The World's Best Book Summaries
Is there a lack of autonomy in your workplace? Do you want to change the culture at the company where you work? A company with little autonomy is a company that is likely going to fail. In The Unicorn Project, Gene Kim demonstrates how a lack of employee autonomy in the workplace almost destroyed a department, until employees started taking matters into their own hands. Keep reading to learn how to take back autonomy at work.
What’s logrolling? How does it create value in a negotiation? Logrolling means trading negotiation items that both parties value. Understanding what each party cares about most is crucial to nailing down a deal. Continue reading to learn more about logrolling in negotiation.
What are commons signs of a toxic work environment? How do fear and blame break employees? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim presents a fictional case study of Parts Unlimited, a once-mighty auto parts manufacturer that’s fallen behind the times and its competitors. This is mainly because of the soul-crushing work conditions it’s allowed to develop in its IT department. Let’s look at what Kim believes are symptoms of toxic company culture.
Do you have a big negotiation coming up? Do you feel ready? According to Negotiation Genius by Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman, the first step to effective negotiation is preparation. Before you enter a negotiation, you must have your negotiables ready and gather as much information as you can about the other party. Let’s look at how to prepare for a negotiation so that you’re ready for anything.
Do you have trouble guiding large group discussions? How should effective work meetings be conducted? In Fierce Conversations, Susan Scott provides a model that is intended to uncover all important details and perspectives of complex issues in large groups. This is important because organizations are multifaceted with individuals who have different perspectives on issues. To structure your large group discussion, Scott provides the following guidelines.
What are areas that will increase productivity in the workplace? How important is a manager’s encouragement at work? The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim’s recipe for a productive workplace contains elements that are applicable in any organizational setting. These include a focus on the needs of the customer, an environment in which candor is rewarded, a culture dedicated to improvement, and management that enables employees to find a sense of flow and pleasure in their work. Let’s dive into management practices that focus heavily on increasing productivity in the workplace.
What’s value creation in negotiation? Why is value important for both parties? When negotiating, your goal should be to get the best possible deal for yourself while strengthening your relationship with the other party. To achieve a good deal and a stronger relationship, you must not only claim but create value. Keep reading to learn more about value creation in negotiation, according to Deepak Malhotra and Max H. Bazerman’s book Negotiation Genius.
What are the benefits of a customer-centric approach in business? Why is it advised to keep business strategies simple and straightforward? If you’re running a company, the customer should always be at the center of your focus. Anything other than that creates a complicated system that ultimately fails because projects grow out of control. Continue reading for a customer-centric approach that keeps things in moderation.
Do you show your employees you have trust in them? How should you create an environment of emotional safety at work? Trust at work goes a long way, especially from employers to employees. When an employee feels that sense of trust, you’re encouraging them to speak up when problems arise and work on solutions together. Find out how to create a feeling of emotional safety at work, according to The Unicorn Project by Gene Kim.
What level of autonomy at work should you give to your employers? How do you find the balance of control as a manager? Will Guidara’s book Unreasonable Hospitality shares excellent lessons that anyone can apply to their career. One lesson is to find a good balance of control at work, letting your employees take initiative while also stepping in when needed. Here’s how to find that balance, according to Guidara.