The Work Revolution by Julie Clow

It’s time for us to revolutionize how we work.

In this awesome book The Work Revolution: Freedom and Excellence for All, the author Julie Clow insists we need a work-life that is both fulfilling and fun (and we shouldn’t feel guilty about achieving that).

I have to admit I’m obsessed with this book. It’s one of those I will keep on  my bookshelf for future reference and to re-read for years and years.

It’s not just a book you read and forget about, it makes you perform self-assessments, complete case studies and challenges the normalcy of the work force.

 

What this book is about

“The Work Revolution is about changing the way the world sees work. What if everyone got satisfaction from their job? How would this affect their productivity and performance? Research shows that employee engagement is highly correlated with business success, individual achievement, and better health, but only about 30% of employees are truly engaged. It shouldn’t be this hard, and it isn’t. By making simple changes to improve our relationships with work and each other, we can systematically ignite a work revolution everywhere. Each of us plays a role in this revolution, and it starts today.” - Source

About the book

This book is divided into nine chapters:

• Chapter 1 – This Thing We Call Work
• Chapter 2 – Signs We Have it Wrong
• Chapter 3 – The New Rules
• Chapter 4 – Impact, Not Activities
• Chapter 5 – Energy, Not Schedules
• Chapter 6 – Strengths, Not Job Slots
• Chapter 7 – The Rights Things, Not Everything
• Chapter 8 – Grassroots, Not Top-Down
• Chapter 9 – Conclusion

Of all the books I’ve read this year, this one is by far my favorite. I kept gushing about it to my friends, to the point they want to buy it now too!

Each chapter was full of many enlightening moments and I even experienced several epiphanies of my own.

I feel like this book is just the beginning to a wonderful movement (if nothing else at least a mindset change) among young adults in my generation.  We underestimate ourselves, we need to be more entitled.

 

What you will learn

I felt that every chapter was just teaser for greater topics and books to come (I hope Julie publishes more). I was sad the book ended because I felt it only scratched the surface and I didn’t want to stop learning.

My favorite ideas I’ve formed from reading this book:

• It’s not about finding the perfect job, it’s about creating the perfect fit in the job you already have
• Creativity should be embraced in the workplace, not crushed
• Some people work in creative ways, don’t judge them for “not working” the same way you do
• Results are more important and far more valuable than hours logged
• Don’t feel guilty to quit something you dislike, to give to someone who loves it

 

This book is for anyone

Julie shares advice for all types of workers and companies, like:

• Organizations
• Leaders
• Individuals
• Everyone

A lot of the principles and advice are geared towards managers, company leaders and groups of workers. However, I found a lot of valuable tips for individuals like me who work in small companies.

Even if you work as your on boss (like I do as well) there’s a TON of advice on increasing productivity and focusing on the right/important things.

 

About the Author

Julie graduated with her Ph.D. in behavioral analysis in 2000 and has cultivated her lifelong love of learning.

In 2006, she began working for Google and it changed her view of work and career- inspiring her to ask if her experiences of freedom and autonomy that permeate the Google work culture could be replicated for everyone.

Through her questions and explorations, The Work Revolution was born. After working for Google for five years to cultivate team effectiveness, leadership and the organizational culture, Julie has relocated to New York to serve as the head of the learning and development for a nontraditional mid-size investment management company.

She has become quite the globe-trotter to speak at conferences and industry events but can be found on Twitter and her blog.

Connect with Julie or buy the book

• Buy the Book on Amazon
• The Work Revolution Website
• Twitter
• Facebook

 

 Photo Credit:  Site