Believe in Something Bigger

Today I helped my six-year old daughter write her first letter to Santa. The four line letter took an hour to write, as she painstakingly paid attention to every letter and word so as not to risk Santa not being able to understand the "list." The letter took a half hour. The glitter job consumed the other half. But, what amazed me, and this continues to amaze me daily as a father of two, is my daughter's unwavering belief in something bigger. By bigger, I mean she doesn't just believe in Santa Claus, but she believes in the premise behind him. That good deeds go rewarded. That bad behavior goes unpunished. And that joy comes to the world during the time between Black Friday and New Year's. She also believes in the Tooth Fairy. And, the Easter Bunny. And, in gold at the end of rainbows guarded by leprechauns. Her belief guides her behavior. She turns up the good deed quota during Christmas. She brushes her teeth nightly to make the tooth fairy proud. She believes, is guided by purpose, and I love it.

Recently, I just switched jobs. I left a great company, some great people, a satisfying job, for many reasons, but the main one was that I was missing the belief in something bigger - a sense of purpose. I knew I was contributing and motivating others to give their all, but I didn't know why I was doing it. Why was I so vested in the company being successful? Sure, you can cite extrinsic motivation - finances, providing for family, security etc. But, at your core, what drives you? I'd suggest that this internal drive, as it relates to satisfaction and engagement at work, is directly related to your alignment with your personal belief system with your company's purpose and reason for being. If it's not, you're probably part of the one in eight actively disengaged with their company.

So, what's my point? During this holiday season of reflection and thanks, take a second to assess what you believe in. When what you believe meets your career and meets the company you work for (or you may decide to work for yourself) happiness ensues.