Wes Adams, Founder and CEO of SV Consulting Group, teams up with Tamara Myles, an esteemed consultant and professor, to discuss their book on igniting passion in the workplace. They dive into the significance of trust as the lubricant for teamwork and how storytelling fosters connection. Micromanagement emerges as a productivity killer, while vulnerability is highlighted as essential for a meaningful work culture. With anecdotes from their careers, they inspire listeners to embrace 'yes, and' in their professional lives.
Improv techniques like 'yes, and' foster trust and collaboration among employees, enhancing innovation and workplace dynamics.
Meaningful work is enriched by community, contribution, and challenge, leading to greater employee satisfaction and engagement.
Deep dives
The Power of Improv in Leadership
Improv techniques, particularly the principle of 'yes, and,' are crucial for fostering trust and collaboration between leaders and employees. This approach encourages individuals to build on each other's ideas rather than shutting them down, creating a safe environment for innovation and vulnerability. By allowing employees to take risks and voice their thoughts, leaders can enhance team dynamics and creativity. Integrating these improvisational skills can lead to more engaged and productive workplaces.
Defining Meaningful Work
Meaningful work is characterized by moments of significance that can occur in any job, grounded in the three C's: community, contribution, and challenge. Community centers around feeling a sense of belonging, contribution emphasizes the impact of one's work on others, and challenge relates to personal growth and development. This comprehensive definition expands beyond traditional views of meaningful occupations, such as those in non-profits, to include roles in a variety of sectors. Recognizing and cultivating these elements can greatly enhance employee satisfaction and engagement.
The Importance of Storytelling in Organizations
Storytelling serves as a vital tool in creating meaning within organizations, as it helps to connect people with shared experiences and values. Both leaders and team members can leverage narratives to highlight moments of impact, thereby reinforcing a culture of belonging and significance. The act of sharing stories fosters deeper connections among colleagues, making it easier to collaborate and navigate challenges together. By prioritizing storytelling, organizations can build a stronger narrative around their missions and unify their teams.
Building Connections Through Personalization
Understanding personal aspects of employees' lives and recognizing their experiences can significantly enhance workplace relationships. Simple acts, like asking about someone's weekend or remembering important events, can create a sense of belonging and mattering within a team. Building strong interpersonal connections leads to better collaboration and increased trust among team members. Furthermore, organizations that invest in fostering these relationships are more likely to experience heightened employee engagement and satisfaction.
Kelly connects with CEO Wes Adams and Professor Tamara Myles about their new book, “Meaningful Work: How to Ignite Passion and Performance in Every Employee.”
“Trust at work – like in improv – is the oil that keeps the gears turning smoothly.”
“Storytelling can be a powerful tool to create belonging.”