Where ya’ headed? Easy to answer as long as the destination could be located by a GPS system. A little harder when we are talking about finding meaning in work and in life. Knowing what motivates you, and in most cases finding the right balance among multiple motivations, helps you tie your daily work to outcomes you care about: the visions that call to you, the laurel wreaths you find rewarding, the relationships you count on, and the ideas that enthrall you.
Who comes to mind when you think of someone who really seems to find their work meaningful and abundant? What seems to motivate them? Writing The Why of Work, co-author Dave Ulrich and I noted that most of what people find motivating can be lumped into one of four categories: 1 - Achievement, 2 - Relationships, 3 - Empowerment, and 4 - Insight.
