Passion and purpose • 2 min read
Professor Jon Jachimowicz of Harvard Business School carried out a series of studies on the correlation between passion and purpose. He discovered three key findings:
Passion is not discovered, it is developed over time.
Passion can wane over time, therefore it is challenging to constantly pursue.
Passion can result in blind spots and lead you astray.
He concludes that you should instead focus on what matters to you - your purpose.
Introduction
The recent pandemic has left many of us to become more inward-looking than ever before. The uncertainties and challenges faced in recent times has caused professionals from all walks of life to reflect on the meaning and passion for their career.
Let’s look at how we can rediscover our passion and purpose to ensure we are fulfilled in our role.
Find your 'why'
Here are some recommendations to help you find your purpose in work:
1. Your value
The first thing we recommend doing is to try to understand the value you add to your business.
Here are three questions to help you determine the impact of your work.
What would happen if you left tomorrow?
What tasks would go untouched?
How would that impact your colleagues and customers that you service?
If you’re finding it difficult to answer some of these questions, go talk to a colleague!
2. Remind yourself why you work
Keep in mind the other people who are impacted by your work. Some of us will have children to support, while others will be saving for a house with our partner.
This reminder exercise is especially helpful when we need to take on some of those unglamorous jobs that can send us stir-crazy!
3. Career progression
It’s rare to find someone who doesn’t want to progress in some shape or form. This may be in the form of earning more money, finding a better work life balance, or earning a promotion.
Be sure to start thinking ahead - what do you want to achieve within your organisation?
Reflecting on these three areas can help inject passion and purpose into your work.
Find your 'why' in practice
1. Your value
Meet Beyonce, a Customer Service Representative for a broadband company.
She has some difficult customer calls to handle on a daily basis but she understands that, without her, their customers would not be able to carry out essential work from home, or wind down in the evening watching their favourite shows.
2. Remind yourself why you work
Meet Jay, a Sales Representative for a software company.
He has to deal with rejection every day.
“No” to calls. “No” to meetings. “No” to sales.
However, he has two children who rely on him - this is the primary source of his motivation. This purpose helps him to grow his perseverance in the field of sales.
3. Career progression
Meet Taylor, a Marketing Manager for an IT Security company.
She's overworked and underpaid!
Her purpose is to get promoted to Chief Marketing Officer, a role she has aspired to for years.
Key takeaways
We recommend reflecting on three key areas when thinking about your professional purpose.
These are:
Gather feedback to understand the value you add to your team and the business.
Think beyond you - remind yourself of the other people who are impacted by your work.
Identify your career progression path. What do you want to achieve within your organisation?
Think big, act small
Go talk to a colleague or a manager to better understand how your role connects to your company’s mission and goals.
Content sources
Forbes, Knowing Your Purpose Is Key To Being Fulfilled And Happy At Work—Here’s How To Find It In Just A Few Steps, Laura Garnett
Forbes, Why Are You Still Working? Finding The Passion And Purpose That Fuels Your Career, Jack Zenger
Harvard Business Review, 3 Reasons It’s So Hard to “Follow Your Passion”, Jon Jachimowicz
Harvard Business Review, How to Find Meaning When Your Job Feels Meaningless, Rebecca Knight
Harvard Business Review, To Find Meaning In Your Work, Change How You Think About It, RJohn Coleman
McKinsey & Company, More than a mission statement: How the 5Psembed purpose to deliver value
McKinsey & Company, The Search for Purpose at Work, Naina Dhingraand Bill Schaninger
Start With Why Why, Simon Sinek
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