Successful leaders define meaning and explain purpose.
There are no menial tasks as long as tasks have meaning.
My recent stay (11/11) at Susquehanna Health (SH) exposed me to an array of remarkable people; not the least of which was Karen from food services. She reminded me of the power of meaning.
Delinquency and opportunity:
I usually didn’t fill out my meal menu in a timely manner which required someone from food services to stop in and fill it out. Typically a young person stopped in. But one day Karen, a not so young person with pen and menu in hand, arrived.
A million dollar moment:
Any exchange with me borders on an interview. In typical fashion I asked her how long she had been in food services, etc. The million dollar moment arrived when I asked what she enjoyed about her job.
“Food makes people happy,” she said.
Purpose and engagement:
Casual observers think Karen fills out menus and delivers food. But she doesn’t. She’s in the happiness business.
Success always includes making someone happy.
Karen is a rock star in my book. SH is lucky to have her on their team.
Purpose is the secret of engagement.
I wonder if her organization knows what makes Karen tick. If they do, they can fuel her fire, enrich her satisfaction, and retain her remarkable services.
Purpose and motivation:
Which statement best motivates Karen?
Thank you for delivering food in a timely, efficient manner.
Or
Thank you for bringing a moment of happiness to people experiencing the trying days of a stay in the hospital, you make a difference.
What could someone say to you that affirms the meaning and purpose you embrace?