How Working Genius Bridges the Workplace Joy Gap
Lindsay Harris • October 20, 2023
Who has time for joy at work?
In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, who has time to consider "joy at work?"
We've become so wrapped up in frantic activity and pursuing success that "joy"—whether at home or work—often takes a backseat to the demands of growing a business. It's a common scenario: You started with a vision, poured your heart and soul into it, and now find yourself exhausted, swimming in team dysfunction, and far from the fulfilling, joyful career you imagined.
This phenomenon is what a 2018 A.T. Kearney study calls "the joy gap." In that study, 90% of professionals indicated they expect to experience a substantial degree of joy at work. However, only 37% confirmed experiencing it. This gap is not just a statistical anomaly but a tangible, widespread issue affecting leaders and entrepreneurs across industries.
"In any team environment, joy arises from a combination of harmony, impact, and acknowledgment — all of which business leaders can engender in their organizations," asserts Alex Liu of A.T. Kearney.
The essence of workplace joy lies at the intersection of these elements. As a growth-minded leader, it's within your power to create an environment that fosters them.
Understanding the Joy Equation
Harmony + Impact + Acknowledgment = JOY
Harmony
within a team is like the secret sauce that binds individuals together. This resonance emerges when every member feels valued, heard, and understood. In a harmonious environment, creativity flourishes, and problem-solving becomes a collective endeavor.
Impact, on the other hand, is the driving force that propels teams towards their shared goals. It's the knowledge that each member's contributions are recognized and instrumental to the venture's overall success. When impact is clear, motivation soars, and individuals are inspired to go the extra mile.
Acknowledgment
is the final piece of the puzzle. It's the art of recognizing and appreciating every team member's efforts, achievements, and contributions. Acknowledgment instills a sense of belonging and reinforces the idea that each person is an integral part of the team's journey.
The Benefits of Closing the Joy Gap
The rewards of a joyful workplace are profound. The results are transformative when harmony, impact, and acknowledgment come together. Teams are not only more fulfilled but also significantly more engaged. Productivity levels surge, and a positive, creative energy infuses every aspect of the business.
So, how do you go about closing your own Workplace Joy Gap? While there are many helpful paths and tools, the Working Genius Assessment is the quickest and most powerful way to pinpoint areas of strength and growth for your team.
Working Genius is the only tool of its kind that is applied to work. While learning more about who you are is always helpful, discovering how that impacts your work—and how others are gifted in their work—is culture-shifting.
The Working Genius model breaks every project, task, and activity into six "types" of work. Each of us has:
- two "Working Geniuses"—two types of work in which we are uniquely equipped to excel and find joy and fulfillment.
- two "Working Competencies"—two types of work we may be exceptional at but find little joy and fulfillment doing.
- two "Working Frustrations"—two types of work that quickly frustrate and deplete us no matter our skill level.
Operating too much within the last two categories leads to frustration, productivity loss, and, sometimes, burnout. Excessive time in these last two areas also contributes to the joy gap. Spending 60% or more of our time in our Working Geniuses is a proven joy-gap closer.
In just 10 minutes, this assessment provides invaluable insights into the dynamics of your team, while a team debrief (as little as 2 hours) is where the magic happens. In a debrief, you'll understand the impact of each team member's Working Geniuses, acknowledge that impact, and establish a common language and foundation of trust that promotes newfound harmony. What's more, this assessment is applicable no matter your industry or type of business.
How Working Genius Closes the Gap
Here are three remarkable refreshes I see when leaders infuse Working Genius into their teams:
Boosted Collaboration and Productivity: People can easily "borrow" others' Geniuses, massively increasing collaboration and productivity.
Reduced Judgment: People judge others less, knowing what types of work they find inherently frustrating.
Fun and Productive Meetings: Meetings become more fun and productive as teams identify the "altitude" of the meeting, putting everyone on the same page about the purpose of the meeting.
Taking the First Step
If you're a growth-minded leader grappling with your own personal joy gap—or perhaps you're tired of team dysfunction—a great first step is simply taking the Working Genius assessment. You can do that on your own at
WorkingGenius.com—or Leader Haven can help you get the assessments for less, should you decide to pursue a team debrief. There's no better time than now to take action. The Working Genius Assessment is not just a tool; it's a catalyst for positive change
and a phenomenal first step towards realizing the joyful workplace you once envisioned—one characterized by unity, purpose, and celebration of each individual's unique contribution.
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About Lindsay Harris and Leader Haven:
A Positive Intelligence Coach(TM) and Certified Working Genius Facilitator, Lindsay established Leader Haven to help leaders
rediscover joy and dismantle dysfunction. An acclaimed speaker and coach, Lindsay finds her joy and energy sharing tools and expertise that increase productivity, give teams renewed trust and collaboration, and empower leaders with confidence, hope, and fulfillment.
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