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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Great Work summary
David Sturt
How to Make a Difference People Love
14 mins
Brief summary
Great Work by David Sturt is a business book that explores how some people are able to consistently produce exceptional work. It offers tips and strategies for increasing our own productivity and creating meaningful contributions in the workplace.
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Great Work
Summary of 7 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 7
Think about how the way you do your job can benefit others.
Imagine that you’re recovering from surgery in a hospital. Which would you prefer: a janitor who noisily rushes through his cleaning routine in the ward, or one who recognizes your suffering, and works carefully and quietly?
Clearly, the way this janitor does his job affects your well-being. In the same way, the way you do your job will always have a huge impact on others.
Yet most of us work with our heads down, so immersed in checking off our daily to-do list that we miss all of the other factors in work life. The noisy janitor, for example, isn’t trying to be insensitive. He’s just preoccupied with getting all the rooms cleaned as quickly as possible.
However, we can broaden our perspective by working with our head up. Job crafting can help us change our perception of work – from being something we just need to do, to a vehicle through which we can make a positive difference in people’s lives. In this example, it means the janitor changing his routine so he causes the least disturbance and noise.
But crafting your job isn’t enough. You can also reframe in order to discover what benefits you can provide for others.
Reframing is when you make a mental link between your job and a greater purpose: its value to society and its potential to make a difference.
Reframing is about considering how your work affects others, and trying to see a larger purpose beyond the immediate goals of your job.
A hospital janitor might see the potential to improve patients’ mood simply by talking to them and making subtle rearrangements in their rooms.
You too can take your work beyond the to-do list by reframing your role.
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What is Great Work about?
Whether you're an entrepreneur or a corporate employee, Great Work lays out the five primary skills you need to make a difference that people will love. These blinks look at iconic innovations from recent history to offer clear examples of how you can create or improve upon your ideas so they have a positive impact on people’s lives.
Great Work Review
Great Work by David Sturt (2013) is a captivating exploration of what it takes to excel in our work and make a meaningful impact in the world. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It presents a wealth of inspiring stories from individuals who have achieved extraordinary results, giving readers a roadmap for their own success.
- The book provides practical techniques and strategies that can be implemented immediately, helping readers unlock their full potential in their professional lives.
- With its engaging and relatable narrative, the book manages to keep readers thoroughly entertained while still delivering valuable insights and guidance.
Best quote from Great Work
Good is the foundation of great.
—David Sturt
Who should read Great Work?
- Anyone who is tired of doing work that’s just “good enough”
- Anyone who wants to make a difference in the world
- Anyone who has a great idea that they want to put into practice
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Great Work FAQs
What is the main message of Great Work?
Achieve excellence in your work by focusing on what truly matters and making a significant impact.
How long does it take to read Great Work?
The reading time for Great Work varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Great Work a good book? Is it worth reading?
Great Work is worth reading because it provides practical insights and strategies for maximizing your impact in the workplace.
Who is the author of Great Work?
The author of Great Work is David Sturt.
What to read after Great Work?
If you're wondering what to read next after Great Work, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Mastering Leadership by Robert J. Anderson and William A. Adams
- First Things First by Stephen R. Covey
- The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz with Janet Mills
- Livewired by David Eagleman
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda
- Outwitting the Devil by Napoleon Hill
- Blueprint by Nicholas A. Christakis
- The Procrastination Cure by Jeffery Combs
- The Art of Stopping Time by Pedram Shojai
- Say What You Mean by Oren Jay Sofer