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Love It, Don't Leave It
Book

Love It, Don't Leave It

26 Ways to Get What You Want at Work

Berrett-Koehler, 2003 more...

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans have written a useful book for employees who are tempted by greener pastures. The authors caution that those who pursue a glittering opportunity often wind up in a golden mess. Thus, it makes sense to at least try to improve your job before seeking another one that, ultimately, may be even worse. The book’s format offers one item of advice for each letter of the alphabet. At times, the formula wears a bit thin (X for "X-ers and Other Generations"), but the advice itself is sound. It primarily consists of encouraging you to decide what you want and go get it. getAbstract.com recommends this book to currently employed malcontents (you know who you are!) and to those who need help mustering the nerve to discuss job satisfaction with their employers. Perhaps the best piece of advice is to only approach your supervisors for a favor when you understand their WIIFT: "What’s In It For Them."

Summary

Greener Pastures

That lush green grass is calling, beckoning you to leave your job and try life on the other side of the fence. Feel your career has reached a dead end? Want more pay? Tired of working for a jerk? Just plain bored? If you answered "yes," you may be on the verge of making a job move you’ll later regret. With a little coaching, you can often obtain more of what you want right where you are. These 27 lessons can be boiled down to five key messages:

  1. Perhaps you can find what you want at your current job, if you look harder and smarter.
  2. You control your career. Your organization isn’t responsible for your happiness.
  3. Don’t be passive. Take the initiative to get what you want.
  4. Don’t procrastinate. Rather than turning off your mind or quitting, improve your job.
  5. Before you bolt, carefully inspect those greener pastures.

A: "Ask And You May Receive"

If something bothers you at work, ask what you or your employer could do about it. Often unspoken issues cause friction that could have been resolved, if the boss had only known. Supervisors are often blindsided...

About the Authors

Beverly Kaye heads a talent management consulting firm. Sharon Jordan-Evans specializes in executive coaching and leadership development. They also co-authored Love ’Em or Lose ’Em: Getting Good People to Stay.