HBR IdeaCast

In this engaging discussion, Marcus Buckingham, head of research on people and performance at the ADP Research Institute and author of Love + Work, shares insights on finding joy in your job. He explains how to identify tasks that ignite passion and satisfaction, encouraging listeners to embrace daily moments of joy. Buckingham also introduces a self-inventory method to uncover personal interests and emphasizes leveraging one's strengths for fulfillment in the workplace. This conversation is a roadmap for crafting a career around what you truly love.

Julia Minson, an associate professor at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, tackle the rising trend of political discussions in the workplace. They discuss how political polarization affects team dynamics and personal relationships, especially in remote settings. The duo emphasizes the need for constructive dialogue and offers strategies to handle workplace conflicts. They also highlight the dangers of groupthink in leadership roles, advocating for diverse perspectives to drive innovation and understanding.

In a lively discussion, Marcus Buckingham, head of research on people and performance at the ADP Research Institute and author of Love + Work, sheds light on why many feel unhappy at work, especially post-pandemic. He emphasizes that quitting isn't always the answer. Instead, he advocates for integrating joy into daily tasks by allowing individual interests to flourish. Buckingham reveals surprising engagement levels across demographics and highlights how even mundane jobs can become fulfilling through meaningful connections and passions.

Randall Peterson, founding director of the Leadership Institute at London Business School, is an expert on coworker dynamics and coauthor of a key HBR article. He discusses the evolving workplace landscape, where competition is giving way to collaboration. However, he reveals that both approaches can coexist. Peterson shares strategies for effectively navigating these dynamics and emphasizes the importance of adaptability and active engagement. He also highlights how managers can foster a balanced environment, encouraging both cooperation and healthy competition for team success.

Ken Burns, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker renowned for his historical works, discusses his latest PBS series about Benjamin Franklin. He delves into Franklin’s transformation from a runaway teen to an innovative leader, highlighting lessons in collaboration and creativity for today's leaders. Burns also shares insights on his team's process in crafting impactful storytelling, the complexities of Franklin's legacy, and the importance of navigating moral evolution, all while reflecting on the role of documentary in shaping public understanding.

Madeleine Dore, an author and host of the podcast Routines & Ruts, challenges the cult of productivity that many fall victim to. She shares insights on overcoming productivity guilt and advocates for embracing days of rest and personal delight. Dore discusses the productivity paradox, emphasizing how today's technology can distort our self-worth. She encourages redefining success in creative fields, balancing work with rest, and finding fulfillment beyond typical measures of achievement.

Join James White, former CEO of Jamba Juice and co-author of "Anti-Racist Leadership," alongside his daughter Krista White, a millennial voice on social justice. They share profound insights on the shift from diversity efforts to genuine anti-racist leadership in corporations. The discussion highlights the unique experiences of Black individuals in the workplace, stress the necessity of proactive engagement with systemic racism, and offer actionable strategies for fostering inclusive corporate cultures that truly empower all employees.

Megan Gerhardt, a management professor at Miami University, sheds light on the often-overlooked benefits of age diversity in the workplace. She argues that viewing generational differences as opportunities rather than conflicts can boost productivity. Gerhardt shares a practical four-part framework to foster intergenerational collaboration, emphasizing questioning assumptions and embracing mutual learning. Her insights reveal how managing diverse age groups effectively can lead to richer knowledge sharing and enhanced innovation in organizations.

Dan Pink, bestselling author renowned for his research on motivation, dives into the often-ignored topic of regret. He reveals that instead of shunning regrets, we should examine them for personal growth. Pink discusses common themes from global surveys and how regrets of inaction can weigh heavily on us. He emphasizes the need for self-compassion when confronting these feelings. Plus, he shares insights on creating a positive workplace culture where regrets can lead to team development and transparent communication.

Keith Ferrazzi, founder of Ferrazzi Greenlight and author of 'Competing in the New World of Work,' shares insights from a survey of over 2,000 executives on how organizations adapted during the pandemic. He discusses the concept of 'radical adaptability' and its role in fostering resilience. Ferrazzi highlights the shift to hybrid work environments and the importance of decentralized decision-making. Key strategies for remaining agile and competitive post-COVID are offered, emphasizing ongoing adaptability in today’s workforce landscape.