Page 111 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

THE WHY OF WORK

izations, or educational institutions emphasizing training
and job skills. They include industries focused on medi-
cal advances and services, underserved populations, food
production and distribution, ecology, energy production,
and family services. Empowerment reminds us that suffer-
ing is unavoidable but that we can choose our attitude and
response to suffering. We can ignore it, blame others, or give
up in despair . . . or respond to it from our deepest values of
compassion and courage. Empowerment is a powerful anti-
dote to the societal plagues of isolation, despair, and ennui.
Not every organization will find its primary mission in
humanitarian service. But every organization can benefit
from a value proposition grounded in empowerment.
In your organization, where does empowerment percolate?
Who are the proponents of social responsibility? Who helps
everyone understand how his or her work is connected to the
greater good and the needs of real people? Is there a clear
line of sight between today’s work and the world’s problems?

Self-Awareness for Leaders,
Employees, and Organizations

These four categories suggest four destinations that motivate
people and bring meaning to life. As a leader, you can bring
these motivating purposes into your organization at four levels.
First, know yourself. Know which of the four destinations
or quadrants is motivating to you personally, be familiar with
how these motivations may have changed over your lifetime,
and look for ways to expand your repertoire to include ele-
ments of all the quadrants.

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