What if the secret to a better workplace wasn't another productivity tool, performance metric, or motivational poster? What if it was something much simpler: making people feel like they matter ?
This question sat at the heart of the eighth edition of the Journal Club at the Venture Center Library, facilitated by Jagadish Bennale. The session explored Zach Mercurio's article The Power of Mattering at Work, sparking conversations about recognition, leadership, and the often-overlooked human need to feel valued.
A Mirror Before a Discussion
Before diving into the article, participants were invited to look inward.
The session opened with a self-reflection exercise featuring statements such as :
- I ask and remember details about others' lives, values, and achievements.
- I recognize and acknowledge others' unique strengths and perspectives.
- I regularly express gratitude to others.
Participants rated themselves on a scale of one to five, prompting an interesting moment of introspection. How well do we know ourselves? And perhaps more importantly, how well do we know the people we work with every day? The exercise quickly transformed the discussion from an academic exploration into a personal one.
Beyond Recognition: The Idea of Mattering
The article introduces a simple but powerful concept: people matter when they feel valued and know that their contributions add value. While recognition often focuses on accomplishments, mattering goes deeper. It is not just about hearing "well done" after a successful project. It is about feeling seen, heard, and appreciated as a person.
This distinction resonated strongly with the group. Most workplaces are good at measuring output. Fewer consciously create opportunities for people to feel significant.
When Listening Becomes an Exercise
To move beyond theory, Jagadish invited participants to engage in conversations with one another.
The activity demonstrated something surprisingly profound : people respond differently when they are genuinely listened to. A few minutes of attentive conversation revealed how quickly trust and connection can emerge when someone shows curiosity and interest.
It was a simple reminder that meaningful workplace relationships are often built through everyday interactions rather than formal initiatives.
"I'm Tired of Apologizing"
One of the most memorable examples discussed during the session came from United Airlines.
Former CEO Oscar Munoz recounted a conversation with a flight attendant who told him she was tired of apologizing. Every day, she found herself apologizing to passengers for issues she could not control. Her frustration was not merely about difficult customers; it reflected a deeper feeling of helplessness within the system.
What made the story remarkable was that leadership chose to listen.
Rather than dismissing the comment as an isolated complaint, it was treated as an important insight into the employee experience. The example highlighted a recurring theme throughout the article: people closest to the work often have the clearest view of what needs fixing.
Sometimes, a single honest conversation can reveal more than pages of reports and dashboards.
What Does This Mean for Leaders?
The discussion naturally shifted toward leadership and organizational culture.
When people feel ignored, unheard, or disconnected from the impact of their work, engagement begins to fade. Conversely, when leaders make the effort to listen, acknowledge contributions, and demonstrate trust, they create an environment where people are more likely to invest their energy and creativity.
The session reinforced the idea that leadership is not simply about directing work; it is also about helping people understand why their work matters.
Small Actions, Big Impact
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from the discussion was that mattering does not require grand gestures. It can begin with remembering a colleague's achievement, expressing genuine appreciation, asking thoughtful questions, or taking a few extra moments to listen. These actions may seem small, but collectively they shape how people experience their workplace.
A Question to Take Back to Work
As the session drew to a close, participants were left with a thought-provoking challenge. If everyone wants to feel valued, seen, and needed, what role do we play in creating that experience for others?
The Journal Club reminded us that meaningful workplaces are not built solely through policies or processes. More often, they are built through conversations, attention, and the simple act of making people feel that they matter.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can give someone at work is the feeling that their presence makes a difference.
The conversation does not have to end here. To stay informed about upcoming Journal Club sessions, library events, and new additions to our collection, join the Venture Center Library WhatsApp community.
Interested in becoming a member or simply curious about what the library has to offer? We'd love to welcome you. Drop by the Venture Center Library or reach out to our Librarian, Manisha Kharat, at 9156465131 or manisha.kharat@venturecenter.co.in for more inforamation. You can also browse the library's catalogue online through KOHA and explore the resources available at your convenience.