Eudaimonic by Design

As we wrap up 2024, some of us may be reflecting on what makes work truly fulfilling. What turns a job from something we have to do into something we want to do? 🤔 In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Dr. Anne Brafford, JD, MAPP, PhD, she shares a framework that gets to the heart of this question: Self-Determination Theory. Drawing on decades of research, Anne explains how supporting three basic psychological needs - autonomy, competence, and relatedness - creates the conditions for meaningful work. The research is clear: without autonomous motivation, we won't experience our work as meaningful. Perfect for new year planning, Anne offers two paths to more meaningful work: 🤝 For leaders: Move beyond rewards and punishments. Instead, learn what matters to your people and help them connect their work to their values. 😇 For individuals: Practice "needs crafting" by intentionally shaping your daily work experience to better satisfy your needs of relatedness, competence and autonomy. "The best way to understand how to generate autonomous motivation is getting to know the folks and then tailoring your style to them so that they feel their work is significant because it matters to them." Want concrete ways to make work more meaningful in 2025? Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/e2iHySzU Missed Part 1? Catch up here: https://bit.ly/4iR7QZC #MeaningfulWork #Leadership #WorkplaceCulture #EmployeeEngagement

"If we can create meaningful moments every day in the actual work and through our relationships, that cumulative effect is going to have a much bigger impact than whether our organization is mission-oriented." This insight from Dr. Anne Brafford captures a powerful truth about meaningful work:👇 While organizational mission matters, it's our daily experiences and interactions that truly shape our sense of purpose. In our latest episode, Anne draws on her unique journey from Big Law equity partner to well-being researcher and consultant to explore how identity, values, and moral courage shape meaningful work - even in demanding corporate environments. Through stories and evidence-based insights, she shares: 👉 How organizations can foster meaningful work through authentic values alignment 👉 Why gender and identity significantly impact experiences of purpose at work 👉 What post-pandemic changes in law firms teach us about creating more human workplaces Anne offers a rare combination of frontline wisdom and evidence-based insights. Her mission to help the legal profession build more engaging and inclusive workplaces grew from her own quest to understand what makes work truly meaningful. Her insights are particularly valuable for anyone navigating purpose in demanding professional environments. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation - stay tuned next week as we explain Self-Determination Theory and more practical strategies for fostering meaningful work! Listen now: https://lnkd.in/e2iHySzU #MeaningfulWork #WorkplaceCulture #Leadership #WellBeing #ProfessionalDevelopment

"It's like when you're climbing the mountain 🏔️- the higher you go, the view becomes clearer. But if we get the right support, we tap into right strengths, and we overcome that one struggle, the view or the meaning and purpose becomes clearer and clearer." 💭 Dr. Gitima Sharma In our latest episode of Meaningful Work Matters, Dr. Sharma shares her powerful framework for cultivating purpose - born from both rigorous research and her own courageous journey of personal transformation. From facing family mental health challenges in India to becoming a leading purpose researcher and coach in the United States, she brings deep wisdom to this conversation. Swipe through to explore her Five Phases of Purpose Development, a research-backed framework that honors both personal growth and collective wellbeing. Then, listen to the full episode to hear Gitima's inspiring story of turning adversity into purpose. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/ejzBXjQF #MeaningfulWork #Purpose #PersonalDevelopment #Leadership #Wellbeing

Zach Mercurio, Ph.D. opens this conversation with a powerful invitation… "Think about the first moment in your life when someone made you feel like you mattered as a human being. Bring that moment to mind... what does that feel like?" 🫳🎤 In our latest Meaningful Work Matters episode, Zach shares a variety of stories that capture the essence of this question. The reflection is a reminder that mattering isn't manufactured through elaborate appreciation programs or annual awards. It's cultivated in those tiny, everyday moments when someone truly sees us, values us, and helps us understand our significance. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to better understand: • Why mattering is a fundamental human need (not just a "nice to have") • The three essential components of making others feel they matter • How to create systematic practices that foster mattering at scale 🔗: https://lnkd.in/ezCrQaXF #MeaningfulWork #Leadership #EmployeeEngagement #OrganizationalCulture #Mattering

In Part 1 of our conversation with Dr. Carrie Oelberger, we explored how meaningful work can become "identity armor." In Part 2, she introduces an equally powerful concept: the myth of agency - our false belief that individual effort alone can overcome systemic barriers. Her research reveals a sustainable alternative: human accompaniment. Instead of burning out as “processors” or "fixers," these workers understand both their own limits and their clients'. They act as a "solid rock" - present, compassionate, and realistic about what's possible. "If someone's drowning, I don't jump in beside them without a life jacket. I'm going to be your solid rock up here. I get what it feels like to feel what you're feeling right now, but I'm here and I'm safe - how can I help you?" Listen to the full episode to learn how organizations can support this sustainable approach to meaningful work: https://lnkd.in/eeQwCmV6 #MeaningfulWork #Burnout #Leadership #SocialImpact

