This is the information conveyed to us by a new book "Why We Work" soon to be published by Dave Ulrich, who teaches at the Ross School of Business, and psychologist Wendy Ulrich. The two spent 10 years interviewing thousands of workers from all walks of life and at all levels. Recently, Dave Ulrich discussed their work with us, touching on how managers can create meaning in work for employees, even those doing seemingly uninteresting jobs.
Is it realistic to make all jobs interesting?
It's not only about finding a cure for cancer that makes work interesting. As a boss, your job is to help each member of the team find meaning in their own work. People can find meaning in even the most seemingly uninteresting jobs, like making coffee at a 7-11 convenience store or cleaning toilets, which are examples of highly productive jobs from the popular TV show "Undercover Boss."
What makes making coffee interesting?
Delores is an employee at a 7-11 convenience store responsible for selling coffee. Her store sells 2500 more cups of coffee per day than any other location. The meaning in her work comes from her relationships with customers. She knows the name of every customer. As a boss, you need to understand the unique advantages each member of your team brings to their work.
How do you do that?
It's simple: listen to your direct reports. Give them a scope of work, then see who does best. Pay attention when they feel uncomfortable: when do their eyes light up again?
What should managers do to improve when observing?
It would help if you don't isolate yourself, as many leaders tend to do. Look at your calendar. In the next four weeks, you will work 200 hours. Ask yourself who you want to spend this time with - clients? Employees? You need to know that unless through social media interaction, there is no substitute for face-to-face communication. Create an environment where your direct reports know you're with them.
How should we create such a workplace?
You don't have to go to great lengths to do it. I recently worked with a company that had just downsized. The boss would buy small cookies out of his own pocket for meetings. Everyone loves cookies.