How to create meaning

We yearn to feel we’re taking part in something bigger than ourselves, so a big part of leadership is fostering a sense of meaning in the work, beyond clocking in and collecting a paycheque. This builds purpose and pride, which in turn breeds trustworthiness.

The place to start is to work out why you care, and telling the story of that.

You might look at the bigger picture. If you’re building a bypass, is it just a bunch of concrete, rebar and asphalt? Or is it a structure that will decongest a town, make its air cleaner and get people home to their families faster and more safely?

Other appeals to meaning are available. There is the innate pride in quality, professionalism and a happy customer.

There is esprit de corps: “Competitors can’t touch us in this sector”, or, “We’ve been doing this better than anyone since 1957”, or “We’re the most dependable unit in the business”.

Meaning is out there, but it needs to be discerned and articulated.

When you tell the story of why you care, people listen carefully, because meaning is infectious, and we’re hungry for it.