Why Mattering at Work Is the New Metric Leaders Must Track
What if the secret to extraordinary leadership isn’t just results—but how much a leader influences mattering at work? In this episode of Passion Struck, John R. Miles explores The Mattering Effect—the game-changing leadership principle that fuels engagement, loyalty, and long-term success. He breaks down why the best leaders aren’t just visionaries; they make people feel seen, heard, and valued.
You’ll hear the incredible story of Spanx founder Sara Blakely, who built a billion-dollar empire not just through innovation, but by ensuring every employee—from product development to warehouse workers—knew exactly why their work mattered. If you want to lead with impact, build a thriving culture, and create a legacy that outlasts you, this episode is your wake-up call. You will learn the leadership metric that is paramount to success.
And in case you didn’t already know it, John R. Miles (@John_R_Miles) takes your comments and questions for Momentum Friday right here every week! If you want him to answer your question, register your feedback, or tell your story on one of our upcoming weekly Momentum Friday episodes, drop us a line at [email protected]. Now, let’s dive in!
“At the end of the day, people won’t remember what you achieved—they’ll remember how you made them feel.”
John R. Miles
The One Leadership Metric You Can’t Afford to Ignore: Why Mattering at Work Transforms Teams and Organizations
Great leaders don’t just inspire—they make people feel like they truly matter. In this episode, John R. Miles explores how mattering is the missing ingredient in leadership that separates thriving teams from disengaged ones. He uncovers why employees who feel seen, heard, and valued are more innovative, loyal, and motivated to go all in. From Pixar’s Braintrust method to Amazon’s culture of bold thinking, this episode dives into how world-class companies foster environments where people feel ownership over their work.
John also discusses the four critical levels of mattering—personal, relational, organizational, and legacy—and how leaders can assess their impact in each area. Plus, he shares actionable leadership challenges designed to help you create a workplace where people don’t just work for a paycheck, but for a purpose.
Key Takeaways from This Episode About Why Mattering at Work is the One Metric Leaders Can’t Ignore
Why recognition fuels engagement – Learn why 37% of employees say acknowledgment is their top motivator and how you can implement this insight.
How to encourage ownership – Discover why organizations that prioritize purpose over productivity build stronger, more committed teams.
The power of listening first – Uncover a simple leadership tweak that makes employees feel valued and encourages them to contribute more.
Why legacy matters more than results – Understand how true leadership is measured not just by achievements but by the leaders you develop.
How to build a workplace where people stay – Explore the key factors that make employees fight to stay rather than look for an exit.
Why This Episode About Why Mattering at Work Is a Must-Listen
If you want to lead a high-performing team, this episode is essential listening. Leadership isn’t just about hitting KPIs—it’s about fostering a culture where people feel like their work has meaning. When employees believe they matter, they don’t just perform better; they stay longer, contribute more, and elevate the entire organization. This episode provides the mindset shifts and actionable steps you need to create that kind of impact. Whether you’re a CEO, manager, or aspiring leader, the insights shared in this conversation will help you build a legacy that lasts.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Why mattering at work is the most overlooked leadership metric
The psychology behind why employees stay or leave
The four dimensions of mattering and how leaders can apply them
How great leaders create cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and valued
Why do high performers prioritize meaning over money
We’ll explore research-backed insights, leadership case studies, and actionable takeaways to help you create a work environment where people don’t just perform—they thrive.
Key Statistics
✅ Only 31% of employees feel engaged at work (Gallup). ✅ 70% of high performers would take a pay cut to work for a leader who makes them feel appreciated. ✅ 33% of employees leave simply because they feel bored and want new challenges.
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The Mattering Effect – The Key Leadership Metric
John introduces the concept of the “mattering effect,” which differentiates between two types of leaders:
Leader A: Focuses solely on results, efficiency, and discipline. While they may achieve short-term success, their teams often lack engagement and loyalty.
Leader B: Balances high expectations with deep trust and recognition. They make their team members feel valued, leading to higher engagement, innovation, and retention.
Actionable Leadership Strategies
John outlines four core dimensions of leadership that can help leaders ensure their team members feel like they matter at work: 1. Believe Your Leadership Matters: If you don’t believe in the impact of your leadership, why should anyone else? 2. Make People Feel Seen, Heard, and Valued: Recognition and acknowledgment are crucial for employee engagement. 3. Create a Sense of Ownership: People want to know their work is leading somewhere. Encourage ownership and investment in their roles. 4. Build a Lasting Impact: Leadership isn’t just about what happens while you’re in charge; it’s about what remains after you’re gone.
