The Power of Mattering
Discover how a hidden epidemic of insignificance is driving disengagement, disconnection, and underperformance—and master 25+ proven skills to reverse these trends and ensure everyone feels seen, heard, valued, and essential.
Harvard Business Review Press
“Simple, Straightforward guidance to ensure we create thriving, cooperative, and High-trust cultures in which people really feel THAT they matter.”
SIMON SINEK
Optimist; New York Times bestselling author, The Infinite Game
Everyone has a fundamental need to feel seen, heard, and valued.
Yet, increasingly, people report feeling overlooked, ignored, and underappreciated in work and life. Simply put, they don’t feel as though they matter to their leaders or organizations—and it’s taking a toll. This hidden epidemic of insignificance is fueling a mental health crisis, intensifying loneliness, and, for organizations, driving disengagement, turnover, and low performance.
The good news is that leaders can learn the skills to ensure everyone around them feels valued and knows how they add value. Through a captivating exploration of the emerging science of mattering and drawing from hands-on work with hundreds of diverse teams and organizations, researcher and leadership development facilitator Zach Mercurio reveals how mattering to others is a fundamental—yet often overlooked—requirement for thriving.
He introduces a simple yet effective framework for making daily interactions with your people more meaningful:
- Noticing: the practice of seeing and hearing others
- Affirming: the practice of showing people how their unique gifts make a difference
- Needing: the practice of showing people how they’re relied on and indispensable
Filled with practical advice and helpful exercises, The Power of Mattering gives leaders at all levels the skills they need to revitalize their teams—and entire organizations—by showing people how they matter.
PRAISE
“[A] solid guide. Managers will appreciate the guidance on adopting a more empathetic leadership style.”Â
— PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
“Every single one of us wants to feel like we matter, and yet most of us are pretty bad at making others feel like they matter…especially at work. Now we have a tool to help: The Power of Mattering offers simple, straightforward guidance to ensure we create thriving, cooperative, and high-trust cultures in which people really feel that they matter.”
—SIMON SINEK, optimist; New York Times bestselling author, The Infinite Game
“People aren’t a resource or a stepping stone, they’re the point. A must-read for anyone who manages or leads.”
—SETH GODIN, author, The Song of Significance
“There is no greater need in the workplace than making employees feel valued and creating opportunities for them to add value. In this magnificent book, Zach Mercurio shows leaders how to do precisely that. By translating research and theory into action, Mercurio has succeeded in writing an eminently practical book. I cannot think of a more urgent task for leaders than to follow his advice.”
—ISAAC PRILLELTENSKY, psychologist; author, How People Matter
“The Power of Mattering delivers a powerful reminder of the leader’s role in making people feel seen, heard, and valued. Zach Mercurio brilliantly captures how creating a culture of significance drives engagement and well-being. In a world where connection is key, this book offers practical insights for leaders to make a real difference in their employees’ lives. It’s an essential read for anyone committed to building environments where people truly thrive.”
—GARRY RIDGE, Chairman Emeritus, WD-40 Company
“Creating a culture where people truly feel seen, heard, and valued is more critical than ever. Zach Mercurio’s The Power of Mattering offers a transformative approach to leadership that resonates deeply with the core values we champion at VaynerX. This book is invaluable for anyone committed to building a thriving culture.”
—CLAUDE SILVER, Chief Heart Officer, VaynerX
“In today’s multigenerational workplace, the challenge of connecting with and valuing every team member has never been more pressing. In The Power of Mattering, Zach Mercurio provides a timely and essential guide for how leaders can truly see, hear, and value everyone.”
—LINDSEY POLLAK, multigeneratiomal workforce expert, New York Times bestselling author, The Remix
“People matter, and treating people as individuals with their own purpose in life ensures that they feel valued. Making people feel like they matter isn’t just a nicety; it’s a necessity for a thriving organization. In The Power of Mattering, Zach Mercurio has captured the essence of what it means to truly lead in today’s business world.”
—BRYAN KELLER, CEO, Keller Logistics Group
“The Power of Mattering equips leaders to unleash the hidden superpowers in each individual by addressing the fundamental human need to feel significant. Essential reading for any leader seeking to transform culture, drive results, and change lives through the profound power of truly valuing people.”
—MARK RUDE, Senior Vice President, American Express Global Business Travel
“With The Power of Mattering, Zach Mercurio offers a compelling blueprint to address one of today’s most pressing challenges: the epidemic of insignificance at work. Leaders who wish to recruit and retain talented and engaged employees will benefit from his clear, actionable framework for creating a workplace where all are noticed, affirmed, and needed.”
—JULIE HAIZLIP, MD, Clinical Professor, University of Virginia School of Nursing
“One of the most important needs people have for thriving and being engaged at work is the need to find meaning. In The Power of Mattering, Zach Mercurio offers an inspiring yet practical framework that allows any leader to help team members find meaning in any role. I highly recommend this book to any leader who wants to improve engagement and retention, and consistently inspire greatness in others.”
—MATT TENNEY, co-founder, PeopleThriver; national bestselling author of Inspire Greatness
“Yes, we know this stuff, but we don’t do it. ZachMercurio’s gift is showing us how to cut through the grey and make showing people how they matter practical, real, and simple.”
—JEN MCMAHON, founder and Chief Purpose Officer, Modern People
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