Motivation Monday: Can we get EMOTIONAL in the workplace? This might surprise you…

Summary

The speaker emphasizes the significance of emotional connection to one's work and its impact on employee engagement and productivity. They discuss the concept of an 'activated employee' as defined by Forbes, which involves being emotionally invested in the work, peers, and organizational goals. The talk highlights the importance of aligning personal skills and passions with professional roles to foster a sense of purpose and motivation. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and insights from teaching a high-performance leadership class, encouraging individuals to identify and leverage their 'superpowers' for a fulfilling career. They also touch upon the idea of taking initiative and demonstrating value as a path to success, rather than waiting for recognition or rewards, drawing inspiration from David J. Schwartz's 'The Magic of Thinking Big'.

Takeaways

• 🤝 The importance of being emotionally connected to our work is crucial for a fulfilling career and contributes to a positive workplace culture.
• 🚀 Activated employees, who are emotionally connected to their work, peers, and organizational goals, are more invested in the success of the organization.
• 📈 Forbes highlights that activated employees are not just working for a paycheck but are driven by a sense of purpose and contribution to the team's success.
• 🎯 Engaged employees are beneficial for workforce culture and productivity, aligning with strategic planning and goals.
• 💡 Discovering and connecting with one's core calling or 'superpower' can transform work from a chore into a fulfilling pursuit.
• 🧘‍♂️ A deep dive into self-reflection is necessary to understand what one is truly called to do and how it aligns with one's talents and the needs of the world.
• 👀 Changing one's perspective or 'lens' on their job can lead to increased engagement and a sense of ownership and pride in one's work.
• 🌟 Leaders should encourage and embody a culture of emotionally connected and activated employees to drive organizational success.
• 💼 Early career shifts in perspective, such as viewing oneself as an ambassador of an organization, can lead to a significant increase in job satisfaction and engagement.
• 📚 The concept of 'thinking big' and demonstrating value before seeking compensation or promotion can lead to a more fulfilling and successful career path.
• 🔋 It's essential to 'supercharge' oneself by understanding one's skills and contributions to be laser-focused on daily goals and long-term success.

Q & A

What is the main argument the speaker is making about emotions in the workplace?

The speaker argues that instead of keeping emotions out of the workplace, it's important to be emotionally connected to the work we do, the mission of our organization, and our core calling. This connection leads to a more engaged and productive workforce.

What does the term 'activated employee' refer to according to the Forbes article mentioned?

An 'activated employee' is someone who is emotionally connected to their work, their peers, and the organization's overarching goals. They are not just working for a paycheck but are invested in the success of the organization and the team.

How does the speaker describe the importance of aligning one's work with their core calling?

The speaker emphasizes that aligning work with one's core calling is crucial because it provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment. When work aligns with one's superpowers and passions, it propels individuals forward and makes them feel like they are contributing to a greater mission.

What is the 'DBA program' that the speaker is referring to?

The 'DBA program' mentioned by the speaker is a Doctorate of Business Administration program, which is ranked number one by Forbes. The speaker teaches a class on high performance leadership within this program.

What is the Japanese phrase 'ikigai' and how does it relate to the concept of 'superpowers'?

The Japanese phrase 'ikigai' refers to the things that one is great at doing, loves doing, and that the world needs and will pay for. It relates to the concept of 'superpowers' as it represents the unique strengths and passions that individuals can leverage in their work.

Why is it important for leaders to feel emotionally connected to their dissertation topic in the DBA program?

It's important for leaders to feel emotionally connected to their dissertation topic because they will be working on it for an extended period, typically a year or two. This connection ensures they remain engaged and committed to the research, which in turn enhances the quality of their work.

What change did the speaker experience in their early career that made them feel more connected to their work?

The speaker experienced a shift in perspective where they began to see themselves not just as an employee but as an ambassador of the organization. This change in mindset led to increased ownership, agency, and pride in their work.

How does the speaker suggest one can become emotionally connected to their work?

The speaker suggests that to become emotionally connected to one's work, one must first do a deep dive to understand what they are truly called to do. This involves aligning personal talents and skills with the needs of the world and finding a job where these can be utilized.

What is the significance of building a culture of engaged, activated, and connected employees in an organization?

Building such a culture is significant because it leads to higher levels of employee satisfaction, motivation, and productivity. It also fosters a sense of collective purpose and commitment to the organization's success, which can drive strategic planning and alignment of work and goals.

How does the author of 'The Magic of Thinking Big', David J. Schwartz, view the relationship between job responsibilities, compensation, and promotions?

David J. Schwartz discusses different mindsets regarding job responsibilities and promotions. Some people believe in demonstrating value and taking on more responsibility before asking for a raise or promotion, while others may expect these rewards as a prerequisite for increased effort. Schwartz encourages a mindset of contribution and service to others, suggesting that success, money, and titles will follow.

What advice does the speaker give to individuals and organizations to enhance their work and leadership?

The speaker advises individuals to understand the importance of being emotionally connected to their work, to feel driven and motivated, and to see their work as a contribution to the world. For organizations, the speaker encourages fostering a culture of engaged, activated, and connected employees, which can lead to better strategic planning and overall success.