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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Business Romantic summary
Tim Leberecht
Give Everything, Quantify Nothing and Create Something Greater Than Yourself
13 mins
Brief summary
The Business Romantic by Tim Leberecht is a call to reclaim the human connections that are often lost in the workplace. It offers a new approach to business that values creativity, empathy, and intimacy, and shows how these qualities can drive innovation and build meaningful relationships with colleagues and customers.
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The Business Romantic
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Millennials seek a sense of meaning from their jobs that most employers fail to provide.
We live in a strange world. In an age where likes are currency, connecting with others and sharing our lives seems to be our number one priority. Yet we’re more distrustful than ever.
More than half of the Millennial generation – those born between the early 1980s and the early 2000s – have shared photos of themselves online. This would seem to indicate a desire to reach out to other people, right? Why, then, do less than a fifth of Millennials say they trust others? This is a paradox that leaves us increasingly unhappy. How did we find ourselves here?
Although social media platforms promise to connect us with others, they only serve to amplify our anxieties about social and economic status. There’s always going to be someone in your news feed who is making more money, traveling to more exciting places and, apparently, having more fun than you.
Of course, we won’t stand for this! Many of us work harder and harder, chasing pay rises and promotions to assure ourselves that we’re just as successful as our Facebook friends. Unfortunately, this means we’re drifting further and further away from what we really need: true connection with others.
But if we’re going to build authentic relationships with those around us, we don’t need to delete our Facebook accounts, leave our jobs and go off the grid. We can actually continue, more or less, the same activities. All we need is a change in mindset.
Why not be a business romantic? Rather than working himself to the bone for financial reward, a business romantic looks for work that offers valuable experiences, and is happier because of this.
Research by the Harvard Business Review reveals that employees who find meaning in their work are more likely to stay with their company, indicate higher job satisfaction and be more engaged. Unfortunately, business romantics are a rare breed.
According to a 2013 Gallup poll conducted in 140 countries, only 13 percent of employees worldwide are fully involved in and enthusiastic about their jobs. Some 63 percent are “not engaged” and “lack motivation.” About 24 percent are “actively disengaged,” meaning that they are unhappy and unproductive, and subsequently spread negativity to coworkers.
Companies would benefit enormously from turning their employees into business romantics. But how are they supposed to do that? Read on!
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What is The Business Romantic about?
The Business Romantic (2015) offers an alternative approach to doing business in which passion, not profit, matters most. These blinks guide you through the strategies that will bring authenticity and connection into your workplace.
The Business Romantic Review
The Business Romantic (2014) explores the power of romance and imagination in the modern business world, making it a worthwhile read. Here's why this book is special:
- It offers a unique perspective on business, reminding us that emotions and human connection are essential for success in a technology-driven era.
- Through compelling stories and examples, the book challenges conventional thinking and encourages readers to embrace creativity and vulnerability in their work.
- With its thought-provoking ideas about the intersection of work, love, and art, it keeps readers engaged and ensures the journey is never boring.
Who should read The Business Romantic?
- Every manager seeking to retain the best talents of the Millennial generation
- Business owners who want to make their companies romantic and attractive to clients
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The Business Romantic FAQs
What is the main message of The Business Romantic?
The main message of The Business Romantic is to bring more meaning and imagination into our work and lives.
How long does it take to read The Business Romantic?
The reading time for The Business Romantic varies based on reading speed, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Business Romantic a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Business Romantic is worth reading as it offers fresh perspectives on work, creativity, and human connection, encouraging us to approach our professional lives with more imagination and purpose.
Who is the author of The Business Romantic?
The author of The Business Romantic is Tim Leberecht.
What to read after The Business Romantic?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Business Romantic, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
- Mixed Signals by Uri Gneezy
- The Second Mountain by David Brooks
- Pleasure Activism by adrienne maree brown
- Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg
- First, Break all the Rules by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- I Could Do Anything If I Only Knew What It Was by Barbara Sher with Barbara Smith
- The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
- The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma