Meaningful Work Matters

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation on Meaningful Work Matters, Dr. Carrie Oelberger explores the complexities and potential dark sides of deeply meaningful work, particularly in mission-driven organizations. She introduces groundbreaking research on how different individuals experience meaning at work and challenges common assumptions about value alignment in nonprofit and social impact sectors.Dr. Oelberger's insights reveal how meaningful work can both enhance and complicate our lives, especially regarding work-life boundaries and relationships.Key Topics Explored:Values alignment and individual work preferencesThe relationship between meaningful work and job securityBoundary inhibition in highly meaningful workImpact of meaningful work on personal relationshipsIntersectional challenges in mission-driven workLeadership considerations for managing meaningful workQuote from the Episode:"People who find their work deeply meaningful... that boundary around their work time is inhibited, not by their employers actually, but by themselves. They are really devoting themselves - physically, emotionally, mentally - to their workplaces, because they find so much meaning in it." - Dr. Carrie OelbergerKey Takeaways:One size fits none when it comes to meaningful work - individual preferences and values vary significantlyJob security matters universally, regardless of stated preferencesThe impact of meaningful work on personal life varies significantly across different identities and social positionsMeaningful work can turn into armour we wear that weighs heavily on personal relationships.Organizations need to actively manage the potential dark sides of meaningful workResources Mentioned:Research on work-life boundaries by Mary Blair-LoyVivek Murthy's workplace wellbeing frameworkDavid Blustein's research on decent workScott Barry Kaufman's interpretation of Maslow's hierarchyAbout Our Guest:Dr. Carrie Oelberger is an Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey School of Public Affairs and a McKnight Land Grant Professor. Her research on meaningful work is deeply informed by her experience leading a grassroots NGO in Tanzania, where she developed the country's first rural community education resource center. Her work examines how organizations can balance meaningful work with sustainable workforce management, particularly in mission-driven contexts.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, we discuss the concept of purpose with Dr. Patrick Hill, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis whose research focuses on understanding how dispositional traits predict and shape trajectories of healthy aging.Dr. Hill challenges conventional notions of purpose, advocating for a more accessible and actionable approach that focuses on everyday direction rather than grand, overwhelming goals.Key Takeaways:Purpose should be viewed as adaptable, accessible, and actionable rather than a lofty, unattainable goal.Focusing on small, everyday actions that provide direction can be more beneficial than pursuing a grand "big P" purpose.Dialogue and support systems are crucial for exploring and maintaining a sense of purpose, especially in challenging contexts.Organizations should focus on specific purpose-based activities rather than vague purpose statements.Activists can have a strong sense of purpose, but it doesn’t always help their well-being, especially when they lack strong support systems.About Our Guest:Dr. Patrick Hill is a professor of psychological and brain sciences at Washington University in St. Louis. His research program examines how to cultivate a life direction and how purpose promotes adaptive lifespan development. Dr. Hill received his PhD from the University of Notre Dame and his BA from Indiana University. His work provides valuable insights into the practical applications of purpose in various life domains, including work and personal development.

William Damon, a Professor of Education at Stanford University and a leading authority on purpose, dives into the transformative concept of purpose as an active commitment. He discusses the 'triple helix' of good work—excellence, engagement, and ethics. Damon highlights how purpose evolves over a lifetime and the critical role of gratitude and service in shaping it. He also explores generational perspectives on work, the ethical responsibilities of organizations, and the importance of maintaining core human qualities amid technological advancements.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren explores the complex relationship between stress and meaningful work with Jess Annison, positive psychology practitioner and author of the upcoming book "Career: How to Conquer Your Mid-Career Crisis and Create Your Most Meaningful Work Life."Jess shares her research findings and practical insights on navigating the interplay between stress and purpose in our professional lives, challenging common assumptions about meaningful work.Key topics discussed:The six "handshakes" between stress and meaningful work (10:15)How meaningful work can both exacerbate and alleviate stress (13:30)The concept of "bottomless pit" of meaningful work in certain professions (11:45)Strategies for individuals to navigate stress in purposeful careers (22:45)The role of organizations in fostering meaningful work while managing stress (25:30)Career crafting as a tool for sustainable meaningful work (35:20)Guest Bio:Jess Annison is a UK-based positive psychology practitioner, leadership coach, and career consultant. With a background in organizational change and a master's in applied positive psychology, Jess brings both practical experience and academic insights to the discussion of meaningful work.Resources mentioned:"A Few Things in Life Are Easy and Worth Doing" research paper by Jess Annison (Frontiers in Psychology)Job Demands-Resources Theory (05:30)Bunderson and Thompson's zookeeper study on meaningful work (10:45)Michael Steger's CARMA model for leadership behaviors (28:15)Listeners will gain a nuanced understanding of the stress-meaning relationship in their careers and learn practical strategies for creating sustainable, fulfilling work lives. This episode encourages reflection on the complexities of meaningful work and offers insights for both individuals and organizations in navigating these challenges.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, host Andrew Soren unpacks the concept of "unlearning silence" with Elaine Lin Hering, author of "Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully." Elaine shares her insights on creating more authentic and inclusive work environments by addressing the complex dynamics of silence in the workplace.Key topics discussed:The concept of "unlearning silence" and its importance in workplace communication (2:57)Cultural and societal factors contributing to learned silence (12:57)Strategies for individuals to reconnect with their authentic voice (38:02)The role of leaders in creating environments where diverse voices are valued (43:56)Balancing strategic silence and oppressive silence (34:06)Guest Bio:Elaine Lin Hering is a recovering attorney turned accidental author. With over a decade of experience in corporate education and leadership development, Elaine has dedicated her career to improving workplace communication and helping people show up authentically in their professional and personal lives.Resources mentioned:"Unlearning Silence: How to Speak Your Mind, Unleash Talent, and Live More Fully" by Elaine Lin HeringAnkari Williams' work on micro-activism (36:06)Research on psychological safety in the workplace (27:29)Listeners will gain practical advice for both individuals and managers on fostering environments where every voice can be heard, contributing to more meaningful and impactful work. This episode challenges listeners to reflect on their own relationship with silence and provides actionable steps for creating more authentic and inclusive workplaces.

