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I started out wanting to write a short review of REWORK, but quickly discovered that wasn’t possible… so this will be the first in a series of four posts inspired by REWORK.
I’ll sum up all of my thoughts in one, brief statement:
REWORK should be required reading for any next generation church leader.
I’ll explain why in the next few posts.
Many church leaders have latched on to books by number of leading voices from the business community… from Jim Collins’ challenge for us to move from being Good to Great; heeding Marcus Buckingham’s advice to focus on our strengths; Patrick Lencioni reminding us that death comes by meeting; and Seth Godin challenging us to lead… we’ve gained considerable insight into how business ideas can impact the way we lead the Church.
Now enter Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson… they are going to change the way we work.
They are founders of 37signals, a trail-blazing software company that produces products [like Basecamp] that are used by millions of people around the world. Their blog, Signal vs. Noise is one of the most popular blogs on the web. And here’s the kicker… this million-dollar, game changing company runs with a staff of 16 people. Yeah… we have a lot to learn from them.
Their first book Getting Real was focused on developing successful web applications [although I gleaned a lot of practical take-away's for my role in communications] and REWORK is their first business book filled with lessons they’ve learned in nearly 10 years of leading 37signals.
I think Seth Godin’s endorsement of the book says it all: “Ignore this book at your own peril.”
So here’s some reasons why I loved REWORK…
It’s a quick read. I read it in one sitting… two cups of coffee and about two hours. The whole book is made up of short essays categorized by topic [Progress, Productivity, Competitors, Promotion, Damage Control, Culture, etc]. For ADD people like me, the fast-paced rhythm made it a breeze at read.
I like pictures. Each chapter features an original illustration by Mike Rohde [check out a snapshot on Fast Company]. Again, good for ADDness.
The ideas can easily translate to any business or organization.
It’s real. I think so many business books are so lofty and written like a dissertation. This book real, candid, sometimes vulgar [don't say I didn't warn you], and written very conversationally. They speak plainly and directly. I like that.
It’s unconventional. This book deconstructs some long-held business ideas ands makes some pretty outlandish statements like…
- ASAP is poison.
- Underdo the competition.
- Meetings are toxic.
- Fire the workaholics.
- Emulate drug dealers.
- Pick a fight.
- Planning is guessing.
- and my fav… Inspiration is perishable.
If that doesn’t pique your interest stay tuned for the next three posts where I’ll take some ideas from REWORK and apply them to the Church. In the meantime, download a PDF excerpt and get in on the goodness.
I think this is such an important book for church leaders to read that I’m going to give away three copies of REWORK… one each day for the next three days.
Here’s how to win…
- Tweet This: I just entered to win a copy of REWORK! Comment here and RT to enter: http://bit.ly/c02hp0
- Comment Below: With your Twitter handle [so I can verify you did step 1] and share a business leader and/or idea that’s impacted the way you lead.
- Check back at 5 PM CST Wednesday: I’ll randomly choose someone to win!
Congrats to @PaulSteinbrueck for being the first winner… and an added bonus, your copy is signed by Jason Fried!
![Doing Well While Doing Good :: Elements [Chicago]](http://www.timschraeder.com/wp-content/themes/spectrum/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2010/08/augustelements.jpg&w=35&h=35&zc=1&q=90){kind=small}
@isaacdowning – looking forward to reading more of your thoughts about the book!
@dannywahlquist I would love to win Rework
@bobhoss….you sure sold me! As to the business leader or idea….other than Jesus? Right. Major influence on my leadership has been Eugene Peterson and his book "The Contemplative Pastor."
Tim, sounds like a great book. I am staring at a stack of 18 books on my shelf that are in my reading queue, but based on your's and Seth Godin's recommendations I might have to move Rework to the front of the list (even in front of Seth's Linchpin) so I have time to read the others.
well, the good news is this is a fast read, so if you can give yourself a block of about 2 hours you can knock it out!
@theandyburns… hook a twin brother up!
aren't family members usually disqualified from contests?
