Page 272 - How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

THE WHY OF WORK

To reverse this logic:

• • Employees’ ability to find meaning in their work lever-
ages and sustains their competencies and commitment.
• • The collective competence and commitment of employ-
ees creates organization capabilities.
• • These capabilities address the presenting problems
facing organizations today, leading to sustained organiza-
tional success.

Employee meaning is, therefore, a lead indicator of not
only organizational abundance but also organizational pros-
perity. Why meaning? Because meaning has both inherent
value to individuals and market value to companies. Leaders
who diagnose, invest in, and improve meaning address
underlying causes, not symptoms, so their solutions endure
beyond quick-fix activities.

The How of Meaning

Leaders help employees find meaning at work as they learn
and apply the seven drivers of meaning we have presented.
These seven drivers tap into the inherent value or meaning
people generally find in:

• • Evolving their identity by using their personal values and
strengths at work
• • Staying grounded in a purpose and a direction that con-
nects personal drives to a common good
• • Enjoying satisfying relationships where they feel
respected and attached

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