This episode of Meaningful Work Matters features Frank Martela, PhD Assistant Professor at Aalto University, and explores the nuanced landscape of meaningful work.While the pursuit of meaningful work is often celebrated, Frank sheds light on both its benefits and potential pitfalls. Drawing from his extensive research, he offers a comprehensive view of what constitutes meaningful work. He introduces a innovative model of well-being that bridges individual needs with broader societal and environmental concerns.Listeners will gain valuable insights into:The key dimensions that make work truly meaningfulHow to recognize and navigate the potential downsides of highly engaging workA fresh perspective on well-being that goes beyond traditional measuresThe crucial link between personal fulfillment and sustainable practices

Ever wonder how constructive dissent could transform your workplace?In this episode, we explore the concept of principled rebellion with Dr. Todd Kashdan, a renowned psychologist and professor at George Mason University. With over two decades of research in positive psychology and well-being, Dr. Kashdan offers valuable insights into fostering meaningful dissent in the workplace.Listeners will discover strategies for navigating organizational dynamics, championing new ideas, and creating environments that welcome constructive disagreement.Dr. Kashdan examines the delicate balance between innovation and conformity, providing a nuanced perspective on how principled insubordination can lead to more fulfilling and impactful work.

In this episode of the Meaningful Work Matters podcast, Andrew sits down with Antoinette Weibel, a professor of Human Resource Management at the University of St. Gallen.Antoinette is a leading expert in organizational psychology and has been at the forefront of research and initiatives aimed at fostering good leadership in organizations and societies.In this wide-ranging conversation, Antoinette and Andrew dive into the complexities of meaningful work, the critiques of positive psychology in organizational contexts, and Antoinette's work on reimagining performance management to better support human flourishing.Antoinette's insights on practical wisdom, ethics, and the role of business in society provide a thought-provoking framework for rethinking the future of work.Listeners will leave this episode with a deeper understanding of the limitations of traditional performance management systems and the need for a more holistic, ethical approach to supporting employee flourishing.

In this episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Andrew sits down with Professor Mijeong Kwon, Assistant Professor of Management at the University of Colorado Denver Business School, to discuss her research on the "moralization of intrinsic motivation" and its impact on meaningful work.Professor Kwon reveals how a deep love for one's work can lead people to see their passion as the "right" reason for working. However, this moralization can sometimes result in negative outcomes like guilt, self-exploitation, and neglect of other important aspects of life.Through her research in Latin America and the US, Kwon found that moralizing passion can also reinforce existing biases.Andrew and Mijeong explore the intricate balance between intrinsic factors like passion and extrinsic factors like pay and status. They also discuss practical strategies for managers to support diverse motivations and create safe environments where passion can flourish.The conversation highlights the complexities of passion and meaning at work and emphasizes that true leadership involves recognizing that different things motivate different people.

In this heartwarming and enlightening conversation, Professor Ella Henry shares her insights on meaningful work and well-being from a Māori worldview. Ella Henry is a prominent figure in Māori Indigenous development with a background in sociology, business, and Māori media. Over the past two decades, she has been actively involved in research, teaching, and advocacy. Ella's extensive involvement includes serving as a Treaty Negotiator for Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa and as Director of Māori Advancement for the Business School.Throughout this episode, Ella discusses traditional Maori models of well-being, which emphasize healing the whole person through strong connections between body, emotions, intellect, spirituality, and family/community. She explains that the Maori concept of "calling" is about understanding one's innate strengths and being nurtured towards work that aligns with those abilities rather than seeing it as a higher calling from an external source. Through her thoughtful storytelling and analysis, Ella offers valuable Indigenous perspectives that provide new lenses for understanding the relationship between work, identity, and living well.