Searching for Meaning: Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace and Life | Michael Steger

How do we measure meaning? Everyone talks about meaningful work, but what does that mean, and how do we know if we have it? Michael Steger has spent a lifetime pondering these questions. Today, he joins us on Work For Humans.

Michael is a professor, researcher, writer, and keynote speaker specializing in meaning, purpose, psychological strengths, and positive psychology. He is the founder and director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose, developer of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and author of over 100 peer-reviewed articles and three books, including Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace.

In this episode, Dart and Michael discuss:
- Positive psychology
- Defining and measuring meaning
- Correlations between meaningful work, company profits, and employee happiness
- Michael’s book, Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace
- Correlations between meaning work and salaries
- How companies can create meaningful work environments
- The dangers of companies superficially adopting meaning-based initiatives
- And other topics…

Michael Steger is a recognized authority, researcher, and professor on meaning in life, purpose, psychological strengths, and positive psychology. He is a professor at Colorado State University, an Extraordinary Professor for North-West University in South Africa, an associate editor for the Journal of Personality, a developer of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire, and the founder and director of the Center for Meaning and Purpose.

Michael’s research centers on developing a sense of purpose and meaning in our work and lives. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles and written three books, including Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace. Michael is also a keynote speaker and workshop facilitator for organizations and events worldwide.

Resources Mentioned:
Purpose and Meaning in the Workplace, by Michael Steger: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Meaning-Workplace-Bryan-Dik/dp/1433813149 The Meaning in Life Questionnaire: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2F0022-0167.53.1.80
IPPA World Congress on Positive Psychology: https://www.ippaworldcongress.org/

Connect with Michael:
http://www.michaelfsteger.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelsteger/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=T7nZ93UAAAAJ&hl=en 

Work with Dart:
Dart is the CEO and co-founder of the work design firm 11fold. Build work that makes employees feel alive, connected to their work, and focused on what’s most important to the business. Book a call at 11fold.com.