Relevance and Significance

Last week, a group of leaders met to talk about what we want to hold on to, let go of, and seek as we continue our respective leadership journeys.

The conversation led us to a discussion of relevance and significance, how they differ and where they intersect.

I used to think relevance and significance followed a linear progression. Relevance was what you strove for in the early to middle part of your leadership journey, while significance was what you chased after you did everything you needed to be successful.

This group gave me a nice reframe. Relevance is how others see us and requires a degree of external validation. Significance is internally validated, driven from within, and largely in our control. A small business owner put the relationship in perfect context: significance is the foundation; relevance is the outcome.

I thought I had to wait until I was older to chase significance. This group taught me otherwise. We can search for it from the start, and it doesn't depend on anyone else's approval.

How do you see relevance and significance?

This small group of leaders meets at the end of every month. We talk about the things that aren't often shared as we help each other along the way. Not a penny is exchanged; only ideas. I wish I'd had a group like this twenty years ago.

If you'd like to join our next meeting — what is your life's work? — send me a note.