Playing golf as a single allows me to meet all kinds of people. At some point in the round, the question usually gets asked, “What do you do for work?’
As a person who often gets paid to ask questions, I get tired of this one.
So, during a recent round, with a clear blue sky overhead and green grass underfoot, I decided to ask my new playing partner, “What do you love about your work?”
He turned, and his eyes lit up. No, his entire face lit up.
Then he said, “The FIREWORKS!”
He went on, “I work at a pipe manufacturing plant. We literally make the pipe from molten steel. Every day, we make fireworks!”
The light in his eyes reflected the images in my mind.
As the round progressed, he barely stopped talking about his work and fireworks.
His energy around his work brought an even greater joy to the privilege of playing golf with him.
But this is not the case for most people I meet.
What I hear about are the politics and the problems. I hear about poor management and tone-deaf C-suite leaders. I hear people who are uninspired and under-cared for.
Underneath the words, I hear people who want “fireworks” in their lives and work. Not that it has to be “Happy. Happy. Joy. Joy.” every single day, but work that challenges and inspires—work worth their energy and enthusiasm.
I also know most managers and C-suite executives want this for their people. They have a voice in their heads calling them to a better workplace culture where fireworks are more the norm.
And this is where I come in. I help people become better, and I help leaders create a better culture. I ask hard and interesting questions. I hold a mirror up to people’s lives so they can see and hear themselves clearly. I walk with them as they create a life and work with more fireworks.
What do you love about your work?
If you don’t like the answer, let’s talk.
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