A Whole New Mind: Meaning

Well this is it! We’re on the last Concept Age sense from Dan Pink’s book, A Whole New Mind – Meaning.

Meaning is purpose. It’s spirituality. As Dan writes, referring to a study done by the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business, “Most of the executives defined spirituality in much the same way – not as religion, but as “the basic desire to find purpose and meaning in one’s life.””.  

People have come to expect more from their lives and their careers.  They want to contribute to their community, participate in the lives of their family, or generally pursue a purpose greater than collecting a paycheck.

They often have more things than they could ever need or use – so they wonder, what’s next? 

Dan quotes Rich Karlgaard, publisher of Forbes, as saying “Meaning. Purpose. Deep life experience. Use whatever word or phrase you like, but know that consumer desire for these qualities is on the rise. Remember your Abraham Maslow and your Viktor Frankl. Bet your business on it”.

As with the other senses, Dan includes a number of exercises and resources to increase your sense of meaning. What I found most intriguing was the idea of walking a labyrinth. Dan spends some time in this chapter contrasting a labyrinth with a maze and points out how labyrinths can be centering and clarifying. I’m going to find one and try this! 

Over the past few years, I’ve observed a good number of my friends and colleagues change their careers or decide to pursue their career independently.

In fact, two more of them joined the ranks of us independents this month. It seems as though they were looking to align their careers more with their values.  

Sounds like meaning to me! 

Technorati tags: Business, "Dan Pink", "A Whole New Mind", Meaning

Comments

[Ann Michael]

I’m not sure how Lean or Six Sigma would impact a search for meaning one way or the other. They’re about limiting defects - improving efficiency. They’re just a process or a methodology - applied properly they could help you provide better customer service or even to be a better steward of funds for a non-profit (both of which could serve a “higher” meaning). Also, there’s nothing that says you need to be part of a Six Sigma initiative from within the confines of one company. Master Black Belts make great consultants! What do you mean by “new fast tracks”?

[ellenweber]

Thanks Ann, I am intrigued by your words: "People have come to expect more from their lives and their careers. They want to contribute to their community, participate in the lives of their family, or generally pursue a purpose greater than collecting a paycheck." How do you feel that might be realized with popular programs such a Lean and Six Sigma moving people into new fast tracks? Thoughts...?

[Trée]

Ann, this post is music to my soul. I feel intoxicated just swimming in your words because I know how much truth there is in alignment between passion and career. I think I'm liking your blog more every day. :-)