I am currently running a training programme called Purpose and Priorities at Work for a range of MNCs, corporate entities, banks, and SMEs.
The take up rate for my programme/workshop has been very encouraging.
Earlier this week, I was conducting this programme for an international MNC in Penang.
Whilst running the session, I reminded participants that their purpose at work comes by identifying priorities, and giving clarity to their tasks. But most importantly, I asked them to understand that their mindset and perception must be focused on finding fulfillment, which actually is a precursor for any purpose drive.
Your own perception about what you think about your job is the key.
Brian Tracy, the Canadian-American self-development "guru" and author has a best-selling book titled "Change Your Thinking Change Your Life," which centres on this principle of managing your perception of yourself.
Purpose comes when you empower yourself.
Remember, you create your own purpose and meaning at work. It is not the job of the organisation or your leaders. They can and must provide common vision for the business, and set up common goals for the team. But ultimately, you have to craft your own purpose at work.
Stop thinking that you must find the right role to be fulfilled, or that it is the responsibility of your boss to create purpose for you. A wise man once told me that "work is worship." So, get it clear in your mind that whatever your job maybe, it has dignity, and an objective.
This form of self-empowerment is crucial for you to instill within, so you realise that your work matters. It fosters your purpose and it creates meaning for yourself.
I remind my coachees and trainees that their sense of purpose is attributed to three foundational personal beliefs. It is about feeling connected to something bigger than themselves; knowing that their work actually matters; and understanding how their work affects other people, and not just the company's profitability.
So how do you achieve these three elements of purpose?
Start by making a mental logical train of thought from your work to the things that matter most. Let's say you are a cook in a restaurant. Know that your performance in preparing and delivering great quality food to your customers will see them leaving your restaurant as happy people. Happy and content people make for better employees, parents, and even Malaysian citizens. See that doing duty as a cook has a knock-on effect on the happiness index of so many people.
Always connect what you do, no matter what it is, to the bigger picture. This defines your purpose.
While you think about the bigger picture, consider how your own unique talents make a difference. I have worked with colleagues who inherently have a fabulous sense of humor. Working with people like this brightens everyone's day. I have team members who bring an inimitable perspective by being completely structured and organised so that our collective tasks get done effectively. In one of my businesses, I have a staff member who is able to resolve conflicts by being level headed and respectful. These are unique talents that we all possess, as individuals, which make a huge difference to the organisations we work at.
Remembering what you bring to the proverbial table is part of feeling fulfilled and purposeful at work.
Next, think beyond just your work-life.
Your sense of purpose at work must not preclude your ability to see beyond your work-life. In fact, it should enhance it. Remind yourself that you also find fulfillment through your family, relationships with friends, your spirituality, and your community connections.
Having a sense of purpose outside of your job actually helps you discover more meaning in your work. Think about the non-work contributions you make through activities like your voluntary work with charities or the underprivileged. If you begin to view your purpose in a more holistic way by incorporating your relationship with your family and friends, as well as your community work, you will notice that your job itself becomes more satisfying, because fulfillment will come in many ways.
Ultimately, if you want to find purpose and shape your priorities, you need to change your perception, which requires self-awareness. Being aware of the power that you have to craft your own purpose, develop your connection to the bigger picture, and your positive impact on others inside and outside the office, brings definitive fulfillment.
Get in touch with me, if you want help with reorientating your team's purpose and priorities – [email protected]
*The writer is managing consultant and executive leadership coach at EQTD Consulting. He is also the author ot the national bestseller 'So, You Want To Get Promoted?'
