Are We Confusing Baseline Humanity for Joy? A Middle Manager’s Guide to True Workplace Empowerment
Why Flexibility and Clarity Are Baselines, Not Bonuses—and What Real Joy Actually Looks Like.
When I asked a group of mid-level professionals what brings them joy at work, their answers weren’t what I expected.
What is currently bringing you joy at your job?
Flexibility
Having clear goals around the “why”
Seeing tangible progress
Owning my own company to do it on my terms
Dr. Brené Brown defines joy as "an intense feeling of deep spiritual connection, pleasure, and appreciation" (Atlas of the Heart). With this definition in mind, the focus group left me wondering: are we settling for having our baseline needs met and forgetting what joy can bring into our lives?
As a career coach focused on leadership development and self-advocacy, I see this pattern constantly. We need to redefine what it means to thrive in the modern workplace.
Autonomy vs. Human Rights: The Middle Management Trap
When we spoke about flexibility at work, what brought people joy was the control they had over their lives—autonomy. Their lives still function when they can pick up their kids from school, go to the doctor, and eat when they’re hungry.
To me, this isn’t joy; it’s a human right. Some jobs leave people with such little fulfillment that we celebrate any ounce of being treated like an adult. Research shows that workplace flexibility is required for job satisfaction. But for coordinators and middle managers, who often bear the brunt of organizational stress, once we have that basic autonomy, thenwe can find joy.
Clarity and Purpose: Empowering Your Team
Next was clarity: knowing why your organization exists and why your specific talents are needed. As we gain experience, we also want to expand our sense of purpose. When our leaders are rooted in the “why” and share it passionately, we remain motivated to keep giving our best.
This is where employee empowerment can start to play. One participant works for an insurance company, while another owns her own business. Although they work in different sectors, purpose and meaning can be found in both. For the insurance employee, joy means being a valued member of a team, connecting the dots, and contributing to the mission. For the business owner, it’s sovereignty over her workflow and supporting clients she chooses to work with. When each of them taps into this rhythm, their work shines.
When was the last time you felt clarity at work? How did that impact your projects?
While we’re in such a remarkable transition in our country, let us discover what brings us joy. Do not confuse it with basic needs. Joy will lead us to great work that our communities are starving for. Each business started for a reason, and if that reason resonates with you, then joy is possible.
Tangible Progress: Defining Success for Self-Advocacy
Finally, our group discussed joy as the experience of seeing tangible progress—outcomes. What do you hope to accomplish through your efforts in your job? Is this aligned with your teammates?
Part of this method is understanding how progress is defined. I’ve had leaders withhold this information, which left me unmotivated to write the next grant application. Beyond hitting some large number, how are we moving the needle?
Knowing which benchmarks contribute to the overall measure of success allows our motivation to remain high. This participant feels the tingly, giddy buzz of joy each time she hits one of those benchmarks. She gets paid the same rate whether she goes through the motions or reaches for the next goal—the difference is the emotion attached to her day at work. The reality is, she will achieve more professional and economic success by making progress for the business.
Joy is such a simple word, yet it can change your day, your experiences, and your ability to reach your goals. If you’re a middle manager looking to foster a culture of true engagement, start by ensuring your team has the accessibility and clarity they need to move beyond survival mode.
About the Author: I am a career coach specializing in leadership development and self-advocacy for coordinators and middle managers. My values are rooted in accessibility and empowerment, helping professionals navigate workplace dynamics with confidence and clarity.
