The story of Zenkai, the monk
A story of perseverance and dedication for the betterment of all.
Pulling your own weight
It’s easy for organizations to split into factions, for cultures to develop where it feels like “every man for himself.” But with the right kinds of interventions and interactions, we can create workplaces that are more collaborative and compassionate, that make the most of what each person has to offer.
The Festival in the Forest
So we made a kind of pact. “Let’s remember this moment,” we said, “if ever we have a disagreement or difficulty.”
Just knowing it was there was enough.
“If you have to teach kindness, then you have already lost.”
Does it help to teach people how to relate to each other in the workplace?
Or is it too late?
“Combat pay”
How much of what we count as work today is producing real value, and how much is simply navigating a “designated hazard zone” so you can survive to fight another day?
The Damocles Reversal
The parable of The Sword of Damocles had a clear lesson: “those in positions of power can never rest and truly enjoy that power.”
Times have changed.
#ICelebrateYou - Anthony Miserandino
On the first Wednesday of every month, a small but growing group of us will celebrate someone who made a positive difference in our lives.
This month, I want to celebrate someone who has been my teacher and role model for over forty years, and who I’m honored to also call my friend. His name is Anthony Miserandino.
Office-ism
Employees are not thriving at work and they haven’t been for a very long time.
What if we knew the reasons why? How long would it take for conventional wisdom and workplace practices to change?
A very special dinner
The next time you’re having dinner with friends and want to go beyond small talk, consider this exercise. You may discover something extraordinary about your friends—and about yourself.
“Who authorized this?”
What do you do when your boss cares more about control and preserving their authority than about doing what’s right for the company and its people?
Unsafe at any level
I used to think a new generation of employees would, inevitably, make companies more open and collaborative, maybe even kinder.
But what I see is that young new joiners don’t change the company. The company changes them.
Unless you stage a kind of positive intervention.
#ICelebrateYou
In a few minutes, on the first Wednesday of each month, you can brighten someone’s day and create ripples of positivity and kindness.
Here’s how.
WOL Circle Workbooks now in SPANISH and FRENCH
Our newest translations make it easier to connect and empower more people in more places.
“You can’t see the wonders that are coming”
When you’re fearful or lacking confidence, “What if?” can be a scary question.
“You can’t see the future coming—not the terrors, for sure, buy you also can’t see the wonders that are coming, the moments of light-soaked joy that await each of us.
Yenny at the Coffee Shop
What makes someone care more about their job? About the people they serve?
Yenny’s story shows how intrinsic motivation, pride of workmanship, and a sense of community can fundamentally change how you view your job—and enable you to have a positive influence on thousands of people. Even in a New York coffee shop.
The first scientific paper on the effectiveness of Working Out Loud®
Can a social learning program change people’s behavior and sense of empowerment? If so, can these changes stick?
“Yes” and “Yes”.
This post summarizes the study, its findings, and ideas for future research.
What happened to “Working” in the past 50 years
50 years after Working captured the experiences and yearnings of everyday workers, the themes remain the same. Our search for feeling effective and fulfilled—for meaning—isn’t new. Helping people with that search is as important as ever.
The Voiceless at Work
We must seek ways to give a voice to "those that never sing" so they can offer “all their music in them.” When we humanize the workplace in this way, we make work and life richer for all of us.
“We don’t think we have something to share.”
It’s such a waste, and not at all uncommon. I meet many smart, experienced people, working in modern companies, who limit their opportunities and effectiveness by standing quietly on the sidelines, waiting to be asked.
What would you have told Bettina?