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Vic Strecher
Welcome to Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders!
Why purpose at work? Because most of us spend most of our waking hours working. Many of us spend years of effort to obtain jobs that may give us purpose. But can we find purpose in nearly any job? Are we more engaged and likely to remain in our job if it gives us purpose? Can leaders create a culture that makes it easier for people to find purpose in their work? The answers are ‘yes’ to all of the above and this course shows you how.
Read more
Welcome to Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders!
Why purpose at work? Because most of us spend most of our waking hours working. Many of us spend years of effort to obtain jobs that may give us purpose. But can we find purpose in nearly any job? Are we more engaged and likely to remain in our job if it gives us purpose? Can leaders create a culture that makes it easier for people to find purpose in their work? The answers are ‘yes’ to all of the above and this course shows you how.
Read more
Welcome to Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders!
Why purpose at work? Because most of us spend most of our waking hours working. Many of us spend years of effort to obtain jobs that may give us purpose. But can we find purpose in nearly any job? Are we more engaged and likely to remain in our job if it gives us purpose? Can leaders create a culture that makes it easier for people to find purpose in their work? The answers are ‘yes’ to all of the above and this course shows you how.
In this course we first examine what purpose is, the benefits of having a purpose, and how to find your own purpose. We then look at purposeful work, including ways of finding purposeful work in the process of leading a more engaged and fulfilling life. Finally, we focus on purposeful leadership, including ways of leading with purpose and managing yourself. Also, in this course I interview business executives, leading organizational psychologists, and even the research director of NASA. These discussions offer real-world insights and strategies to students, employees, and leaders.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/pg4itb/purpose
What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction: What is Purpose and Why is it Important?
In this week, you'll meet your instructor, Vic Strecher, and get a foundational introduction to what purpose is from a historical context through to contemporary times, and why purpose is important. This week of the course is for everyone!
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction: What is Purpose and Why is it Important?
In this week, you'll meet your instructor, Vic Strecher, and get a foundational introduction to what purpose is from a historical context through to contemporary times, and why purpose is important. This week of the course is for everyone!
Read more
Purposeful Work
In this week, you can expect to learn more about finding purposeful work and crafting your purpose in your work. This week of the course will be particularly relevant to current and future employees.
Purposeful Leadership
This week will provide insights into how to develop purposeful organizations and learn how to engage as a purposeful leader. You will hear from several guests in this week as they provide additional perspectives on purposeful leadership. The content in this week will be of particular interest to current and future leaders.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides practical tips for employees and leaders on finding and leveraging purpose in the workplace
Introduces foundational concepts of purpose, its benefits, and how to identify one's own purpose
Features interviews with business executives, leading organizational psychologists, and a NASA research director, offering real-world insights
Provides guidance on developing purposeful organizations and leading with a sense of purpose
Supports current and future employees in finding meaningful work and career paths
Helps leaders create a culture where employees can thrive and find purpose in their work
Save this course
Save Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders with these
activities:
Review critical thinking skills
Show steps
This will allow you to engage deeply with the content and build a better foundation for learning.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
**Review** your notes or textbooks on critical thinking skills.
-
**Practice** critical thinking skills by solving puzzles or playing strategy games.
-
**Discuss** critical thinking concepts with a friend or colleague.
Watch a TED Talk on the power of purpose
Show steps
Watching this TED Talk will help you understand the benefits of purpose-driven work and how to find your own sense of purpose.
Show steps
-
**Search** for a TED Talk on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
-
**Watch** the TED Talk and take notes on the main points.
-
**Reflect** on how the TED Talk applies to your own career.
Compile a list of resources on purpose in the workplace
Show steps
Creating this compilation will help you deepen your understanding of the topic and identify additional resources that may be of value to you.
Show steps
-
**Search** for articles, books, and websites on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
-
**Organize** the resources into a list or database.
-
**Share** the list of resources with your colleagues or classmates.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Develop a purpose statement for your career
Show steps
Crafting a purpose statement will help you clarify your values, goals, and aspirations, and provide a foundation for your career decisions.
