Leadership coach Anne Morriss, economist Juliet Schor, social psychologist Azim Shariff, and political scientist Margaret Levi discuss the value of curiosity and trust-building in problem-solving, the feasibility and impact of a four-day workweek on employee well-being and productivity, effort moralization and its impact on perceptions of hard work, and the role and challenges of unions in the modern world.
The podcast emphasizes the need for urgency in problem-solving while building trust simultaneously, promoting a 'move fast and fix things' approach.
The episode advocates for transitioning to a four-day work week to improve employees' well-being, work-life balance, productivity, and job satisfaction, highlighting the economic and environmental advantages of reduced work time.
Deep dives
Move Fast and Fix Things: A New Ethos for Business
The podcast episode explores how the business world's mantra of 'move fast and break things' has led to reckless decision-making and a lack of trust. It highlights the importance of moving fast and fixing things instead, emphasizing the need for urgency and building trust simultaneously. The episode discusses a method developed by leadership coach Ann Morris, which focuses on solving problems quickly by following a step-by-step process throughout the work week. It emphasizes the significance of identifying the real problem, creating a plan, seeking different perspectives, telling a compelling story, and ultimately taking action. This approach aims to foster problem-solving and avoid the collateral damage caused by the previous 'move fast and break things' mentality.
The Case for a Four-Day Work Week
The podcast episode examines the benefits of transitioning to a four-day work week instead of the traditional five-day work week. It discusses various examples of companies that have implemented this shortened work week and highlights how it has improved employees' well-being, work-life balance, productivity, and job satisfaction. The episode also explores the economic and environmental advantages of reducing work time, such as decreased commuting and increased time for personal activities. While acknowledging potential challenges in certain industries, the episode argues for rethinking the work week to prioritize quality of life and social connection, ultimately advocating for a shift towards a shorter, more efficient work week.
The Moralization of Effort and the Need for Work-Life Balance
The podcast episode delves into the psychological biases surrounding the moralization of effort. It explores how society tends to equate hard work with moral virtue, analyzing the impact of this bias on the workplace and individuals' well-being. The episode highlights the importance of recognizing and challenging these biases to create a healthier work culture. It also acknowledges the value of finding a balance between work and personal life, exploring the rise of the anti-hustle movement and the growing recognition of the need for downtime and pursuing meaningful activities outside of work. By reevaluating societal norms and biases, the episode suggests that individuals can navigate their work-life balance more thoughtfully and holistically.
The Power and Challenges of Labor Unions
The podcast episode discusses the historical significance and current role of labor unions in shaping workers' rights, benefits, and working conditions. It addresses the decline of labor unions due to legal barriers and resistance from employers and politicians. The episode highlights the positive impact unions have had in securing weekends, social security, health insurance, and middle-class stability. It also explores new models of worker advocacy, such as digital platforms and worker cooperatives, that offer alternatives to traditional union structures. The episode advocates for the importance of empowering workers, promoting collective voice, and pursuing equitable labor practices for a more just and prosperous society.
Week in, week out, we work. But what can we do to not lose ourselves in the 9-to-5 grind? This hour, we question how long we work, why we valorize work, and what good leadership looks like. Guests include executive coach Anne Morriss, economist Juliet Schor, social psychologist Azim Shariff and political scientist Margaret Levi.
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