Make It Mean Something

The reason why the product of what we do is not up to par even though weve followed every step to
the smallest detail is because we do not see a direct relationship between the work we are doing and
the greater vision we are helping to achieve. By seeing such relationship, we are more motivated and
engaged in his work. This scenario is illustrated by the story of the three stonecutters.
The three aspects that imbue work with meaning, namely, skill variety, task identity, and task
significance should be present. A leader can motivate his subordinates to work better and see the
meaning behind their task by helping them see the link between what they are doing and its overall
contribution to the organization. Even though we have mastered different work aspects, you often
identify yourself with the tasks on hand but you do not see how important the task is, then you need to
be motivated more.
A newer research by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer states that people engage in their jobs deeper if
they sense that even their small progresses are meaningful. These small wins boosts their inner work
life, and it then translates into the impact on their creativity, productivity, commitment, and collegiality.
Such aspects, in turn, affect the bottom line of everything that theyre doing.
Just Big Kids Really
People are still motivated by the praises and criticisms that they receive even as grown ups. This is due
to the fact that we want to know how important these tasks are. However, we lose this motivation as
we grow up due to our reliance on evidences, facts, and the seriousness of the jobs delegated to us. It is
not childish to want feedback. We eagerly await our leaders feedbacks on what we did because what
they say can create or destroy the meaning of our work. You, as a leader, would in turn have to realize
how you can impact others because if you want those below you to do their best, then the motivation
and the purpose must be understood and seen from your actions.
Put Meaning First
The workers should first know the purpose of their actions, so when discussing a new project, its best to
start on the why and then explain how youre going to do what. We tend to start with the overall task
instead of knowing what it is for. The purpose and meaning are often left out of it and due to the
orchestrated plans that we have, they become lost along the way until its not remembered anymore.
Think Differently
By thinking differently, we get to create meaning and purpose at work. If we start at the purpose, then
the strategic action to use will follow along with how theyre going to do it.