JFK, Job Crafting, and Purpose Beyond a Paycheck

Hi everyone, 

Today I wanted to share a short but powerful story that never fails to give me goosebumps. I hope you’ll take a moment to savor it. 

THE LANGUAGE OF LEADERSHIP

The story goes like this: 

President John F. Kennedy was visiting NASA headquarters for the first time in 1961. While touring the facility, he introduced himself to a janitor who was mopping the floor and asked him what he did at NASA.

“I’m helping put a man on the moon!”

— The janitor 

I love this story because at the heart of it is the simple but mighty idea that amazing things can be achieved when each member of an organization understands how they connect to a larger purpose. 

During Coffee With Carrie, we spoke a lot about how the uncertainty we’re facing right now can shake our foundations–especially when it comes to our work. 

It can leave us with the question: How can I connect to a larger company vision when there’s so little known about the future? 

The future of my job. The future of my company. The future of my industry.

From what I heard during our time together, many managers are feeling compelled to give their teams answers about what comes next. 

But how can any of us really know what’s next? We can’t. 

However things shake out, I see one idea becoming increasingly crucial to navigating this time: 

Connecting to purpose. 

To maintain a sense of purpose does not mean to have all of the answers, instead it’s about building on the information you currently know to help bring more fulfillment. 

What does that mean for leaders right now? 

For starters, we’ll need to become better listeners. 

Here are some questions I encourage you to consider asking yourself and your team to help reconnect with your purpose: 

How do you want to have an impact? Who is relying on you? What affirmations or compliments are important to you? How can time and tasks be adjusted to better align with your strengths and passions? Who are you learning from? What do you want to learn? How can you adjust the boundaries of the job in ways that are more meaningful to your people? What are you contributing to?

THE WEEKLY FLOURISH

Article: Why Innovative Companies Like Google Are Letting Employees Craft Their Own Jobs (4 minutes) 

A growing body of research by Amy Wrzesniewski, professor of organizational behavior at the Yale School of Management, suggests that an exercise called “job crafting” can be a powerful tool for re energizing and reimagining your work life. “Job crafting is a normal part of job innovation and job adaptability. It aligns people more clearly with their talents, interests, and strengths,” the above Fast Company article explains. 

Leadology is an advocate of job crafting because we believe if you’re able to put personal touches on how you see and do your job, you’ll be able to gain a great sense of control and meaning at work. This is an exercise that becomes especially critical in times of uncertainty as it not only enriches and motivates teams, but helps employees experience control over their own destinies. In the months ahead, we’re excited to be partnering with our clients in an effort to help them job craft and connect back to purpose. 

GREATNESS TAKES GUIDANCE 

Mark your calendars! Events to help you re-energize yourself and your team this week:  

Virtual Workshop: How to Be the Light (March 13th at 11:00am ) 

Looking for a little extra courage and inspiration this week? As part of Luminary x Well-Social’s new workshop series I’ll be speaking with my friend and Lifestyle Journalist and Entrepreneur Dylan Grace on how to take care of you and your brand right now. This will include exercises on how to turn fear into curiosity and tips for approaching the media with your message. You can find more on the workshop, here. 

Coffee With Carrie (May 14th at 3:00pm)

I’m beyond thrilled to be hosting my second Coffee with Carrie on May 14th at 3pm. 

• In case you missed the first one, these free leadership coaching / courage-sparking /  let-off-some-steam sessions are dedicated to helping you and your team feel more inspired right now. 

• A huge thank you to all 44 of you who showed up at the last session - I can’t wait to continue the conversation! 

• And if you weren’t able to make it - I look forward to seeing you this week. You can find the Zoom link for Thursday’s session, here. 

• As always, feel free to reach out with any questions: carrie@getleadology.com.

Wishing you health, courage, and connection to your purpose. 

- Carrie and Team Leadology