Sunday, November 14, 2010

Leading and Meaning

One of the most difficult things to do as a leader is to compell followers, especially those that view their occupations as a "job" instead of a "calling" or "profession," to see meaning in their work.  My initial reaction to these people is to "write them off" as unmotivated and/or negative.  However, I know as a leader, it is my job, many times, is to motivate, inspire, and compell others to find meaning.  According to Seligman, people find meaning and happiness at work when they are allowed to use their "'signature strengths' to achieve gratification" at work (as cited in Pink, 2006, p. 226).  Fullan (2008) echoed this sentiment in asserting one way leaders show their followers they love them is by putting their followers in positions in which they can succeed.  Therefore, before I "write off" those that don't seem to love their job and can't seem to find meaning in their job, I should probably ask myself if I am putting them in a position to succeed and allowing them to use their signature strengths to achieve gratification.

5 comments:

Keith Morgan said...

Ben, as long as you don't write me off, I think I will be okay.
I always go back to the analogy of the bus. As leaders, I believe it is our responsibility to help people get on the right bus and on the right seat on the bus. If they are not liking the bus, then we should ask them to get off the bus and take a train to somewhere else!
Great thoughts Ben.

everett7447 said...

It would be SO much easier to just dismiss those that are hard to motivate...fire them and replace them with someone who is easy to motivate. Problem is that you never really know what you're missing. Some of the least motivated might just catch a spark if you keep looking and set them up for success as you've described. Some need to go away but there are many that can catch fire and have a positive impact on the organization.

billy said...

Ben, you are being very reflective and applying your reading knowledge in a very positive way. You are making the right decisions as a leader. Just keep God in the forefront of your decision and He will direct you path.

Beth Funk said...

So true, Ben. often we don't even know what our true strengths are, until a wise leader helps us recognize them.

Professor said...

I agree with your reflections, Ben. Making it more complicated, the person who seems unmotivated is also hampering the collaboration and productivity of the group. A quandary, indeed.