The World's Best Book Summaries
How original is the work you do? How is its value (and your enjoyment) related to its originality? In Working Hard, Hardly Working, entrepreneur and influencer Grace Beverley shares recommendations on how to be creative at work. She contends that the originality you infuse into your work will make it more valuable—and it will make you more fulfilled. Continue reading for Beverley’s practical tips that you can start using today.
Does work drain you or energize you? Do you look forward to starting your work day, or do you dread it? If all of your enjoyable moments in your day are outside of work hours, Grace Beverley has some good news for you. She says that you don’t need to quit your job or find a new one to find satisfaction throughout your day; you can simply make your current work more enjoyable. Keep reading to discover how to enjoy work by following Beverley’s recommendations.
Do you ever lose track of time when you’re working? What type of tasks engross you? Grace Beverley brings productivity and self-care together in her book Working Hard, Hardly Working. She says that flow makes productivity a form of self-care because the feeling of being engrossed in a task is joyful and satisfying. Read more to learn why a flow state at work is beneficial and how to achieve it.
What is the best team-building advice? As a manager, how can you encourage teamwork? Good team-building advice includes cultivating a shared team identity and encouraging self-sacrifice for the good of the team. By learning to encourage team values, you can make your team much more effective. Continue reading to discover the best ways to encourage teamwork.
Can learning how to build trust among team members improve the quality of your work? How can positivity make a difference in team dynamics? To build trust among team members, focus on finding reliable team members and improving communication. Knowing how to do this can make your team much more effective. Learn the best ways to build a trusting team that works together well.
What are employees’ concerns about AI in the workplace? How can companies foster a healthy relationship between employees and AI to enhance productivity? Nearly 40% of US workers fear that AI will make their job responsibilities obsolete—and psychologists say it’s wreaking havoc on their mental health. Employees who fear that AI will take over their jobs are more likely to feel undervalued at work, experience symptoms of workplace burnout, and look for other jobs. Here’s a look at the top AI fears, and what companies can do to assuage them.
Are you rigid with your goals, or do you give them room to breathe? How do you handle fluctuations in motivation? Goals are an important part of achievement. But, your approach to setting and fulfilling goals has a big impact on their effectiveness. Oliver Burkeman recommends that you adopt a flexible goal mindset, and he shares three practical tips to move you in that direction. Keep reading to learn how to change your goal mindset as well as your relationship with success itself.
How can you escape the hustle culture at work? Why shouldn’t you set aggressive goals? How and why should you give your employees private time? In It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work, Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson teach you how to build an organization employees would be thrilled to work for. They detail the three qualifications to look for when scouting for any potential hire and why employees need private time to work. Read below for a brief overview of It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work.
How long is your to-do list? Do time-sensitive tasks get lost in the shuffle? Do urgent items constantly keep important items on the back burner? Grace Beverley says there’s a better way. She recommends the Eisenhower Method as a replacement for a traditional to-do list. She explains how it can help you increase productivity, minimize wasted time, and stay organized. Keep reading to learn how the Eisenhower Method works and consider how it might be a valuable work companion.
When practicing, which is more important—quality or quantity? When should you sleep in relation to your practice time? How much practice should you fit into one day? In The First 20 Hours, skill acquisition expert Josh Kaufman outlines a step-by-step process for mastering the basics of any new skill with only 20 hours of practice. He provides several tips designed to help you get the most out of those 20 hours. Keep reading to get Kaufman’s advice on leveraging the 20-hour rule of skill acquisition.