Leadership Challenge:
At your next meeting, instead of leading with goals and metrics, ask your team: ➡️ What do you think? ➡️ How do you feel about the work you’re doing? ➡️ What support do you need to thrive?
Because the best leaders don’t just deliver results—they create environments where people feel valued.
How Mattering at Work Aligns with Passion Struck Principles
The Principle of Identity – In Passion Struck, John discusses how identity is shaped by purpose and self-worth. Leaders who foster a culture of mattering at work help employees strengthen their sense of identity, leading to more engaged and authentic contributions.
The Principle of Personal Agency – When people feel like they matter, they take ownership of their actions. This episode highlights how leaders can empower their teams by providing autonomy, reinforcing the idea that intentional choices drive fulfillment.
The Principle of Contribution – One of the book’s foundational ideas is that true fulfillment comes from what we give to others. By making employees feel valued, leaders create environments where individuals are more eager to contribute their best work and ideas.
The Principle of Legacy – Passion Struck teaches that a meaningful life is defined not just by what we accomplish, but by the impact we leave behind. Leaders who prioritize mattering at work build legacies that extend beyond financial success—they shape cultures that endure.
By applying these principles, leaders can create teams and organizations where people aren’t just working for a paycheck but for a deeper sense of purpose. This episode offers a roadmap for making that vision a reality.
Learn more at passionstruck.com or pick up your copy of the book to dive deeper into this transformative journey.
How Sara Blakely Enabled Mattering at Work
Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, built more than just a billion-dollar company—she created a workplace where employees felt valued, heard, and inspired. Her leadership exemplifies how mattering at work is a feel-good concept and a powerful driver of engagement, innovation, and loyalty.
One key way Blakely embedded mattering at work was through meaningful recognition. When Spanx reached a billion-dollar valuation, she didn’t just celebrate at the executive level—she surprised every employee with first-class plane tickets and $10,000 in spending money. This gesture wasn’t about financial rewards alone but about acknowledging that everyone contributed to the company’s success.
Blakely also created a culture where employees felt safe taking risks and learning from failure. She openly shared her own setbacks and even introduced an award for failure to encourage innovation. By shifting the focus from perfection to progress, she ensured that employees felt valued not just for their successes but also for their willingness to grow.
Beyond individual recognition, she built a company rooted in purpose. Spanx wasn’t just about selling shapewear—it was about empowering women. Employees weren’t just working for a paycheck but contributing to a mission that resonated deeply.
Ultimately, Blakely’s leadership proves that mattering at work isn’t a soft skill—it’s a strategic advantage. By fostering a culture of recognition, risk-taking, and purpose, she built an organization where employees weren’t just present—they were deeply invested. Leaders who follow this model will create workplaces where people don’t just work—they thrive. Where mattering becomes the key leadership metric.
RESOURCES FROM THE SHOW “Why Mattering at Work is the One Metric Leaders Can’t Ignore”
Please note that some of the links on this page (books, movies, music, etc.) lead to affiliate programs for which The Passion Struck podcast receives compensation. It’s just one of the ways we keep the lights on around here. Thank you so much for being so supportive!
American Psychological Association (APA) – Resources on resilience and coping: apa.org
Psychology Today – Articles on mental health, resilience, and personal growth: psychologytoday.com
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About John R. Miles
John R. Miles is a transformative leader, blending military precision with entrepreneurial flair to ignite purpose and intentional living in millions. A former U.S. Navy officer and Fortune 50 executive, John transitioned from the C-suite to become an international bestselling author and host of the globally acclaimed Passion Struck® podcast, which has ranked as the #1 alternative health podcast in over 25 countries.
John writes about the science of behavior change, personal mastery, and purpose-driven leadership, drawing from his extensive research in neuroscience, and psychology, plus over 700 interviews with trailblazing experts. His book, Passion Struck: Twelve Powerful Principles to Unlock Your Purpose and Ignite Your Most Intentional Life, has earned accolades including Best Business Book at the 2024 International Business Awards.
With a mission to inspire others to live with passion and intention, John’s quirky blend of deep insight and approachable wisdom makes him a sought-after voice in leadership and personal development.
Passion Struck aspires to speak to the humanity of people in a way that makes them want to better, live better, and impact the world.
Passion Struck’s mission is to unlock the power of intentionality for the benefit of us all. To create a world where we live better, be better, and impact the world through our unique and powerful content.
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