What is the “Meaning of Life?” Wow! What a loaded question.
There comes a time in almost everyone’s life when they look in the mirror and ask themselves that question. I have done it many times. I usually ask myself what meaning I am bringing to the world around me? What value I am contributing? How am I living my purpose? How am I going to leave a legacy after I am gone?
All very good questions, and all questions better answered with a glass of red wine in one’s hand… Let’s get serious though.
One of the biggest things that is missing today for employees in a lot of organizations is jobs that have meaning.
Quite simply, as a leader, the biggest thing (after hiring) that you need to do is bring purpose and meaning to each and every employee. When people have a purpose, they will move mountains. When their jobs have meaning, they will create magic through a passion for teamwork, innovative solutions, quality work, lower costs, and… brilliant customer care.
All of that by giving people purpose. Simple.
Why is it then that we make life complicated? No vision. Complex strategies. Rhetoric about customer service. Restrictive rules about saving money over customer care. No trust that our people are smart enough to take on the responsibility of empowerment… These are all hallmarks of mediocrity and poor leadership.
Want to be a great leader? Want success beyond expectations? Find the way to give your team meaning, and start simply by asking them.
Robert Murray is a Vancouver, BC based Business Strategy Consultant, partner at Incrementa Consulting Inc., #1 Best Selling Author, and International Keynote Speaker. For further advice, insight and inspiration on how to unlock your inner leader, follow Robert on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook.
