Consider these two companies: The first is a retail chain with hundreds of locations globally - innovative, but basically a sales platform. The second is a hospital that treats the world's most devastating cancers. Which do you think has a more engaged workforce?
If you chose the latter, in light of its quest to save lives, you wouldn't be alone. Yet, when we spent time with both organizations, we discovered that the working environment in the hospital was rife with fear, workforce morale was low, and employee turnover was high. At the retail chain, on the other hand, there was a palpable spirit of camaraderie, employees were energetic and enthusiastic, and customers were very pleased with the service. The retailer had the more engaged workforce by a long shot.
It's a common misconception, both in businesses and in management articles and books, that a sense of purpose is what matters most when it comes to engaging employees. Many leaders concerned with attracting and retaining top talent believe that nothing motivates people as much as the larger good they might be doing or the chance to change the world. Accordingly, they extol the higher virtues of their companies' missions and the meaning of the work they offer.