Published to Newsletter on Nov 29, 2023
Theresa L. Sherman, EOD Consultant
This month, EOD is exploring how to find our purpose in our work.
Reality check: we spend more time working than we do with our families or our hobbies- the things we love. As much as those things give our life meaning and purpose, so does our work. With the approaching holiday season, performance evaluations, and the upcoming new year, we may find ourselves reflecting on the purpose in our work.
According to Gallup® research, meaning in your work helps you feel a connection between the work you do and your personal mission, and is a huge driver of your motivation. Purpose makes it more likely that you will feel like you are an integral part of something bigger than yourself. (Check out the Gallup® Engagement Survey for UNM to see how we scored on this topic.)
As we look forward to 2024, here are some thoughts to reflect on when seeking meaning in your work.
The Elements of Purpose: According to BetterUp, there are three elements of purpose:
If you are unclear about these, take some time to explore these elements and how your beliefs and values align to your unit or organization. Sometimes we aren’t clear on what we are passionate about, so take some time to explore this through journaling and conversations with your supervisor or colleagues.
What Leaders Can Do: As a leader, you can help your employees find purpose by clearly defining your organization’s mission, ensure your employees work aligns with that purpose, and support your employees’ interest in furthering their talents and professional development.
Time for a Change. If your purpose no longer aligns with your current profession, it might be time for a change. Change doesn’t mean leaving your employer or job. It can mean a performance discussion with your supervisor for a shift in duties. You may also want to seek out professional development, or even a modification to your work environment.
Burnout: Purpose in your work can be highly motivating but can also create crashing burnout. Pace yourself. Take time to step away from projects you are passionate about and schedule self-care. You will return to your work with a renewed perspective.
We encourage you to continue exploring your purpose with our Hungry Minds Café topic this month and our Course of the Month. Questions? Contact EOD at eod@unm.edu.
