Wes Adams, CEO of SV Consulting Group and positive psychology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, shares insights on fostering connection at work. He discusses how modern expectations are reshaping the workplace into a source of belonging and purpose. Wes emphasizes building community through trust and shared experiences. He suggests intentional practices like storytelling during meetings and synchronous breaks to enhance team bonds. The conversation also highlights the critical health impacts of loneliness, underscoring the need for authentic relationships in the workplace.
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insights INSIGHT
Work Seeks More Than Pay
Today's workers seek belonging, purpose, and meaning in their careers unlike past generations.\n- Work is increasingly seen as a source for community due to declines in other civic institutions.
insights INSIGHT
Forest as Super Organization
Trees are connected underground by fungal networks that share resources and information.\n- This forest super-organization inspires workplace communities where people collaborate and support each other.
insights INSIGHT
Relationships Predict Thriving
The longest Harvard study shows strong relationships predict well-being and success.\n- Community at work is a critical element for thriving in life and career.
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In 'The Art of Gathering', Priya Parker argues that many gatherings are lackluster and unproductive, but they don't have to be. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of various types of gatherings, Parker offers a human-centered approach to create meaningful experiences. She explores a wide array of gatherings, including conferences, meetings, and social events, and provides practical advice on how simple changes can invigorate any group experience. The book emphasizes the importance of knowing the purpose of a gathering, selecting the right venue, and ensuring the event is unique and effective for all attendees.
Wes Adams: Meaningful Work
Wes Adams is the CEO of SV Consulting Group, a firm partnering with Fortune 500s and scaling companies to develop high-impact leaders and support high-performing teams. He is also a positive psychology researcher at the University of Pennsylvania, where he studies the leadership practices and organizational structures that help employees thrive. He’s the author, along with Tamara Myles, of Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee*.
A generation ago, work was just work for a lot of folks. Today, we expect more out of our careers than past generations ever did. That means leaders need to be better at helping people find meaning at work. In this conversation, Wes and I discuss how leaders can do better at being catalysts for connection.
Key Points
We expect so much more from work than we did a generation ago. Work is increasingly a place where people seek belonging, purpose, and meaning.
Supporting community in the workplace is a combination of building trust and designing shared experiences.
Just like a balanced investment portfolio, community is a combination of diverse avenues that build a strong foundation.
Consider a simple structure for synchronized breaks to help people connect more intentionally during work.
Invite team members to share a story of them at their best or reflect on a photo/story that has meaning for them at the start of team meetings.
When responding to a joy that a colleague shares, ask a follow-up question that engages and elevates.
Higher difficulty (yet strongly meaningful) activities include shared volunteer work and funding or support for community activities.
By occasionally sharing personal plans, stories, reading lists, or other activities, the leader sets the tone for others feeling safe to connect in this way.
Are you a talent development or human resources leader seeking a coach for an internal client? Coaching for Leaders has partnered with some of the top coaches in the world, including a number of past podcast guests. Help us make an introduction by visiting our Expert Partners Page and telling us what you’re seeking in a coach.
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