day as he was toiling away at delivering water, something clicked. He connected water delivery with a higher purpose. He connected water with health and linked his job with helping others live healthier lives. His work no longer was a drudgery. Sure, he didn't like delivering water on cold or stormy days, but he did it because he knew he was helping someone. He had a higher purpose. He also became engaged in finding more efficient ways to deliver water, his demeanour changed from one who scowled most of the time to one who smiled most of the time. He became the "go to guy" when other "delivery boys" required support or clarification. Jim found meaning for himself and in his work and became passionate about it.

You may be someone who isn't finding meaning in your work. If you are in this situation it's time to make some adjustments. Perhaps your work conflicts with your values, or the organization is in a process of change and is moving in a direction with which you are not comfortable. The question you need to ask is "do I want to be stuck in this situation for the rest of my life?" Does "what I do" connect with "why I do it?" If the answer is no, then it's time to act. It is better, and healthier, to find work that has meaning for you than to stay in a job that has little meaning or where you no longer find joy or satisfaction. This suggests taking a risk, leaving and landing back on your feet with purpose - you will be better for it.

How to write a personal purpose statement.

• Find quiet time to dwell on who you are and what makes you tick. Identify your: strengths and weaknesses; likes and dislikes; natural gifts and learned skills, attitudes and the areas in your experience that gives you a sense of passion, excitement and joy.
• Clarify your personal core values and what you will not give up if challenged. Keep your core values to no more than five. 
• Write a short purpose statement, between 10 and 20 words, that will give meaning to your life. Start the statement with action and mix in the concepts of otherness and the intangibles. 
• Keep your purpose statement in front of you at all times. Make a poster and put it on the wall or make it part of your computer desktop background. 
• Share your statement with others. This not only reinforces your resolve; it also gives others an opportunity to remind you when you step away from it. 
• Clarify the type of career or work values that will give meaning to you and that correspond with your own core values.

Measure your personal statement against the business mission and value statements where you work. Do they mesh? Do they conflict? Do your colleagues consistently and positively act on the business purpose and values? How does the organizational culture support your purpose and the direction of the company? What do these questions point to? 

Find work where your personal purpose statement and values fit like a glove. For example I know a nurse who is passionate about caring for others with absolute respect and love. She applies her passion with every patient under her care.

I'm not trying to paint a picture of a Pollyanna type of existence. One where no personal or organizational obstacles are in the way. You will always be challenged, even when you commit to a meaningful and profound personal purpose.  In fact you may be more challenged because you have purpose. Your sense of purpose, however, will reinforce your resolve, help you keep focus, and energize you to overcome those challenges. It is best to recognize that you will never be completely fulfilled because all of us are on the road of life that continues to unfold before us. 

You may already by living your work life passion. If you are, be thankful. If not, what changes do you need to make?

"Whatever you decide to do, do it with passion and all of the energy that you have." Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors

From: Richard Fontanie MSW, FCMC,  Up-dated from the  archives of  Fontanie Learning Solutions
Image from Freedigitalphotos.net

---