CHAPTER 2

The Markers of Meaning

Many people assume they can never find meaning in their work. Meaning is something you find outside the office: in your family, in your church, in your community, in your personal pursuits—things that are your choice, not someone else’s. As to the few who do find meaning from 9 to 5, lucky them. They’ve stumbled on a task that makes their heart sing. They’ve been pulled into friendships that transcend the office. They’ve learned new capabilities that have reshaped their view of themselves. Meaning really found them.

In truth, finding meaning in and at work doesn’t have to be happenstance. You can create it because meaning is derived from seven specific conditions that I call the Markers of Meaning. Satisfy these ...

Get Make It Matter now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.