Show steps
-
**Brainstorm** a list of your values, strengths, and interests.
-
**Research** different career paths and industries that align with your values and interests.
-
**Write** a purpose statement that articulates your unique contribution to the world of work.
Start a side project that aligns with your interests and passions
Show steps
Starting a side project will allow you to explore your interests, develop new skills, and build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents.
Show steps
-
**Brainstorm** a list of project ideas that align with your interests and passions.
-
**Research** the feasibility of your project ideas and create a plan.
-
**Start** working on your project and set regular deadlines for yourself.
Write a blog post about the importance of purpose in the workplace
Show steps
Writing about purpose will help you articulate your own sense of purpose and help you understand how to find and create purpose in your career.
Show steps
-
**Brainstorm** a list of reasons why purpose is important in the workplace.
-
**Research** different perspectives on purpose in the workplace.
-
**Write** a blog post that shares your findings and insights.
Volunteer with a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values
Show steps
Volunteering will allow you to put your values into action and make a positive impact on your community, while also gaining valuable experience and skills.
Show steps
-
**Research** different nonprofit organizations that align with your values and interests.
-
**Contact** the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
**Commit** to a regular volunteer schedule and show up consistently.
Lead a discussion on purpose in the workplace
Show steps
This will allow you to share your knowledge with others, solidify your understanding of the topic, and gain feedback from your peers.
Show steps
-
**Prepare** a brief presentation on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
-
**Facilitate** a discussion with your peers, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts and experiences.
-
**Summarize** the key points of the discussion and share your insights.
Review critical thinking skills
Show steps
This will allow you to engage deeply with the content and build a better foundation for learning.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Review** your notes or textbooks on critical thinking skills.
- **Practice** critical thinking skills by solving puzzles or playing strategy games.
- **Discuss** critical thinking concepts with a friend or colleague.
Watch a TED Talk on the power of purpose
Show steps
Watching this TED Talk will help you understand the benefits of purpose-driven work and how to find your own sense of purpose.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Search** for a TED Talk on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
- **Watch** the TED Talk and take notes on the main points.
- **Reflect** on how the TED Talk applies to your own career.
Compile a list of resources on purpose in the workplace
Show steps
Creating this compilation will help you deepen your understanding of the topic and identify additional resources that may be of value to you.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Search** for articles, books, and websites on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
- **Organize** the resources into a list or database.
- **Share** the list of resources with your colleagues or classmates.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Develop a purpose statement for your career
Show steps
Crafting a purpose statement will help you clarify your values, goals, and aspirations, and provide a foundation for your career decisions.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Brainstorm** a list of your values, strengths, and interests.
- **Research** different career paths and industries that align with your values and interests.
- **Write** a purpose statement that articulates your unique contribution to the world of work.
Start a side project that aligns with your interests and passions
Show steps
Starting a side project will allow you to explore your interests, develop new skills, and build a portfolio of work that showcases your talents.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Brainstorm** a list of project ideas that align with your interests and passions.
- **Research** the feasibility of your project ideas and create a plan.
- **Start** working on your project and set regular deadlines for yourself.
Write a blog post about the importance of purpose in the workplace
Show steps
Writing about purpose will help you articulate your own sense of purpose and help you understand how to find and create purpose in your career.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Brainstorm** a list of reasons why purpose is important in the workplace.
- **Research** different perspectives on purpose in the workplace.
- **Write** a blog post that shares your findings and insights.
Volunteer with a nonprofit organization that aligns with your values
Show steps
Volunteering will allow you to put your values into action and make a positive impact on your community, while also gaining valuable experience and skills.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Research** different nonprofit organizations that align with your values and interests.
- **Contact** the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- **Commit** to a regular volunteer schedule and show up consistently.
Lead a discussion on purpose in the workplace
Show steps
This will allow you to share your knowledge with others, solidify your understanding of the topic, and gain feedback from your peers.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- **Prepare** a brief presentation on the topic of purpose in the workplace.
