For more than 80 years, Gallup has been studying what makes “a great life.” For most of that time, people wanted the basic necessities of safety, food, and shelter, followed by having a family and owning a home, which colloquially became known as “the American Dream.” Now, having a good job has become a higher priority than anything other than every human being’s basic necessities.
However, having a “great job” is truly transformational.
In a world where the pace of change continues to accelerate, and where it is essential to leverage people’s emotional, intellectual, and and relational talents, organizations must position people in every level of an organization to bring the best of those talents to the table. Despite this dire need, far too many organizations are stifling those talents by creating, fostering, and protecting cultures of insecurity and interpersonal fear. Amy C. Edmondson’s book, “The Fearless Organization,” provides a blueprint for fostering psychological safety in organizations, empowering individuals to be their best selves and demonstrate their best work.
One of ancient philosopher Heraclitus’ most famous quotes is, “There is nothing permanent except change,” and I can’t imagine my life has been any different than most people’s lives in that sense. What most of us lack, however, is a process for not only surviving that change, but thriving through-maybe even because of-that change.
On May 7, 2019, Gallup will be releasing its latest book by Jim Clifton and Jim Harter, “It’s the Manager,” which promises to empower managers to thrive in a new era of work, including insights into Strategy, Culture, Employment Brand, Boss to Coach, and the Future of Work.
Before “It’s the Manager” launches, here are my three biggest takeaways from “12: The Elements of Great Managing,” by Rodd Wagner and James K. Harter, Ph.D.
I certainly have seen the worst of what fraternity life can be. But despite that experience, I believe in the positive potential of fraternities and sororities, and I have worked for 20 years to protect them from the dangerous, dysfunctional, and destructive forces of hazing.
