Are you in the habit of of taking time each day to reflect on what matters most? We are usually so focused on getting through that ever-growing "To Do" list that we live in the future and not the present moment.
Many of the leaders in my executive coaching programs complain of not finding meaning in their work. We work on helping them to ponder on self-reflective questions.
What questions do you ask of yourself?
You can awaken a sense of meaning at work. There are many consultants, trainers and coaches who are committed to this process. Whether one is an executive looking for ways to rekindle commitment and community in the company, or whether one is simply burned-out and bored at work, here are some exercises and suggestions for awakening meaning. Using a professional coach will greatly enhance the effectiveness of these suggestions.
Ask yourself three questions daily:
1. What ignites my passion in today’s work? This first question serves to reclaim attention from the tyranny of the urgent and redirect it to what is truly meaningful.
2. How can I bring true value to this moment? The second question serves to disengage from emotional entanglements and view issues with a fresh inner perspective. This leads to constructive action.
3. What would I like my legacy to be in this assignment? The third question serves to bring more value and meaning to an onerous project. Whenever an assignment begins to weigh heavily and becomes a work pressure, this question can redirect and reenergize.
In the same way that these questions can provide personal energy to everyday work life, an organization, whether large corporation or small business, might ask itself these questions:
1. What brings meaning and community to our company?
2. How can this meeting or project be an expression of our highest aims?
3. What would be of service right now?
4. How can this conversation be more open, clear, or authentic?
5. What is our larger responsibility as a team or organization?
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