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How To Find Ultimate Fulfilment At Work: Marcus Buckingham | E140
52 segments available
Marcus Buckingham, is one of the world's most in-demand career experts and the author of several best-selling business books including, ‘First, Break All The Rules’, ‘Nine Lies About Work’ and ‘Love + Work’. He is known as the world’s most prominent researcher on strengths and leadership at work, and today leads research at the ADP Research Institute. 0:00 Intro 1:15 Overcoming a stammer to become a public speaker 09:13 Starting your journey in Physiology 11:49 How do I know what a strength is? 15:38 How do I ask a good question? 24:57 The biggest predictor of employee satisfaction 39:15 How to manage under-performers 45:57 Dealing with people that don't do things the way you do them 54:19 Your book Love + Work 01:00:39 Should we be dragged by what we’re good at in a job we hate? 01:13:22 How did you overcome your job challenges? 01:20:25 Promotions and helping people grow 01:27:38 How to have successful relationships 01:35:00 The last guest's question Marcus' book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Love-Work-Find-What-Rest-ebook/dp/B08T24QK35 Marcus: https://mobile.twitter.com/mwbuckingham https://www.instagram.com/marcusbuckingham/ Our Clips channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnjg... Listen on: Apple podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast... Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7iQXmUT... FOLLOW: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SteveBartlettSC Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-ba... Sponsors: Huel - https://my.huel.com/Steven Craftd - https://bit.ly/3JKOPFx Location courtesy of The Nightfall Group: www.nightfallgroup.com
Segments Timeline
The Journey of Overcoming a Stammer
Marcus Buckingham shares his personal journey of overcoming a severe stammer that hindered his social interactions and public speaking abilities. He reflects on the psychological challenges he faced and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and finding love in one's work.
"could you do me a quick favor if you're listening to this please hit the follow or subscribe button it helps more than you know and we invite subscribers in every month to watch the show in person i l..."
From Stammering to Public Speaking Success
Buckingham recounts how he transformed from a child who struggled to speak into a celebrated public speaker. He discusses a pivotal moment in his childhood when he discovered that speaking to an audience helped alleviate his stammer, leading to a newfound passion for public speaking.
"so without further ado i'm stephen bartlett and this is the dyrova ceo usa edition i hope nobody's listening but if you are then please keep this yourself [Music] marcus it's uh it's a pleasure to hav..."
Understanding the Complexity of Strengths
In this segment, Marcus Buckingham delves into the concept of strengths, challenging the traditional notion that strengths are merely what one is good at. He argues that true strengths are activities that invigorate and energize individuals, regardless of their skill level.
"and tell me about the stannah yeah so when i first started to speak and this happens for quite a lot more boys than girls actually as a hams my synapse synapses um didn't fire right and so you have al..."
Redefining Weaknesses
Buckingham redefines weaknesses as activities that drain energy and enthusiasm, regardless of proficiency. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing what truly strengthens and weakens us, advocating for a shift in how we perceive our capabilities and career paths.
"trying to sort of get them the muscles to kick in and it just got worse and worse and most of us and then i was one of five boys that was asked to read aloud in chapel i had kept volunteering to be in..."
The Role of Synaptic Connections in Growth
Marcus discusses the intricate network of synaptic connections in our brains that shape our preferences and strengths. He highlights the importance of understanding these connections to foster personal growth and self-awareness, rather than attempting to become someone else.
"fluid and i just read the whole piece with not a single stemmer really just the whole thing and what occurred to me was i love the eyes on me that sounds really weird the more people i'm talking to i'..."
The Importance of Self-Discovery
In this segment, Buckingham emphasizes the significance of self-discovery in understanding one's unique strengths and weaknesses. He advocates for a more personalized approach to education and career development that encourages individuals to explore their own identities.
"i was faking public speaking when i was just speaking and i was doing it as a coping mechanism so that i didn't stammer and it worked it's fascinating it's weird makes no sense right it's like we're m..."
The Impact of Positive Psychology
Marcus reflects on his early influences in psychology, particularly the work of Dr. Don Clifton and the principles of positive psychology. He discusses how studying what is right with people can lead to greater fulfillment and success in both personal and professional realms.
