Summaries of books about Workplace Culture:
Remote
Office Not Required
Jason Fried, David Heinemeier Hansson
The book advocates for the benefits of remote work, arguing that it increases productivity, employee satisfaction, and access to a global talent pool. It provides practical advice on how to effectively manage remote teams, overcome common challenges, and embrace the flexibility that remote work offers for both employers and employees.
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The 5 Languages of Appreciation in the Workplace
Empowering Organizations by Encouraging People
Gary Chapman|Paul White
The book explores the concept that employees have different ways of feeling appreciated, identifying five primary languages of appreciation: words of affirmation, quality time, acts of service, tangible gifts, and physical touch. It provides practical guidance for managers and coworkers on how to recognize and express appreciation in ways that resonate with each individual, aiming to improve workplace relationships, morale, and productivity.
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Stealing Fire
How Silicon Valley, the Navy SEALs, and Maverick Scientists Are Revolutionizing the Way We Live and Work
Steven Kotler|Jamie Wheal
The book explores the pursuit of altered states of consciousness, known as "ecstasis," by various groups including elite athletes, military units, and tech entrepreneurs to enhance performance and innovation. It delves into the methods used, such as flow states, meditation, and psychedelics, and examines the potential benefits and risks associated with this quest for cognitive advancement.
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Straight to Hell
True Tales of Deviance, Debauchery, and Billion-Dollar Deals
John LeFevre
The book offers an unapologetic and humorous glimpse into the excesses and cutthroat culture of Wall Street, as seen through the eyes of a former investment banker. It reveals the debauchery, shady deals, and the darkly comic underbelly of high finance.
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Joy at Work
Organizing Your Professional Life
Marie Kondo|Scott Sonenshein
The book provides strategies for decluttering and organizing one's workplace, applying the KonMari method to professional tasks, emails, meetings, and workspace to enhance productivity and job satisfaction. It emphasizes the importance of choosing joy in work life by keeping only those items and commitments that serve a purpose or spark joy.
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The Memo
What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table
Minda Harts
The book provides guidance and actionable advice for women of color to overcome systemic barriers in the workplace, offering strategies for career advancement, networking, and advocating for oneself. It includes personal anecdotes, insights from successful women of color, and practical tools to help readers navigate and succeed in predominantly white corporate environments.
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Press Reset
Ruin and Recovery in the Video Game Industry
Jason Schreier
The book delves into the volatile nature of the video game industry, exploring the personal and professional impacts of studio closures and layoffs on developers. It provides an in-depth look at the cycle of "hitting reset" on careers and the challenges of finding stability in a field marked by constant upheaval.
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A World Without Email
Reimagining Work in an Age of Communication Overload
Cal Newport
The book critiques the inefficiency of the modern workplace's reliance on constant email communication, arguing that it hinders productivity and causes stress. It proposes alternative strategies for collaboration and workflow management that emphasize deep work and structured communication over incessant email checking.
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The No Asshole Rule
Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
Robert I. Sutton
The book presents the argument that toxic individuals, or "assholes," negatively impact workplace environments and offers strategies for organizations to foster respectful cultures and for individuals to cope with or avoid destructive behaviors. It provides real-life examples, research on the costs of incivility, and practical tips for implementing the titular rule to improve overall workplace well-being.
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Snakes in Suits
When Psychopaths Go to Work
Paul Babiak|Robert D. Hare
The book explores the impact of psychopaths in corporate environments, detailing how their manipulative and deceitful behaviors can climb the corporate ladder and influence organizational structures. It provides insights into recognizing psychopathic traits in the workplace and offers strategies for managing such individuals effectively.
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