The Why of Work: How Great Leaders Build Abundant Organizations That Win
The authors, a consultant and a psychologist, set out to help leaders (within and outside organizations) understand the meaning and purpose of work. We learn that as employees find meaning in their efforts, they contribute to creating value for customers, investors, and communities; hence, finding meaning is good for business. The Ulrichs offer seven disciplines, each with a unique perspective, that leaders can use to build meaning in their organizations or personally, identifying these disciplines with extensive interviews of a wide range of individuals, through training programs for numerous executives and human resource professionals, and by researching academic sources on meaning and living well. These seven disciplines include positive psychology, social responsibility, and employee engagement. This book is an infomercial and handbook for the authors’ teaching/consulting efforts and they emphatically conclude that meaning matters for good business, but also “for the hearts and souls of millions of people who get up and go to work every day.” --Mary Whaley