The Way We're Working Isn't Working: The Four Forgotten Needs That Energize Great Performance

Dynamic yet common-sense solutions to changing the way you work

This is one of those rare books that details the wrong ways you're working without making you feel that the situation is hopelessly complex or beyond repair. Tony Schwartz (writing with Jean Gomes and Catherine McCarthy) offers interesting, practical advice to employers and employees alike on how to banish that "gerbil on a treadmill" feeling forever. With case studies from such companies as Ford, Sony and Ernst & Young, as well as helpful charts, graphs and exercises, this highly readable manual will make you think twice about how you and your employees work. Although it mentions lots of insider human resources (HR) methodologies - such as the ones in Gallup's employee engagement surveys - the book never bogs down in jargon. However, the author may need to revise and update it in a few years as the workplace becomes increasingly dependent upon technology. getAbstract suggests this book to frustrated leaders, HR practitioners, overwhelmed employees and anyone who wants more control over his or her working and personal life.

An OK read

While all of the subjects touched upon are relevant, I felt as though certain topics were better left for others. The entire Physical section felt like it was not Tony's area of expertise. Better to leave the sleep, nutrition and exercise to the experts. The Emotional section put me to sleep. I'm sure others felt it was helpful, but it was not for me. The Mental section was a worthwhile read, especially the discussions on multi-tasking and emails. I didn't get much out of spiritual. My flaw is that I thought more of the book was going to be written around the Self-Expression/Mental section and that was not the case.

Excellent, practical, real!

Relatively simple truth: energy out requires energy in to maintain balance and replenish the system. Here the author is referring to us humans who repeatedly fail to honor this reality. We work long hours, sleep less, eat more, exercise too much or not at all and so our story goes. We tell ourselves a story about how we aren't human. We are super robots who can survive on 4-5 hours of sleep, live on coffee and sugar, yada yada yada. Packed with research and enough examples to spark recognition in those of us willing to hear his message, Schwartz includes many practical examples of creating changes that enhance our existence and therefore performance in all aspects of life. Helping busy people make changes is what I do; Schwartz has given my clients and I a plethora of data to help battle foolhardy beliefs that have gotten us into obesity, injury, panic and anxiety medications, sleep disorders and disengagement with family and friends. But he doesn't leave us hanging as many such books tend to do. Schwartz reminds us that change can be painful but he also says, "a finish line makes pain tolerable." When we focus on a goal for natural cycles such as 90 minutes, we can finish a report, study for an exam, walk in the sunshine despite the tug to stay at the desk for lunch. Check it out - worth the investment of time to read and implement that which works for you. I'm lovin' these 90 minute cycles!

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