The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win

CHAPTER 4Where Am I Going? (Purpose and Motivation)

LEADERSHIP PURPOSE CHALLENGE

In a world of information overload and centrifugal goals, employees and organizations often spin away from their basic sense of purpose and direction. Great leaders recognize what motivates employees, match employee motivators to organization purposes, and help employees prioritize work that matters most.

Lost in Wonderland, Alice approaches the grinning Cheshire cat to ask directions. When the cat asks where she is trying to go, Alice isn’t quite sure. The cat provocatively states the obvious: it doesn’t matter which road Alice takes if she doesn’t know where she wants to end up.

Clarity about where we want to go and why is crucial to a sense of meaning and abundance. ...