How Leaders Create Meaning

Leaders are often asked to build an innovative-enhancing corporate culture for “tomorrow” whilst at the same time having to deal with an innovative-inhibiting corporate culture of “today”. Some leaders are quite happy to forge ahead focusing on tomorrow and hoping to “drag” the present into the future; however some leaders focus on today and appear to be reluctant to spend their time and energy trying to advance changes that might never succeed. When pressed this is not just “realpolitik” or healthy scepticism; instead it often occurs that leaders have “lost faith in the system”. What is causing this and what is the remedy?

 

Research led me to a book by Dotlich et al, “Leadership Passages: the personal and professional transitions that make or break a leader”, 2004, John Wiley & Sons. Instead of just looking at leadership transitions (e.g. junior to mid to senior levels) this book looks at “passages” that leaders usually experience that are both “predictable” and “intense” such as coping with a bad boss, living in a different country and dealing with work-life imbalances. Of the 13 passages, one is entitled “losing faith in the system”. Besides identifying root causes, the authors suggest ways how to cope with these passages.

Here’s how leaders can deal with losing faith in the system along with further considerations (“et alors”):
 

How Leaders Create Meaning

Leaders can lose faith in the system when there is a disconnect “between how people want to perceive their companies and how they actually experience them.” A sense of “betrayal” can come from leaders witnessing unethical behaviour, a lack of merit-based promotions, and top leaders acting “in ways they themselves would not”. The authors suggest that there are two key things to avoid: 1/ Cynicism, as this will just drain your passion and energy; and 2/ Victimisation, as this will spiral into pessimism and despair. Instead the key is to “create meaningful work for yourself”. There are four ways to do this:

1.       Through other people 

One thing is the hierarchy of today; however as a leader you have the hierarchy of tomorrow to consider. Take responsibility for their development seriously. Focus on making their goals your goals and create meaning by helping, supporting and developing others.

 

2.       Through a specific project on which you are working 

“Just because you believe the organisational system is bankrupt doesn’t mean it taints everything it touches.” You will create meaning from knowing that your project is worthwhile; and that you are creating and developing, making change and introducing new perspectives. 

 

3.       Through your sense of achievement 

“Even in a moral vacuum, achievement is possible.” If things are really bad you can think of “injecting” good values into a corrupt system; however ordinarily as a leader you can achieve things and that sense of achievement will sustain you by creating meaning. 

 

4.       Through reconnecting with what originally drew you to your area of expertise 

Refocusing on what initially excited you about your profession / business can help create meaning. Replicating that initial excitement can help to replace what might now be missing. Seek another stretch assignment or challenge but reconnect with the essential and original sense of purpose.

 

Et alors

As the authors say, “losing faith in the system challenges you to discover your rationale for work.” There are many motivators (e.g. achievement, affiliation, power) but one motivator which is fundamental (and can be the driver behind others) is a sense of purpose (or the “will to purpose”). Instead of relying on external motivators, you have to summon your motivation from yourself and in so doing, as a leader, you create meaning. When you have a reason for leading others, others will follow, you accomplish goals and you achieve much better job satisfaction. This is how leaders can reconcile “today” and “tomorrow” even if they have lost faith in the system: when there is meaning and a sense of purpose, there is always a brighter future which can be built!