The Meaning Difference

Finding Meaning in YOUR WORK

Recently, a colleague forwarded an article to me describing some pretty dismal circumstances in the workplace today. Although, I'm sure that the author finds "meaning" in writing about why people should not expect meaning from their work or in their workplaces, I personally believe that it is our personal responsibility and each of us has the capacity to discover meaning in our work and everyday lives, regardless of the circumstances. Indeed, I'm sure that Mr. Kersten's former student (referred to in his article) would be able to find deeper meaning from her selling a remedy for irritable bowel syndrome if she practiced the principles in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl's Principles at Work.  In my personal and professional opinion, and contrary to Mr. Kersten's assertion, I don't think that shooting for "worthwhile" is enough!

Christopher Kenny of Star Group Consulting shared his thoughts with me after reading the article:

"I noted the author said, “Employees should not demand that companies imbue their lives with meaning.”  He’s absolutely correct!!  Employers CAN’T “imbue” meaning for anyone – as Frankl said and as you point out in your book, that’s a PERSONAL responsibility.  Anyone looking for the employer to provide meaning is abdicating his or her personal responsibility.  No wonder an individual who expects that from his or her employer winds up disappointed – they’re looking in the wrong place!!"

I would add to this that employers also have a personal (and collective) responsibility to create an environment wherein the search for meaning is supported.  As you suggested, this is both good for business and for everything around them.  And, of course, it supports their own search for meaning--what goes around comes around.

This said, I find that too many people wait for meaning to be brought to them rather than take personal responsibility for finding it or for co-creating a meaningful workplace/environment.  In my experience, it is "meaning" that drives "passion" that drives "innovation."  This is, in fact, the mental model used by The Innovation Group.

How are you taking personal responsibility to find meaning in your work day-to-day and co-create a meaningful workplace?
 
Meaning-fully,
Alex

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
Santa Fe, NM USA  www.themeaningdifference.com

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Visit the Viktor Frankl Collection at the Global Dialogue Center; I look forward to seeing you!

The Practical Side of Human VALUES

Recently, the practical side of human values came up in a dialogue. An important topic especially at this time in history, yet so misunderstood. Let me share a "practical" perspective that is grounded in my meaning-centered work:

Viktor Frankl, author of Man's Search for Meaning, articulated three "sources of meaning" that were each based on ACTUALIZING VALUES:

• Actualizing Creative Values, that is, people derive meaning from creating something, something of value;
• Actualizing Experiential Values, that is, people derive meaning from experiencing things and encountering others;
• Actualizing Attitudinal Values, that is, people derive meaning from how they perceive and respond to different life situations, especially from inevitable or inescapable suffering.

Viktor Frankl writes of his own experience: "It did not really matter what we expected from life, but rather what life expected from us. We needed to stop asking about the meaning of life, and instead to think of ourselves as those who were being questioned by life -- daily, hourly. Our answer must consist, not in talk and meditation, but in right action and in right conduct. Life ultimately means taking the responsibility to find the right answer to its problems and to fulfill the tasks which it constantly sets for each individual."

Frankl's "will to meaning," moreover, can be described as a person's authentic commitment to meaningful values and goals. This is how I refer to it in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts. I recently did a podcast called The Meaning Difference. It talks about the book and also describes how Viktor Frankl's principles are being put into practice by organizations and in the lives of individuals to find deeper meaning and fulfillment.

What is the source of meaning and fulfillment in your life?

How is life questioning you at this time?

Meaning-fully,
Alex

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
Santa Fe, NM USA  www.themeaningdifference.com

Come visit the Viktor Frankl Collection at the Global Dialogue Center; I look forward to seeing you!

Share your thoughts on the Exploring the Meaning Difference Survey

Also listen to my recent podcast at the Global Dialogue Center

Self-Transcendence in the Workplace

The other day I received a question about how to promote self-transcendence in the workplace from an "enterprise development" manager at a company in Switzerland.  This manager, who had just finished reading the German edition of my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts, said that he had been struggling with this issue for a long time and requested some "hints" on how he might be able to help his co-workers learn and practice self-transcendence at work.  Let me share with you an excerpt of my response to this manager's question: 

"Now, if we replace the words, "self-transcendence," with the descriptor that I use in my book, Prisoners of Our Thoughts (that is, "Extend Beyond Yourself"), you may find that the concept is more palatable within your workplace. What, in other words, does "enterprise development at [your company] mean in terms of your customer relationships, your connections to the larger "community" that you serve (including your country), and your responsibility for serving the greater good and the planet?  To the extent that you engage your co-workers in authentic dialogue about their "purpose" and how they make a positive difference in the world, you are effectively moving them towards self-transcendence (or extending beyond themselves) and helping them search for and find deeper meaning in their work and personal lives.

Of the principles described in my book, #7: Extend Beyond Yourself (Self-Transcendence), touches the spiritual dimension most directly.  Because it concerns, by definition, the metaphysical part of ourselves and our work, it can not by managed per se.  Your role is more of a catalyst and facilitator of the process, again through open and focused dialogue, that ultimately leads one to self-transcendence.  Gently encourage your colleagues to consider the ultimate meaning behind their work, and help them explore the core personal values that bring meaning to them and their various customers (including their co-workers).  Explore the possibilities that come from building a meaning-centric organization and from fully engaging customers by designing meaning-full products, services, and, most importantly, experiences."
       
Now let me ask you: how do you practice self-transcendence at work?  And what other "hints" would you like to offer our colleagues in Switzerland and around the world?

All the best,
Alex

Alex Pattakos, Ph.D.
author, Prisoners of Our Thoughts
founder, Center for Meaning
Santa Fe, NM USA  www.themeaningdifference.com


Share your thoughts on the Exploring the Meaning Difference Survey

Also listen to my recent podcast at the Global Dialogue Center