Questioning Work

In this final episode of Season One of Questioning Work, Terri, Maxine, and Ciela reflect back on lessons learned in 2021. They discuss their major takeaways from the first season of the podcast, and how things have changed for them and the world since the project's first inception.Topics Include:- Connection, and the need for connectivity- Polarities and paradoxes- The changing role of leadership in organizations- Agency in the workplace- Responsibility- What matters at work- Balance diverse values- And other topics...Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com

How do we locate and relocate ourselves geographically, emotionally, and physically during times of uncertainty? In this episode, we explore the idea of location and how our increasingly virtual environments are affecting our ability to ground and find meaning in our work. We explore how these shifting work norms impact our ability to connect and form relationships in the workplace. Topics Include: Fluidity of location. Making choices about being seen or not seen. Locating and relocating. The relationship between attachment and meaning. Grounding during times of uncertainty. Listening skills in a virtual environment. How organizations locate themselves when their employees are not located in one building? And other topics… Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

Today we discuss resourcefulness, strategic planning, and how organizations are positioning themselves to deal with the emerging future. We explore questions such as, how do we identify what metrics matter long term, who is responsible for “sense-making” when the work environment is rapidly changing, how can we let go of old ways of knowing to anticipate the emerging future, and much more.Topics Include:Differentiating resilience and resourcefulness. The difference between leaders and leadership practices within an organization. The possibility that the “new normal” remains everchanging. When collaboration becomes a hindrance, rather than a best practice. The great resignation. Cutting-edge practices for companies. And other topics…Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

How are ideas of culture changing as we enter a new era of work? What does it mean to be part of a collective that does not share spaces?Terri, Maxine, and Ciela explore these questions and more in this episode of Questioning Work. They ask what the relevance of company culture will be in a world of remote work, and how we might build a company culture in a remote environment. Topics Include:Definitions of culture. The juxtaposition between the individual and the collective. Reconciling individual agency and collective wellbeing. Differences between culture and purpose. Creating connection in a remote environment. How culture spreads through an organization. The role of managers in remote or hybrid environments. And other topics...Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

Ciela, Maxine, and Terri are joined today by Terrence Taylor to talk about inclusion and exclusion in organizations and in the workplace. They discuss the academic environment, how institutions can create a feeling of belonging, and how leaders can embrace the need for more equitable systems.Topics include:What does it take to create an inclusive organization or workplace?Is inclusion always a good thing?What does exclusion look like in the organization?Inclusion and exclusion for large organizationsCreating incentivesThe courage of inclusivitySpeaking up and being vocalCancel cultureAnd other topics...Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

What is work? Is work a noun or a verb? What does it mean to question work? In this episode, Terri, Maxine, and Ciela explore these questions and the mental constructs we have around work as organizations and as individuals.Topics Include:Individual conceptions of workEastern and western visions of what work should feel likeWork as a source of purpose and meaningDefining "essential work"Work as a contribution, not a burdenWork and identityVisibility as a workerChanging the world of workAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:Your Reflected Best Self – https://hbr.org/2005/01/how-to-play-to-your-strengthsWant to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

What does it mean to wake up in the workplace and in our personal lives? What has COVID taught us about work and our relationship to work? What do we mean by "the new normal", and how might we shape these new norms consciously? In this episode, Terri, Maxine, and Ciela explore these questions and much more.Topics Include:Bringing consciousness and self-reflection to the workplaceWhat the "new normal" may be for various groups and organizationsThe possibility of maintaining a "work culture" when working from homeWhat it means to have agency in the workplace and in your careerThe recent trend of "career portfolios"Courage and risk-taking at workAnd other topics...Resources Mentioned:Forbes Article – Why It's Time To Consider A Portfolio CareerWant to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

Ciela, Maxine, and Terri discuss why being a part of an organization often feels dangerous and the feelings of fear and anxiety that can result. They explore the changing expectations of leaders and organizations in a post-COVID world, why kindness is key at the individual and collective level, the problem with blurry lines between professional and personal relationships, and more.Topics Include:Vulnerability in the workplaceChanging expectations for leaders and organizationsObjective truths vs subjective human experiencesDiversity and inclusionPersonal growth as an organizational goalBelonging–knowing that you are cared for and a part ofBalancing safety and riskAppropriate levels of connection and intimacy with your team and advisorsThe problem with "family" as a core value in the workplaceKindness as a balm for fear and anxiety Being nice vs being kindThe need to ask better questionsAnd other topics......Resources Mentioned:Immunity to Change by Robert KeganBetter Listening by Jack Zenger and Joseph FolkmanWant to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

Ciela, Maxine, and Terri discuss the role connection plays in an organization. Together, they explore why connection is important but can also feel dangerous, differences between connection, collaboration, and trust, intentionally connecting with those who hold differing opinions, and more.Topics Include:Trust within an organizationWhat it means to feel "connected" in the workplaceThe shadow side of connection or trustThe theory of Dunbar's NumberThe relationship between connection and competitionConnecting with yourself to connect with othersFostering connections with people who think differently than usAn "I see you, and I am here" attitudeSeeing the person, not the roleAnd other topics......Resources Mentioned:How to Build Trust? Break it First. by Julia DiamondDunbar's Number - BBCWant to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.c

Ciela, Maxine, and Terri meet to discuss identity in the workplace. In this conversation, they explore the difference between resilience and resourcefulness, 2020 as a mindset reset, investigating our scope of influence in the workplace, and more.Topics Include:Adaptive resourcefulnessBlurred lines between home and work during COVIDIdentity and workResilience vs resourcefulnessAdaptation–leaving behind that which no longer serves youMindsets and how they can changeSlowing down to co-create with othersAn individuals scope of influence in the workplaceAnd other topics......Resources Mentioned:Ikigai by Chris MyersDeliberate Practice by James ClearWant to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/

Welcome to Questioning Work! In this introductory episode, hosts Terri Soller, Maxine Jaffit, and Ciela Hartanov share their intentions for the podcast, and what listeners can expect in forthcoming episodes. Want to connect? Reach out to us online!https://www.questioningwork.com/