Leaders and employees face exhaustion due to constant changes in supply chains, geopolitics, and technology. The speaker emphasizes that addressing these challenges is a 'human problem,' not just a technological or supply chain one. Unlocking people's purpose and well-being is crucial for organizational success, as the most renewable energy resource is human energy. The speaker suggests that companies should aim to be adaptive and regenerative, likening it to Darwinian survival, but for businesses and people.
To foster followership and joy at work, leaders should prioritize 'people, purpose, and praise.' People need psychological and physical safety, to be seen, supported, and inspired. Praise, especially individual praise, makes people feel seen and motivated. Purpose provides direction and aligns individual goals with organizational objectives. These three elements create a harmonious and impactful culture.
Beyond Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), the speaker advocates for 'allyship, belonging, and culture.' Allyship means respecting and empathizing with others regardless of background. A culture of allyship leads to a sense of belonging, which is a fundamental human need. These foster a strong culture that should outlive the leader and the company itself, making people proud of their experiences and organizations.
Investing in a joyful workforce is essential because people are fundamental to a company's product, brand, and customer management. It's expensive to hire and train people, but even more so to lose them due to a lack of motivation. A motivated, engaged workforce, excited to solve problems, directly contributes to a strong business model and superior products.
Achieving a balance between the collective mission and individual fulfillment involves finding a 'fit' where personal purpose aligns with company purpose. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Ikigai, individuals and companies should ask: 'What are you passionate about?', 'What can you be paid for?', 'What does the world need?', and 'What are you good at?'. Leaders must set an example, authentically commit to human capital development, and provide lifelong employability through continuous skill development and learning, rather than promising lifelong employment.
While technology can be disruptive and create fears of obsolescence, it also creates new jobs and opportunities. The key is for the workforce to embrace change, learning, and new technologies. Individuals and companies must adapt and regenerate themselves, rather than becoming victims of change. The human element, including critical thinking, empathy, and advisory roles, will remain crucial alongside technological advancements.
Moving towards a work culture with more joy and less burnout can only have positive impacts. When companies operate as 'teams of teams' and countries as 'communities of communities' with principles of human purpose, allyship, belonging, and intentional culture, people will be excited and proud to work, leading to fulfillment and a more positive world. Embracing change while maintaining a compass of personal and institutional joy is paramount.