The Non-Obvious Show · Episode 82
How To Overcome the Daily Norms Holding You Back
with Nilofer Merchant
In This Episode
Nilofer Merchant discusses the hidden norms shaping our work environment, how to challenge them, and reframe our approach to work for greater fulfillment and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Invisible rules and norms in the workplace
- How to ask generative questions to unlock solutions
- The importance of truth and perspective in leadership
- Challenging systemic issues in organizations
- The role of norms in trust and engagement
- Personal stories revealing systemic flaws
- The concept of 'crusty truth' in business stories
- Reframing work to benefit all and solve meaningful problems
What We Cover
- 00:00The Cage of Work: Understanding Our Constraints
- 01:58Generative Questions: Unlocking Possibilities
- 04:11The Power of Real Stories in Business
- 06:44Navigating Truth and Perspective
- 10:23Rethinking Norms: The 24 Norms of Work
- 18:29Trust and Self-Validation in the Workplace
- 24:31Self-Sacrifice vs. Systemic Change
- 33:59Reframing Work: A Vision for the Future
About The Guest
Nilofer Merchant
Strategist, author of The Power of Onlyness
Nilofer Merchant is a business strategist and author of The Power of Onlyness and Our Best Work. She launched products at Apple and Autodesk, has taught business strategy at Stanford, and coined the idea of onlyness, the distinct spot only one person occupies.
nilofermerchant.com ↗
