MEANING: WHAT DOES YOUR WORK MEAN TO YOU?
Barry-Wehmiller is a manufacturing company in St. Louis. The company developed a purpose statement for what it calls its Guiding Principles of Leadership. It says:
“We measure success by the way we touch the li ves of people.”
During the 2008 housing crisis, this purpose statement was challenged. The company lost a great deal of its business almost overnight and faced an important decision. Shortly thereafter, their CEO, Bob Chapman, announced that instead of laying off thousands of employees, it was better if everyone suffered a little instead of a few suffering a lot. The company instituted a 4-week furlough for all employees. Quickly after the announcement, a remarkable thing happened. Those who could afford more time off took weeks from those who couldn't afford it as much. By taking the opportunity to step into their guiding principles of leadership, the team became stronger than ever and saved millions.
If one of your family members was struggling, would you lay them off? Watch the video below.
Everybody Matters: A Documentary Short Based on the Best-Selling Book https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=or6YoXfHWSE
VIDEO
Action Items for Meaning
These action items are provided by Chapman & Co Leadership Institute, n.d:
Facilitate discussions for a greater understanding of how the work is meaningful for each team member
Begin time together with why actions are being taken and how they relate to the overall purpose
Ask teammates what difference the work makes in the lives of those you are serving
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