Leadership Coaching Newsletter




	April 2004 Leadership Coaching Newsletter This Month's Topic: Painting the Purpose Picture this scenario: Three people are crushing rocks on a construction site. When asked, “What is your job?” The first person answers, “My job is to follow orders and do what I am told so I can get a paycheck at the end of the week.” The second person replies, “My job is to crush rocks.” The third person responds, “My job is to build a cathedral.” Lee Colan, in his Cornerstone Book, Sticking to It, asks which of these three people do you think would be the happiest, most productive and go the extra mile in your organization? No doubt the third person who understood his job was far greater than just crushing rocks. He realized he was contributing to a purpose greater than his own efforts.
FREE Leadership Coaching Session Why Hire an Executive Coach? Client Results Developing Corporate Leadership Talent (Audio Message)	When people work for something they understand and believe in, they develop a sense of passion for their work. Our job as leaders in our organizations is to paint such a vivid picture that the larger meaning jumps out at every employee. Creating a sense of meaning for your employees and developing their passion helps increase their ability to know what to do and when to do it, as well as how to make decisions more independently. Under these circumstances, employees often view their jobs as an opportunity to contribute to a greater purpose. The key foundation for creating meaningful work is to help employees see how they fit into the big picture. If as a leader, you share the following information with your employees, it will help you create a more passionate, dedicated workforce: Strategy: Ask yourself and the senior management team, “Where are we headed as an organization?” Try to communicate your company's strategy throughout your organization at least annually and preferably quarterly. When employees understand what the organization’s goals are, they are better able to think creatively and make informed decisions. Action Plans: Ask yourself and then ask your people, “What are we going to do to get there?” What steps will you take as an organization to make certain you keep heading in the direction of your strategy and goals? Individual Roles: Think and talk about how and what can each person do to contribute? Link each person's day-to-day work to a strategy that impacts the organization’s future. This will give employees a sense that their individual contribution matters in the long run. Creating meaningful work is so important and creating regular opportunities to share your vision paints a picture that produces passion! Leadership Coaching Newsletter is written and produced by Wendy Capland. To learn more about our leadership development programs call us at 978-692-4454 or email: wcapland@visionquestconsulting.com. If you have any questions or comments, please send them to: wcapland@visionquestconsulting.com. We'd love to hear from you. To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit our website: Click Here. Feel free to forward this newsletter. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy, or distribute as long as copyright and full author contact information is included. Thank you. Copyright Wendy Capland 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004. All rights reserved.