“My research revolves around transforming work into a more fulfilling experience,” remarked organizational psychologist and Wharton professor Adam Grant during this week’s episode of “Beast of the Week” on The Daily Beast Podcast. “I believe that for far too long, work has been a source of demotivation and lack of purpose for many individuals. It’s time we address this issue.”
What’s his key advice? Concentrate on tasks that hold significance. “The most effective counter to feelings of helplessness is fostering a sense of contribution,” Grant shared. “It’s essential to engage with something that captures my focus and allows me to divert my attention from the overwhelming external circumstances that lie outside of my influence.”
Speaking to both the idea of “meaningful” employment and the larger global context, Grant, along with co-hosts Joanna Coles and Samantha Bee, discussed the barrage of ambitious initiatives and news regarding President-elect Donald Trump as he gears up for his reentry into the White House.
“I spent the weekend with individuals who have engaged with the Trump transition team,” Coles stated. “Their perspective is that Donald Trump is thrilled to have this opportunity, as he believed it wasn’t going to happen… His priority is to ensure economic stability while enjoying himself.”
“He’s not looking to spend his concluding years embroiled in constant disputes,” Coles elaborated, acknowledging that this aspiration appears challenging, given his tendency to be unpredictable. “But genuinely, after a rather tough four years, he wants to find enjoyment.”
For Grant, true leadership consists of fostering alliances and surrounding oneself with individuals who can question one’s perspectives—qualities he feels are lacking in both Trump and his close associate Elon Musk.
“There’s substantial evidence indicating that high achievers in the business sector frequently struggle in the political arena… The approach to addressing issues in politics hinges on building relationships and forming coalitions, which isn’t exactly Elon’s forte,” Grant noted diplomatically.
“If you evaluate what distinguishes Elon as a remarkable innovator, particularly in hardware development… I wouldn’t classify him as our finest manager,” he added. “I wouldn’t necessarily cite him as a model for many of the leadership attributes I both study and teach at his former university.”
According to Grant, significant change arises from “internal disruptors” committed to community service. “Let’s not place our bets on Iron Man,” he concluded.
Interestingly, even Iron Man himself isn’t banking on “Iron Man,” as Robert Downey Jr. has publicly supported Kamala Harris and expressed a desire for the SpaceX entrepreneur to “moderate his behavior somewhat.”