"well if you have a growth mindset supposedly you you should and yet actually we know that's not what happens at all you grow more synaptic connections in the part of your brain you have the most pre-e..."
Gallup and the Measurement of Strengths
Buckingham shares insights from his 17 years at Gallup, where he focused on measuring human strengths and engagement. He explains the development of the StrengthsFinder tool and its role in helping individuals identify and leverage their unique talents.
"here's where things come really fast and here's where i'm like a deer in the headlights but i know certainly in the company that i built it's like you don't hire people like that you tend to hire peop..."
What Defines a Strength?
In this segment, Marcus Buckingham elaborates on the emotional aspect of strengths, explaining that they are not just skills but activities that bring joy and energy. He encourages listeners to reflect on what truly invigorates them in their work and life.
"i'll teach you about positive psychology and studying what's right with people and i was like all right i'll do that didn't know where it would lead but knew that research in psychology real world obs..."
Redefining Strengths and Weaknesses
Marcus Buckingham discusses the importance of understanding strengths and weaknesses in the workplace. He defines a weakness as any activity that drains you, while a strength invigorates you. This segment emphasizes the significance of self-awareness in identifying what truly strengthens you, allowing individuals to cultivate their own unique talents.
"what's that well you push on that that's a weakness and so we should change our definition a weakness is any activity that weakens you any activity where before you do it you don't want to do it while..."
The Art of Asking Good Questions
Buckingham highlights the critical role of asking open-ended questions in understanding motivation and strengths. He explains how the quality of questions can significantly impact the responses received, stressing the need for inquiry in various contexts, from hiring to personal relationships. This segment provides insights into crafting effective questions that elicit meaningful answers.
"strengths 17 years with gallup that's sort of the biggest takeaway and strength finder or other tools like that can help you sort of get in the vicinity of what are your strengths but really a strengt..."
Listening: The Key to Effective Communication
In this segment, Buckingham explores the concept of listening as a vital skill in communication. He shares insights from his research on how effective listeners encourage others to share more, emphasizing that the goal of listening is to facilitate dialogue. This discussion reveals the importance of creating an environment where others feel comfortable expressing themselves.
"study where you take 100 really good managers and 100 average ones and you try out 250 questions 250 questions and you see which questions elicit patterns of answers that the best people in a role do ..."
Predicting Future Behavior Through Past Actions
Buckingham discusses the predictive nature of past behavior in assessing future performance. He argues that repeated past behavior is a stronger indicator of future actions than isolated incidents. This segment underscores the value of understanding individuals' histories to make informed decisions in hiring and team dynamics.
"job of listening so you take your study group of highly empathetic people your contrast group of less and you experiment with a whole bunch of questions one of them is that one well it turns out by th..."
The Biggest Predictor of Employee Satisfaction
In this insightful segment, Buckingham reveals the key factors that contribute to employee satisfaction. He emphasizes that having the opportunity to use one's strengths daily and finding a good fit between the person and their work are crucial for retention and productivity. This discussion highlights the importance of aligning individual strengths with job roles to foster a positive work environment.
"nudging because i like the look of you when you walked in you just shut up even when the person says what do you mean by that you and by the way this is one of the tricks of interviewing you have to l..."
The Role of Managers in Employee Engagement
Buckingham asserts that the relationship with one's manager is crucial for employee engagement. He explains that trust and attention from managers can significantly impact job satisfaction, even in companies with poor overall conditions. This segment reveals how effective management can create a positive work environment and retain talent despite external challenges.
"uh fit so that's a huge one um and then of course the second one in terms of um in terms of all the discoveries around engagement is um it's your manager stupid it's like if you think if you don't tru..."
Cultural Variation Within Companies
In this segment, Buckingham discusses the misconception that companies have a single culture. He illustrates how employee experiences can vary widely between teams within the same organization, affecting engagement and satisfaction. This highlights the need for tailored management approaches that recognize the unique dynamics of different teams.
"engaged ship that same business card tesla tesla but you i don't know you read the i don't know what you read but you read the business press it sure looks as though companies have one culture rubbish..."
