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The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance
Your people have a fundamental need to be seen, heard, and valued.
More people than ever report feeling ignored and underappreciated at work—simply put, they don't feel like they matter to their leaders or their organizations. And these feelings have dire consequences. The hidden epidemic of insignificance is driving a mental health crisis, debilitating loneliness, and, for organizations, 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 at work. Through a captivating exploration of the emerging science of mattering and drawing from hands-on work with hundreds of diverse occupations and organizations, researcher and speaker Zach Mercurio reveals how experiencing 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
Noticing: the practice of seeing and hearing; Affirming: the practice of showing people how their unique gifts make a unique 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 that they matter.
More people than ever report feeling ignored and underappreciated at work—simply put, they don't feel like they matter to their leaders or their organizations. And these feelings have dire consequences. The hidden epidemic of insignificance is driving a mental health crisis, debilitating loneliness, and, for organizations, 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 at work. Through a captivating exploration of the emerging science of mattering and drawing from hands-on work with hundreds of diverse occupations and organizations, researcher and speaker Zach Mercurio reveals how experiencing 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
Noticing: the practice of seeing and hearing; Affirming: the practice of showing people how their unique gifts make a unique 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 that they matter.
272 pages, Hardcover
Published May 13, 2025
137 people are currently reading
769 people want to read
About the author
Zach Mercurio
3 books15 followersZach Mercurio, Ph. D., is a researcher, author, and speaker who specializes in purposeful leadership, mattering, meaningful work, and positive organizational psychology.
He wrote "The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose" and "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance," which will be released by Harvard Business Review Press in 2025.
Zach works with hundreds of organizations worldwide to forge purposeful leaders who enable mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance. Some of his clients include the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling, J.P. Morgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service.
He also serves as one of author Simon Sinek’s “Optimist Instructors.”
Zach earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change from Colorado State University, where he serves as a Research and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Psychology's Center for Meaning and Purpose and as an Instructor in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program.
His research on meaningful work has been awarded by the Association for Talent Development, the Academy of Management, and the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Zach lives in Fort Collins, CO, with his wife, two sons, and two adopted dogs.
He wrote "The Invisible Leader: Transform Your Life, Work, and Organization with the Power of Authentic Purpose" and "The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance," which will be released by Harvard Business Review Press in 2025.
Zach works with hundreds of organizations worldwide to forge purposeful leaders who enable mattering, motivation, well-being, and performance. Some of his clients include the U.S. Army, USA Wrestling, J.P. Morgan Chase, Delta Airlines, Marriott International, The Government of Canada, and The National Park Service.
He also serves as one of author Simon Sinek’s “Optimist Instructors.”
Zach earned his Ph.D. in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change from Colorado State University, where he serves as a Research and Teaching Fellow in the Department of Psychology's Center for Meaning and Purpose and as an Instructor in the Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change program.
His research on meaningful work has been awarded by the Association for Talent Development, the Academy of Management, and the Academy of Human Resource Development.
Zach lives in Fort Collins, CO, with his wife, two sons, and two adopted dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 3, 2025
I struggled NOT thinking about this book in everyday situations.
May 29, 2025
I'm a leader development coach and consultant, and I now consider this the most important book I could recommend to any leader who wants to develop themselves. Zach Mercurio's research on Mattering couldn't be more timely. The great resignation, quiet quitting, and more do not need to continue to define this era. Pick up this book and begin to implement the actionable tips to helping those around you understand their worth. You will be glad you did!
July 11, 2025
A simple idea, powerfully explained, easily actionable
This is a moving book, and should be mandatory reading for all leaders. It gives a language to something we all know and experience, but don’t know how to turn into action. And if even 1% of the world were to think and act in this way, we’d solve so many of the biggest, most complex problems we face as a species.
This is a moving book, and should be mandatory reading for all leaders. It gives a language to something we all know and experience, but don’t know how to turn into action. And if even 1% of the world were to think and act in this way, we’d solve so many of the biggest, most complex problems we face as a species.
May 11, 2025
I have selected this book as Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 5/11, as it stands heads above other recently published books on this topic.
July 8, 2025
Read this for my work book club and really enjoyed it. Felt timely and a good reminder on a few things
August 27, 2025
Excellent, clear, and full of wisdom. Mercurio for the mid-2020s what Brene Brown was for the 2010s.
