Discovering Fulfilling Work

A job can pay your bills. But only the right one fuels your purpose. Too many people accept roles that: Ignore their value Limit their growth. Drain their energy. The right job isn’t just about title or salary. It’s about the culture, the people, and the opportunities. Here’s how to know you’re choosing the right job: 1. Respect is real People value your time, ideas, and work. 2. Growth is built-in Every week challenges you. Every project stretches you. 3. Leadership cares Managers lift you, not just manage tasks. 4. Feedback helps, not hurts Critique improves, it doesn’t crush. 5. Energy is protected The culture supports focus, not constant burnout. 6. Collaboration beats politics Teams work together, not against each other. 7. Values align The company mission matches what matters to you. 8. Learning is expected Upskilling, mentoring, and coaching are built in. 9. Your voice is heard Ideas welcomed. Questions respected. Contributions acknowledged. 10. Balance is real Work-life harmony isn’t a buzzword. It’s practiced daily. Your job should: Challenge you. Grow your skills. Make you feel valued. Not drain you. Not take over your life. Not destroy your health. Choose work that: Inspires you every day. Fuels your growth. Lights you up. P.S. Which of these are key for you? ♻️ Repost to help someone find a job that truly matters.

Construction workers don’t want another pizza party. Loyalty costs more than a few slices. Here is what they really want... ✅ Trust – Give them ownership, and they’ll take pride in their work. ✅ Respect – They are the backbone of every project—treat them like it. ✅ A Clear Path to Growth – Training, mentorship, and leadership opportunities matter. ✅ Better Communication – Most site issues aren’t caused by a lack of skill—they’re caused by: Unclear direction, lack of tools, information, materials and poor leadership. ✅ Fair Pay – Skilled labor is in high demand. Wages should reflect the value these workers bring. ✅ A Safe and Productive Environment – Not just policies—leadership that actually cares about sending people home safe every day. If you think a pizza party is enough to keep your workforce happy, you don’t understand what drives them. And quite honestly, it's insulting. Want loyalty, retention, and high-performing teams? Give workers what they actually need to succeed. Do you agree and what would you add to this list? Like and repost. Spread the word. It's time for change. #RespectTheTrades #BlueCollarLeadership #WorkforceDevelopment #ConstructionLife

Contrary to popular belief, motivation does not necessarily wane during challenging projects. In fact, it can be even stronger when people feel like they are working on something important. I experienced this firsthand when my team and I developed a proximity awareness application during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the tight deadlines and difficult working conditions, we were all motivated to get the product to market as quickly as possible because we thought it could help save lives. This experience demonstrated that motivation is not about the difficulty of the task, but about the sense of purpose it gives people. When people feel like they are making a difference, they are more likely to persevere through challenges and stay committed to their goals. Here are some tips for creating a sense of purpose in your team: ✅ Start with a clear vision. What are you trying to achieve? Why is it important? When people understand the big picture, they are more likely to feel invested in the project. ✅ Involve people in decision-making and planning. When people have a say in how things are done, they feel more ownership and are more likely to be motivated to succeed. ✅ Make it a team effort. People are more motivated when they are working towards a common goal with others. Create opportunities for team members to collaborate and support each other. ✅ Set challenging but achievable goals. People need to feel like they are stretching themselves, but they also need to believe that they can succeed. ✅ Give people time to recharge. People need to recharge their batteries in order to be productive. Make sure to schedule regular breaks and time off. By following these tips, you can create a work environment where people are motivated to do their best, even when the challenges are great. #management #leadership #triumphleadershipbook ________________________________________ ➡️ I am Talila Millman, a fractional CTO, and a management advisor. I help CEOs and their C-suite grow profit and scale through optimal Product portfolio and an operating system for Product Management and Engineering excellence. 📘 My book TRIUMPH: Leadership in Times of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity is to be published in 2024. The presale starts September 5.  🔔 Follow me and ring the bell on my profile to get notified of new posts

