Here's my current way to think about the four related concepts of Purpose, Identity, Meaningfulness, and Satisfaction.
I find the delineation between Self (Corporate Strategy level) and Social (Job Roles level) particularly useful - separating Purpose from Meaningfulness has implications on role design and communications.
For an individual
Purpose | Identity | Meaningfulness | Satisfaction |
| What I am here to do.My life’s work. My reason for being. | Who I am.What I am about. My passions. What makes me special and worthwhile. | Meaningfulness: “[A job feels meaningful when we] generate delight or reduce suffering in others.” -- Alain de Botton in The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. | Excellence, achievement, and recognition.“I have done well.” |
| Individuality | Contribution | ||
| Self | Social (self plus others) | ||
| Internal beliefs | External actions and outcomes. | ||
| The big big picture. | More focused/task-oriented. | ||
| Whole of life. | Jobs, projects, tasks, relationships, community, and other life activities. | ||
For a business
Purpose | Identity | Meaningfulness | Satisfaction |
| Our reason for existing as a business. | Brand.Core value proposition. | Create delight and reduce pain. | Excellence, achievement, and recognition. |
| Corporate strategy level | Job roles level | ||
| Internal beliefs that informs strategy and other decision making. | Operations, execution, outcomes, and social programmes. | ||