September 1, 2025
Important book for this time in leadership. Actionable material.
June 27, 2025
Great book on an amazing and important topic. A must read for everyone!!!
July 18, 2025
Every leader and HR professional concerned with caring for staff in a psychologically safe manner should read this. A practical hands on approach and reflective questions will help you explore what it means to make others feel like they and their work is meaningful, noticed and matters.
June 1, 2025
Great book on recognizing others and building work relationships.
June 26, 2025
It is good to read a book about the importance of treating others well. I notice that in practice around the world, many people don’t feel valued in many settings such as workplace, government, civic discourse, and even in familial telationships.
This book provides not only the compelling reasons but also how we can make people around us feel seen, that they matter. It has lots of stories to share as well as solid data to back up its claims.
This book provides not only the compelling reasons but also how we can make people around us feel seen, that they matter. It has lots of stories to share as well as solid data to back up its claims.
March 3, 2025
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.
Thanks to the publisher for providing ARC.
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.
Thanks to the publisher for providing ARC.
July 27, 2025
There was no middle ground for me; I disliked several aspects, and I really liked a few. What didn't resonate with me were the templates randomly scattered. There is an attempt to give them context, but real examples of a completed template would have served the space taken better.
Next were the many references to other books, such as in Chapter 8, Step Four: Measure Mattering. That the authors of a book describe four major practices and then list the bullet points does little to integrate with what has gone before and after. There are several instances of this copying and pasting with an appropriate referencing style of collation. Not my cup of tea.
Where the author truly shines is in the numerous real-life examples and stories drawn from his research and interviews with workers. He describes their stories and reactions briefly and powerfully. However, the categories of cleaning and menial jobs were heavily skewed and may contribute to confirmation bias. I would have liked to see other categories, such as knowledge workers and white-collar jobs, featured as well.
Lastly, two paragraphs stood out for me. I would have liked to see the references for these gems in the notes: "If we want people to contribute, they must first believe they're worthy of contributing. If we want them to use their strengths, they must first believe they have them. If we want them to share their voices, they must first believe their voices are significant. If we want them to care, they must first feel cared for. If we want something to matter to them, they must first believe that they matter to us."
"Getting too much criticism ("You need to improve on this") and too little affirmation ("You do this well, and here's how it makes a difference") can create feelings of being unvalued. So can being micromanaged and not being given real responsibility."
I appreciate the academic research and interviewing style employed, but a touch of real-world business leadership experience was sorely missing for me.
Next were the many references to other books, such as in Chapter 8, Step Four: Measure Mattering. That the authors of a book describe four major practices and then list the bullet points does little to integrate with what has gone before and after. There are several instances of this copying and pasting with an appropriate referencing style of collation. Not my cup of tea.
Where the author truly shines is in the numerous real-life examples and stories drawn from his research and interviews with workers. He describes their stories and reactions briefly and powerfully. However, the categories of cleaning and menial jobs were heavily skewed and may contribute to confirmation bias. I would have liked to see other categories, such as knowledge workers and white-collar jobs, featured as well.
Lastly, two paragraphs stood out for me. I would have liked to see the references for these gems in the notes: "If we want people to contribute, they must first believe they're worthy of contributing. If we want them to use their strengths, they must first believe they have them. If we want them to share their voices, they must first believe their voices are significant. If we want them to care, they must first feel cared for. If we want something to matter to them, they must first believe that they matter to us."
"Getting too much criticism ("You need to improve on this") and too little affirmation ("You do this well, and here's how it makes a difference") can create feelings of being unvalued. So can being micromanaged and not being given real responsibility."
I appreciate the academic research and interviewing style employed, but a touch of real-world business leadership experience was sorely missing for me.
October 15, 2025
In corporate, there's a mattering crisis.
Leaders in organizations need to start implementing people-first policies. Especially in the age of AI. The NAN model (Noticed, Affirmed, Needed) gives examples of what these practices look like at work and how organizations can create systems in their own place of work.
The information in this book is very useful. Was it very interesting to read? Not as much as I wanted it to be. It could be very repetitive at times and needed case studies to keep me flowing through. Highly recommend if you need a L&D book, not so much for free time fun. Thank you to LFPL for supplying!
