Poll after poll has confirmed that an astonishing number of workers are disengaged from their work. Why is this happening? And how can we fix the problem?
In this bold, enlightening book, social psychologist and professor Daniel M. Cable takes leaders into the minds of workers and reveals the surprising secret to restoring their zest for work.
Disengagement isn't a motivational problem, it's a biological one. Humans aren't built for routine and repetition. We're designed to crave exploration, experimentation, and learning -- in fact, there's a part of our brains, which scientists have coined "the seeking system," that rewards us for taking part in these activities. But the way organizations are run prevents many of us from following our innate impulses. As a result, we shut down.
Things need to change. More than ever before, employee creativity and engagement are needed to win. Fortunately, it won't take an extensive overhaul of your organizational culture to get started. With small nudges, you can personally help people reach their fullest potential.
Alive at Work reveals:
• How to encourage people to bring their best selves to work and use their greatest strengths to help your organization flourish • How to build creative environments that motivate people to share ideas, work smarter, and embrace change • How to enhance people's connection to their work and your customers • How to create personalized experiences that help people feel a deeper sense of purpose
Filled with fascinating stories from the author's extensive research, Alive at Work is the inspirational guide that you need to tap into the passion, creativity, and purpose fizzing beneath the surface of every person who falls under your leadership.
"In his book, Cable shows how organizations have constrained seeking systems since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution, how to activate employees' seeking systems, and how leaders can use this change to help employees (and organizations) reach their full potential."
TD magazine (Association for Talent Development)
"In this lively book, the organizational behavioral expert suggests small changes and interventions by leaders to encourage employees to experiment and gain a sense of purpose to make Sunday nights happy again."
Financial Times
"If you care about improving the quality of life at work, you'll enjoy this lively book. Daniel Cable presents a bold vision and practical ideas for breathing life into every organization."
Adam Grant, New York Times--bestselling author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B
