The Soul of Work
by
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CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION This is the true joy in
George Bernard Shaw Summary This chapter delineates the central premises and objectives of the study. Man's need to confirm that life has purpose is identified, as well as the importance of placing personal actions into a holistic context to better understand the meaning of existence. Definitions of work are explored, as well as work's potential for instilling purpose and enhancing life.
Objectives
Work can alienate man from his world and himself or it can provide opportunities for self-actualization. What makes the difference? Researchers have investigated a broad spectrum of work-related topics, such as "work spirit" and the vitality of work, "bitching as a way of life," "alienation from work," "work satisfaction," "work and honor," "the meaning of leisure," "work values," "work as a central life interest," "why women work," "attitudes toward work, self, and life," and the relationships between the need for responsible work and job satisfaction. Yet, the literature provides little research evidence that, in fulfilling man's need to engage in meaningful activity, work is satisfying, enjoyable, and (heresy of heresies) FUN!
Work provides an optimal outlet for creative energy, the urge for self-expression, and the need to produce something valued by oneself as well as others. Peter Drucker was typically presbyopic when he noted, in Management, that "the shift in the structure and character of work has created a demand that work produce more than purely economic benefits. To make a living is no longer enough. Work also has to make a life." Work can and should be fun.
This research demonstrates the emergence of a new "breed" of work: transcendent work. Transcendent work is challenging, actualizing work which imbues life with meaning and purpose and makes it possible to "rather be working."
Chapter 1 establishes the pivotal role of purpose, as well as defines the parameters of the term, "work." Tracing the evolution of attitudes toward work, Chapter 2 elaborates the traditional, transitional, and transcendent perspectives. Chapter 3 argues that work is fun when it is meaningful, challenging, creative, and allows independent decision-making. The "soul" of transcendent work is explored in Chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7, which identify components of transcendent work. Chapter 8 discusses the significance of research findings and comments upon a number of unexpected results. Chapter 9 suggests possible future trends, underscoring the need to incorporate ingredients of transcendent work in the organizations of tomorrow. Moving from the ideal to the real, Chapter 10 provides operational recommendations on how to create transcendent work in the "real world," using UCLA as an example.
Why do some love and others loath their work? Theory and research suggest the following formula for transcendent work:
Attitude + work content = transcendent work
While the attitude factor may resist change, work content is relatively malleable; identifying components essential to high quality work content is the first step toward creating a transcendent tomorrow. In order to meet the rising expectations of today's highly educated "knowledge worker," organizations have both the responsibility and privilege of enriching work content to synthesize transcendent work.
Working together, individuals and organizations form a powerful team. Since everyone benefits--individual, organization, community, nation, and world--creating transcendent work is a classic "win-win" strategy.
life; the being used for
a purpose recognized by
yourself as a mighty one.
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Book Details
About the Book
To better use the time we are given . . . to make the most of those shining moments. Challenge, inspiration, raison d’être. Since the average individual spends most waking hours on the job, work presents unprecedented opportunities to better use the time we are given. Transcendent work negates the need to escape, eliminates the "I’d rather be sailing, skiing, golfing" mindset. The soul of work lies in the enduring satisfaction which only personal growth through purposeful endeavor can provide. The transitory exhilaration of amusement cannot compare to the genuine fulfillment of meaningful, creative, and challenging work. Transcendent work is the apogee of fun and the optimal use of those shining moments.
About the Author
I was first introduced to the concept of transcendent work by my family. My father, an aeronautical engineer, never lost his enthusiasm for working at McDonnell Douglas. My mother took pride in creating a beautiful and orderly home. My grandparents espoused a simple creed: "To rise each day and do one’s work is God’s greatest blessing." Personal experience underscores the value and rewards of work. But, not all work is equal. Only transcendent work lifts the spirit and gives meaning to the vicissitudes and vagaries of life. This is, indeed, the soul of work. I am fortunate to have found opportunities to utilize the academic training which took decades to complete: BA (English Literature - UCLA), MSLS (Library Science- USC), MPA (Public Administration - USC), and PhD (Public Administration - USC). My present position as Loss Control Coordinator in UCLA Medical Center’s Risk Management Department exemplifies transcendent work at its best.