The dark side of meaningful work isn't what you might expect. 🌒 In Part 1 of our latest Meaningful Work Matters episode, Dr. Carrie Oelberger reveals a compelling paradox: Sometimes the greatest threat to our wellbeing isn't a demanding boss or toxic workplace - it's our own devotion to deeply meaningful work. Through her research with international aid workers, Dr. Oelberger explores: 🎯 Why "one size fits none" when it comes to meaningful work 👥 How our work devotion impacts our relationships outside work 🔄 The complex interplay between meaning, identity, and boundaries Whether you're leading a mission-driven organization or pursuing purposeful work yourself, this conversation offers crucial insights about balancing meaning with sustainability. Join us for Part 1 of this important conversation about the complexities of meaningful work: https://lnkd.in/eeQwCmV6 CC: Humphrey School of Public Affairs + University of Minnesota #MeaningfulWork #WorkplaceWellbeing #CareerDevelopment #WorkLifeBalance #PurposefulWork #PositivePsychology #LeadershipInsights

"Purpose isn't just about grand life goals. It's about finding direction in our everyday actions and experiences.” This perspective on purpose comes from Dr. Patrick Hill of Washington University in St. Louis, our latest guest on the Meaningful Work Matters podcast. In this episode, Patrick uses the latest science to challenge some conventional wisdom about purpose and help us understand: 🧭 The personal compass that is purpose: How it defines and energizes our daily lives 🙂 The power of small actions: Why focusing on everyday purpose can be more beneficial than pursuing a grand "big P" purpose 🤝 The social aspect: Why dialogue and support systems are crucial for exploring and maintaining purpose Whether you're a leader aiming to inspire your team, an individual seeking more meaning in your work, or simply fascinated by positive psychology, this episode is full of valuable insights. Listen to our latest episode and reframe your understanding of purpose in your daily life: https://lnkd.in/e4TMqBzp #MeaningfulWork #PositivePsychology #PurposeResearch #PersonalDevelopment

🔍 What does “good work” mean for you? William Damon, Professor at Stanford University and pioneer in purpose research, says that there is a "triple helix" of good work: 1️⃣ Excellence 2️⃣ Engagement 3️⃣ Ethics In our latest Meaningful Work Matters episode, Bill and Andrew explore how these elements intertwine to create truly meaningful careers. Bill discusses the evolution of purpose throughout our lives and careers, emphasizing the need for adaptation in changing circumstances. He also highlights the crucial role of gratitude and service in cultivating purpose, especially for your people entering the workforce. Join us for a conversation that bridges developmental psychology with the practical realities of creating meaningful work environments. 🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://lnkd.in/ez2DmUja #MeaningfulWork #Purpose #WorkplaceCulture #PositivePsychology CC: Hoover Institution, Stanford University, IPPA, Lynn Barendsen, Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University, Project Zero, Harvard Graduate School of Education

The stress we feel at work isn't always the enemy. In our latest Meaningful Work Matters episode, Jess Annison challenges us to rethink the relationship between stress and meaning: "Meaningful work can help us tolerate and alleviate stress. Participants tended to accept stress when it served something they cared deeply about." Through her research, Jess prompts us to examine our assumptions about workplace stress and meaning. Her insights offer a fresh lens for viewing our career journeys, acknowledging both the fulfillment and the struggles. In this episode, Jess explores: 👉 How stress and meaning intertwine in our careers 👉 Why sometimes stress at work feels deeply fulfilling and other times it seems to destroy us 👉 Practical ways to craft a career that energizes rather than exhausts We invite you to join us for a candid exploration of work that matters – challenges and all: https://lnkd.in/eMEYumR3 #CareerDevelopment #WorkplaceWellbeing #StressManagement #PurposefulWork #PositivePsychology #OccupationalHealth #CareerCrafting #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #OrganizationalBehavior #LeadershipInsights #EmployeeWellbeing #JobSatisfaction #WorkplaceCulture #CareerResilience

Are you unknowingly silencing yourself or others at work? In our latest Meaningful Work Matters podcast episode, Elaine Lin Hering offers a compelling examination of organizational silence. This episode prompts us to consider how organizational norms and leadership behaviors might inadvertently foster a culture of silence and potentially hinder innovation and employee engagement. As we strive for psychologically safe workplaces, Elaine's perspectives offer valuable considerations for leaders and team members alike. How might we create conditions where diverse voices contribute to organizational learning and success? Join the conversation and explore strategies for cultivating environments where open dialogue thrives. [Full episode link in comments 💬] #PsychologicalSafety #OrganizationalLearning #InclusiveLeadership