Your Job Is Not Your Job - LinkedIn Speaker Series - 1/3

Summary

In a thought-provoking talk, the speaker reflects on the profound question of defining one's job. Sharing personal experiences as a teacher at MIT, he emphasizes that a job is not merely about what one does but about the goals pursued. By comparing individual roles to a soccer team, he argues that the primary job of every employee is to help their company win. This shift in perspective transforms the way individuals approach their work, encouraging them to see their contributions as part of a greater mission to create economic opportunities for all. Ultimately, it's a call to redefine work through purpose.

Takeaways

• 😀 A life-changing question can reshape your perspective on your job and goals.
• 🤔 Your job is not just what you do; it's about the goal you pursue.
• 📈 Defining your job in terms of the impact you have on others expands your possibilities.
• ⚽ Just like in soccer, every team member's primary job is to help the team win, not just focus on individual achievements.
• 🏆 The success of a company hinges on each employee's commitment to helping the organization succeed.
• 💡 Changing how you think about your job can open up new opportunities and collaborations.
• 🌍 Understanding your role in creating economic opportunities can lead to a more fulfilling career.
• 🔄 It’s essential to reflect on how your actions contribute to the greater mission of your company.
• 👥 Engaging in discussions about your goals and aspirations can influence collective consciousness.
• 🌟 Everyone has the potential to make a significant contribution, no matter their role or position.

Q & A

What significant question changed the speaker's life?

The significant question was about what job the speaker would say they have when asked by someone sitting next to them on a plane.

How does the speaker redefine the concept of a job?

The speaker redefines a job not by the tasks performed but by the goals pursued, emphasizing the impact on others rather than the activities themselves.

What example does the speaker use to illustrate the difference between job definitions?

The speaker contrasts defining a job as 'I am a taxi driver' with a broader definition, 'I help people get to where they want to go.'

What analogy does the speaker use to explain teamwork?

The speaker uses the analogy of soccer, stating that the primary job of every player is to help the team win, highlighting that individual goals should be subordinate to team goals.

What is the primary job of every member of a company according to the speaker?

According to the speaker, the primary job of every member of a company is to help the company win, aligning individual actions with the organization's success.

How does the speaker suggest employees find meaning in their work?

The speaker suggests that by aligning their actions with the broader goals of the organization, employees can find more meaning and purpose in their work.

What ultimate goal does the speaker attribute to organizations like LinkedIn?

The speaker attributes the ultimate goal of organizations like LinkedIn to creating economic opportunities for every member of the global workforce.

How does the speaker propose people should think about their jobs?

The speaker proposes that people should think of their jobs in terms of the positive impact they have on others and the goals they help achieve.

What is the significance of the quote from Alice in the script?

The quote from Alice emphasizes the importance of knowing where you want to go, suggesting that the path taken is influenced by the goals one aims to achieve.

What overarching message does the speaker hope to convey through the discussion?

The speaker hopes to convey that redefining one’s job to focus on goals and the impact on others can lead to a more fulfilling professional experience and collective success.