BILLIE ORR, EdD – Prescott City Councilwoman
MEANING MATTERS MOST IN OUR WORK
Recently I attended the Global Leadership Summit, and one theme that resonated with me was finding meaning in our work.
Presenter Laszlo Bock, formerly of Google, suggested, “Figure out why you are doing what you are doing, and write it down. It’s like a booster shot at work!”
Meaning matters most in our work, and it is up to leaders to help their teams discover meaning in what they do every day.
One of the greatest joys I experienced in my various careers was leading teams focused on serving others who depended on our expertise, product or excellent service. Motivated by Bock’s presentation, I reflected retrospectively on “meaning” in my former and current work. As a teacher, I realize there was no greater meaning in my work than helping children learn to read and discover the joy of learning. As vice president at Continental Bank, my meaning was keeping our bank ranked highest in customer service and growing in the Valley. As the principal of Kiva School in Scottsdale, my job was to create an environment where our team of teachers, staff and parents facilitated a safe, loving environment where all students were able to excel and reach their potential. Based on kindness, integrity, volunteerism and academics, Kiva became one of the most sought after schools in the Valley.
Today I am blessed to be serving on the Prescott City Council, and honestly, I thank God that He has led me to this servant leadership. The work we do on council may seem thankless to some, but I find it rewarding and meaningful.
Why do you do what you do? Write it down and share it with your team.
Yes, meaning matters most in our work!
