The pandemic has caused a profound transformation in the way we work, bringing in a new era of remote and hybrid work models. This shift has not only changed where we work but has vastly altered how we think about work itself. The need for employees to feel valued, significant, and connected has never been more critical. Zach Mercurio’s book “The Power of Mattering” emerges as a timely and crucial guide for leaders navigating this paradigm shift.

Based on his rich research and his experience of working with many organizations, Mercurio has created this compelling guide for people leaders who want to create a culture where people are valued. At the heart of Mercurio’s work is the concept of “mattering” – the belief that one’s existence is valued by and important to others.

Mercurio doesn’t offer just insights from his research, but provides actionable framework which a leader can apply and implement. The book introduces the NAN framework:

Noticing: The act of truly seeing and hearing individuals, acknowledging their presence and contributions.
Affirming: Actively recognizing and validating the unique gifts and talents each person brings to the table.
Needing: Demonstrating that individuals are essential and relied upon, fostering a sense of indispensability.

The book has many exercises, reflection questions and actionable insights that readers can immediately implement. For example: We all thank others for their work or help. But to show gratitude effectively, one should include these elements:

Setting: Describe the context/situation in detail.
Behavior: Describe the person’s specific, observable behaviors.
Gifts: Name the unique things the person modeled.
Impact: Describe how the person made an impact.

The author skillfully weaves together academic research with anecdotes from diverse industries, making this book very relatable and insightful. The Power of Mattering is a timely guide that reshapes how we think about leadership, employee engagement, and organizational success. It’s a must-read for every leader who is committed to creating a people-centric culture.

This is something I advocate about every day. Showing people they matter helps to maintain and grow the staff you have. I think this is one of the single most important things management can do.