If Nothing Else, Make People Feel They Matter

I listened to BetterUp’s conference this week. The broad theme was AI and its impact on all of us.

One idea that stayed with me was the concept of mattering—the deeply human need to feel seen, to know that we matter, and that our work matters.

As AI rapidly replaces lower‑level and routinized tasks, it is easy for employees to start feeling expendable. When a bot can replicate work, it can begin to feel as though the work doesn’t matter—and it’s not a far leap from there to wondering whether they matter. AI may be good for companies, but it will be bad for humanity if we pursue efficiency without the same commitment to heart.

And it’s not just AI that erodes our sense of mattering.

Consider the long‑tenured executive who is suddenly let go with the assurance that “it’s not personal.” Of course it’s personal. Add in mean‑spirited attempts to claw back promised benefits, and any lingering sense of mattering quickly disappears.

Or think about the man on the dating site who cannot remember details you’ve already shared—perhaps because he’s talking to several other women and hasn’t slowed down enough to keep the facts straight. It’s hard to feel that you matter when the effort isn’t there.

Life is hard. Keeping up with it all is hard. And we don’t get through it by grit alone. We get through it when we feel that someone, somewhere, sees us… and that we matter.

Try this ONE thing

Who in your world needs to feel that they matter right now?

What is one small, human thing you can do today to let them know they do?

Even in an age of artificial intelligence, mattering will always be profoundly human.

Let’s Connect!

If you’re ready to talk about creating a better, more joyful life—or if you simply want to share your thoughts—leave a comment below, repost this blog, or reach out to me directly. I’d love to hear your story, answer your questions, or help you take the next step toward the life you want. Sometimes, one conversation is all it takes to spark real change. Reach out to karen.laidlaw.theONEthing@outlook.com. Until then, enjoy the blog and keep moving forward!