You know, the best people want to be part of something bigger than themselves. It’s a game-changer for how you build a team that lasts. This isn’t just a nice idea; it’s the key to attracting and keeping top talent who are driven by purpose.
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Table of Contents
Meaning
At its core, this quote means that truly exceptional talent isn’t primarily motivated by money or status. They’re driven by a desire for purpose, to contribute to a mission that has a real impact.
Explanation
Let me tell you, I’ve seen this play out so many times. The “A-players,” the ones who can literally work anywhere, they get bored with just a paycheck. They need to feel that their work matters, that they’re building a legacy, not just a career. It’s about creating a narrative that’s larger than any single individual’s job description. You’re not just selling a job; you’re inviting them into a crusade. That’s the magnetic force that pulls in the best of the best.
Quote Summary
Reading Level55
Aesthetic Score85
Origin & Factcheck
This insight comes straight from Brian Tracy’s 2001 book, “Hire and Keep the Best People.” You’ll sometimes see similar sentiments floating around, but this specific phrasing is Tracy’s, born from his decades of work in business training and human potential.
Attribution Summary
Author Bio
Brian Tracy, a prolific author gained global reputation because of his best seller book list such as Eat That Frog!, Goals!, and The Psychology of Selling, and created influential audio programs like The Psychology of Achievement. He is sought after guru for personal development and business performance. Brian Tracy International, coaches millions of professionals and corporates on sales, goal setting, leadership, and productivity.
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Where is this quotation located?
| Quotation | The best people want to be part of something bigger than themselves |
| Book Details | Publication Year/Date: 2001; ISBN: 978-1576751275; Last edition: 2001, Berrett-Koehler Publishers; Number of pages: 112. |
| Where is it? | Chapter: Shared Vision; Approximate page from 2001 edition |
Context
Tracy wasn’t just writing a feel-good line. He was laying out a practical framework for business leaders. He positioned this as a fundamental principle you must understand *before* you even write a job description, because it changes everything about how you attract candidates.
Usage Examples
So how do you use this? It’s all about shifting your language.
- For Leaders & Founders: Don’t just talk about the “role.” Talk about the “mission.” In interviews, stop asking “What are your skills?” and start asking “What kind of impact do you want to have on the world?” You’ll be shocked at the difference in the candidates you attract.
- For Managers: Frame team goals as a collective mission. Instead of “We need to hit Q3 targets,” try “Our mission this quarter is to become the #1 solution for small business owners in our region. Here’s how each of you makes that happen.” It transforms work from a task into a contribution.
To whom it appeals?
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Motivation Score90
Popularity Score88
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Common Questions
Question: Does this mean I don’t have to pay people well?
Answer: Absolutely not. Think of it this way: competitive pay gets you a seat at the table. But the mission, the “something bigger,” is what makes them choose *your* table over everyone else’s. It’s the deciding factor, not a replacement for fair compensation.
Question: What if my company’s mission isn’t “saving the world” level of big?
Answer: It doesn’t have to be. The “something bigger” can be being the most trusted brand in your local community, or revolutionizing customer service in a boring industry. It’s about the *significance* of the work, not necessarily its global scale. Find the noble purpose in what you do and amplify it.
Question: How do I find out what motivates a candidate this way?
Answer: Ask story-based questions. “Tell me about a project you’re most proud of and *why*.” Listen for the *why*. If they light up talking about mentoring others, or solving a complex puzzle for a client, that’s your clue. That’s their version of “something bigger.”
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