Working Out Loud

“Working Out Loud = Observable Work + Narrating Your Work.”

In the 21st century, almost three-quarters of American workers feel “checked out” and unfulfilled. Worse, they take out their unhappiness on co-workers. In the last several decades, companies have placed increasing pressure on the workforce to become more productive, at the cost of people’s mental health and happiness.

When John Stepper realized he could make work more meaningful by viewing it as a place to “experiment and learn,” he shared that knowledge with other people. In order for his inspirational idea to work, other people had to share it. He learned the phrase “working out loud” from Bryce Williams, who defined it as “behaviors and critical outcomes of using social collaboration tools.” Working Out Loud is about others seeing what you do, and giving your work a “narrative” that makes it accessible. Stepper learned that when people’s three psychological needs – competence, autonomy and relatedness – are met, their drive, output and joy increase. “WOL Circles” can improve your sense of control in your current work environment or change your work altogether...