Discover The Secrets To An Engaged Workforce – Part III

In my last few posts I have written about the concept of Motivation 3.0 and explained how it is the secret to an engaged workforce. I have defined two of the three components of Motivation 3.0; Autonomy and Mastery. Today, I will define the final component, Purpose.

Purpose

Purpose can be defined as a cause that is greater than a single individual. It is the “reason for being” . . . the French call it “Raison d’être” or reason for existence. This is much greater than a simple goal or objective. This is something that a person will stake their entire existence on. The people that understand their purpose and are aligned in the pursuit of that purpose are focused and are not easily discouraged or knocked off track.

However, those who do not understand their raison d’être are typically frustrated, disillusioned, unfocused and disengaged. Those who do not understand how their purpose and their role at work align with the organization’s purpose are also likely to become frustrated, disillusioned, unfocused and disengaged.

“Purpose provides activation energy for living.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

The key for business leaders today is to define and vividly communicate the business’s purpose and provide a clear line of sight for employees at all levels of the organization to this purpose. Let your staff know how they contribute to the fulfillment of the business’s “reason for existence”.

“I believe wholeheartedly that a new form of capitalism is emerging. More stakeholders want their businesses to…have a purpose bigger than their product.” Mats Lederhausen

Ask yourself; what can you change, tweak or implement inside your business that provides an environment that helps your employees understand their purpose and how their work contributes to the overall purpose of the business?

When you are able to build a business environment that embraces the concepts of Purpose, Mastery and Autonomy, your business will be well on its way to establishing a highly productive and engaged workforce with a Motivation 3.0 culture!

“One cannot lead a life that is truly excellent without feeling that one belongs to something greater and more permanent than oneself.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi