The Search for Significance

Power and significance are not all they've been cracked up to be- particularly if you're looking for these items outside of yourself. Thich Nhat Hanh in his latest book, The Art of Power (2007), reminds us that power is within the present moment... of our lives. We have access to power always in how we choose to experience our lives and our relationships to others. In today's workplace, power is seen as a commodity that only a few have access to based on their position. I agree with Thich Nhat Hanh in theory, because I believe that power is an inner experience. The trouble with the theory is that we are influenced by the power of others. I don't have any more power than anyone else, so when I connect with another there is a likelihood that I will be influenced by that person. There is only one way that I'm aware of to manage that influence - saying "no" to anything that does not feel good, but almost in an instant recognizing and imagining what I would prefer, in other words, finding something to which I can say "yes."  William Ury, Harvard professor and principal in the famed Harvard Negotiation Project, has written a book called The Power of a Positive NO (2007). The word "no" has great power if it leads to "yes." Being clear about what you value, what you want and how you feel are keys to uncovering the essential power of "no."

The power is in the choices we make, so when we use our emotions, our compassion, our inner power, to make choices that are meaningful for us, we are fully engaged with our work and life experiences.

Unfortunately, compassion in particular is often left out of the workplace, especially in workplace relationships. We look at people and judge them; instead we could look with them in the direction of our future work, and feel the power of connection. When we feel connected to others, we have the power to create a powerfully dynamic and rewarding workplace.

The subject of this post is the search for significance. Power is one way in which we realize our significance. We want to be included in some way that assures us that we have value. Patrick Lencioni's newest book is entitled, Three Signs of a Miserable Job (2007).  Lencioni says jobs that don't add value, don't lend themselves to measures of success and ones that no one knows about are rather miserable jobs.  These concepts rely heavily on the external  assessment of significance in employment. But there are lessons to be learned here.

Adding value is an inside job. As long as we can see the big picture of where the organization is headed and what not who the organization values, we can assess our own value in the contribution we make to others - peers, direct reports, leaders, customers, and clients. So often a person's value in an organization is measured by the degree to which progress slows if a person must be replaced, not so much what the person adds. The opportunity that appears for us is to create value by continually showing up as authentic human spirits. What we do is only important in the context of who we are. We are sometimes, no always it seems, concerned about who gets credit for the work we do. A colleague cautioned me once that he liked a process I used so much that he might steal it. I encouraged him to enjoy using it, assuring him that I generate more that 20 new ideas each day. I was eager to share the idea, after all, I was giving him a modest estimate! For me the joy is in the creation; each new idea provides a rush of adrenalin as I contemplate the possibilities!

So there you have it - power and significance. Power drives the universe, so we have all that power to use, but we must begin our search inside. Significance, a sister, or brother as the case may be, to power is fueled by an awareness that our very existence is the key indicator of significance, and that it is our acceptance of this truth that "signifies" our presence and worthiness.

Comments

[Rob Killion]

Ellie - fantastic post - can't wait to see this blog evolve. We'll be needing your wise counsel again during the January or April Board meeting - I'll be in touch!

[Carolyn Cooke]

Hi El,

I found the Positive No concept to be quite interesting. While I don't have difficulty saying no, it's sure feels good to know it can be POSITIVE for me, as well as for those with whom I interact.

keep the good words coming!

Carolyn

[Shell]

You've added value to my day and week! I look forward to reading more.

[Susan Goodman]

Ellie,
Great philosophy! Your blog raised me out of the everyday, mundane, tasks. Thanks,
Susan

[Angela]

El, thanks for the meaningful insights. I look forward to the consciousness raising contributions of your blog!

[Stephen Middleton]

Very interesting concepts——power and significance. So your advice is to avoid falling into the trap pay attention to how you feel. If it——anything——makes you feel bad don't do it. Better still, if it feels good go ahead and enjoy your bliss. This might not be exactly what you meant to say but it sure feels right to me, so I'll enjoy the ride.

[Monica Anderson]

Eleanor,
Thank you so much for the insight on power. It truly lies within. I can also appreciate keeping compassion in the work place to help with those working relationships.

take care