Finding Your Spark
How Leaders Ignite Meaningful Work in Their Employees
Everyone seems to be busy at work but there is a flame within each and every person to find purpose in their belonging that every leader can fan the flame to greater purpose.
Imagine this: deadlines loom like storm clouds, emails flood your inbox, and meetings stretch like time does not matter. But amidst the daily storm, a tiny flame of purpose flickers within each of us. As leaders, we hold the power to fan that ember into a blazing flame of meaningful work.
Why does meaning matter? A 2016 Deloitte study revealed a truth that transcends generations: people long to contribute to something bigger than themselves. Meaning isn’t just about a big paychecks or fancy titles; it’s about finding our “why,” the reason we step into the storm each day, ignited, not exhausted. We have all heard people say they are working longer than ever before and not feeling the purpose. As leaders, this can change for our employees.
So, how can we, the leaders of these professional ships, help our teams navigate the choppy seas of routine and discover their hidden treasure of purpose?
Dump the Dusty Mission Statements:
Let’s face it, most corporate mission statements gather dust, mere museum exhibits disconnected from the daily grind. Instead of preaching from a distance, get down into the trenches with your crew. Have conversations, not lectures. Ask: “What ignites you? What tasks make you feel like a force of nature?” This is where we tap into action identification theory, a tool to unearth hidden meaning.
Think of it like peeling an onion. Layers of “typing words” reveal deeper truths: “crafting sentences that empower leaders,” “building bridges of collaboration,” “making a ripple in the world, one word at a time.” Guide your team on this journey of peeling back the layers, showing them how even the most mundane tasks connect to a grander purpose.
Sometimes, we need a nudge to see the sparkle in our own work. Use these five questions as beacons guiding your team to success!
Five Key Questions to Illuminate Your Team’s Path
- What are your strengths? Not bragging rights, but natural talents. What tasks make you feel like a superhero? Knowing your strengths is the bedrock of finding fulfilling work.
- What makes your heart sing? Forget office karaoke (though, if that’s your jam, go for it!). What parts of your job bring you joy? Rediscovering work-related passions rekindles motivation and sparks enthusiasm.
- Where’s the impact? It’s easy to feel like a hamster on a wheel, but what if your work truly mattered? Help your team see the bigger picture. How do their tasks contribute to the team, the company, the world? Highlighting inherent value fosters purpose and pride.
- What’s your ladder of ambition? Work shouldn’t be a dead end. Show your team how their current efforts pave the way for future goals. Whether it’s mastering new skills, gaining valuable experience, or building a strong network, connect the dots between today’s work and tomorrow’s dreams.
- Who lights your spark? We all thrive in supportive environments. Encourage your team to build connections that make work more meaningful. Who are the colleagues that energize them? How can they create a work environment that fosters collaboration, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging?
Leaders, remember, finding purpose is not a destination, but a journey. Be the guide, the cheerleader, the confidante on this path of self-discovery. By asking questions, listening attentively, and celebrating their wins, you can help your team transform their daily grind into a meaningful dance of passion and purpose. So, grab your metaphorical bellows, not to force a flame, but to gently fan the embers within each team member, and watch those tiny sparks become roaring flames of satisfaction and fulfillment.
