I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand —Og Mandino

Often clients say, “I want more meaningful work.” Yet, they don’t know what it is or how to find it.  With the use of assessments, tools, and coaching your clients will discover their passion and purpose.

A free initial measure for your clients’ that are working on purpose is a10-question online quiz, “Power of Purpose Quiz” (http://inventuregroup.com/Resources/Quiz.aspx). After completing it, your clients can compare their total score with the average score of other test takers. Then, coach them to explore their answers to the various questions in the quiz.

“Calling Cards – A Journey of Discovery” (http://www.inventuregroup.com/inventure-store/Calling-Cards-A-Journey-of-Discovery-P5.aspx) is an inexpensive and easy to use tool to help clients focus on what’s most important to them. It’s a deck of 52 cards and each card has two or three words on it, e.g., “starting things,’’ “getting things right,” “building things.” Ask them to quickly review all the cards and select 8 to10 cards they’re most drawn to. Next, ask them to select their favorite card(s). Then, coach them on that topic by asking questions such as:

• “What about that card makes it your favorite?”
• “Say more about that.”
• “What work experiences are closest to the words on the card?”
• “What other work activities tie to that the words on the card?”

Also, ask them to notice what Holland Theme is shown on that card, e.g., enterprising, realistic. If they’ve taken an interest inventory, encourage them to explore occupational areas that fit that both that Holland theme and the words on their favorite calling card.

To help your clients find their passions, start them out with a short passion quiz (http://www.thepassiontest.com/Offer/PTProfile/index.cfm). Ask them for feedback on their results. Coach them to brainstorm passions, and then, ask them to identify their top five. Continue to coach them to discover work that best matches those passions. If they desire further exploration of their passions, encourage them to take the full version of The Passion Test (http://www.thepassiontest.com). Or, they can take the Core Passion Assessment™ Tool (http://www.corepassion.com) online which provides people with a rank order of twelve core passions.

Discovering purpose and passion is an important step for your clients to find meaningful and enjoyable work. The discovery process can best be facilitated through coaching. Wishing you the best as you and your clients find purpose and passion!

Further Resources on Purpose and Passion:

• Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman.
• Beyond Halftime, by Bob Buford.
• Halftime: Changing Your Game Plan from Success to Significance, by Bob Buford.
• Repacking Your Bags, by R. Leider and D. Shapiro.
• Something to Live For: Finding Your Way in The Second Half of Life, by Richard Leider.
• The Passion Test, by J. B. Attwood and C. Attwood.
• Wake Up…Live the Life You Love: Living on Purpose, compiled by Steven E. and Lee Beard.
• Whistle While You Work, by R. Leider and D. Shapiro.

Copyright 2010. Nancy Branton.