Finding Meaning in the Everyday: A Control Engineer's Realization

Summary: In the fast-paced world of control engineering, it's easy to get lost in the daily grind and overlook the small moments that bring joy and purpose. Here, we follow Phyllis, a dedicated control engineer, as she discovers the power of micro-moments of meaning and transforms her work life.

Micro-moments of meaning are brief yet impactful experiences that foster a sense of connection, purpose, and joy in our daily lives. These small interactions—like a thoughtful conversation, a moment of gratitude, or a shared laugh—can significantly enhance our overall well-being and satisfaction, especially in the workplace.

Meet Phyllis: A Senior Control Engineer Waking Up to New Possibilities

One crisp morning, Phyllis, a seasoned control engineer, woke up feeling a sense of unease. As she prepared for another busy day at the plant, she realized she had been missing out on something vital: the little moments that made her work meaningful. She had been so focused on deadlines and project milestones that she forgot to appreciate the connections she had with her colleagues and the impact of her work.

"Finding meaning in our work doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, it’s in the smallest moments." — Dr. Gemma Leigh Roberts

Determined to shift her perspective, Phyllis adopted a mindset centered around micro-moments of meaning.

Embracing Micro-Moments

Phyllis started small, consciously seeking out moments throughout her day that connected her to her values and colleagues. Here’s how she did it:

1. Morning Check-Ins: Instead of diving straight into her tasks, Phyllis made it a point to greet her team members in the morning, asking about their weekend plans or simply sharing a laugh.
2. Celebrating Small Wins: She began to celebrate minor achievements, like successfully debugging a system or completing a design revision. A simple “great job!” could go a long way in boosting morale.
3. Reflective Breaks: During her breaks, Phyllis took a moment to step outside, breathe in the fresh air, and reflect on the positive impact of her work. This helped her regain focus and appreciate her contributions.
4. Peer Support: Phyllis actively offered her help to colleagues facing challenges, whether it was troubleshooting a control system or brainstorming solutions. This not only strengthened her relationships but also fostered a collaborative environment.
5. End-of-Day Reflections: At the end of each day, Phyllis took a few minutes to jot down three moments that brought her joy or satisfaction. This practice helped her to consistently recognize the value of her daily experiences.

"Micro-moments of meaning provide us with purpose and motivation, enhancing our overall satisfaction." — Unknown.

As Phyllis embraced this new mindset, she noticed a significant shift in her attitude and overall job satisfaction. The stress of deadlines felt more manageable, and her relationships with her colleagues flourished. She was no longer just a cog in the machine; she felt connected to a larger purpose.

Tips for Control Engineers to Cultivate Micro-Moments of Meaning

• Be Present: Take time to fully engage in conversations and activities. Put away distractions and focus on the people around you.
• Express Gratitude: Acknowledge the efforts of your colleagues. A simple thank you can uplift spirits and strengthen bonds.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for input from peers and supervisors to understand how your contributions affect the team and the project.
• Create Rituals: Establish small routines that encourage connection, such as team coffee breaks or shared lunch discussions.

Reader’s Question: What micro-moments of meaning have you experienced in your engineering career, and how have they impacted your work?

Suggested Hashtags for Sharing:

#MicroMoments #ControlEngineering #WorkplaceWellbeing #MindsetShift #EngineerLife #TeamConnection

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Marc LeVine is a Syracuse (NY) University graduate with a degree in Industrial Psychology; Marc is currently a Talent Acquisitions Manager at Thermo Systems. He received the Excellence in Talent Acquisitions Award from HR Awards in 2021.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.

Marc's prior employment includes senior Human Resources and Staffing Industry management roles with Edgewood Properties in Piscataway, NJ; Brickforce Staffing in Edison, NJ; InfoPro Inc. in Woodbridge, NJ and Plainsboro, NJ; and Harvard Industries in Farmingdale, NJ; a former Fortune 500 company. He also served as Director of Human Resources for New Jersey Press, the parent company of the Asbury Park Press, Home News and Tribune, and WKXW-NJ101.5. Earlier in his career, Marc served as Director of Career Services and Placement at Union Technical Institute in Eatontown and Neptune, NJ. In addition, Marc owned and operated Integrity Consulting Associates, a New Jersey-based Human Resources and Social Media Marketing firm, for 11 years. Marc also served as Council President in his Freehold Borough, NJ hometown.

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