MLK Day: Living with Intention

On an Inauguration Day heralding profound change for the United States, yesterday’s ‘other’ federal billing – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – had serious competition for the spotlight.

It was somehow very appropriate that both events should coincide. US Administrations are temporary (quadrennial) entities, of course, but what Dr. King stood for – a commitment to justice, equality, and the dignity of every human being – serves as a recurring beacon of purpose for us all. A reminder that certain pursuits and imperatives are timeless.

For me, purpose is about creating impact – not necessarily on a grand stage, but in the lives of those around us. It’s about fostering understanding, contributing to progress, helping others overcome challenges and realize their own potential. Making lives better, somehow. Sometimes that’s not an easy or obvious thing to be able to do in the maelstrom of a workday. However, when you can find some of that meaning in your work - either through your role or, more broadly, through what your organization does - the energy, inspiration and motivation that flows from that is a thing of beauty. 

I led a thought leadership program at HP that made this plain: 1. that today’s employees are looking for their work to give them purpose, and 2. that fulfillment is the single largest driver of a healthy relationship with work. Employers who understand that and enable purpose, meaning and empowerment to flourish in the workplace will be in pole position when it comes to employee engagement.

MLK Day is a reminder for each of us to live with intention. Whether by building bridges in our communities, speaking up for what’s right, or showing kindness in unexpected moments. By embodying the ideals he championed – in our personal lives, and our professional lives, too.