For many professionals, meaning quickly becomes a philosophical approach and has nothing to do with practical everyday life. Is that true? In my view, no. Philosophy is something very concrete. What I thought yesterday became an action and is now evident in the form of results. Philosophy is therefore very tangible.
The search for meaning
So what about the question of meaning? Let's look at what most people want. Success – however that is defined. Success is closely linked to respect and recognition. It's also about living a fulfilling life. Fulfillment has a lot to do with experiencing meaning. And, of course, health is part of it—both physical and mental. This requires smart internal filters. These three aspects are precisely what professional development is all about—clear paths to success, fulfillment, and mental health.
In times like these, the search for meaning gains momentum. And that's a good thing. Many people are observing what is happening right now. Of course, it's easier for us to do this with others. With politicians. With bosses. With friends. Knowing full well that it would be much smarter to look at ourselves. The "why" in life, in everyday life, at work, in goals, or in meetings—meaning is anything but useless philosophy. But please be careful: we are quick to demand meaning from others without being clear about what meaning means to us. And now it gets interesting. Who is actually responsible for us experiencing meaning? Our partner? Our children? Our boss? The company? Society?
A question of responsibility
In the context of "work," I believe there are two areas of responsibility when it comes to meaning. First, companies are responsible for creating something meaningful. Figuratively speaking, they provide the green field and the tools to grow something meaningful on it. Employees bear the other half of responsibility: namely, to search within themselves for something meaningful and contribute it. Companies create meaning by defining a clear purpose for themselves—with a core essence that gives employees the opportunity to identify with it. With a mission that also allows customers to identify with it. And with guidelines and positioning ideas that define the tools for shaping the field. That's 50 percent.
On the other hand, there is a self-responsible person. They know that there are aspects that connect and separate employees and companies. They consciously perceive both and focus on what connects them. Within this framework, they discover their talents and develop them into strengths. This is where their 50 percent of responsibility lies. It is a wonderful image for the future: companies are redefining themselves and creating opportunities for meaning.
A meaningful life
For meaningful products, meaningful use of resources, and meaningful ideas. At the same time, people are reinventing themselves. They are developing their talents and using them to serve others. That's how it all comes together. When these two forces come together, the opportunity for significantly more meaning arises. Not only in the big picture, but also in the small details. In the here and now. Let's start right away: How can you tell that you have used this day meaningfully?
Yours, Boris Grundl
That's why you're not really happy.
Why success and fulfillment have nothing to do with each other.
