A CKNOWLEDGMENTS T he genesis of this book began with a lunch I had with partici- pants of one of my workshops. The folks gathered at our table were talking about their expectations for work. None expected a life- time contract from their employer, but based upon things they said I sensed that each of them had an expectation for doing work that meant something, that is, work that would make a positive difference in the lives of others. Weeks later, when I was relating this conversation to my colleague Kathleen Macdonald, the concept of purpose in the workplace crystal- lized. As I thought about the role that purpose plays in the workplace and began researching the topic, I decided that it would make a good subject for a book. If employees are searching for meaning in work, whose job is it to find it for them? Must each employee find it for him- or herself? Or does it fall to the leader to provide purpose? And once found, how can leaders and followers put it to good use to achieve intended results? These are simple questions, but as I have learned they require thoughtful answers. This book owes much to the men and women who are featured here. I call them my experts, and it is from them that many of the insights come. They are Dan Denison, Tom Draude, Tammy Erickson, --ix-- American Managememt Association · www.amanet.org