The Why of Work

I’m reading “The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations” by Dave and Wendy Ulrich -- http://thewhyofwork.com, where they talk about the importance of having a meaningful “why” behind our work –what contribution are we making to the world, both as an organization and as an individual.

They pose seven questions to help leaders drive the abundance agenda – questions that help leaders make meaning, add value, create emotional energy, and foster hope while at work. Take a look at the seven questions at: http://thewhyofwork.com/index.php/books/why-of-work-seven-disciplines/ .

How would you answer the questions?

A story that well summarizes the power of meaningful work is the story of three bricklayers. Three bricklayers were working side by side.

When asked, "What are you doing?" the first bricklayer replied,

"I'm laying bricks."

The second bricklayer answered,

"I’m feeding my family."

The third bricklayer responded,

"I'm building a cathedral."

What is the meaningful work you are doing?

Last year I was facilitating a public train-the-trainer at Blanchard headquarters. It was the third of four days. The participants had experienced the warm greetings from staff all around the Learning Center: the Directors of First Impressions, the hospitality of the Learning Center staff, and the interaction of the co-facilitators. They had lunch with Blanchard’s Sales Partners, and witnessed many hugs as other Blanchard associates came in for a visit. That evening I went to dinner with a group of the participants. One of them said to me, in front of the others: "We've been talking about what we've witnessed these past few days and want to know... Is the Blanchard Company for real? Is this what it is like here every day?" And I answered, "Yes, isn't it wonderful." I'm grateful to say that, as an organization, the Ken Blanchard Company does a good job modeling what it is we teach every day.

I believe what makes The Ken Blanchard Company a great place to work (and for our client partners to interact with) is that the people in the organization have a powerful “why.” The company was founded to accomplish four goals:

1. To make a positive difference in the lives of the people and organizations we touch by helping people to become their best by using simple, effective tools.
2. To model what we teach as an organization: The most prized value all organizations have is their people and customers; and, all organizations succeed when their daily practices reflect their most prized values
3. To create an organization where people who love and care about each other can work and play together
4. To have fun

These goals help answer those seven questions the Ulrich’s ask in their book. They also help support me in doing meaningful work.