Studs Terkel died today. He was 96. He was significant to employee engagement for the book Working he wrote over 30 years ago. The full title of the book was, Working: People Talk About What They Do All Day and How They Feel About What They Do.
You could consider the book one of the earliest books on employee engagement and employee disengagement.
When it appeared, “Working” was a revelation, a window on the thoughts of Americans who were rarely heard from: hospital aides, skycaps, gravediggers. Many of the interviews follow a similar, surprising trajectory, beginning with mundane workplace details but quickly moving on to existential thoughts. Even for the lowliest laborers, Mr. Terkel found, work was a search, sometimes successful, sometimes not, “for daily meaning as well as daily bread
Here is a quotation from Terkel:
But once you become active in something, something happens to you. You get excited and suddenly you realize you count. ~ Studs Terkel
David,
I couldn’t agree more. In addition to the importance of his book, Studs Terkel lived his life to the full. He had a radio program on the public radio station in Chicago where he interviewed interesting people. He was ever curious, always open-minded, optimistic and good natured. I believe the way Studs lived and the many friends he had helped him live such a rich and productive life for 96 years.
Michael
Great tie in, David, between Terkel and engagement!
If you ever get the chance to see the musical “Working,” based on his book, catch it. It is really great theater.
Terry
Michael:
I love the curiosity, open-mindedness and good nature…makes such a difference for living and for bringing life to your work.
Terrence:
I have never heard to the musical working, I will have to watch for it. I am going to reread the book again.
David