Labor Day: Loving Your Job

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.

CONFUCIUS

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Confucius' timeless wisdom about choosing a job you love is a concept most of us aspire to. However, could there be more to it than just the act of selection?  In this article, we'll delve into an intriguing connection between Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love and the profound impact it has on job satisfaction and overall happiness, as revealed by the research of Dr. E. Kevin Kelloway and his colleagues.

Exploring Sternberg's Triangular Theory of Love
For those familiar with psychology, Robert Sternberg's triangular theory of love is no stranger.  It posits that love can be broken down into three key components, forming a triangle: intimacy, passion, and decision/commitment.

Robert Sternberg's Original Triangular Theory of Love

Here's an overview of what Dr. Kelloway and his colleagues have uncovered regarding loving one's job:

Passion for Work
The first vertex of loving one's job is a genuine passion for the work.  This isn't just about being satisfied with your job; it's about experiencing excitement, enthusiasm, and personal fulfillment from the tasks you perform.  When passion infuses your work, it takes on a deeper meaning, and you approach it with eagerness and a sense of purpose. 

Healthy Work Relationships
The second vertex, intimacy, is characterized by fostering healthy, high-quality relationships within the workplace.  Intimacy in this context goes beyond camaraderie; it involves a sincere desire to enhance the well-being of your colleagues.  This shared commitment leads to trust, partnership, and teamwork, all of which contribute to a positive work environment.  As a leader, you play a pivotal role in setting the tone and fostering these valuable relationships.

Affective Commitment
Affective commitment involves an emotional attachment to and identification with the organization.  It's a feeling of wanting to be at work rather than feeling obligated to be there.  Employees with affective commitment believe they belong to the organization, feel like integral team members, and see the value they bring.  As a result, they willingly dedicate themselves to achieving organizational goals, making them highly valuable assets.

Kelloway's Model

The Rewards of Loving Your Work
When all three vertices align, you experience genuine love for your job.  Notably, this love extends to your employees and can yield significant dividends for both individuals and organizations alike.

Here are some of the key benefits:

• Reduced Turnover: Employees who love their jobs are more likely to stay, reducing turnover rates and the costs associated with hiring and training new staff.
• Increased Group Cohesion: Healthy relationships at work foster a sense of unity and collaboration among team members, enhancing group cohesion.
• Positive Workplace Behaviors: Loving your job translates into positive behaviors, including increased cooperation, support, and a willingness to go the extra mile for colleagues and the organization.
• Better Attendance: When you love your job, you're more motivated to show up consistently and contribute your best effort.
• Greater Job Performance: Employees who are passionate and committed tend to perform better, leading to improved overall job performance.
• Boosted Productivity: Job satisfaction and passion often correlate with higher productivity levels, benefiting both individual employees and the organization.
• Higher Well-being/Happiness: Perhaps the most significant reward of all is an increased sense of well-being and happiness among employees, contributing to a healthier and more vibrant workplace.

As we celebrate Labor Day, let's reflect on the profound connection between loving one's job, the positive impact it has on individuals and organizations, and how we can all strive to create workplaces where this kind of love can flourish.  After all, as Confucius wisely noted, choosing a job you love can truly transform the way you experience work and life.

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Have an amazing Labor Day!

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Alan Mikolaj is a coach and leadership development consultant with 15+ years of experience.  He is passionate about helping leaders transform their leadership, their teams, and their organizations.  Impactful, professional approach driven by a passion for meaning and purpose, a growth mindset, and a commitment to excellence and service in order to drive change and results.

Alan maintains the ethics and standards of behavior established by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), including the standards regarding confidentiality.  You can learn more about them on the ICF website.

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