Why Purpose in Work Matters: In the whirlwind of meetings, deadlines, and a never-ending inbox, it’s easy to feel stuck in a rut—especially when the initial excitement of your career fades, and the routine of firefighting takes over. So, how do you keep going? The answer lies in purpose. It’s not just about good habits or grit—it’s about finding meaning in what you do every day. When work feels meaningful, you are more engaged, perform better, and are less likely to look for another job. Purpose fuels not just productivity but long-term commitment. I discovered my own sense of purpose well after a decade into working. Initially, I was only focused on doing things well. But over time, I found inspiration in my company’s purpose. That spark gave my work new meaning and propelled me to a turning point in my career. Today’s professionals seem to grasp this concept early on, seeking out orgs that align with their values and make a positive impact. And that’s exciting! Tips on Finding Purpose:- 1. Examine Your Organisation’s Purpose: Does it resonate with you? When your work connects to something bigger, it’s easier to find motivation. 2.Look to Role Models: Entrepreneurs and leaders driven by purpose show how it can lead to lasting impact beyond just profits. Learning from their journeys can guide you toward your own sense of purpose. 3. Find Purpose in the Small Moments: Purpose doesn’t always come in grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s in the everyday actions—whether it’s creating inclusive spaces or supporting small businesses. Work as a Source of Purpose Work isn’t just about the paycheck or promotions. It’s about the sense of identity, accomplishment, and social connection that it offers. When we find fulfillment in our jobs, work stops being a mere obligation and becomes an integral part of our lives. For instance, a colleague told me she values her office environment because it gives her a space to be recognised for her professional skills, distinct from her identity at home. The "break" from household chores also motivates her, providing a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Rethinking Work-Life Balance Work-life balance is often framed as a struggle between two opposing forces: work as a "necessary evil" and life as the source of joy. This mindset can diminish the significance of work. Instead, I prefer to think of a balanced life, where work, family, leisure, and personal growth coexist without being in constant competition. A holistic approach, where work is one of many fulfilling activities, leads to greater overall satisfaction. Work isn’t separate from life—it’s a vital element of it. Purpose gives depth to our work. When you align your work with something bigger than yourself, not only does it become less stressful, but it can also propel career success. What gives you a sense of purpose in your work? Do share your thoughts! #careergrowth #purpose    

It’s not the raise that makes them stay. It’s how they’re treated every day. I’ve been studying cultures that retain high-potential employees - especially women - for over a decade. And here’s what I’ve consistently observed: It’s not perks or policies that keep people. It’s how safe they feel to speak. How seen they feel in their work. And how connected they feel to a purpose that matters. Here are 8 practices I’ve seen in workplaces where people actually love showing up: 1. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆 People aren’t happy where they don’t feel safe. Make it okay to speak up, make mistakes, and be human. ✨ FACT: Teams with high psychological safety are 76% more engaged and 50% more productive. (Gallup, 2022) *** 2. 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 - 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘀 Recognition isn’t just for outcomes. It’s for effort. It’s for momentum. ✨ FACT: Progress on meaningful work is the #1 motivator for employees. (HBR, “The Progress Principle”) *** 3. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 Freedom thrives when paired with purpose. Give people space to choose how they work - within clear, values-aligned boundaries. ✨ FACT: Autonomy is one of the top three predictors of job satisfaction. (Deci & Ryan, Self-Determination Theory) *** 4. 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗝𝗼𝗯 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 - 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀 Let people shape their roles around their strengths and curiosity. Purpose isn’t one-size-fits-all. ✨ FACT: Employees who find meaning in their work are 3x more likely to stay. (BetterUp, 2018) *** 5. 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗮𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆 Assume good intent. Offer support freely. Kindness creates psychological surplus - and happier teams. ✨ FACT: High-trust cultures lead to 106% more energy and 76% more engagement. (HBR, “The Neuroscience of Trust”) *** 6. 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸-𝗶𝗻𝘀 Ask: “How are you, really?” Creating space for emotions builds trust, resilience, and deeper connection. ✨ FACT: Companies with emotionally intelligent managers experience employee retention rates up to four times higher than those without. (Engagedly) *** 7. 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 - 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗝𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗚𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗱 Challenge people to stretch - but with care. Sustainable growth is fueled by purpose, not pressure. ✨ FACT: Employees who feel they’re growing are 3.6x more likely to be engaged. (LinkedIn Workplace Learning Report, 2022) *** 8. 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 Connect the dots between what people do and why it matters. Help them see their impact. ✨ FACT: 9 out of 10 employees would trade money for meaningful work. (HBR, 2018) *** A paycheck may get people in the door. But, culture is what makes them stay. And culture is a conscious choice. Which of these feels most alive - or most needed - where you work? 🔁 Repost to help create workplaces led by compassion. 🔔 Follow Bhavna Toor for more on conscious leadership.

