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

CHAPTER 7What Challenges Interest Me? (Personalized Contributions)

LEADERSHIP PERSONALIZED CONTRIBUTIONS CHALLENGE

Too often employees feel emotionally disconnected from the work they do; their work may capture their talents and time, but not their heart and soul. Great leaders personalize work conditions so that employees know how their work contributes to outcomes that matter to them.

When their work is too easy, people get bored. When it is too difficult, they get anxious and give up. Somewhere in between, a moderate level of challenge and clear feedback help us stay engaged in our work, even lost in the trance of creativity and effective problem solving. This state of flow is associated with high energy, engagement, and a sense of doing something ...