Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi

Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi Discussion 5

First, watch the Ted Talk of Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi here

After you have watched the video, respond to two of the following questions:

  1. Have you ever experienced “the state of flow” that Csikzentmihalyi describes? What were you doing? What was the experience like for you?
  2. Were you surprised that an increase in material wealth does not bring more happiness? If so, why? If not, why not?
  3. Examine the seven conditions Csikzentmihalyi mentioned as being present in a state of flow. Why do you think those conditions must be met for an experience to become one of flow?
  4. Mention anything you might like to about “Good Business” the third book we’ve read on the use of flow in the workplace. What effect did those interviews have on your sense of the importance of flow in a job of your choosing?

Next, read the following article, Why Finding Meaning at Work is More Important than Happiness, from Fast Company.

Examine the idea of ‘ramping up our giving’ at work (as opposed to only thinking ‘what’s in it for me?’). Do you think that would help you to find meaning in your professional life? Why or why not?

Would you prefer to be seen as a ‘taker’ or a ‘matcher’ or a ‘giver’? Explain your answer.

In addition, please interact with at least one classmate for this discussion.