Everyone needs three things in order to love their work. Chris joins Pat and Cody to discuss job fulfillment, employee satisfaction, and what managers need to give the people they lead.
Pat Lencioni, Cody Thompson, and their guest, Chris Jensen, a Principal Consultant from Portland, dove into a topic that resonates with many: how to avoid the all-too-common feeling that our jobs are miserable and unfulfilling.
One of the main themes they explored was the importance of feeling known in the workplace. It’s not just about being another cog in the machine; it’s about being recognized by your colleagues and managers as an individual with a unique story and contributions. Pat, Cody, & Chris shared examples of how this recognition can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment in one’s job. Pat recounted a story about a friend who worked at a restaurant where the manager made an effort to help employees understand the stories behind their customers, which in turn helped them find purpose in their work.
Pat, Cody, & Chris also discussed the crucial role managers play in helping employees find this sense of fulfillment. It’s essential for managers to take an active interest in their employees, facilitating conversations that help them find relevance in their work. However, it’s equally important for employees to take control of their own job satisfaction. They encouraged podcast listeners to be proactive in seeking out roles and environments where they feel valued and understood.
Another key point they touched on was the importance of measurement in assessing one’s performance at work. It’s vital for employees to have a way to gauge whether they are doing well, as this can greatly contribute to their sense of fulfillment. Pat, Cody, & Chris stressed the need to find meaningful ways to measure success, rather than relying solely on traditional metrics.
During the podcast, they had some engaging conversations that offered practical advice for job seekers and employees alike. For instance, the team suggested that during job interviews, candidates should ask questions like, “Does your boss know you? Do you feel like what you do matters?” and “How do you know if you’re doing a good job?” These questions can reveal a lot about a company’s culture and how much they value their employees.
Chris provided some “free advice,” encouraging job seekers to inquire about who would be most impacted by their work and how they could measure success for themselves on a daily basis rather than waiting for a performance review.
Pat reflected on the stark contrast between the recruitment process and the actual experience of working at a company. It’s a reminder that genuine interest and support from employers should not end once a new hire signs on the dotted line. Remember, whether you’re a manager or an employee, it’s within your power to create a work environment where everyone feels known, relevant, and fulfilled.
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