journey of meaning at work, The

Abstract

The quest for meaning at work is a topic that occupies the attention of a growing number of writers. It is a familiar quest recognized by most people who are employed, whatever their profession. As facilitators we strive to find meaning in our own profession, and like everyone else at work, we need ways to do so. We also see the question arise among our clients. Hardly ever are we retained to address this question of meaning, but it is central in almost every organization we serve. Being clear about authentic approaches to the journey of finding meaning at work may provide us insights for addressing it effectively. By "meaning at work" we mean the worthwhileness of an undertaking, a sense of importance in a larger framework. "Meaning at work" is the contribution of a particular undertaking to a larger context that the meaning-seeker values. Work that contributes to nothing beyond itself is often considered meaningless. "Meaning at work," then, is the relationship between a particular undertaking and a larger framework in which it exists and to which it contributes. This article provides a "road map" of the journey of meaning as it is experienced at work. It is important, because we do not serve our clients by offering unachievable poppycock. To find meaning at work requires neither a quick fix nor a simple solution. It is profound, dealing with the depth of your self and your work, and it is complex, including a variety of pathways and phases. Having a map provides a realistic view of the shape of the journey. The search for meaning in work can take one of three possible pathways: the way of Significance, the way of Professionalism, and/or the way of Purpose. There are three discernable phases to finding meaning at work. In Phase One, you are subjectively fixated on the broader context of your work. In Phase Two, your attention reverts to the particular situation in which you are immersed. In Phase Three, you experience attraction to the relationship between particular and universal. Another way to put it is that in Phase One, you have a naive attachment to a grand cause; in Phase Two, the cause shows up as finite, fallible, or fraudulent, wholly unable to allay the awareness of spending your life in trivial particulars. In Phase Three, you "see through" to the ultimate unworthiness of all that is and therefore its objective value as a connected interrelated whole. The article provides approaches that facilitators and coaches can use to assist clients to deal with their position on their own journey.

Keywords

meaning, significance, professionalism, purpose, coaching

Introduction

Why would this journal for and by facilitators contain an article about the "journey of meaning at work"? As facilitators, we strive to find meaning in our own profession, and like everyone else at work, we need ways to do so. We also see the question arise among our clients. Hardly ever are we retained to address this issue, but it is central in almost every organization we serve. Being clear about authentic approaches to the journey of finding meaning at work may provide us insights for addressing it indirectly. This paper addresses both needs.

Numerous attempts are made to invigorate the workforce through increasing pay or providing various perks. Unless the issue of meaning is addressed, however, there will be little lasting improvement. When it is, the results can be outstanding.

I intend to present a "road map" of the journey of meaning as it is experienced at work. This map is for all of us. Then I will suggest some ways in which we as facilitators can help our clients sustain that journey and achieve the fulfillment rightly expected from a life of work.

I believe this is important because much of what has been presented on the topic is superficial at best or downright illusory. We do not serve our clients by promising unachievable poppycock. To find meaning in work requires neither a quick fix nor a simple solution. It is profound, dealing with the depth of your self and your work, and it is complex, including a variety of pathways and phases.

For the sake of clarity, I will offer a heuristic framework (a road map) for the journey of meaning, with three pathways, each of which goes through three phases. Your particular journey may well include aspects of them all. Any pathway on its own is an authentic journey of meaning; combinations of any two or three may also provide authenticity. Having a map does not predict which pathway you will take, only the shape of the journey in that direction.

Alternative Perceptions

The validity of a map depends on its usefulness. The first step in making that determination is to locate yourself on the map and then to see where your next step is likely to lead. In this case, the fundamental question is: "Does this description of the journey of meaning at work help you take the journey, or does it get you lost?" The traveler has to answer that question, but it's worth considering some alternative ways people view meaning at work.