From the course: How Leaders Can Motivate Others by Creating Meaning

Six ways leaders make meaning

From the course: How Leaders Can Motivate Others by Creating Meaning

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Six ways leaders make meaning

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- The best leaders are meaning makers. They create meaning in and at work. In the work employees do and at the place they do that work. They do so by fostering six conditions I call the Markers of Meaning, which perpetually motivate employees and yield peak performance and the deepest levels of fulfillment. The first marker of meaning is doing work that matters. You can shape the way employees view their work to imbue it with more significance. For example, help employees define two things. The purpose of their work and the legacy they want to leave behind through their work. Believe me, those things matter. Marker two is being congruently challenged. Which is when employees are challenged in ways that personally energize them, and foster tailored learning and growth. But sadly, the first thing many leaders de-prioritize are learning opportunities. Instead, commit to providing employees stretching assignments and constant chances to learn and grow. The third marker is feeling competent and self-confident. Employees feel valued and valuable, worthy and worthwhile when leaders are intentional about making them feel that way. Makes sense, right? For example, take the time to give encouragement, praise, and feedback. Two-thirds of employees say they don't receive nearly enough of any of these. Next up, being in control and influencing outcomes. Nothing gives employees a greater sense of control than when they're given autonomy and leeway to make decisions. It's exhilarating. If you doubt that, think of the opposite for a minute, being micro-managed. That is soul-crushing, right? One way to give autonomy is to agree to objectives with employees, and let them decide how to best meet that objective. Marker five is working in a caring environment. When employees feel cared for and about, it feeds a fundamental human need. Again, think of the opposite. When no one genuinely cares about you, you feel meaningless. The exact opposite of meaning. One simple, powerful way to show you care is to inquire about an employee's well-being, and listen to what they say. I mean, really listen. It's what caring human beings do, right? The sixth marker of meaning is feeling connected with and confident in leadership. Employees want to feel like they're on a championship team where they believe in the mission and connect with the leader. Prioritize personally connecting with your organization. And remember that no organization is ever more confident than it's leader, so show up self-assured.

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