Darn you Tim! Do you know how long my "gotta read" list is and now you add one more. This looks great. Major influence hmmm…Made to Stick was great for me, all of Seth's books resonate and love Andy Stanley's leadership podcast, oh and then there's Accidental Creative…did I have to pick just one?
@holycowcreative
Tim, LOVE IT! Thank you for sharing this AWESOME resource with us. Can't wait to read it (and maybe do giveaway on our blog, too, is that cool?)
- A big influential leader to the way I lead is Dino Rizzo. He taught me that you start small & you serve people, and that it's not about my glory. When I lead volunteers, I try to be a servant leader, meet all their needs, make their serving experience good, etc. His words (& many other similar lessons) influenced me to strive to be a servant even as I lead.
oops. My twitter name is @JessePhillips ! =)
@pastorMichaelP
Tim this sounds awesome. I love the things that were said about being unconventional. Craig Groeschel has been one of the biggest influences on my leadership style. From his writings I hav learned the value in being transparent.
twitter.com/kylelreed
Malcom Gladwell simply the man.
He has impacted the way I lead and think…a big book of his is Tipping Point for me. Taught me a lot of lessons.
@awordsmith. This book looks great!
@katiemoon … inside the magic kingdom has been a great reminder to me over the years to always be evaluating your product/content through the eyes of the first time visitor
My handle is Souphog12 The business Leader who share with me was Mike Campbell Sr. VP of HR for Delta Airlines. He said"No one wants to work with a jerk and no one wants to work for a jerk"
IstoriaRev
"Made to Stick" Chip & Dan Heath
Looks like a great book to pull from! Never stop growing and learning!
@samgamgee reading seth's linchpin… "you are indispensable"
Already planning to buy this book, unless I win it first. Steven Pressfield's "The War of Art" has impacted me in huge ways. I highly recommend it.
@Chew_Keng_Sheng Craig Groeschel's It and Andy Stanley's The Principle of The Path have impacted me tremendously. Be focused, get simple, concentrate on what I can do best, walk on the path, avoid traps and distraction, and hit it!
I'm @creativescott. Visionary and leader in the body of Messiah (applies to 'business' as well) that I would share is Pastor Steven Furtick (Elevation Church). I strongly recommend: Duplicating the Vision… Part 1, 2 and 3
http://www.stevenfurtick.com/video-blog/duplicati...
@joel_stainer The business leader that has influenced me is a guy named Jon in the city that I live in. He was able to integrate his business with his love for youth and helped initiate and build a youth center as well as was instrumental in bringing in another youth organization to work in the city. Refused to create a split between work and spiritual.
@open_here
God's been stirring a passion within me to grow in learning to lead NextGen's. ReWork sounds like it would serve well in this process. Thanks for the opportunity to win. @avtoolman
@thephatpastor I hate to go out of the realm of the popular business leader, but my dad showed me how to deeply care for his employees while being faithful to the vision he was tasked to carry out.
@leanneshawler
Um, learning to respect the process, which I learnt from my hubby.
@mbstockdale Chris Brogan's Trust Agents filled with game changers for anyone using Social Media.
Seth Godin's "Meatball Sundae" really hit home about knowing who your organization is before you add programs or launch marketing efforts.
Michael Hyatt's blog is a regular source of great information as well.
I'm @TonjaC
@Jennay00…i would love to win a copy of Rework, a co-worker has purchased the book and speaks very highly of the book. I also have watched podcast on this book! Amazing!
@DavidHolmgren, A big influential business leader in my life ahs to be a good friend of mine. John Schnatter the owner of Papa Johns. Here is a man who started by making pizza in a small area but had a big dream and took a step of faith in the pizza industry when no one else would. Not only does he make great pizza he is also a solid and faithful Christian. I wouls agree that this book would be a great read and that it would be one of top priority
@jim_gray I'd highly recommend reading "Groundswell" by Li/Bernoff …great book to help us understand how to adapt and change with the fastbreak technology…
Awesome man! I have a whole slew of books I need to catch up on. I hope someday I have the time. This one sounds awesome!
Will have to add this to my growing stack of must reads! Have 6 in the queue now.