Of Course You Hunger for Purpose on the Job, So Does the C-Suite, But ...

You may not recognize how much purpose, especially in a work situation, matters until it's gone. In coaching those post-career I observe that it's that lack of purpose which is nudging them to unretire. So, together we figure out what kind of job or solopreneurship would set them on fire with purpose.

Research also proves out the comprehensive good outcomes generated by purpose:

"Studies have shown that purpose positively influences financial performance, employee engagement, and other key metrics (Hoffman et al., 2020; Miličić, 2020)."

So, it's predictable that corporations would invent the function of "purpose officer." At Cisco that's Francine Katsoudas and at Deloitte executive in that role is Elizabeth Faber. In elite professional services such practicing law the chair of Paul, Weiss Brad Karp hammered in Leaders Magazine this:

"Paul, Weiss has always been a purposedriven law firm. Our commitment to break down cultural barriers began a century ago, when Louis Weiss and John Wharton joined forces, creating the first New York firm where Jews and Gentiles practiced side by side."

Research also shows that 85% of executives do feel a sense of purpose at work. But, although up to nearly 90% of front-line employees and manager crave purpose only 15% assess that they have their heads and hearts around that in their jobs. In contrast, the majority of entrepreneurs, including Gen Z founders, find their enterprise purpose-driven. 

I talking to employees what stands in their way of their aligning with what is the stated purpose of the organization is primarily fear. 

Fear of a power shift which will deep-six that particular purpose.

Fear of alienating the wrong decision-maker. 

Fear of not being promoted. 

Fear of making what is labeled a "mistake." 

Fear of being exploited under the banner of purpose. 

Fear of losing the job. 

So, why attach deeply ...

In the old-IBM - a model that ultimately wasn't sustainable - its secret sauce of global dominance in technology was its no-layoff policy. The ethos was human safety, literally. 

Currently, as workers are certainly learning, there's no safety. 

That's why the flight to or the daydreaming about starting a business. Everyone of my clients over-40 is preparing to eventually be a founder. The big nut to crack meanwhile is the high cost of healthcare insurance. For that reason many hang onto a job or try to until they're 65 and they're eligible for Medicare.

Over the weekend Bruce Springsteen wrote an ICE protest song "Streets of Minneapolis." Listen and it's tough to hold back the tears. Here are the lyrics. 

We need an analogue protest song for the working human as well as those without work who want it. As a solopreneur I am blessed. I have plenty of purpose. To embed that into a job requires a guarantee of a 2026 version of financial, emotional, social and spiritual safety. Can the purpose officers come up with that?

 Success is a mental game. Failure comes from being done in by the “committee” in your head.

Together, we liberate your thinking. Then we change your story. And, unleash success. Meanwhile, we focus on bringing in income. That puts you in a position of strength.

Intuitive Coaching. Special expertise with transitions, becoming a solopreneur and aging. Psychic/tarot readings, upon request. Complimentary consultation with Jane Genova (Text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com). Yes, test out the chemistry. Zero risk.

Don’t give up before the miracle.

 


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