The Importance of Team Dynamics
Buckingham explores the historical significance of teamwork and how modern workplaces often neglect this essential aspect. He argues that effective teams are crucial for employee fulfillment and performance, drawing parallels between ancient human collaboration and today's work environments. This segment underscores the necessity of fostering teamwork to enhance job satisfaction.
"technology that we discovered 50 000 years ago when we tried to bring down big game it's so interesting you say that because um i've always pondered so there's so many things that i thought about ther..."
Freelancers and Engagement Challenges
In this segment, Buckingham addresses the unique challenges faced by freelancers regarding engagement and fulfillment. He notes that while freelancers enjoy flexibility, they often lack the team support that fosters motivation and satisfaction. This discussion highlights the importance of integrating freelancers into teams to enhance their work experience.
"actually like the flexibility but they only want places where it really works is where the company and there's a few companies that do this actually because of the labor laws or whatever you stay flee..."
Effective Management of Underperformers
Buckingham shares insights on how great managers handle underperformers by maintaining regular, light-touch check-ins. He emphasizes the importance of ongoing communication and adaptability in goal-setting to ensure employees remain engaged and supported. This segment provides practical strategies for managers to enhance team performance and morale.
"i can see it happening office to office so our office in manchester versus office in london eris in london was really not good good in terms of satisfaction at one point our office in manchester was a..."
Understanding Employee Motivation
In this segment, Buckingham highlights the significance of understanding why employees may be underperforming. He shares insights from a study contrasting great managers with average ones, revealing that the best managers start by asking questions to uncover the reasons behind an employee's behavior. This approach fosters a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and understood, rather than judged.
"frequently going how was last week how was next week how was it it's really this sort of that rhythm it's like 52 little sprints like that and of course that means if you've got an underperformer you ..."
Finding the Right Fit for Employees
Buckingham explains that a manager's role is not to fix employees but to help them find their strengths and the right fit within the organization. He discusses the importance of recognizing that underperformance is often due to a mismatch in roles rather than a lack of capability. This perspective encourages managers to practice 'tough love' when necessary, ensuring that employees are in positions where they can excel.
"three months ago i fixed that now no no this is last tuesday and wednesday remember 15 minutes late oh well now the person may come up with an excuse but the first thing you do is you ask a question y..."
The Challenge of Different Work Styles
In this segment, Buckingham addresses the common challenge managers face when their team members do not approach tasks in the same way they would. He emphasizes the need for managers to adapt their expectations and appreciate diverse working styles, which can lead to a more harmonious and productive team environment. This understanding is crucial for fostering collaboration and innovation.
"question this is a close ended one but ask great managers would you give people what they want or do you give them what's right for them and you then you just shut up and they go with the second one y..."
The Importance of Attention Over Feedback
Buckingham argues that what employees truly seek is attention rather than traditional feedback. He explains that constant feedback can feel overwhelming and often leads to anxiety. Instead, he advocates for regular check-ins that focus on providing attention and support, allowing employees to express themselves and grow in their roles without the pressure of constant evaluation.
"that that's a thing of beauty one of the things you said as well was the hardest thing about being a manager is realizing that your people will not do things the way that you would i think everyone ca..."
Creating Conditions for Employee Success
In this insightful segment, Buckingham discusses the role of managers in creating an environment where employees can thrive. He emphasizes that learning and growth come from within the individual, and it's the manager's job to facilitate conditions that allow for personal insights and development. This approach shifts the focus from directing behavior to empowering employees to discover their strengths.
"know the truth about you so they're gonna tell you who you are because you can't see it that's called feedback but of course what that means is that the person the manager is assuming a that i do own ..."
The Shift from Feedback to Reactions
Buckingham challenges the conventional wisdom around feedback, suggesting that it often comes off as arrogant. He advocates for sharing personal reactions instead, which can foster a more genuine connection between managers and employees. This shift encourages open dialogue and helps employees feel more understood and valued, ultimately leading to better performance.
"the moment you tell them how to be is the moment you're assuming that they are wired like you are so trying to tell a person how to sell it's like no you sell when the person believes you and the pros..."
