Title: The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance
Author: Tony Schwartz
First published May 8, 2010
334 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781439127667 (ISBN10: 1439127662)
Rating: 4
Overview
The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working by Tony Schwartz is a must-read book for anyone looking to transform their work and personal life. The author highlights how the current work environment is pushing us towards burnout and disengagement, and offers a new approach to re-energizing our lives.
Drawing on scientific research, Schwartz identifies four core needs that drive high performance: sustainability, security, self-expression, and significance. He demonstrates that we’re at our best when we balance intense effort with regular renewal across each of these four needs.
Using examples from his work with organizations such as Google, Ford, and IBM, Schwartz outlines practical strategies for individuals and organizations to meet these core needs. He suggests building specific rituals into our daily schedules, fueling resilience, and balancing short-term focus with a commitment to serving the greater good.
At the organizational level, he offers new policies, practices, and cultural messages that have been adopted by his client companies.
The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working is a highly practical guide that offers a roadmap for a new way of working. It provides individuals, leaders, and organizations with strategies to better manage the rising demands of our increasingly complex world.
About the Author
Meet Tony Schwartz, a multifaceted professional who wears many hats. He’s a journalist, author of business books, a sought-after speaker, and a credited co-author of the famous book “Trump: The Art of the Deal.” He’s also the founder and CEO of The Energy Project, a productivity consulting firm.
Editoral Review
Tony Schwartz’s The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance is a compelling work that provides readers with a comprehensive overview of what it takes to achieve peak performance in today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment. Schwartz, a renowned author and performance expert, draws on his years of experience working with high-performing individuals and organizations to offer readers practical advice and strategies for improving their productivity, creativity, and overall well-being.
The book is a must-read for anyone looking to optimize their performance at work and in life. Schwartz’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow along and absorb the information presented.
Moreover, the book is packed with real-world examples and case studies that illustrate the key concepts, making it easier for readers to apply the principles to their own lives.
In The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working, Schwartz identifies four essential needs that are often overlooked in today’s workplace: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. He argues that neglecting these needs can lead to burnout, stress, and decreased productivity.
To help readers address these needs, Schwartz provides practical advice and strategies for improving their physical health, managing their emotions, developing their mental agility, and connecting with their spiritual selves.
One of the book’s strengths is its clear and concise writing style. Schwartz’s explanations are easy to follow and understand, and he provides numerous examples to illustrate his points.
Additionally, the book is well-organized, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect of performance optimization. This makes it easy for readers to navigate the book and find the information they need.
Another strength of the book is its relevance to current events and issues. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many people to work from home, and Schwartz’s advice on managing one’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs is particularly relevant in this context.
Moreover, the book’s focus on the importance of work-life balance and self-care is a timely reminder for readers to prioritize their well-being in an increasingly demanding and stressful world.
One potential weakness of the book is that some readers may find the advice and strategies overly simplistic or impractical. For example, Schwartz recommends taking regular breaks throughout the workday to recharge one’s energy, but this may not be feasible for individuals working in a high-pressure environment with tight deadlines.
However, Schwartz acknowledges that not all of his advice will work for everyone and encourages readers to experiment and find what works best for them.
Overall, The Way We’re Working Isn’t Working is an insightful and practical guide for anyone looking to improve their performance and well-being. Schwartz’s writing is engaging, the book is well-organized, and the advice and strategies presented are grounded in real-world experience.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to optimize their performance and thrive in today’s demanding work environment.
Rating: 4.5/5.0
