The Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams

by Seth Godin

surprised myself with what I could accomplish I could work independently The team built something important People treated me with respect

When people feel disrespected, unseen, or unsafe, they can shut down, phoning in the work and doing as little as possible, hoping to simply hold on to their job—at least until a better one comes along. Burnout, dissatisfaction, and the banal parade of meetings conspire to stifle productivity and make work less engaging. We are pushed to seek safety, not increase.

There is an alternative. It’s a different sort of increase, a better sort of safety. It’s work that matters. It’s creating a difference, being part of something, and doing work we’re proud of. This is the song of significance. This is what motivates people to do the work that can’t be automated, mechanized, or outsourced. And this is the song that humans yearn to sing together.