Helping Employees find their Inner Purpose

A study conducted by Deloitte in 2016 revealed that individuals desire to find a sense of purpose and meaning in the workplace. This mindset isn't restricted to millennials but is a common theme that appears across generations.  The most loyal and productive employees in an organization are those whose jobs are aligned to their life goals.

Keeping this in mind, leaders and managers often try to coach their team members into uncovering their inner purpose. You too can try this out with your team through this simple conversation which includes the following 5 questions:

​1) What are your strengths?

This will help identify functional areas / skills where the individual has a proven record / expertise in above average performance. 

​2) Which aspect of your job do you love?

This will help the individual shortlist areas / activities / tasks of his / her current role that he/she enjoys.

3) When do you feel a sense of achievement?

This will help one to understand the inherent value one assigns to each aspect of one's job and how it is aligned to one's life goals.  

4) ​How is this a stepping stone?

This will help establish how the individual envisions his / her future. It also helps to create a link between the present tasks and future goals. 

5) Who are the people you want to surround yourself with?

This will help individuals understand which relationships will help and foster their professional development. Encouraging workplace friendships will also create greater engagement. 

There is no guarantee that these 5 questions will lead one to the answers one seeks but they will certainly help leaders and managers to initiate a conversation and reach one step closer to their aim of a highly engaged and productive team.