Do More Great Work
Michael Bungay Stanier , Seth Godin
15 min
6 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Discover strategies to focus on meaningful work, eliminate unnecessary tasks, and boost your productivity to achieve your career goals.
You'll learn
1. How to find work you love2. Tips to ditch time-wasting tasks3. Using your strengths to make a big impact4. Ways to pump yourself and others up5. Balancing work and life for growth6. Boosting creativity and innovation at work.Key points
01Shifting from Good Work to Great Work: A Path to Growth
You know that feeling when you're stuck in a rut at work, ticking off tasks on your to-do list but not really feeling fulfilled? You're doing your job, and you're doing it well, but it's just not sparking joy or excitement. It's like you're on autopilot, doing what's expected of you, but not really pushing the boundaries or challenging yourself. This, my friends, is what we call 'Good Work'. 'Good Work' is the stuff we do every day. It's the routine tasks, the administrative duties, the meetings, the emails. It's necessary, it's important, and it's what keeps the wheels turning in any organization. But while 'Good Work' is comfortable and safe, it doesn't really push us to grow or evolve. It's like eating a plain sandwich every day – it fills you up, but it doesn't really excite your taste buds. On the other hand, there's 'Great Work'. This is the work that challenges us, that pushes us out of our comfort zones, that makes us think and grow. It's the projects that we're passionate about, the tasks that make us lose track of time, the work that makes us feel alive. It's like swapping your plain sandwich for a gourmet meal – it's more complex, more challenging, but oh so much more satisfying. But why should we strive for 'Great Work'? Well, for starters, it's a lot more fulfilling. It gives us a sense of purpose, a feeling of accomplishment. It makes us feel like we're making a difference, like we're contributing something valuable. Plus, it's a great way to grow both personally and professionally. It helps us develop new skills, broaden our perspectives, and increase our value as professionals. Of course, making the shift from 'Good Work' to 'Great Work' isn't always easy. It requires us to step out of our comfort zones, to take risks, to face challenges. But the rewards are well worth it. So how can we make this shift? Start by identifying what 'Great Work' looks like for you. What are you passionate about? What challenges you? What makes you feel alive? Once you've identified these, look for opportunities to do more of this kind of work. It might mean taking on a new project, volunteering for a task, or even creating your own opportunities. 'Great Work' isn't just about doing more; it's about doing better. It's about pushing ourselves to grow, to evolve, to become the best versions of ourselves. So why not take the leap? Swap that plain sandwich for a gourmet meal. Start doing more 'Great Work'. You might just find that it's the best decision you've ever made.
02How to identify your 'Great Work'?
Are you satisfied with your current work? Or do you often find yourself stuck in a rut, doing the same tasks over and over again, without any sense of fulfillment or satisfaction? If you nodded in agreement, then it's time to identify your 'Great Work'. The journey to identifying your 'Great Work' is like a deep-sea dive. You plunge into the depths of your inner self, exploring the uncharted territories of your passions, strengths, and values. These are your hidden treasures, the key to unlocking your 'Great Work'. But how do you embark on this journey of introspection and self-analysis? Michael Bungay Stanier, in his book "Do More Great Work", provides a set of practical exercises and questions to guide you on this journey. These exercises are not just random questions; they are designed to make you think, reflect, and dig deep into your inner self. For instance, one of the exercises asks you to list down the activities that you love doing, the ones that make you lose track of time. Another exercise asks you to identify your strengths, the things you are naturally good at. These exercises, when done sincerely, can reveal a lot about your passions, strengths, and values. Now, let's talk about 'Great Work'. 'Great Work' is not just about doing what you love; it's about doing what matters to you. It's about aligning your work with your personal passions, strengths, and values. It's about making a difference, making an impact. So, how do you identify your 'Great Work'? You use the insights gained from your introspection and the practical exercises. You look for the common threads, the patterns. You look for the work that resonates with your passions, strengths, and values. That's your 'Great Work'. But identifying your 'Great Work' is just half the battle won. The real challenge is to transition from busywork to 'Great Work'. Busywork is the work that keeps you busy but doesn't add any value to your life. It's the work that drains your energy and leaves you feeling unfulfilled. On the other hand, 'Great Work' energizes you, fulfills you, and gives you a sense of purpose. So, how do you make this transition? You start by reducing your busywork, by saying no to the tasks that don't align with your 'Great Work'. You then focus on your 'Great Work', giving it the time and attention it deserves. In conclusion, identifying your 'Great Work' is a journey of introspection and self-analysis. It's about uncovering your hidden treasures and aligning your work with them. It's about transitioning from busywork to 'Great Work'. So, are you ready to embark on this journey? Remember, the satisfaction and fulfillment that comes from doing 'Great Work' are worth the effort.
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03Overcoming Obstacles to Great Work
04Your Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a 'Great Work' Project
05Sustaining 'Great Work': A Guide to Motivation and Resilience
06Conclusion
About Michael Bungay Stanier , Seth Godin
Michael Bungay Stanier is a renowned coaching expert, known for his innovative thinking in business development and leadership. Seth Godin is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and public speaker, recognized for his expertise in marketing and leadership. Both are influential figures in their respective fields.