I will never forget the first feature article I wrote for TD magazine (at that time called T+D). The topic, positive organizational scholarship (POS), was quite popular within many academic circles, but it had not hit the workplace in a tangible way. I remember being energized by the research on POS and the stories of how leading organizations were championing such principles.
I immersed myself in hour-long interviews with thought leaders such as Jane Dutton and Kim Cameron, both professors at University of Michigan, about their leading work in the field. I soaked up their wisdom on the tenets of POS, including organizational virtuousness, reflected best-self, positive leadership, and resilience. I wrote, re-wrote, and edited that 2,000-word piece, with the intent to inspire readers as I had been inspired.
Now, six years later, the study of positive organizational scholarship has evolved into various employee development trends, including mindfulness, positivity, and well-being. And many organizations are paying attention. They are thirsty for information on how to motivate their employees and build productive organizations full of engaged—and happy—human beings.
The ATD Human Capital Community of Practice has learned from our audience—from you—that effectively engaging and motivating employees is a priority challenge. We’re dedicated to bringing you new content and resources that help you in this ongoing endeavor. To this end, next month (April 14-16, 2016) we are attending George Mason University’s Leading to Well-Being Conference.
In its seventh year, this learning event showcases the nation’s top experts in organizational leadership such as Kim Cameron and many others. We are excited for the opportunity to learn about current trends in meaningful work and uncover best practices exemplified by thriving organizational cultures. For more information on this conference, brought to you by MasonLead and George Mason’s Center for the Advancement of Well-Being, please visit the website. We look forward to bringing you the latest ideas in employee well-being in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!