Leaders in organizations need to start implementing people-first policies. Especially in the age of AI. The NAN model (Noticed, Affirmed, Needed) gives examples of what these practices look like at work and how organizations can create systems in their own place of work.
The information in this book is very useful. Was it very interesting to read? Not as much as I wanted it to be. It could be very repetitive at times and needed case studies to keep me flowing through. Highly recommend if you need a L&D book, not so much for free time fun. Thank you to LFPL for supplying!
April 22, 2025
Zach Mercurio’s upcoming release, The Power of Mattering, is a timely and transformative guide for leaders who want to build not just high-performing teams, but deeply human ones. At a time when employee disengagement, burnout, and workplace loneliness are at all-time highs, Mercurio delivers a message that is both urgent and empowering: people need to feel that they matter—and leaders have the power (and responsibility) to make that happen.
What makes this book stand out is Mercurio’s deep grounding in both research and lived experience. Drawing from his extensive work across industries and his expertise in the science of mattering, he presents a practical and profoundly human framework for making people feel seen, valued, and needed. The trio of practices—Noticing, Affirming, and Needing—are deceptively simple, but when implemented consistently, they can lead to cultural transformation within any organization.
What I particularly appreciated is that this is not a book filled with lofty ideals. It’s actionable. Each chapter includes practical tools and exercises, as well as inspiring real-world examples that show how creating a culture of significance isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business. Mercurio bridges the gap between psychology and performance, offering a new lens on leadership that prioritizes human dignity without compromising productivity.
The Power of Mattering is a must-read for CEOs, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone invested in creating workplaces where people can truly thrive. It’s a powerful reminder that the greatest leaders are not those who seek to be important—but those who make others feel important.
What makes this book stand out is Mercurio’s deep grounding in both research and lived experience. Drawing from his extensive work across industries and his expertise in the science of mattering, he presents a practical and profoundly human framework for making people feel seen, valued, and needed. The trio of practices—Noticing, Affirming, and Needing—are deceptively simple, but when implemented consistently, they can lead to cultural transformation within any organization.
What I particularly appreciated is that this is not a book filled with lofty ideals. It’s actionable. Each chapter includes practical tools and exercises, as well as inspiring real-world examples that show how creating a culture of significance isn’t just good for people—it’s good for business. Mercurio bridges the gap between psychology and performance, offering a new lens on leadership that prioritizes human dignity without compromising productivity.
The Power of Mattering is a must-read for CEOs, team leaders, HR professionals, and anyone invested in creating workplaces where people can truly thrive. It’s a powerful reminder that the greatest leaders are not those who seek to be important—but those who make others feel important.
July 9, 2025
What a great book!
My first experience with Zach Mercurio’s work was at a workshop for student employees at the university where I work. The session, based on his book The Invisible Leader, focused on discovering purpose—and it was so fun and engaging that I immediately bought the book. I’ve been following Zach’s work ever since.
When he announced The Power of Mattering, I was thrilled. I’ve been searching for something fresh and meaningful in the area of employee engagement and retention, and this book delivered exactly that. I couldn’t put it down and have already recommended it to everyone at work.
Working in student life, I often see staff who are dedicated, but feel unseen or undervalued. I also work with many young professionals who struggle to connect with their roles. Zach’s model of noticing, affirming, and needing offers a powerful framework to help leaders make their people feel that they truly matter. It’s a message that can transform workplace culture and help employees flourish.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, research-backed, and deeply human approach to engagement and purpose at work, this book is a must-read.
My first experience with Zach Mercurio’s work was at a workshop for student employees at the university where I work. The session, based on his book The Invisible Leader, focused on discovering purpose—and it was so fun and engaging that I immediately bought the book. I’ve been following Zach’s work ever since.
When he announced The Power of Mattering, I was thrilled. I’ve been searching for something fresh and meaningful in the area of employee engagement and retention, and this book delivered exactly that. I couldn’t put it down and have already recommended it to everyone at work.
Working in student life, I often see staff who are dedicated, but feel unseen or undervalued. I also work with many young professionals who struggle to connect with their roles. Zach’s model of noticing, affirming, and needing offers a powerful framework to help leaders make their people feel that they truly matter. It’s a message that can transform workplace culture and help employees flourish.
If you’re looking for a thoughtful, research-backed, and deeply human approach to engagement and purpose at work, this book is a must-read.
