Ep 35: Zach Mercurio – how to help people feel seen, heard, and valued

In a world obsessed with metrics, titles, and achievements, one of the most powerful human needs often goes overlooked—the need to matter. Dr. Zach Mercurio, author of The Power of Mattering: How Leaders Can Create a Culture of Significance, appears our podcast to explore how this fundamental force shapes our well-being, motivation, and sense of purpose. Drawing from cutting-edge psychology and real-world stories, Zach reveals why mattering is not a “soft skill” but a survival instinct—and how its absence quietly erodes engagement, trust, and performance in our organizations and communities.Whether you lead a team, a family, or simply want to deepen your human connections, this episode will challenge you to rethink what it truly means to make others—and yourself—feel that you matter.* Mattering is a Survival Instinct – From birth, humans are wired to seek connection and significance. Feeling seen, heard, valued, and needed is as essential to thriving as food or safety.* Technology Has Eroded Our Empathy Muscles –Digital shortcuts—texts, emojis, and Slack messages—often replace the real human interactions that sustain mattering and belonging.* Disengagement is a Mattering Deficit – Quiet quitting, gossip, and withdrawal are not just performance issues—they’re symptoms of people feeling invisible or undervalued.* Notice More Intentionally – This week, make a list of people you interact with regularly. Write down one specific thing you’ve noticed about each—and mention it in conversation.* Ask Better Questions – Replace “How are you?” with “What has your attention today?” or “What’s been most meaningful to you this week?”* Use the “Because of You” Phrase – Tell a colleague, friend, or family member: “Because of you, ___.” Be specific about the impact they’ve made. Get full access to LeaderSHOP at podcast.leadershop.net/subscribe