Hasnain says:

Lots of mixed feelings after reading this one. Like the author, I too yearn for the "good old days" when I would fully sink myself into my work and use that as a major fulfilment in life. There are definitely upsides to it.

I don't agree with taking it to the point where people feel like *they have no other choice* though - like the author points out they would cry at work, be forced to skip vacations, etc. Can't we have the best of both worlds - people motivated by their work that they want to do really well; but also not feeling so pressured they *have* to fire on all cylinders all the time?

I feel like the author has conflated the two things and while, sure, they are correlated, in a truly great work culture they shouldn't have to.

"A few months ago, someone complained to me that the new (very hot stuff) startup they were at had a “lgtm culture.” Upon inquiry, they explained that no matter what they do or how good it is, everyone just says “looks good to me.” “I know I should feel good about being a competent, trusted, contributing team member,” he continued, “and my new colleagues are so, so kind, but at the end of the day I just feel like no one has any standards.” He looked down at his coffee for a moment. “I’m afraid I’m never going to see my best work again.”

Yikes. Now multiply that same phenomenon across every other person working and every other company. What is that going to do for our collective impact? What will that do to progress? Mega yikes.

I’m not exactly sure how we balance the realities of the world today with a working life that asks so much of us. But I do know leaning all the way out isn’t the answer. I hope we find the right way through it, together. We certainly need the support of our leaders to get there, but I know from experience that anyone, in any corner of an organization, can play a meaningful role in building the organizations we want to be in.

And when we do, I think we’ve got a shot at transforming organizations into the incredible sources of community and self-actualization they should be.

Believe me, it’s possible. And believe me, it’s as good as you imagine it could be."

Posted on 2022-07-22T04:54:31+0000