The Power of Attention in Management
In this concluding segment, Buckingham reiterates the importance of attention in management. He explains that employees thrive on recognition and engagement rather than traditional feedback mechanisms. By focusing on providing attention and understanding, managers can create a more supportive and productive work environment, leading to greater employee satisfaction and performance.
"said to me marcus you know halfway through that whole session that we did i thought you got a bit off track i can't then go no you didn't think that because you went no i was lost man well you shouldn..."
Love and Work: An Intriguing Juxtaposition
Marcus Buckingham explains the rationale behind the title of his book, 'Love + Work.' He discusses how the juxtaposition of love and work captures attention and reflects the essence of finding joy in one's professional life. This segment sets the stage for understanding how love can enhance work experiences.
"look i don't want to labor the point but if you haven't tried you'll give it a try and if you do tag me instagram wherever you try it give me a tag anyway back to the podcast why did you call the book..."
Finding Love in Work Activities
Buckingham shares insights from his extensive research on successful individuals across various professions. He reveals that while they may not love every aspect of their jobs, they find love in specific activities. This segment emphasizes the importance of identifying those moments of joy to enhance overall job satisfaction.
"and i was talking to you before about study group contrast for 25 years that's all i've been doing you take 100 great nurses 100 great teachers 100 great housekeepers 100 great lawyers and you're just..."
The Threshold of Love in Work
In this segment, Buckingham discusses the critical threshold of having at least 20% of one's work activities be enjoyable to avoid burnout. He references research from the Mayo Clinic, highlighting how this balance can significantly impact psychological well-being and job satisfaction.
"interestingly though they don't love all they do the whole cliche about find what you love and you'll never have to do a day's work in your life again and i'm a bit of a data nerd so you look around a..."
The Science of Flow and Love
Buckingham delves into the brain science behind experiencing love at work, comparing it to the feelings associated with romantic love. He explains how being in a state of flow enhances cognitive performance and emotional intelligence, reinforcing the idea that love and work are interconnected.
"really dangerously psychologically damaged even if it's you know 21 though 27 50 it doesn't seem as though you get necessarily a massive uplift in resilience it's not like you need to love all you do ..."
Creating a Loop of Love and Contribution
In this segment, Buckingham articulates the concept of a feedback loop between love and work. He encourages individuals to explore how their passions can inform their contributions, ultimately leading to a fulfilling professional life. This idea serves as a guiding principle for achieving satisfaction in one's career.
"if you want this is kind of when i was sitting there trying to fill the pages and thinking why are you writing this on one level i mean one of those thinking my kids i want my kids to be happy in life..."
The Curse of Competence
Buckingham addresses the challenges faced by individuals who excel in their careers but feel unfulfilled. He shares a poignant example of a lawyer who pursued a career based on competence rather than passion, highlighting the psychological toll of such choices. This segment resonates with many who feel trapped by their own success.
"there'll be stimuli that information is going into your brain right now and it will add detail to that which you love this whole thing but over here in l.a it will have a little more detail and your l..."
Assessing Job Satisfaction
In this insightful segment, Buckingham provides practical advice for assessing job satisfaction. He suggests a simple exercise of tracking daily activities to identify moments of joy versus dissatisfaction, encouraging individuals to reflect on their experiences and make necessary changes to enhance their work lives.
"should be doing instead is should we be dragged by our our competence in something well no as we talked about before i mean competence can be a a devilish curse um because you can get the a's and they..."
The Dangers of Loveless Work
Buckingham warns against the long-term effects of staying in a loveless job for financial security. He emphasizes that enduring such work can lead to psychological damage, affecting not only the individual but also their relationships at home. This segment serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of finding love in one's work.
"lawyer that could be a com that's it could be an entirely different experience for you know everybody that's a lawyer so one lawyer could be doing a completely different thing different working hours ..."
Finding Your Red Threads
Buckingham elaborates on the concept of 'red threads'—the activities and moments that bring joy and fulfillment. He encourages listeners to identify these threads in their work and personal lives, suggesting that recognizing and nurturing these elements can lead to a more satisfying career. This segment emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the courage to reshape one's job to align with personal strengths and passions.
