Why does meaningful work matter?

- Discovering what makes work meaningful is a deeply personal journey unique to each of us. One leader I worked with enjoys the satisfaction she feels from tackling and completing new projects. Another leader I've consulted likes to make a difference in the world by trying to solve challenging social issues, such as homelessness and poverty. What these individuals share in common is that they are clear about what gives them a sense of purpose, and they structure their workweek to focus on that purpose. It's worth the effort to discover your motivation. In working with a diverse group of people in a variety of industries around the world, I've found that when someone feels a purposeful connection to the work they do both their productivity and their satisfaction increase. This simplified chart helps illustrate this principle. On one axis, we have productivity, and on the other satisfaction. Our goal in this course is to maximize both. While personal motivations are complex, we can categorize them into four general areas. The most basic motivation for work is to provide for oneself and loved ones. This motivation does drive people to find gainful employment and feel some satisfaction in achieving that goal. The next step up is to perform. This is where someone settles into their position, and they're doing their job consistently. They check off boxes and feel a sense of satisfaction in a job well done. Many reach this level and feel it is enough for the rest of their life. But both productivity and satisfaction will improve if we can take the next step up, achieve. This is when someone accomplishes goals that stretch them. They see a series of successes in their life. They gain recognition, and they might accumulate some wealth. Many high achievers operate with achievement as their motivation. However, the most successful people I've ever worked with are motivated by fulfillment. They feel a deep, personal connection to the work they're doing. They feel that they're making a difference in the world and in people's lives. Because of this sense of purpose, they create remarkable work, and they feel a deep sense of satisfaction. My goal in this course is to help you make a connection to one or both of these top two areas, achievement and fulfillment. Now, some might look at that chart and say, "Achievement and fulfillment don't apply to me. I can only have those if I'm in my dream job." Yet, I believe anyone in any position can find both achievement and fulfillment in their job. Sometimes all it takes is a change in perspective.