Skip to content

Workplace Stories

Workplace Stories

BusinessManagement1 episode

Some great interviews

Latest episode

All Episodes

Redefining Meaning in the Workplace

Redefining Meaning in the Workplace

Summary The conversation explores the themes of change, uncertainty, belonging, displacement, and meaning in the workplace. Ashley Goodall discusses the problems with change and how it affects individuals. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the conditions of human performance and designing the workplace to help people do their best work. The discussion also delves into the concept of meaning and how it is not about a generic purpose imposed by the company, but rather about coherence and the individual's own emergent purpose. The conversation challenges the traditional approach to change and offers insights into creating a more human-centered workplace. In this conversation, Ashley Goodall discusses the importance of stability and belonging in organizations. He highlights the role of rituals and secrets in creating a sense of belonging and advocates for HR to be the custodian of stability. Goodall emphasizes the need for organizations to be a platform for human contribution and calls for a radicalization of HR to prioritize the well-being and long-term prosperity of employees. Keywords change, uncertainty, belonging, displacement, meaning, workplace, stability, belonging, rituals, secrets, HR, human contribution, radicalization Takeaways Change can be challenging for individuals in the workplace, causing uncertainty and a lack of control. Belonging and displacement are important factors in the workplace, as social groups and rituals provide stability and support for individuals. Meaning in work is not about a generic purpose imposed by the company, but about coherence and the individual's own emergent purpose. Understanding the conditions of human performance and designing the workplace to support individuals can lead to better outcomes. The traditional approach to change may need to be reevaluated to create a more human-centered workplace. Stability and belonging are crucial for creating a positive work environment. Rituals and secrets can foster a sense of belonging and affiliation within teams. HR should prioritize stability and advocate for the well-being of employees. Organizations need to be a platform for human contribution and invest in long-term planning and investment in people. Chapters 00:00 The Problem with Change 18:30 Belonging and Displacement in the Workplace 25:41 Redefining Meaning in Work 31:01 Designing a Human-Centered Workplace 34:14 Reevaluating the Traditional Approach to Change 35:08 Humility in Purpose Land 36:05 Rituals and Meaningfulness 38:27 SKU-Mans: Treating Humans as Cogs in a Machine 41:39 Capturing the Human Stuff 46:49 Creating Stability for People at Work 50:51 Belonging through Secrets 57:22 Teams as the Home for Stability 01:01:51 Radicalizing HR: Advocating for Employees 01:04:09 HR as the Custodian of Stability 01:05:51 Organizations as Platforms for Human Contribution