The 3 Signs of a Miserable Job

“The opportunity for differentiation from competitors by building a culture of job fulfillment cannot be overstated.”
Patrick Lencioni

Have you ever had a miserable job? I think we all have! While reading The Three Signs of a Miserable Job by Patrick Lencioni, a light bulb went off in my head as I realized his simple message of how to avoid miserable work was very powerful and true as I’ve experienced both success and seen failure in business based on his three unambiguous signs. Managers who can have the discipline and tenacity to implement and follow the concepts found in this book will not only be able to run a highly successful business, but they will also be an effective leader in any aspect of life. Reading this book and taking it to heart is well worth the effort!

The book, The Three Signs of a Miserable Job, relates a story about a business leader who discovers three significant characteristics that contribute to miserable work. And though these three elements are fairly obvious and simple, the author argues that very few managers or companies try to avoid them. In this book, through an interesting and easy to read story, the value of organizational culture is exposed as the main character proves its value through leading three very different companies to success. Eliminating the three signs in the workplace will build and solidify an excellent organizational culture and will steer it clear of supplying miserable work to employees.

Sign #1—Immeasurement
Have you ever wondered if you are doing a good job at work? Removing immeasurement seems simple enough and many may even say all companies measure the progress of their workers—at least on an annual basis at a minimum. However, the author challenges organization to do much more. He suggests employees need to have completely objective daily measurements. In our instant feedback world, daily measurements allow employees to know every day whether they have done a good job. This daily measuring increases job satisfaction and productivity. As the book states, “People want measurables so that they can get an intrinsic sense of accomplishment.”

Sign #2—Irrelevance
Have you ever questioned whether your job matters and makes any difference? Taking away irrelevance out of a job helps employees feel valuable. Every job makes a difference to somebody and in particular, to that person’s boss. In fact, each day we influence our co-workers days for the better or for the worst, thus our jobs are important because we impact others. Helping employees understand how their job is relevant and important is key to avoiding miserable work. People need to feel they are making a difference in the world and a difference to someone else. Creating meaningful work destroys miserable work.

Sign #3—Anonymity
Have you ever felt underappreciated at work? Getting rid of the typical “business relationship,” is how to avoid miserable work. That’s right; we need to get to know one another on a personal level. In particular, a manager should know about the personal lives of their subordinates like how many kids they have, where they graduated from school, and what hobbies they have, as some examples. Human beings like to feel understood and unique—thus managers have a responsibility to help them feel this way. Treating people like people will help managers create a strong company culture.

Overcoming these three characteristics of a miserable job will lead a company to greater accomplishments and will help a leader gain greater results. As the book argues, success is a direct result of a bunch of people who love their jobs. Creating this love and developing this ideal organizational culture will certainly be worth the effort in the long run. So let’s put an end to miserable jobs!