- **Facilitate** a discussion with your peers, encouraging everyone to share their thoughts and experiences.
- **Summarize** the key points of the discussion and share your insights.
Career center
Learners who complete Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Executive Coach
Executive Coach
As an Executive Coach, you help leaders develop the skills they need to be successful. This course will help you build a foundation in organizational psychology. You will learn how to identify and develop purpose in leaders. You will also learn how to create a culture of purpose that supports leaders at all levels. By the end of this course, you will have the skills you need to help leaders find purpose in their work and achieve their goals.
Talent Management Manager
Talent Management Manager
Talent Management Managers play a vital role in helping organizations develop and retain their top talent. Purpose at Work can help you enhance your skills and knowledge in organizational psychology and the key principles of purpose at work. By understanding how purpose can lead to greater engagement and organizational success, you will be able to better support employees and help them reach their full potential.
Employee Experience Manager
Employee Experience Manager
Purpose at Work can help you enhace your abilities as an Employee Experience Manager. You will learn how to create a culture that makes it easier for employees to find purpose in their work. You will also learn how to develop and implement programs that promote employee wellbeing and engagement. By the end of this course, you'll be able to leverage purpose as a way to attract and retain talent and build a positive work environment that employees love.
Head of Learning and Development
Head of Learning and Development
A Head of Learning and Development bridges the gap between people and business strategy. This course will help you create a culture of learning and development that is aligned with the organization's purpose. You will also learn how to develop and implement programs that help employees develop the skills they need to be successful. By the end of this course, you will have the skills you need to build a learning and development function that supports the organization's strategic goals.
Talent Acquisition Manager
Talent Acquisition Manager
Purpose at Work will give you an edge as a Talent Acquisition Manager by introducing you to organizational psychology and the key principles of purpose at work. With this knowledge, you can better assess candidates' fit for the organization and their potential for success. By understanding how purpose can lead to greater engagement and organizational success, you will be able to attract and hire top talent.
Training and Development Specialist
Training and Development Specialist
Training and Development Specialists help employees develop the skills they need to be successful. Purpose at Work can help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to identify and develop purpose in employees. You will also learn how to create a culture of purpose that supports employees at all levels. By the end of this course, you will have the skills you need to build a training and development program that supports the organization's strategic goals.
Leadership Development Manager
Leadership Development Manager
Purpose at Work can help you become a more effective Leadership Development Manager. By providing you with actionable ways to create a culture of purpose, this course will help you develop leaders who are motivated and engaged. You will also learn how to create a culture of purpose that supports leaders at all levels. By the end of this course, you will have the skills you need to build a leadership development program that supports the organization's strategic goals.
Director of Human Resources
Director of Human Resources
As the Director of Human Resources, you will need to create a workplace that attracts, motivates, and retains employees. Purpose at Work will give you the skills you need to develop a culture that makes it easier for employees to find purpose in their jobs. Through a deeper understanding of how purpose can lead to greater engagement, you will be better able to build high-performing teams and contribute to employee development. By the end of this course, you'll be able to leverage purpose as a way to retain talent and build a positive work environment.
Human Resources Business Partner
Human Resources Business Partner
Human Resources Business Partners help align people strategy with business strategy. This course will help you develop the skills you need to be successful in this role. You will learn how to identify and develop purpose in employees. You will also learn how to create a culture of purpose that supports employees at all levels. By the end of this course, you will have the skills you need to be a valuable partner to the business and help the organization achieve its goals.
People Operations Manager
People Operations Manager
Purpose at Work can help you build a solid foundation in organizational psychology and learn the key principles of purpose at work. By understanding how purpose can lead to greater engagement and organizational success, you will be able to better support your team and the organization as a whole. This course will help you develop the skills you need to create a more positive and productive work environment.
Organizational Development Consultant
Organizational Development Consultant
This course can help you build a foundation in organizational psychology and learn the key principles of purpose at work. By understanding how purpose can lead to greater engagement and organizational success, you will be able to better advise your clients on how to create a more positive and productive work environment. This course may be particularly helpful if you work with clients in the areas of leadership development, employee engagement, and organizational change.
