I’m not sure what I do at work matters

First, I was this boss that didn’t create a vision when I started. It’s a process; a skill that is learned. But if you aren’t getting this from your boss, don’t panic. You can create it for yourself. 

I’ve worked with clients on this. One client after joining a new team described feeling (in their own words) “lost, frustrated, going in circles but not going anywhere, hungry- needed something but couldn’t find it, disappointed, unsure, stagnant, waiting [for direction, vision], an outsider, not part of the group”.

Through coaching, they worked through what they wanted to feel about their job. They defined and clarified how they add value. They created a vision to see why what they do everyday matters. A manager can certainly affect the team and work environment, but it’s not everything. An employee can disconnect their feelings and experiences from their manager's action or inaction.  

This client created their own scorecard of how they add value every day. They created connections and built relationships in a team. They see a vision for where the work can go and shared that vision with other powerful, passionate people who want to work on it. Now the client feels (in their own words) “inspired, empowered, hopeful, excited, proud, ready and wanting to come to work every day.”

This client’s job and manager didn’t change, but by doing the work and defining what they wanted, they created exactly what they wanted within the same job.