"The perfect job doesn't exist," they said. For years, I chased the "perfect role" - ideal title, company, salary. Sound familiar? Then life happened. 4-year career break caring for my mum Coming back to Australia with resume gaps Being told to remove my leadership experience just to get ANY job That was one of the hardest things I have ever been asked to do. That's when I realised: The most fulfilled people aren't in perfect jobs. They are in jobs where they have found their perfect moments. What I learned truly matters in any role: - People who see your worth beyond resume gaps - Space to grow and contribute meaningfully - Being part of something bigger than yourself - Leaders who lead with heart, not just authority - Finding one energising thing daily - helping someone, learning something new, solving a problem creatively - Focusing on genuine connections - people can transform even the most challenging roles - Remembering your 'why' - What originally drew you here? - Being patient with yourself - Not every day feels meaningful, and that's okay For those struggling to find joy at work: Start with what you can control. Look for fulfilment in small wins. - The problem you solved today - The colleague you helped - The skill you are quietly building - The difference you made, however small - And yes, make a "winning folder." Collect positive feedback, small wins, and encouraging emails to remind yourself of the impact you are making. Today, I am part of an amazing team and have the privilege of leading one too. It is not perfect, but it is fulfilling because I choose to find purpose in everyday moments. What one thing brings you joy at work? 💜 #WorkFulfillment #LinkedInNewsAustralia #CareerJourney

Why Career Growth Doesn’t Always Lead to Happiness A big part of my job is speaking with young people about their hopes, dreams, and ambitions. Most people are told to chase success, often assuming it means landing the right job, the best salary, and the biggest title. But is that really the key to happiness? Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and happiness researcher, argues that success alone doesn’t lead to happiness. Instead, long-term fulfilment comes from balancing three key elements in your career: 1️⃣ 𝐄𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 – Work should energise you, not just pay the bills. It’s not about the prestige of the job but whether you find the challenges engaging. What tasks make time fly? When do you feel most immersed in problem-solving or creativity? 2��⃣ 𝐒𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 – Achieving goals feels good, but the high is temporary. If you’re always chasing the next milestone without appreciating progress, you’ll never feel “successful.” Define success on your own terms, not just by external rewards. 3️⃣ 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 – You don’t need to work in philanthropy to find meaning. Purpose comes from solving problems, contributing to a team, or building something bigger than yourself. What impact do you want your work to have? I admit enjoyment can be hard to find early in your career, especially without the luxury of choice, however these three ‘career macronutrients’ serve as a valuable compass at every stage of your career. If one is missing, it might be time to reassess where you’re headed.

Can we all agree to throw out the phrase work-life balance? It's not attainable, and I see too many people burning out trying to achieve it. Let's shoot for work-life harmony instead. Striving for work-life harmony is a much more realistic and sustainable approach. 🌟 Work-life harmony doesn't mean juggling equal time between work and personal life. It's about creating a rhythm where these aspects complement and support each other instead of competing for attention. Here's how you can achieve it: 1. Boundaries with Purpose: Clearly define when work starts and ends. Set limits on emails and calls outside those hours, allowing you to engage in personal activities without work distractions fully. 2. Prioritization Power: Prioritize tasks based on impact and deadlines. When you're at work, focus on high-impact tasks so you can be present for personal time, knowing you've tackled the essentials. 3. Flex Your Way: Embrace flexibility in how and where you work. Some days might be better for early mornings, others for late nights. Flexibility keeps you productive while accommodating personal needs. 4. Mindful Transitions: Create a routine that helps transition between work and personal time. It could be a short walk, a few minutes of meditation, or even playing a favorite song that signals the shift. 5. **Blurred Lines:** Embrace the overlap between work and personal life. Consider a brainstorming session while cooking dinner or squeezing in a workout during a work break. Blend activities to optimize your time. 6. Learn to Say No: Saying yes to everything spreads you thin. Be intentional about your commitments. Politely declining tasks that don't align with your priorities ensures you have time for what truly matters. 7. Delegate & Collaborate: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks at work and share responsibilities at home. It not only lightens your load but also empowers others to contribute. 8. Tech Detox: Create designated tech-free zones and times. Disconnecting from screens fosters connections with loved ones and cultivates mindful presence. 9. Meaningful Multitasking: Combine activities that align, like listening to audiobooks during your commute or learning a new skill while exercising. Multitasking can be productive and enjoyable. 10. Regular Reflection: Periodically assess how your harmony is holding up. Adjustments might be needed as circumstances change. Remember, work-life harmony isn't a destination; it's a continuous journey. By embracing these strategies, you'll be better equipped to navigate the ebb and flow of life's demands, ensuring both professional and personal fulfillment. Let's redefine success and celebrate a life well-balanced in harmony. 🎶🌼

