In Meaningful Work, Wes Adams and Tamara Myles, advisers to some of the world’s most successful companies, leverage the science of positive psychology to show leaders why and how to make meaning the cornerstone of leadership practice. It is a practical playbook based on decades of research, including their own groundbreaking multi-year study of meaning at work, and stories from leaders you already admire and others that will surprise and inspire you.
“A timely, clear, and actionable book about the science and practice of making work more worthwhile.”
Adam Grant
#1 New York Times–bestselling author of Think Again
A practical playbook from two of the leading global authorities on meaning at work, designed to show leaders why and how to make work meaningful
We’re in the middle of the most significant transformation in work in over a century. As leading an organization or team becomes more complex and employee expectations grow, a single factor remains the core driver of fulfilled, high-performing teams—the belief that their work is meaningful.
From the scene of a Navy SEAL deployment to the screen of a software developer, from the set of a Broadway musical to the seat of a hair salon, and from the streets of Newark to the suites of the Ritz-Carlton, the authors take you through the personal journeys of leaders who have made meaning their primary focus—and achieved powerful results.
Their stories reveal that the things we so desperately want for ourselves and our organizations – high engagement, happiness, productivity, and financial performance – are outcomes of finding meaning at work. Adams and Myles have discovered that every job can, and should, be meaningful when leaders focus on Three Cs– Community, Contribution, and Challenge.
Praise for Meaningful Work
“A timely, clear, and actionable book about the science and practice of making work more worthwhile.”
Adam Grant
#1 New York Times–bestselling author of Think Again
“This book is an essential companion for any professional seeking to re-imagine a future workplace and workforce that is driven by purpose. Adams and Myles have tapped into something profound, reminding us that meaning at work… Read More
Tina Mylon
Chief Talent and Diversity Officer, Schneider Electric
“This book is an essential companion for any professional seeking to re-imagine a future workplace and workforce that is driven by purpose. Adams and Myles have tapped into something profound, reminding us that meaning at work matters more than anything else, not only because it unleashes each of our deepest motivations, but also drives long-term impact for an organization. With plenty of useful examples and tools, Meaningful Work gives us a comprehensive roadmap to take action (as well as a feeling of hope and inspiration to transform how we work).”
Tina Mylon
Chief Talent and Diversity Officer, Schneider Electric
“Meaningful Work is a remarkable guide to more passion, meaning, and greater contribution to the world! If you want to challenge yourself to do more for others, start here!”
Tom Rath
author of StrengthsFinder 2.0
“Happy employees feel needed and have a job that matters. As a leader, you have to make this possible. But how? The answers are in this wonderful new book. Read Meaningful Work today and watch the morale in your company improve.”
Arthur C. Brooks
#1 New York Times–bestselling author of Build the Life You Want
“This book is a remarkable resource, offering practical methods to define “meaningful” work, enabling its thoughtful integration into the employee experience, and measuring the powerful return on meaning.”
Deep Mahajan
VP Talent Management, Juniper Networks
“Every leader today should know the 3 Cs of meaningful work. A must-read for anyone who wants to create a workplace that thrives.”
Dan Heath
#1 New York Times–bestselling coauthor of Switch
“This book is a must-read for leaders who want to move beyond traditional management and foster workplaces where employees feel valued, inspired, and driven to achieve their best.” Read More
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith
New York Times–bestselling author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
“Meaningful Work is a powerful exploration of how leaders can truly unlock the potential within their teams by creating environments rooted in purpose, well-being, and growth. Adams and Myles masterfully blend compelling, real-world stories with the latest insights from positive psychology to offer a roadmap for transforming organizational culture. This book is a must-read for leaders who want to move beyond traditional management and foster workplaces where employees feel valued, inspired, and driven to achieve their best.”
Dr. Marshall Goldsmith
New York Times–bestselling author of What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
Exclusive Pre-Launch Package Opportunities
Community Builder
50 Books
$1,275 (15% off)
- Early digital access to two chapters of the book
- Bonus Meaningful Work Playbook with practical tools and frameworks
- Guidance on how to use the Meaning-Driven Leadership Self-Assessment
- 60-minute virtual call to review the insights from the book, assessment results, and Q&A with your team
- Invitation for all team members to virtual book launch event
Impact Agent
100 Books
$2,100 (30% off)
- Early digital access to two chapters of the book
- Bonus Meaningful Work Playbook with practical tools and frameworks
- Guidance on how to use the Meaning-Driven Leadership Self-Assessment
- 90-minute virtual call to review the insights from the book, assessment results, breakout skill practice session using one of the tools from the book, and Q&A with your team
- Invitation for all team members to virtual book launch event
- Invitations for select team members to in-person launch events in NYC and Atlanta
Meaning Champion
250 Books
$4,875 (35% off)
- Early digital access to two chapters of the book
- Bonus Meaningful Work Playbook with practical tools and frameworks
- Guidance on how to use the Meaning-Driven Leadership Self-Assessment
- Half-day, in-person workshop for US-based groups including assessment debrief and focus on key tools from the book (excluding travel)
- Complimentary Meaning-Driven Leadership 360 Assessment for one leader and up to 15 team members ($5,000 value)
- Invitation for all team members to virtual book launch event
- Invitations for select team members to in-person launch events in NYC and Atlanta