Curious Minds at Work CM 311: Dan Coyle Asks, Are You Flourishing?
Feb 7, 2026
Dan Coyle, author who studies how groups create high performance and meaning. He explores how intentional practices and small communal projects build belonging. He contrasts task focus with wide relational attention. He describes awakening cues, onboarding that fosters ownership, group flow, and tiny risks that spark lasting connection.
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Flourishing Is A Social Phenomenon
- Flourishing is joyful, meaningful growth that is inherently social and depends on community.
- Dan Coyle argues humans need others to bring out their best and to create shared aliveness.
Homer Nutcracker Creates 'Belonging In Motion'
- In Homer, Alaska, the whole town stages an elaborate Nutcracker with fishermen, dentists, and kids all playing roles.
- The event created belonging in motion and showed community acting like a garden, not a machine.
Meaning Plus Mess Drives Flourishing
- Flourishing places do two things: they make meaning and they do messy, aspirational projects together.
- Deep connection fuels collective projects, and projects deepen connection in return.