I thought working late nights & weekend sacrifices were the key to success—until burnout hit hard. With 62% of IT pros facing it, here’s how I fought back!😱😖🥷 When I started my #career, I was all in—super excited, ready to prove myself, and constantly putting my heart and soul into every project. But after a few months, things started to feel overwhelming. I still remember missing my best friend's wedding because I was stuck with a project deadline. The guilt hit me hard, and I realized I was sacrificing my personal life for work. A year later, I hit a wall. I was physically and mentally drained, and my motivation was gone. Turns out, I was dealing with burnout. I lost interest in what I was doing, became irritable, and felt exhausted all the time. That’s when I knew something had to change. After some trial and error, I found a few strategies that helped me balance work and life better: 1. Set Boundaries: I realized how important it is to define my working hours. Now, I communicate my availability to colleagues and resist the urge to check emails after hours. This has made my evenings more peaceful without constant work notifications. 2. Prioritize Self-Care: I started making time for things that recharge me—exercise, reading, and spending time with family. Being physically active has boosted not just my mood, but my work #productivity too. 3. Use Technology Wisely: #Technology can blur the line between work and life, but I use tools to manage my time better. #ProjectManagement software helps me stay on top of tasks and reminds me to take breaks, which keeps me organized without feeling overwhelmed. 4. Seek Support: I leaned on mentors and colleagues, sharing experiences and learning from each other. Having a support system has been so important, and we often celebrate our wins together, which creates a positive work environment. 5. Check-In Regularly: I now regularly assess how I'm balancing work and life. Things change, and what works today might not work tomorrow. Staying flexible and adjusting my strategies has been key to keeping things balanced. Work-life balance is definitely not a one-time fix—it’s a journey. I still have days when work tries to take over, but now I have the tools and a #mindset to handle it better. In an industry like tech, where the pace is fast and the pressure is high, taking care of our #mentalhealth and well-being is critical. If you're feeling overwhelmed, remember you’re not alone. It’s okay to pause and reassess your priorities. #startups #entrepreneurship #workplace #worklifebalance #AI #tech #GenerativeAI #hustle

Is only fair compensation enough for an employee to thrive in the company? After spending over a decade in this industry. I have realized that fair pay or bonuses are not the only factor to make your employees feel satisfied at the workplace! It is crucial but it’s just the beginning. The real winner here is employee experience and here is how we can create workplaces that people love: ✅ Build Real Connections: 📍Encourage team bonding: Set up regular team-building activities, both in-person and virtual. 📍Create mentorship programs: Pair junior staff with experienced leaders for guidance and support. 📍Host regular check-ins (not just performance reviews): Go beyond annual reviews. Have informal chats to understand your team's needs and aspirations. ✅ Offer Growth Opportunities: 📍Support career pathing: Help employees visualize and work towards their long-term goals within the company. 📍Celebrate learning, not just results: Acknowledge efforts to acquire new skills, not just successful outcomes. 📍Offer stretch assignments: Give people chances to step out of their comfort zones and grow. ✅ Listen and Act: 📍Run regular surveys: But don't just collect data - act on it! 📍Have an open-door policy: Make leadership accessible and approachable. 📍Actually, implement good suggestions: Show your team their voice matters. Create feedback loops: Keep the conversation going and update on progress. Remember: Happy employees are productive employees. When people feel valued, supported, and engaged, it's not just good for them - it's great for business. Lower turnover, higher productivity, and a positive company culture all contribute to the bottom line. But this isn't a one-time effort. Creating a fantastic employee experience is an ongoing process that requires commitment, creativity, and genuine care for your team. What's one innovative thing your company does to boost employee experience? Or what's something you wish your workplace would implement? Let's share ideas and elevate HR practices across the board!