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!
