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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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No Hard Feelings summary
The Secret Power of Embracing Emotions at Work
21 mins
Brief summary
No Hard Feelings by Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy is a guide to navigating emotions in the workplace. With humor and research, it shows how acknowledging and managing emotions can lead to more creativity and productivity.
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No Hard Feelings
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Key idea 1 of 7
It’s possible to build a healthy emotional culture at work through small, positive actions.
Would you rather work in an office where people say a cheery “hello” to one another in the hall, and share the occasional moment of joy or sadness? Or one where people appear enthusiastic at their desks but head off to the bathroom for a long, lonely cry.
A healthy emotional culture in the workplace makes a difference. For example, a study by Kim Cameron, a professor at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, found that organizations that discourage compassion and gratitude have higher staff turnover rates. Meanwhile, research from Barry Staw, a professor at Berkeley, showed that employees whose managers are rude are more likely to make poor decisions, and they forget important information more frequently.
The good news is that it doesn’t take an organizational overhaul to encourage emotional expression in the workplace. In fact, small gestures can be particularly important. Take the example of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Group’s 10/5 rule. The hotel’s employees are taught that if they walk within ten feet of someone, they should smile and make eye contact. Within five feet, they offer a friendly “hello.” The 10/5 rule has been implemented at hospitals, and it seems to make not just customers, but also employees happier.
Another way to build a positive emotional culture is to cultivate a sense of belonging.
Doing so is a good investment because, as a 2017 New York Times article noted, a feeling of not belonging among employees is one of the highest predictors of turnover. Google’s own research shows that employees who get a warm welcome from their managers on the first day at the office are more productive a full nine months later.
So try taking an idea from IDEO, the design consultancy where Duffy, one of the authors, works. The company gives each of their new hires a first-day enterview, in which everyone who interviewed the new recruit shares exactly why they are pumped for him or her to join. And they go one step further: after filling out a quirky onboarding survey a few weeks before her start date, Duffy made a pleasant discovery on her first day of work – a pack of her favorite snacks waiting for her on her desk! A simple touch, but one that made her feel positive about her new workplace from day one.
Of course, while we all have a part to play in building a healthy emotional culture at work, leaders have a special responsibility. Let’s examine this in the next blink.
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What is No Hard Feelings about?
No Hard Feelings (2018) is a guide to understanding, expressing and managing your emotions in the context of your working life. All too often, we buy into the idea that emotions don’t belong in the workplace. But the reality is that your work life is full of emotion. From feeling frustrated with irritating colleagues to the misery of being unmotivated, these blinks are a practical guide to help you navigate how you feel about work.
No Hard Feelings Review
No Hard Feelings (2019) is an insightful book that explores how emotions can positively impact our work lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It provides practical strategies to navigate workplace emotions, empowering us to develop healthier relationships and environments.
- Through a combination of science, personal stories, and illustrations, the book offers a unique perspective on emotions, making it engaging and relatable.
- The authors' lighthearted approach and humor help to break down complex concepts, ensuring that readers don't find the topic boring or overwhelming.
Best quote from No Hard Feelings
A reasonable goal for organizations and individuals is to encourage some level of emotional expression.
—Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy
Who should read No Hard Feelings?
- People who’d like a little guidance on managing emotions in the workplace
- Employees who are frustrated, angry, stressed or nervous at work
- Leaders who’d like to build a safe and productive working environment for their teams
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No Hard Feelings FAQs
What is the main message of No Hard Feelings?
The main message of No Hard Feelings is to embrace emotions at work for a happier and more productive professional life.
How long does it take to read No Hard Feelings?
The estimated reading time for No Hard Feelings is several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is No Hard Feelings a good book? Is it worth reading?
No Hard Feelings is worth reading as it provides valuable insights on managing emotions at work, leading to better relationships and personal growth.
Who is the author of No Hard Feelings?
The authors of No Hard Feelings are Liz Fosslien and Mollie West Duffy.
What to read after No Hard Feelings?
If you're wondering what to read next after No Hard Feelings, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Permission to Feel by Marc Brackett
- Helping by Edgar H. Schein
- The School of Life by Alain de Botton and The School of Life
- Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman
- Verbal Judo by George J. Thompson and Jerry B. Jenkins
- The Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey with Rebecca R. Merrill
- The Art of Reading Minds by Henrik Fexeus
- Off the Clock by Laura Vanderkam
- The Body Code by Dr. Bradley Nelson
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell