Nine Lies About Work Book Summary - Nine Lies About Work Book explained in key points
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Nine Lies About Work summary

A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World

3.6 (98 ratings)
8 mins

Brief summary

Nine Lies About Work challenges commonly held beliefs about work, such as the myth of the well-rounded leader and the idea that people need feedback. It offers fresh perspectives on how to create a more successful and fulfilling workplace.

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    Nine Lies About Work
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    Your team matters more than the company name

    Lisa is standing at the crossroads of her career. She’s preparing to leave behind 18 years at Company A for a promising new opportunity at Company B – enticed by their celebrated culture and values, eager to contribute to something she believes in. Yet, just two weeks in, the gloss of Company B begins to fade as Lisa grapples with a manager's controlling and fear-based approach. It’s a stark realization for her: the immediate team and leader she works with overshadow the broader company culture. This challenges the common belief that people should care most about the company they work for.

    Like Lisa, you might be wondering what truly matters in our work experience. Is it the company's mission, or the day-to-day interactions we have? The answer lies in understanding the critical aspects of work experience that drive our engagement and performance.

    Consider for a start the enthusiasm you feel for your company's mission. It's about connecting with something greater, finding purpose in your work. This connection comes from your team leader, not the company itself. Now, think about the clarity of expectations in your role. Do you know what’s needed from you? This clarity fuels your journey, providing direction. Once again, this is a product of the team you’re working with.

    Likewise, shared values within your team create a sense of belonging, a community where you can thrive. And when you use your unique strengths every day, you’re not just working; you’re excelling in what comes naturally to you.

    Reflect on the trust within your team. Do your teammates have your back? This foundation of support is crucial. And when your hard work is recognized, it’s not just about the praise; it’s about feeling valued.

    Confidence in your company’s future gives you hope and direction, while a challenge to grow ensures your journey is one of continuous learning and development.

    Now, let’s circle back to Lisa. Her experience at Company B, overshadowed by a fear-based leadership style, shows that it's the local team experiences, shaped by immediate leaders and teammates, that truly determine her work-life quality. The critical aspects of work highlighted here demonstrate that it’s not just about the broader company mission or values, but about the daily interactions, the trust built within teams, and the opportunities to use your strengths and grow. So, as you navigate your own career path, remember, it’s the team you’re part of and the leader you follow that will truly shape your work experience.

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    What is Nine Lies About Work about?

    Nine Lies About Work (2019) challenges common beliefs and practices in the workplace, proposing that many widely accepted truths about work are actually misconceptions. It aims to shift our understanding of work, advocating for a focus on individual strengths, the importance of the team, and the intrinsic love of work.

    Nine Lies About Work Review

    Nine Lies About Work (2019) challenges conventional wisdom about work and provides fresh insights to help us lead and thrive in the modern workplace. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • It debunks nine popular myths about work, shedding light on what truly drives performance and engagement in our professional lives.
    • Through compelling research, case studies, and practical examples, the book offers new perspectives, empowering readers to question and reframe their assumptions about work.
    • The authors' thought-provoking ideas and straightforward approach ensure that the book is far from boring, keeping readers engaged and inspired to rethink their own work experiences.

    Who should read Nine Lies About Work?

    • Managers seeking to improve team dynamics and performance
    • Employees looking to enhance their work experience and productivity
    • Anyone interested in reevaluating and challenging traditional workplace practices and beliefs

    About the Author

    Marcus Buckingham is an author and speaker renowned for his strengths-based approach to work and leadership. His other best-selling books include First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths.

    Ashley Goodall is a leadership expert and executive at Cisco, known for his innovative perspectives on team dynamics and personal development. He’s also the author of The Problem With Change.

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    Nine Lies About Work FAQs 

    What is the main message of Nine Lies About Work?

    The main message of Nine Lies About Work is that we need to challenge conventional wisdom and rethink how we approach work.

    How long does it take to read Nine Lies About Work?

    The estimated reading time for Nine Lies About Work is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is Nine Lies About Work a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Nine Lies About Work is a compelling read that provides insights into common misconceptions about work and offers practical advice. It's definitely worth reading.

    Who is the author of Nine Lies About Work?

    Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall are the authors of Nine Lies About Work.

    What to read after Nine Lies About Work?

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