This last one of Patrick Lencioni's three signs of a miserable job is often the most difficult one for managers to swallow, yet employees get it immediately. It's a bit touchy feely, doesn't make sense in the business world, isn't a part of my job description - yeah, I can hear it all. But - its true nonetheless.

Anonymity

People cannot be fulfilled in their work if they are not known. This is a basic desire of all of us - to be understood and appreciated for our unique qualities. And at work, it is even more supercharged if it does or does not happen with someone in a position of influence or power. As Lencioni says, "People who see themselves as invisible, generic, or anonymous cannot love their jobs, no matter what they are doing."

Imagine a time in your life when you felt you were invisible. It might have been in a class (my freshman history class with 800 goofy 18 year olds in it was one for me), at a party or other social event (the "wallflower syndrome"). How connected/dedicated/excited were you about that event and the people you were with? It has to translate to our jobs. We've all probably had jobs where we were one of a faceless multitude, unknown by everyone there, but especially by our managers. Again, the movie "Office Space" is a great example. Ron Livingston's character, Peter, had two friends who knew him but his boss, Lumbergh (one of the greatest comedic roles ever!) didn't know him or even make an effort. He only focused on what he thought needed to get done.  ("Yeah, we're gonna need to have you. . .") Peter was the tool he used, not a living, breathing, miserable human.

So I'll make a challenge to you unbelievers in the "syrupy" side of being a manager - try it for one month. Spend one minute a day with each of your direct reports (just one flipping minute!) and spend that minute talking about them only, their lives outside of work. It almost doesn't matter what the content is, just that it is about them solely and that you are interested in the topic. It WILL make a difference in their lives over time, and that means it will make a difference in your life too!

There you have it, the Three Signs:

1. Anonymity
2. Irrelevance
3. Immeasurability

If we can help to decrease these things in the workplace, we can:

1. Improve productivity (People develop pride and a sense of ownership in their jobs)
2. Greater retention rates for employees - which translates to lower costs as well
3. Differentiate yourself from your competitors
2. Make everyone's life at work much better (the employees, your's, and your bosses')
3. Make everyone's life at home much better

As Lencioni reminds us, "no one gets out of bed in the morning to program software or assemble furniture or do whatever it is that accountants do. They get out of bed to live their lives, and their work tasks are only a part of their lives. People want to be managed as people, not as mere workers."

The Three Signs of a Miserable Job - read it!