The World's Best Book Summaries
Do you need to improve morale at your workplace? What leadership model could make this happen? When Captain L. David Marquet took command of USS Santa Fe in 1999, the need to improve morale was palpable. He accomplished this feat within a year by deploying the leader-leader model to empower the demoralized crew. Read more to learn how to improve morale with the leader-leader model.
Do you know how to find your dream job? What does that job look like? When you consider your dream job, you might think about a certain industry, role, or title. Even more important to consider are the terms of the job. Does it allow you freedom and flexibility? Does it help you make a difference and leave a legacy? In other words, your dream job probably involves autonomy and mission. Read more to understand what desirable jobs entail and learn how to find your dream job.
What constitutes effective feedback? How can you ensure that your feedback is acted upon? According to Douglas Stone and Sheila Heen, the authors of Thanks for the Feedback, there are just two elements of feedback: 1) the looking-back element, and 2) the looking-forward element. To ensure your feedback is taken on board, make sure that the receiver understands both parts. Here is how to structure feedback to ensure both the giver and the receiver are on the same page.
When you take pride in your work, what difference does it make for you—and your work? How can you, as a leader, help others have this attitude—and behavior—of pride? David Marquet shares leadership principles that he employed to turn around a demoralized submarine crew. He offers practical ways—such as the three-name rule—that you can take pride in your work and turn around things for your team. The key is to start with behaving proud, and thinking proud will follow. Read more to learn how taking pride in your work can lead to a change in thinking and morale.
How can you dedicate your career to fulfilling your personal mission? What are the practical steps? Having a mission is a trait of a lovable job. It focuses your career, and it’s useful to the world— it might even change the world. When your work makes a difference, you find more joy and satisfaction. You also make a bigger impact and leave a greater legacy. Read more to learn about your personal mission in the context of your career.
What is the book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work about? Why doesn’t motivation based on financial incentives work anymore? How can employers make employees feel motivated to do their best work? In the book Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work, Paul Marciano argues that engagement stems from respect and that employees don’t want to feel like a cog in a chain. That’s why Marciano suggests that managers use the RESPECT model to motivate their employees. Continue reading for an overview of Carrots and Sticks Don’t Work and the RESPECT model.
What is effective team communication in the leader-leader model? How can leaders communicate without controlling? Submarine captain David Marquet found that brief and early conversations with his crew at all levels were the key to effective team communication. Ultimately these conversations saved time, prevented mistakes, and focused efforts on the right objectives. Read more to learn this method of effective team communication.
Do you have job autonomy? If not, what’s the best way to acquire it? Job autonomy is the ability to control what you work on and how you work, including schedule and office space. It’s one of the traits that make a job desirable. The best way to have autonomy is to develop skills that make you invaluable. First, it’s helpful to know how important workplace autonomy is—and when it’s the right time to go for it. Read more to learn how and when to secure job autonomy.
Want to know how to get the job you want? What do you need to include in your resume? You can get the job you want by studying the business of your potential employer, developing a plan of how you can help the company, and presenting that plan to the person making the hiring decision. Your resume must include information about your education, experience, references, and relevant qualifications. Read on to learn more about how to get the job you want.
Do you have scarce skills that are in high demand? How can they be developed? Scarce skills equal career capital. You can develop them to the point where you’re so good people can’t ignore you. Then you can cash them in to get the job you want. Read more to learn how to develop and leverage scarce skills.