Finding the true meaning of work
How can we come together to create the future of work for mutual benefit with our communities?
What does work mean to us—as individuals, as communities, and in an age of exponential change? Wanting answers, I find myself asking: What is work? How does work help us, as humans, achieve the wellness and wealth we desire? How does it affect others? Does our work shape our community? And if it does, does our community, in turn, give back, helping us do our work? What about the forces of digital technology—data-driven, artificially intelligent, and virtually experienced? Are we doing our work differently? Intentionally—or are we unaware, just drifting? Is the connection between work and community evolving—exponentially or otherwise—toward greater relevance and meaning, or is it fading, becoming less consequential, in ways we cannot control?
These questions are critical for communities, and personal to me as I reconsider my own work as a writer, on a mission to explore the future of communities and innovations to help them thrive. At the end of this piece, inspired by my explorations, I propose a way forward for my work—realigning purpose, methods, and outcomes—with the power of community to make it so. And I ask: Where do we go from here? How can we come together to create the future of work for mutual benefit with communities?
Toward an understanding of work
Years ago, as a newly commissioned naval officer, floating on faraway seas for months on end, my work involved driving the ship, operating its propulsion plant, and taking on a succession of roles that included supervising deck evolutions, managing radio communications systems, and ensuring reactor chemistry concentrations and radiological safety. Every role I filled was distinct, with its own responsibilities, challenges, and success criteria. But when combined with the work of others, it contributed in concert to a shared mission—keeping the sea lanes open for global commerce, cultural connections, and national security. My service came with sacrifice and rewards, and I often reflected on the meaning and measures of my profession’s work. What did it achieve? What was its value? And how could it be done better?
Back then, recruiting advertisements declared that naval service was “... not just a job. It’s an adventure.” My shipmates and I mostly mocked the ads, seeing them as painting a soft patina on a hard existence. (Watch one here to see my point, or just for kicks.) Yet, for me, the ads held a deeper truth: Work is not a job. A job is a contract offered by an employer, with compensation for time, labor, and outcomes. But work is something we define for ourselves, shaped by what we do for those we love or for a purpose that matters. It can be done with or without pay, alone or within organizations, and often in pursuit of an enduring mission or transcendent vision, as in the body of effort that defines “a life’s work.” While work might include a job, it goes beyond any paycheck. But what is it?
As a student of engineering mechanics, I learned that work is mathematically defined as force multiplied by distance, or W = F x D. This formula, like many others, is a concise computation—an expression of interactions that lead to an outcome. But when carefully examined, formulas can also serve as portals to philosophical inquiry. If you’ll allow me, I offer three observations, drawn from my experience and illuminated by that formula, as first principles for innovating work:
The work we do begins with a choice: to commit our personal energy—our human life force—to a meaningful purpose.
It is not time but distance that amplifies our force. Distance measures progress; time simply marks the moments that pass.
Work improves when done as part of a greater whole, with each person contributing their work transparently, recognizing interdependence, and striving toward a common good.
Turning to the present, digital technologies are reshaping how we accomplish tasks, relentlessly driving us toward a so-called “future of work.” Technology offers us infinite knowledge at our fingertips, global connectivity, instant communications, gig work uncoupled from traditional employment, and, most significantly, the ability to work anywhere, anytime—often at home, blurring the boundaries between work and the rest of life, or perhaps merging them entirely. Artificial intelligence tools offer frictionless productivity, driven by data but often without regard for human factors. By neglect or design, we risk diminishing work’s ability to foster human dignity, community ties, trust, and shared wellness and wealth.
Reading what I have written so far, I feel closer to understanding work—but I also recognize that my words reflect my thoughts only, not yet enriched by others wiser than me. Seeking more, I turned to ChatGPT’s new advanced reasoning model—named o1 (pronounced oh-one) and covered in this just published article. Together, we gathered 50 nuanced understandings of the nature of work—past, present, and future. With this expanded understanding, we discussed what makes an innovation hypothesis actionable and crafted one. Rather than recount every step, you can click here to access our list of experts, see a summary of their insights on work, review how we created our hypothesis, and deepen your own ideas about innovating communities—or challenge mine.
Here, then, is an innovation hypothesis designed for this article, but adaptable for real-world collaboration within a community, maybe yours:
By establishing a community-driven, digitally facilitated capability that fosters mutual support, resource-sharing, and transparent goal setting, we can improve both individual work satisfaction and collective well-being. This capability will enhance the quality of individual work, strengthen the networks that sustain and improve it, and adapt to meet the changing needs of its participants over time.
I am in the home stretch, eager to explore my hypothesis and offer a hint of what might be possible. While I cannot put it to a test, I can share a story. If it seems plausible, we may be on to something.
