Finding Real Purpose at Work

What’s the point?

Of our work. The primary endeavor, outside of family, dominating a Leader's thoughts and attention. An all-consuming, high stakes, eat-or-be-eaten, pressure-cooker. The source of provision. As well as angst. Stress. And heart-racing anxiety.

Why are we dedicating so much of ourselves to our profession? To the firm. Our careers. Compromising time with the kiddos. Sacrificing family experiences. To get the job done.

The easy answer is the money. Necessary to raise our brood. House payments. Vacations. College. And a nest egg to retire. We need plenty of cash to sustain an ideal lifestyle. For us and our children.

Work is also a source of self-worth. Validation. A means of proving ourselves. In our own minds. And to others. We earn respect. Admiration. For being experts in our field. Taking on the challenges of the marketplace to help the firm succeed.

Making money. Getting kudos. We do our job well. And reap the rewards. Win-win. For both parties. A commercial deal. Between employee and employer. That’s business.

That’s the point of our work, right? Our services, in exchange for monetary compensation. And some praise. A simple, transactional arrangement.

Hmmm. That doesn’t sound very fulfilling. Or meaningful. In fact, such an individualistic, transactional perspective can make work seem like a grind. Toil. Drudgery. The same-old, same-old. Leaving us feeling exhausted. And empty.

Shouldn’t work be more uplifting? Enriching. An opportunity to make a difference. A lasting impact. On the marketplace. Or the people around us.

Yes. Purposeful work. A calling. Jobs that are more than just a transaction. Energizing. Exciting. Engaging. That’s the point. That’s what Leaders want. To grow. Stretch ourselves. Strive for more. Flourish and thrive.

A sense of purpose is what we need from work. So, how do we find it?

What is Purpose?

Purpose. Calling. Legacy. From our work. C’mon, really?

Sounds like fluffy HR speak. Aimed at newbies in the firm. The younger generation. Who need a reason to put their head down and get stuff done.

At this stage of our career, we don’t need the corporate hype. Company rah-rah. Some big picture, mumbo-jumbo about a save-the-world mission. We’re too busy making the numbers. Meeting deliverables. On time. And preferably, on budget.

To remain in business, firms must hit financial targets. Yet for those of us in the business, the moment we deliver, we’re on to the next number. And the next after that. A mind-numbing string of outcome after outcome.

A fixation on short-term results. So we can achieve our bonus. The typical transaction mindset. And a source of stress. Anxiety. Burnout. Quiet Quitting. The Great Resignation.

Where does it stop?

“The antidote to burnout,” posits Wharton professor Adam Grant, “Is not less work. It’s more meaning.”

More meaning from our work? How?

“We can feel fulfilled by our work,” writes Leadership expert Simon Sinek, “If it makes us feel part of something bigger than ourselves.”

That’s our purpose. Objectives beyond self-interest. To impact those around us. Colleagues. Community. And generations to come. That’s the WHY. The source of meaningful work. And the driving force behind all we do.

Hindsight

In my early days at American Express, I was sure I had all the answers. About the new business I’d been appointed to lead. And the steps required to climb the company ladder.

Unfortunately, my inexperience and arrogance got in the way. Causing some catastrophically stupid decisions. And needless to say, things didn’t work out as I imagined.

Years later, I had lunch with a former Amex exec. Who provided useful insights about my leadership. Valuable advice and counsel. Which helped me tremendously in the future. While leaving me thinking, “Man, if I’d only heard this advice back then.”

Every firm is filled with young up-and-comers. Optimistic and hopeful. As they launch their careers. Talented future leaders. Yet, inexperienced. And woefully unprepared. As I was. For the leadership challenges they are certain to face.??

Who’s going to help them? Who’s going to pull them aside. Provide candid feedback. Designed to enable success in the future. Their boss? Maybe. A peer. Perhaps. More likely, they’ll end up fending for themselves. As I did. Blindly, trying to find their way.

Helping Hand

Some leaders want to change the world. Awesome. Start something new. Fill a gap in the marketplace. Launch a product or service to benefit mankind.

Maybe that’s you. And if so, go for it!

For the rest of us, the question remains; what’s the point of our work?

How ‘bout helping young folks at the firm? Or in our field. Future leaders with endless potential. Trying to get on the right path. Without making catastrophic mistakes. Those on the lower rungs of the corporate ladder. Navigating their way to the top.

YES! That’s the point. Of our work. Stepping in to help others. Each of us has valuable insights and advice. Wisdom. Which will benefit others.

And nothing is more fulfilling. Meaningful. Impactful. Than helping others succeed. A transformational experience. For them. And for us.

Coaching. Mentoring. Encouraging. Supporting. Purposeful work. The calling we’ve been searching for. At this stage of our career.

And best of all, Leaders are great at helping others. How we’re designed. Our natural instinct.

So, as the year comes to a close, take a few moments to reflect. On the bigger picture. About the point of our work. And perhaps, about who we can help. Which young folks in our circle could benefit from our experience. And wise counsel. ?

Then do something bold. Reach out. Offer our help. We’ll be amazed at how appreciative they will be. And how good we will feel. Helping others flourish. And us thrive.