Book SummaryMaking Work Work, by Shola Richards

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Making Work Work

Core Elements of Optimism and Staying Upbeat

This section of the book focuses on the essential mindsets and attitudes required for creating and maintaining positivity within the workplace, emphasizing personal accountability and the effectiveness of a constructive outlook even when confronted with negativity.

Redefining Positivity as Compassion and Consideration for Better Outcomes

Richards emphasizes that true positivity isn't about naive optimism or ignoring problems; instead, he redefines it as a powerful tool for achieving better outcomes through deliberate actions rooted in benevolence and shared regard. It calls for acknowledging realities, while actively working towards improvement rather than passively accepting negativity. This approach applies to any workplace and highlights the simple yet profound impact of showing one another basic human decency.

Positivity Means Acknowledging Reality and Taking Steps to Improve It, Not Denying Negatives

Don’t confuse positivity with denial. Richards wants you to understand that positivity doesn't mean burying your head in the sand and pretending everything is perfect. It's not about slapping on a fake smile while your negative work environment gnaws at your soul. Instead, it's about realistically assessing challenging situations, acknowledging the negatives, and being proactive in seeking solutions rather than becoming paralyzed by the issues. Positivity doesn’t overlook reality, it engages constructively.

For instance, if you have a colleague who is consistently rude, a genuinely positive approach isn't to pretend their behavior doesn't bother you; it's about addressing the issue directly, setting boundaries, and advocating for a more respectful environment. This could involve having a direct and assertive conversation with the individual, seeking support from your Solutionist Society (more on that later), or even escalating the matter to someone more senior if needed. It's crucial that you're not burying the problem under a facade of forced optimism, but instead you're actively taking positive steps to enhance the circumstances.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Silver Lining Storyboard" on a bulletin board or digital app where you pin or upload pictures and notes that represent a positive angle to the challenges you face. This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder that even in tough times, there are positive elements to be found. For instance, if you're recovering from an injury, you might pin a photo of yourself taking a successful step during physical therapy.
• Develop a habit of constructive complaining with friends or family. Set aside a time during your gatherings where each person can share something that's bothering them, followed by one positive takeaway or learning experience from the situation. This encourages a balanced perspective that values growth and learning from difficulties, not just focusing on the positive.
• Create a "positivity action plan" for challenging situations. Before facing a known stressor, write down a positive and constructive response to it. If you're anxious about public speaking, your plan might include focusing on the opportunity to share valuable information with others and the steps you'll take to prepare and deliver your message effectively.
• You can practice direct communication by starting a 'No Small Talk' day once a week with friends or family. On this day, encourage everyone to only discuss meaningful topics or issues that are important to them, thereby fostering a habit of addressing matters head-on. This could lead to more open conversations about boundaries and expectations in relationships.
• Create a "respect pact" with friends or coworkers where you collectively agree to call out disrespectful behavior in a constructive manner and support each other in promoting a positive environment. This could involve setting up a regular check-in to discuss how you're doing and share strategies for maintaining a respectful atmosphere.
• Use a habit-tracking app to set and monitor personal goals for positive change. By breaking down larger goals into smaller, actionable steps, you can track your progress and stay motivated. For instance, if your goal is to improve your health, you might track your daily water intake or the number of steps you walk, with each small step contributing to the larger goal of a healthier lifestyle.

Cultivating Optimism Is Key to Overcoming Challenges and Progress

Richards argues that positivity is your strongest asset for navigating the inevitable challenges and obstacles you'll encounter in your work life. A constructive mindset empowers you to see hurdles as opportunities for growth and learning rather than impossible obstacles. This mindset helps you remain resilient when facing setbacks, maintain motivation, and achieve sustainable progress despite difficulties.

Think about a time when you faced a difficult project or situation at work. Did a negative attitude help you overcome that difficulty? Likely not. Instead, a negative mindset probably fueled self-doubt, stress, and hampered your ability to discover solutions. Conversely, approaching it with a positive outlook probably made you feel more energized, engaged, and open to creative problem-solving. Richards emphasizes that this doesn't mean forcing false cheer; it's about embracing a realistically optimistic mindset that seeks the best possible outcomes even when things are tough. This approach fuels persistence, fuels creativity, and ultimately, fuels progress.

Context

• The concept of using positivity to overcome challenges has roots in various philosophical and self-help traditions, emphasizing the power of mindset in achieving personal and professional goals.
• The concept of neuroplasticity suggests that our brains can change and adapt based on our thoughts and experiences. A constructive mindset can literally rewire the brain to be more adept...

Making Work Work Summary Addressing Workplace Negativity and Leading Positively

This section delves into the practical strategies for confronting negativity in professional settings. It empowers you to move beyond passively accepting negativity and instead act as an agent of positive transformation. It also explores how to embody true leadership, no matter your formal authority, by fostering a setting of respect, appreciation, and collective progress.

Addressing Negativity's "ABCs": Agitators, Bullies, Complainers

Richards highlights three key negativity archetypes that, left unchecked, can wreak havoc on workplace morale and productivity: 'Agitators' who spread incivility and disrespect, 'Bullies' who intentionally inflict harm, and 'Complainers' who drain energy and impede solutions. He provides concrete strategies for confronting each of these negativity types, emphasizing the importance of advocating for yourself while maintaining a solution-focused approach.

Using Assertiveness to Address Rude, Passive-Aggressive, and Thoughtless Behavior

Handling those who disrupt work environments by being rude, passive-aggressive, and inconsiderate can be incredibly frustrating. However, Richards stresses the importance of constructive responses to such...

Making Work Work Summary The R.E.A.L. Strategy For Creating Positive Change

The R.E.A.L. strategy serves as a comprehensive framework for implementing the principles covered in the earlier sections. It provides a step-by-step roadmap for creating meaningful and lasting beneficial transformations in your professional environment.

Building a Foundation of Compassion and Empathy

The book's core principle is reciprocal respect, which Richards refers to as Unyielding Respect. It's the basis for this entire initiative. It isn’t a passive concept—it demands action and intentionality, a conscious effort to consistently demonstrate that you recognize the importance of the thoughts, feelings, and well-being of your colleagues, no matter their status or role.

Communicate Respectfully

Richards stresses that respect for others starts with how we convey our thoughts and feelings, both verbally and nonverbally. This means being mindful of your vocal tone, choosing your words carefully, listening attentively without interrupting, and demonstrating nonverbal cues that convey openness and regard. It also means consistently using basic courtesy—saying "please" and expressing gratitude, acknowledging greetings, and avoiding dismissive behaviors like...