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What's Wrong with Work
Book

What's Wrong with Work

The 5 Frustrations of Work and How to Fix them for Good

Blaire Palmer
Wiley, 2010
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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Applicable
  • Well Structured
  • Concrete Examples

Recommendation

Anyone who has received a paycheck can relate to the frustrations Blaire Palmer outlines in her useful guide to solving the practical problems of work. Her advice on meetings seems the most practical and easiest to put into use, and Palmer provides similar guidance for other work irritants, including bad leadership and that universal cry: “It’s not fair!” None of the five frustrations seems like a major problem, so the book might feel a bit long. But these are the problems people cite when they complain about work. Eliminate them, and imagine happy employees generating big profits, working productively and feeling fulfilled. getAbstract admits it sounds pie-in-the-sky, but can’t help suggesting that managers – especially middle managers – should give this a try. If nothing else, you’ll reclaim many hours wasted in the boardroom.

Summary

Getting Work to Work Well

Work may not be a day at the beach, but it shouldn’t feel like hard labor, either. You can work effectively, passionately and productively. Eliminating the frustrations and aggravations that impede real work makes the difference. As a manager, you can transform your workplace in three ways: changing yourself, changing how you manage or changing your organization internally. Each requires a readjustment of your view of four things: yourself, others, your company and the outside world. Managers who might feel stuck between bosses above and workers below can initiate change from the middle and see results. Successful managers regard helping their staff meet the day’s challenges as a primary responsibility. Feeling that they make a difference gives managers a sense of accomplishment and well-being. Employers, in turn, benefit. Now is the time to fix five small but powerful work troubles. Research shows that correcting minor but important institutional problems can transform working conditions and results.

“Frustration 1: Waste-of-Time Meetings”

Bad meetings aren’t hard to recognize. They’re unfocused, resistant to participation, consumed...

About the Author

Blaire Palmer, a leadership coach, is the author of The Hyper-Creative Personality and The Recipe for Success.

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