Subscribe to Motivational Mondays on your favorite podcast platform!
Zach Mercurio is a researcher, speaker, and a leading voice on purposeful leadership. His work has impacted everyone from Fortune 500 companies to the U.S. military to college classrooms, and it all comes down to one core idea: when people believe they matter, everything changes.
In this episode of Motivational Mondays, Zach shares why a “mattering deficit” is one of today’s most pressing issues and how each of us has the power to help fix it.
Listen to this episode to learn about...
-
The importance of having a balanced goal sheet of personal and compassionate goals
-
How leaders can practice the skill of helping others feel they matter
-
The power meaningful relationships have to combat loneliness
SEEING, HEARING, AND VALUING OTHERS
More people than ever report feeling overlooked and invisible—not just at work, but in life. According to Zach, the root cause isn’t a lack of connection, but a lack of meaningful connection.
The difference? Feeling seen, heard, and valued. Zach reminds us that one of our first biological reflexes as babies—the instinct to grasp—is a sign of our deep, human need to matter to someone.
And that need never goes away.
GREAT LEADERS MEET A BASIC HUMAN NEED
Zach says that if mattering is a basic need, it should be a basic leadership skill. That means showing up differently in our day-to-day interactions, not waiting for a title or a big moment, but seeing the next person we talk to as a chance to make a difference.
Real leadership isn’t about power or visibility. It’s about showing people they’re not invisible.
SHIFTING FOCUS FROM ACHIEVEMENT TO IMPACT
Rather than only setting goals around success and status, Zach encourages young professionals to ask deeper questions: What impact do I want to have? What problems do I want to help solve with my strengths? How can I make my next interaction count?
This contribution mindset doesn’t just lead to better work, but it also reinforces your own sense of purpose and value along the way.
NSLS Members - We’re testing out a shorter podcast format and want your input! Take our quick 2-minute survey to let us know what you think.
Resources:
-
The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose
-
The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance
-
Listen to other Motivational Mondays episodes