Career Counselor
Career Counselor
As a Career Counselor, you get to work at the intersection of purpose and professional fulfillment. You may begin with a bachelor's degree, but a master's degree in a counseling discipline is typical. This course can help you drive your career forward and enhance your skills in organizational psychology. By the time you complete the course, you'll be able to identify purpose in nearly any job. This will help you provide better guidance for students who come seeking your help with college and career decisions.
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
Diversity and Inclusion Manager
As a Diversity and Inclusion Manager, you know that a diverse and inclusive workplace is essential for any organization looking to succeed in the modern world. This course will teach you how to create a culture of purpose that values differences. You will also learn how to develop and implement programs that promote diversity and inclusion. This course may also inspire you to develop and lead purpose-driven initiatives that address systemic issues and build stronger communities within the workplace.
Community Organizer
Community Organizer
Creating a culture where everyone can find purpose in their work is essential for a Community Organizer. At the end of your course, you will know how to ask the right questions to help community members discover purpose in their work. Additionally, this course may help you develop and lead purpose-driven initiatives that address systemic issues and build stronger communities.
College President
College President
Purpose at Work may serve as an excellent addition to your efforts to lead your college or university. As College President, you have the opportunity to build a culture of engagement among your faculty and staff. This course will help you develop purposeful leadership skills. It will show you actionable ways to create a culture in which people can find purpose in their work. This course may also inspire you to champion interdisciplinary research programs that bridge the gap between industry and academia, creating purposeful work for your students.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pg4itb/purpose
Reading list
We've selected 12 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Purpose at Work: A Course for Employees and Leaders.
Save
Delves into the concept of intrinsic motivation and how it influences our work and our lives. It provides insights into how to create work environments that foster purpose and fulfillment.
This classic work on personal and professional effectiveness offers principles that can help individuals and organizations find greater purpose and meaning in their work.
Save
Encourages readers to explore their passions and talents to find work that is both fulfilling and meaningful. It provides guidance on how to identify your strengths and create a career that aligns with your purpose.
Save
This profound work explores the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the face of adversity. It offers insights into how purpose can provide resilience and motivation.
Examines the growing trend of people seeking purpose and meaning in their work. It provides insights into how organizations can create cultures that foster purpose and how individuals can find work that aligns with their values.
Explores the connection between happiness and success. It provides practical strategies for cultivating a positive mindset that can enhance performance and well-being.
Save
This allegorical novel follows a young shepherd's journey to find his personal legend. It offers a timeless message about the importance of following your dreams and finding your purpose in life.
Provides a sweeping overview of human history from the Stone Age to the present day. It offers insights into the nature of human beings and the search for meaning in the face of a rapidly changing world.
Save
Offers teachings from the Dalai Lama on how to find happiness and inner peace. It provides practical advice for cultivating compassion, gratitude, and mindfulness.
Explores the strengths and challenges of introversion. It offers insights into how introverts can find purpose and fulfillment in their work and personal lives.
Save
Explores the link between exercise and brain health. It provides evidence that physical activity can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, and promote creativity.
Save
Explores the science of habit formation and provides strategies for changing unwanted behaviors. It offers insights into how to create positive habits that can enhance productivity, improve relationships, and achieve personal goals.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/pg4itb/purpose
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Effort
3 weeks of study, 1.5-2.5 hours/week
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Michigan
Instructor
Vic Strecher
Language
English
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Good to know
Provides practical tips for employees and leaders on finding and leveraging purpose in the workplace
Introduces foundational concepts of purpose, its benefits, and how to identify one's own purpose
Features interviews with business executives, leading organizational psychologists, and a NASA research director, offering real-world insights
Provides guidance on developing purposeful organizations and leading with a sense of purpose
Supports current and future employees in finding meaningful work and career paths
Helps leaders create a culture where employees can thrive and find purpose in their work
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