"back home so if you two weeks in a row nothing then you have to stop and you have to in a sense apply the loved it loathed it to the rest of your life just take that around and see whether you can fin..."
The Importance of Articulating What You Love
In this segment, Buckingham discusses the challenge many people face in articulating what they love. He encourages listeners to write 'love notes' to themselves, expressing what they enjoy doing. This exercise aims to foster self-awareness and emotional clarity, helping individuals understand their passions and strengths better. Buckingham highlights the significance of being in tune with one's emotions to navigate career choices effectively.
"well be that you're the wrong kind of lawyer it might not be that you have to ditch your degree it might be that you can start to re-wire or re-um sew re-weave your job so that it has more red threads..."
Rewiring Your Job for Fulfillment
Buckingham suggests that if someone is unhappy in their current role, it may not be necessary to abandon their career entirely. Instead, he advocates for 'rewiring' the job to incorporate more fulfilling elements. This segment emphasizes the potential for individuals to reshape their work environment to better align with their strengths and passions, encouraging proactive changes rather than resignation.
"you start doing that over time and you get to the place where the most successful people get to where we look at the most successful people and we go how'd they find that job seems to fit them so perf..."
The Psychological Impact of Job Satisfaction
In this segment, Buckingham reflects on his own experiences with job dissatisfaction and the psychological toll it took on him. He shares insights on how a lack of fulfillment can lead to panic attacks and emotional distress. This personal narrative underscores the importance of aligning one's work with personal values and strengths to avoid the negative consequences of a loveless job.
"all right before you get there though try to i pick out your red threads anywhere and no one can do it for you that's the thing that it's like you want to go hey nine-year-old let's start you on this ..."
Meditation as a Tool for Clarity
Buckingham discusses the role of meditation in achieving clarity and emotional balance. He shares how mindfulness practices helped him cope with stress and recognize misalignments in his career. This segment highlights the importance of self-care and mental well-being in navigating professional challenges and finding fulfillment at work.
"the people you imagine how early you could start with that and that wouldn't mean that it's pollyanna like we're still going to put people in the wrong jobs i built a company that was focused entirely..."
Understanding Your Emotional Landscape
In this concluding segment, Buckingham emphasizes the need for individuals to understand their emotional responses to work. He encourages listeners to explore their feelings and reactions to various job responsibilities, advocating for a deeper connection with one's own emotions. This self-awareness is crucial for making informed career choices that lead to greater satisfaction and fulfillment.
"yeah 29 i was managing gallup's relationship with the walt disney company so i was living down in orlando and um i did start having really bad i didn't know what a panic attack was i mean as i said in..."
The Power of Meditation
Marcus Buckingham discusses the importance of meditation as a tool for self-awareness and personal power. He emphasizes that having a strong relationship with oneself is crucial for navigating the complexities of work and life. By practicing mindfulness and breathing techniques, individuals can gain clarity and cope with external pressures, ultimately leading to better decision-making and fulfillment.
"a macro sense to be a certain way i mean at two o'clock on a thursday afternoon you're supposed to be thinking and feeling this and it might you know nine o'clock on a monday you're supposed to be fee..."
Saying No to Promotions
In this segment, Buckingham shares a powerful story about a marketing manager who declined a promotion. He highlights the strength of character it takes to prioritize personal happiness over societal expectations of success. This discussion challenges the conventional wisdom that promotions are always desirable, advocating instead for self-awareness and alignment with one's true passions.
"i felt and so when the disney people were freaking out or behind me the gala people were freaking out i was like i was okay with it but as i said in the book that was a coping mechanism it wasn't a fl..."
The Peter Principle in Action
Buckingham explores the concept of the Peter Principle, where individuals are promoted to their level of incompetence. He critiques the common practice of rewarding employees by moving them out of roles they excel in, suggesting that this approach can stifle creativity and job satisfaction. He advocates for broader pay bands that allow for growth within one's current role.
"because they were didn't like weren't ready for that yet i just thought unbelievable this is someone that's actually going to be happy in their life well and the funny thing is at work right we becaus..."
