In a leadership development class I teach for sophomores in college, I asked students to respond to a simple question.

The wisdom in their answers is deafening. As their future organizations, are we listening?

What do you want in a job?

“Why would I do things to fill a resume when I can do things to fill my life?”

“I want to do and become something that is greater than myself.”

“I would ask, ‘does this position affirm who I want to be?’ If not, it’s time to leave.”

“I don’t want to find myself in a position where I am not living my purpose every day.”

“I want to believe I have the potential to change the world and I want to be somewhere that brings that potential to life.”

“I don’t want to settle for average because that’s how others see me in the world.”

“While I can have a nice path laid out for me, I am choosing not to take it to follow my purpose.”

“It’s very easy to think you can’t make an impact. I don’t want to think that way.”

“If I am going to do something, I have to care.”