News & Views
Is this it? Is this all there is?
These two questions open Brian S Lowery’s TED Talk that’s curated in this month’s JUNO News – you’ll find the link below. If you have 14 minutes to spare, Lowery’s ‘talk’ is a great place to pause.
I’m feeling a tad reflective this month – the arrival of Grandbubba # 2 on 21 August 24 might have had a little influence here – hence Lowery’s ‘talk’ resonated with me, and made the editor’s cut too.
Rather than get too esoteric or existential at the ‘meaning of life’ level, let me drop down a level or three: Is this it? Is this all there is? The search for meaning – at work – is real.
Most of us want work that’s meaningful: We want to feel that our jobs make a difference to other people and that we are contributing to the greater good. My own ‘meaning’ comes from the work I do at JUNO and from those that I do it with.
If your meaning and purpose flame is dwindling a little, ponder these ‘Do’s and Don’ts’** with the aim of turning it up, or perhaps reigniting it altogether.
Do
- Reflect on how your strengths could help your organisation deal with the current challenges.
- Look for ways to shape your job to make your work more meaningful.
- Offer help and assistance. Helping others provides purpose in itself. You might, for instance, coach a co-worker or help a member of your team who’s struggling.
- Look for ways to feel uplifted and take a break from the daily news, and social media, from time to time.
Don’t
- Go it alone. Talk to your colleagues about how and why the work you do affects others; their energy and insights could spark inspiration.
- Neglect to say thank you. Showing your appreciation for colleagues balances out the negative mindset that VUCA – volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity – generates.
- Make any hasty decisions about resigning. At a time of uncertainty and instability, it’s important to be positive in the choices you make.
** Declaration – these Do’s and Don’ts are scribbled down in one of my many notebooks. I’m certain they were lifted and adapted from an article that I read somewhere sometime in the last couple of years. I didn’t write the author’s name down – so I’m sending a general acknowledgement out into the wisdom ether.
‘Management Tip Of The Day’ – with thanks to HBR
You Know More Than Your Manager
Our work at JUNO sees us helping many jobseekers in the early stages of their working lives, and many that are returning to work after a long break – for a variety of reasons.
There’s useful tips in this article for our JUNO proteges and mentors alike – perhaps for you too?
Navigating workplace etiquette and job skills in the early stages of your career can be tricky— especially when you know more about certain topics than your manager. By positioning your knowledge as a resource, you’ll encourage collaboration while maintaining humility and respect. Here’s how to approach three common scenarios.
You have specialised knowledge. If you’re a digital native, you may have deep insights into things like digital platforms and social media. When offering your boss suggestions, frame your ideas as questions. Ask: “What if we tried…?” or “Have we considered…?” This approach fosters open dialogue and shows respect for your manager’s experience.
You’re up on the latest industry trends. Frame your insights as resources for the team—not just a means to showcase your own knowledge. If you have a team messaging channel or email thread, use it to send people relevant industry updates and links to articles about the latest innovations in your field. You could also ask to present your insights at a team meeting.
You have leadership experience. Frame your leadership knowledge in relation to a specific project or problem. For example, “I had an opportunity to practise my leadership skills during my time in [organisation]. Perhaps we could discuss whether what I learned would be applicable to this project.” Discussing what’s worked for you in the past as a solution is a respectful and collaborative way to demonstrate leadership without challenging your boss’s authority.
Adapted from “What to Do When You Know More Than Your Boss,” by Marlo Lyons.
Tiny Thoughts, with thanks to Farnham Street
If you ask other people about every decision you make, you’re going to end up doing exactly what everyone else does and getting the same results that everyone else gets.
You don’t have to be special to be successful. Ordinary people can do extraordinary things by choosing to be what most people are unwilling to be: consistent, hardworking, patient, and determined.
From TED This Month
A short thought-starter from the land of TED Talks.
What makes for a meaningful life?
Social psychologist Brian S. Lowery explores three ideas tied to the experience of meaning and shows why simply pursuing personal achievements isn’t the best way to find it.
JUNO Graduations, Mock Interview Workshops & Client Celebrations for the month
Thank you for reading JUNO Institute’s News and Views
We’ve been helping clients and partners, and transforming lives in the process, for over two decades. We are always ready to help you tackle your next challenge.
Please contact us at JUNO at any time on anything and everything connected to your Leadership Development and Coaching agenda.
Contact JUNO here: Phone: +61 3 9866 7993; Mobile: +61 4 0854 3320 or send me an email directly at placey@junoin.com.au
Until September, Paul
