Man's Search for Meaning: Practical Applications in Northern New Mexico at Tapetes de Lana

Viktor Frankl said it best: we are all on a quest for meaning. That quest has spawned religions, wars, midlife crises and career changes. Employers who have an understanding of the meaning that their business brings to all stakeholders (employees, suppliers, customers, community members, etc.) are the ones for whom turnover is rarely an issue. It has nothing to do with stock options or even salaries and benefits (though those things, when done well, can be a terrific way in which to express meaning). It has everything to do with making a meaningful connection to a deeper purpose, which is something rooted in the deepest part of each of us. Tap into THAT and you'll have the makings of a great organization.

Dr. Alex Pattakos's book, "Prisoners of Our Thoughts: Viktor Frankl's Principles at Work" (see post below and go to http://www.prisonersofourthoughts.com/), presents a framework for employers and employees to discover how to define meaning in the world of work. It is well worth reading. I am using many of these principles in my work with a dynamic organization in New Mexico, Tapetes de Lana (http://www.tapetesdelana.com). This is an incredible organization that not only produces unique products, but which is creating a dynamic, sustainable economy in one of the poorest parts of New Mexico. The work they are doing has deep meaning for all of its stakeholders and will have a profound, positive impact for generations to come.

Here are some additional sites that focus on developing and nurturing "meaning-centered" workplaces (I welcome your additions to this list):

http://www.themeaningdifference.com
http://www.globaldialoguecenter.com
http://www.seedsofinnovation.com

Workers Want Fulfillment, Not Salary

Fresh Inc., Inc. magazine's weblog, has a discussion concerning what employees want. You can find it at
http://blog.inc.com/archives/2006/01/03/workers_want_fulfillment_not_salary.html. To me, employers who create a connection to a deeper meaning that is understood and shared by all stakeholders are the employers who are well on their way to building a successful organization. Agree? Disagree?