Find Your Why

I’m taking a detour and talking about a subject dear to me – based on a headline I saw from former PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooey (nooyi).

Why do we do what we do in the first place. In my former org, I held a weekly lunch and learned we called the brown bag series. I was up for any topic that made life happier, healthier or wealthier.

We covered anything from holiday planning to how to promote your accomplishments without feeling like a jerk.

One of the most endearing topics was talking about purpose- why we do what we do – and I’ve always dislike people referring to find your passion – because some of us went to catholic school – I say this jokingly but there was a lot of responsibility there – The little voice in our head that comes from General Drag or as my mentor calls it – sister mary have no fun.

But sometimes providing for your family is your purpose. I got so many calls and emails after that – validating that indeed – being a great contributor - and providing for your family is indeed a valiant purpose.

Which is why it is so important to me that while we are living that purpose of providing – we are enjoying ourselves, that it is rewarding – it’s too much time to suffer. Otherwise I’m going to point you to the book, your money or your life or voluntary simplicity! (which are both very good).

So why do you do what you do? I’ll tell you why I do-

I think every employee can be an all star – not this homogenous spread where everyone does everything ok – but we grow our gifts to excel and contribute – and it takes leaders of great courage to recognize and cultivate those gifts and really make them shine.

Which brings us to our tool of the week – 5 love languages – Gary Chapman Words of affirmation Gifts Acts of service Physical touch Quality time

SO WHAT IS THE MINDSET REQUIRED?

You intentionally give in their language – not yours –which tends to be our default and gives us a new lens to look at their actions…

SO HERE’S YOUR fieldwork –because COACHING WITHOUT ACTION ISN’T COACHIng – IT’S JUST ENTERTAINMENT

Figure out your why and if it is providing – don’t keep searching – honor that calling – invest in that family – the activity – do what you can to make it as enjoyable and rewarding as possible

Now figure out your central crew – the ‘I got your back’ and ‘I know you have mine’ what’s their language. You can take the free test on the 5 love languages website – it will be in the show notes below.

If you liked this blog please subscribe and share. If you would like to hear more about a topic that would make your work fun by improving the leaders in your organization please drop us a line at shawna@shawnacorden.com

Until next week – take good care