Marcus Buckingham says the most powerful force in business is not engagement, satisfaction, or loyalty — it is love. In this conversation, Marcus explains why the best leaders intentionally design workplaces and customer experiences that people genuinely love, and why organizations lose their humanity when the “founder’s flame” is replaced by the relentless maintenance of the machine.
Marcus unpacks the research behind his new book Design Love In, revealing how extreme positive experiences drive extraordinary behavior and why leaders must rethink the way they build culture, manage performance, and create connection. He also walks through the five sequential feelings that create love in organizations: control, harmony, significance, warmth of others, and growth.
Love Is a Measurable Business Force
Extreme positive experiences drive extraordinary loyalty, resilience, productivity, and growth.
The Founder’s Flame Must Be Protected
Organizations lose their humanity when operational machinery replaces human passion and purpose.
Great Leaders Design Experiences People Love
The most effective leaders intentionally create environments that people genuinely want to be part of.
Evaluate Your Workplace Through a Loving Lens
Examine whether your systems and leadership practices create experiences people genuinely value and enjoy.
Create Greater Clarity and Emotional Awareness
Help people understand the “rules of the game” while also recognizing and responding to their emotional realities.
Design for Human Connection, Not Just Performance
Look for intentional ways to make people feel seen, supported, and connected inside your organization.
