As humans we are “meaning-making machines.” Our brains and our hearts are “programmed” to find meaning. If we don’t, we feel empty, unhappy, devoid of purpose and motivation. On the other hand, when we have meaning, it makes work and life fulfilling, worth sacrificing for, joyful.
Successful leaders understand that a big part of leadership is making sense of what people are doing together. As a leader you can communicate meaning through the words you choose, the images and stories you share, and by affirming employees who exemplify organizational values.
You can also aid meaning making by engaging in activities and conversations in ways that builds the culture of the organization.
Pillars of meaning making
1. Relationships. We construct meaning in relation with others. Experiences are shared, analyzed and questioned. We make meaning while sharing and discussing our experiences.
There can be hidden meanings that lie behind the shared immediate experiences, informing and shaping them. It concerns the underpinning beliefs, values, emotions and attitudes that influence individual meaning making. It also affects the way a group constructs new meanings. If a leader can help these hidden meanings to surface and connections made between its members, meaning making is enriched.
2. Guided dialogue. Dialogue plays a key role in making meaning and thinking together. The purpose of dialogue is to seek mutual understanding and harmony. A leader can suggest new ways of interpreting their own and others’ experiences. The suggestions may be by way of questions, challenges, and stories weaved in dialogue. This is another big part of making meaning together.
3. Critical reflection. Through critical reflection we examine how our normal understandings of life compares with the values, merit and significance we hold important and to the realities of others.
Role of leaders in meaning making
A primary job of leaders in organizations is to provide a sense of purpose, a clear vision for what the organization stands for and how it contributes to making the world a better place. When leaders help give organizational members something to believe in when they come to work each day, the organization will thrive.
Guy Kawasaki, founder and Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, spoke to Stanford University students in October, 2004. He believes that those companies who make meaning,and make a positive change in the world, are the ones that will ultimately be most successful. Here is a short video with part of his talk:
Much of leadership really is about meaning-making, how to give our work lives purpose beyond a paycheck. I hope you can find a deeper sense of meaning around why you want to create and grow your company, products and profits. As Sally Blount, dean of the Kellogg School of Management recently said, “paying attention to meaning at work matters.”
What do you think?
How do your personal values and beliefs impact the meaning of your work, family and interactions with others? How do you contribute to meaning making in your organization? Share your comments with us.
Photo by Kevin Grahame