Whether you are a leader trying to implement change in your department, or trying to change one work habit in yourself, there is one element that can be easily overlooked. Yet, meaning matters! When taken into consideration it can make the biggest difference for successful change.
According to Viktor Frankl, a professor of both psychiatry and philosophy at the University of Vienna, Austria (1905-1997), everybody has a deep seated need to find meaning. This applies to all areas of life.
If we follow his philosophy, we can say that in order for change to be effective, you need to find the deeper meaning of the change you want to implement: Will it contribute to pride in a job well done? Will it contribute to my deepest sense of meaning?
You could have developed the best change strategy, be clear about what you want to change and how to change it, have a great vision and mission, and still fail.
It’s not that I’m against any of the above. But I strongly belief that you have to start by finding what this particular change means for you. And if there are others involved, helping them to also find what is the meaning for them.
Most people desire to do meaningful work. Therefore, for change to be effective:
- Find why this particular change is important.
- Explore how it contributes to the mission.
- Discover how this change can make a meaningful difference.
- Think how others can benefit from your change.
Remember. . .
Only when you find the meaning will you find the courage to change. Only when you find the meaning will you be willing to put in the extra effort that change requires.
Share your thoughts
I would love to know what you think, so please share your thoughts with your fellow readers and myself.
If you found this information useful, imagine how much more successful you will be, working with me. I’m starting an e-course in January 2012, for a small select group. To find out more about the REWIRE your brain for success program, simply click here.
Photo by: aussiegall