Money often costs too much. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
What’s your currency at work? Currency is a medium of exchange. We narrowly think of currency as being money. I am not saying money is unimportant, just that it is not as important as we think. Countless studies have demonstrated that on the list of important motivators and contributors to employee engagement money is lower on the list.
Pause right now, consider what do you truly exchange your time, effort, and self for at work?
Over the years, I have learned my personal currencies for work are:
- curiosity,
- connection,
- creativity,
- playfulness,
- stories,
- learning,
- expression, and
- contribution.
When work offers me these currencies I am engaged and motivated. I have said numerous times, “I can’t believe I get paid to do this work.” I forget I am getting paid in the currencies listed above. When you exchange your work for the right currencies, work will make you well.