David Burkus: A simple way to inspire your team

A simple way to inspire your team

Using paychecks, perks and carefully worded mission statements plastered on posters, companies are on a never-ending quest to find what drives morale at work. An underappreciated solution lies in the answer to one simple question, says management researcher David Burkus. With notable examples backed by decades of success, he presents a clear path to inspiring your team — and finding your purpose at work.

Boosting morale takes more than perks or mission statements; it calls for a deeper sense of purpose. At KPMG, morale soared only after employees shared personal stories about who their work helped, leading to 42,000 submissions and a surge in engagement. Research with university call centers showed that workers who met someone directly affected by their efforts became dramatically more productive. People feel inspired not by lofty company slogans but by clear connections to those who benefit from their daily work.