I was once engaged by a trade magazine to write about how next-generation owners designed startup businesses to reflect their unique values. One interview explored the mission, ethos, and operations of an artisanal roaster and coffee shop. At one point, I asked about barista recruiting, training, and turnover, and how he managed to compete with the scale and efficiency of national chains. The owner’s answer surprised me. Maintaining a staff of skilled baristas was an issue, but also a responsibility—and an opportunity.
On the job, every barista learned about sustainable farming, international shipping, roasting beans, brewing techniques, operating high-end espresso machines, and ultimately, delivering a humanly crafted customer experience. When a skilled barista left, the business suffered a loss—but the community gained. The craft values learned through artisanal work are transferable, serving baristas well wherever they go. Individuals so trained become assets to the community, every departure a contribution to a local workforce strengthened by valued experience. Imagine if every owner were so enlightened. By mentoring skilled workers, we ensure better work is done and build a community better equipped to create wealth and wellness for all.
One last step—thank you for staying with me. I asked ChatGPT’s o1 model to reflect on what I have written and to evaluate the capabilities of an organization in my local community, Opus Creative. Here is what o1 returned, with a touch of my own editing as a collaborating human:
Mark,
Reflecting on your hypothesis, story, and our collaboration, I see how the coffee shop owner’s practices align with the innovation hypothesis: intentional skill-building and mentorship foster both individual growth and community well-being.
Yet, I must highlight what is missing—reciprocity. While the owner contributes “community capital” by nurturing skilled workers, your story does not show the community giving back.
Communities could reciprocate by helping this owner and others in several ways: using shared resources to build loyalty and increase store traffic, advocating for them with suppliers, property developers, and educators, and creating ongoing conversations to identify new opportunities for generating and rewarding community capital. Such efforts could create a sustainable and virtuous cycle of mutual benefit.
Thank you for sharing Opus Creative’s mission and capabilities. While not directly a community-driven, digitally facilitated platform, Opus Creative’s collaborative ethos and expertise in storytelling could support such an initiative, amplifying its reach and impact.
Together, my reflections affirm the potential of purposeful work and community-driven innovations to help workers and their communities thrive.
Your partner,
o1
All done. That was fun. The ideas explored above are just the beginning. The next step is ours—to shape the future of work and community together. And when I say “ours,” I mean you, me, and (AI tools like) ChatGPT.
About the art
Just for fun, here’s the original title with a synopsis, as if the work was displayed in a gallery or museum. I also offer alternative titles and descriptions. Do you see a difference? Which do you think best represents the innovations discussed in this edition? Please share your thoughts below.
Original: The Art of Community Brew
Synopsis: This piece captures the essence of a coffee shop as a microcosm of the community, blending artisanal craftsmanship with mutual growth. The barista training area and interactive displays symbolize skill-building and knowledge sharing, while the vibrant community board celebrates collective contributions. The artwork invites viewers to reflect on the symbiotic relationship between work and community.
Alternative: Beans, Bonds, and Beyond
Synopsis: This artwork encapsulates the coffee shop’s role as more than a venue—it is a crucible for creativity, learning, and connection. The dynamic interactions between workers and patrons showcase how intentional mentorship and community support can redefine work and its impact on society.
A Way Forward
In many ways, this entire article is a way forward: exploring the meaning and value of work, offering an innovation hypothesis, and sharing a story as proof of concept—all achieved through a radical collaboration with an AI partner. Now, I’m seeking aspirations and experiences. If that’s you, or if you know someone, please comment below, DM me on Substack, or reach out directly at mark.dancer@n4bi.com.
As promised, I close this edition by sharing my plans for evolving my work. With a renewed focus on exploring the future of communities in the digital age and fostering innovations to help them thrive, I want to build a diverse community of like-minded people that might include innovators, journalists, owners, leaders, writers, founders, workers, technicians, scientists, creators, and more—one person at a time, or a few.
To do this, I’m considering an invitation-only paid subscription that goes beyond what’s offered to free subscribers. My vision is to create something truly collaborative, where members share needs and ideas, and I tailor my research and writing to deliver what’s most valuable.
I also plan to leverage Substack’s capabilities: shorter, more frequent observations on current events; ideas for “what if” discussions; chat feeds for online conversations; video meetings for “ask me anything” sessions; and more.
Most importantly, I envision a culture of mutual support, where members help each other—whether through the Substack platform or offline conversations. As this community grows, I may even organize in-person meetups to deepen connections.
All of this will be offered as part of a paid subscription, priced at less than a weekly cup of artisanal coffee!
Over to you—please share your feedback, suggestions, and questions.