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The Optimistic Workplace
Book

The Optimistic Workplace

Creating an Environment That Energizes Everyone

Shawn Murphy
AMACOM, 2015

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Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

This business manual by professor and leadership consultant Shawn Murphy isn’t just another text about employee engagement and new-style leadership. It’s a useful, comprehensive manual that presents its content – even some ideas that are familiar – in a fresh, compelling way. Murphy makes a solid case for replacing autocratic managers with service-oriented “stewards” who focus on connecting with employees. He urges managers to help staff members link their work and their lives to values, purpose and meaning – with an overlay of accountability. He includes great charts and worksheets throughout and in an extensive appendix called “The Optimism Planner.” Using a combination of solid research and anecdotes about successful teams, Murphy teaches junior, frontline and midlevel leaders how to create happy, balanced, effective teams and how to build an “optimistic workplace.” getAbstract believes this actionable guidebook will help managers who want to build a “pocket of excellence,” even within an ineffective or bureaucratic organization.

Take-Aways

  • In today’s evolving workplace, autocratic managers and supervisors must give way to “stewards” who can create an “optimistic workplace.”
  • Stewards don’t command; they listen to, guide, support and serve employees.
  • Leaders should leverage human nature rather than fight it.

About the Author

Shawn Murphy is CEO and founder of Switch & Shift, a firm that consults on organizational practices and leadership. He teaches at Sacramento State College and blogs for numerous sites.

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