July 10, 2025
As a fellow leadership practitioner, I found *Mattering* to be a deeply thoughtful and timely contribution to our shared work. Zach Mercurio distills years of research and lived experience into a framework that names something we all sense but rarely articulate this clearly: the need to feel seen, valued, and essential. His blend of evidence and empathy makes the case not just for why mattering matters, but how to cultivate it, consistently and systemically.
In a moment when so many organizations are struggling with disengagement, burnout, and belonging, this book goes beneath the buzzwords. It offers language and tools that are as useful for executive teams as they are affirming for frontline leaders. *Mattering* doesn’t just add to the conversation about twenty-first century leadership, it elevates it.
In a moment when so many organizations are struggling with disengagement, burnout, and belonging, this book goes beneath the buzzwords. It offers language and tools that are as useful for executive teams as they are affirming for frontline leaders. *Mattering* doesn’t just add to the conversation about twenty-first century leadership, it elevates it.
May 13, 2025
This long awaited second book from Dr. Zach Mercurio will not leave you disappointed. The Power of Mattering, will help you recognize, remember, and return to the basic human principle of recognizing the people around you. If you are in a position of leadership (we all are!) then this book is a must read to help you develop meaningful relationships that transcend the tasks at hand and truly impact the lives of others for the better.
As someone who makes a living in the leadership development space, Dr. Mercurio's books are a standard issue to all of my teammates and a reference point to return to throughout our journey of leading others.
Can't recommend his work enough.
As someone who makes a living in the leadership development space, Dr. Mercurio's books are a standard issue to all of my teammates and a reference point to return to throughout our journey of leading others.
Can't recommend his work enough.
May 26, 2025
The Power of Mattering is a great read for leaders, parents, friends, and humans! As @ZachMercurio shares, this is common sense, but not commonly practiced. It is a very timely read as it speaks to what people need right now: to feel seen, heard, valued, and essential. Zach Mercurio, Ph.D. helps us understand not only how simple it can be, but how crucial it is for us to help those around us know how much they matter to us and to the world around them.
If you’re a leader, a parent, a friend, or simply a human—you need this book.
If you’re a leader, a parent, a friend, or simply a human—you need this book.
May 9, 2025
This book is a must have for any leader of people. It sets the foundation for creating a culture where people are seen, heard, and valued. As a leader with over 2 decades of experience leading people I wish I had this at the beginning of my career. It reminds me that the daily, moment to moment, interactions are cumulative, and I can invest in the organization and those around me by showing that they matter through these interactions. I'm so thankful to have found this book.
September 12, 2025
As someone who tries who tries to practice a lot of what was shared in this book, I enjoyed reading this. The author included a lot of Positive Organizational Scholarship research from the folks at the Ross Business School, which I am very familiar with and a fan of; thus, this enhanced my enjoyment of the text.
Solid read for young leaders finding their way, or, seasoned leaders needing a quick refresher on key concepts of mattering and its significance in leadership.
Solid read for young leaders finding their way, or, seasoned leaders needing a quick refresher on key concepts of mattering and its significance in leadership.
May 29, 2025
I loved this book - for so many reasons. It is rooted in research. It is narratively oriented and each learning is enabled by actions you can implement without any challenge. More than anything, Dr. Mercurio's advice and wisdom really matters - it is the kind of leadership we need more of in the world - especially today.
Leaders in all areas will benefit from this read.
Leaders in all areas will benefit from this read.
July 21, 2025
Zach’s book has made me much more aware of the power of every interaction I enjoy throughout my day. Each small connection with someone is an opportunity to show them that they matter to me. The ideas in the book have helped make my work and personal touch points more enriching and meaningful. Highly recommended!!
July 27, 2025
this is part of my quarter life crisis
i don't think it should have been as long as it was because the message is fairly simple, but i guess they really want to hammer it in
i don't think it should have been as long as it was because the message is fairly simple, but i guess they really want to hammer it in
August 15, 2025
Excellent book, especially the second half, about creating a culture where everyone is valued.
November 9, 2025
Pretty good!!!
December 4, 2025
Mattering is phenomenal but this book is kindergarten level obvious. Listen to people and make them feel heard. If you can’t do that waste money on this book.
December 12, 2025
Know a former manger or two who could stand to read this. Only critique would be for more real life examples of deploying the tenants of the book in action.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews