Why People Do Great Work

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Why do we work? Why do people do great work?

Work is not about money. Work is about growth. Work is about how we express ourselves. Work is how we show our inner selves.

If you want to know a good person, look at how they work.

According to Hubert Joly, ‘Through work, we are part of a web of human interactions, dealing with colleagues, customers, suppliers, and so on.’

We all work– and lead- best when we embrace vulnerability, learn from failure, and strive to be our best rather than the best.’

Companies are not souless entities. They are human organizations made of individuals who work together toward a common purpose. When that common purpose aligns with their own individual searches for meaning, it can unleash a kind of human magic that results in outstanding performance.’

‘Business does well by doing well.

Employees stand at its center because the secret of business is to have great people do great work for customers in a way that delivers great results.’

Doing great work starts when people feel treated like individuals- not human capital- in a work environment where they can thrive.’

‘Doing great work for customers happens when employees relate to these customers as human beings, not walking wallets.’

Treat everyone as a customer, as a human being with real needs.’

When a business is in trouble, listening to the individuals on the front line is the best place to quickly identify what ‘crazy’ goofy, or stupid’ things … have been getting in the way.’

Source:

Hubert Joly (2021). The Heart of Business: Leadership Principles for the Next Era of Capitalism

‘Creating Something Significant’

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‘Work is the expression of our energy and our dreams.’

Significance requires trust, and trust comes from consistently keeping promises.’

Agency gives us control over our time, and it encourages us to choose what our contribution looks like.’

‘Dignity flows from agency, allowing us to be treated as humans, not cogs.’

Seth Godin

‘Tools can create efficiency, but value can only come from change, from humanity, and from the rare form of connection that comes with significance.’

‘What you look like is far less important than the ability to involve others in your journey.’

‘The people you lure to follow instructions are rarely the people who will help you build something of innovation and substance.’

Leadership is the art of creating something significant.’-

Seth Godin

If we care enough to build the best job you ever had, the team notices. And if people who care build something that they’re proud of, the market notices.’

Leaders don’t need authority, but they must coordinate the trust, focus, and connection of people who are enrolled in a journey to do work that matters.’

Source:

Seth Godin (2023). The Song of Significance