The Dynamics of Management
This segment delves into the complexities of transitioning into management roles. Buckingham discusses how friendships within teams can change when someone becomes a manager, and the importance of understanding one's desire to lead. He poses a thought-provoking question about whether individuals prefer to manage others or focus on their own work, revealing insights into personal motivations and career aspirations.
"necessarily have to move out of the job in order to manage other people that doesn't have to be the only way in which we help someone have a career that was a really as you said i was just it just rem..."
Building Meaningful Relationships at Work
Buckingham emphasizes the significance of fostering relationships in the workplace that encourage personal growth. He argues that effective managers should aim to help their team members expand rather than conform to a specific mold. This segment highlights the importance of supportive relationships that prioritize individual strengths and aspirations.
"super interesting question what's the point of a relationship is it diversity is it protection is it complementarity actually no it's just any relationship even a lover relationship is i want to make ..."
Love and Work: The Intersection
In this insightful discussion, Buckingham addresses the relationship between love and work, particularly in the context of romantic relationships formed in the workplace. He shares research findings on successful partnerships and the importance of viewing one's partner through a lens of generosity and understanding, which can enhance both personal and professional relationships.
"and you know people always say well too much love in the workplace is soft it's like think about people you really love if they were abusing drugs you would intervene you would because you would not y..."
Keys to a Successful Romantic Relationship
Buckingham outlines three essential principles for maintaining a successful romantic relationship. He emphasizes the importance of viewing partners positively, seeking generous explanations for their actions, and avoiding the tendency to balance out flaws. This segment provides valuable insights into nurturing healthy relationships both at work and in personal life.
"from your book love and work but also all of your previous work on relationships and yeah so it's funny to write there's a whole chapter here on love and work relationships particularly after the meto..."
Understanding Each Other's Flaws
In this segment, Buckingham discusses how successful couples navigate each other's flaws without letting them define the relationship. He stresses the importance of weaving a narrative that integrates both strengths and weaknesses, fostering a deeper understanding and connection between partners. This approach can lead to more resilient and fulfilling relationships.
"second thing i would say to you is if you want to be a good partner to your partner or if you want them to be a good partner to you always look for the best explanation of why they do what they do and..."
Embracing Flaws: The Red Thread of Relationships
In this segment, Buckingham explores how great relationships acknowledge and embrace each other's flaws without labeling them as villains. He shares a personal anecdote about his own 'immediate rejection syndrome' and how his partner understands this as part of his creative process. This acceptance fosters a deeper connection, allowing partners to see each other holistically and supportively.
"ev your partner looks at you everything they see about you they weave it into i'm sorry this is going to sound so soft but they weave it into a red thread so they know that this isn't an aspect of som..."
The Challenge of Openness in a Cynical World
Marcus reflects on the struggle to maintain openness and joy in relationships amidst a sometimes dangerous world. He discusses the fear of cynicism and its impact on love, emphasizing the importance of being seen and understood by one's partner. This segment delves into the balance between vulnerability and the challenges posed by external pressures.
"think everybody and being seen and being seen so it's like you can't love what you can't see and so in a relationship if you're in a really good relationship with your partner you will feel seen and t..."
From Stuttering to Speaking: A Personal Journey
In a heartfelt moment, Marcus shares his personal journey of overcoming a speech impediment that left him unable to say his own name until the age of 12. He reflects on the panic attacks he faced and how these experiences shaped his ability to communicate effectively today. This segment highlights the transformative power of personal challenges and the resilience required to overcome them.
"about my children and i we didn't get into it but the whole like college cheating scandal thing for me was really difficult to see my the world reach into your kids so the panic that you feel when you..."
The Symbolism of the Lion: Courage and Calmness
Marcus discusses the significance of the lion as a symbol of courage and calmness in his life. He shares how this powerful animal represents the tenacity he applies to his professional endeavors while also embodying love and care for those close to him. This segment encapsulates the duality of strength and compassion, illustrating how these qualities can coexist in personal and professional contexts.
"quick one as you might know crafted are one of the sponsors of this podcast and they make really meaningful pieces of jewellery this lion piece they've made i wear all the time along with the little t..."