“Like the growth rings of a tree, our lives occasionally experience seasons of extraordinary flourishing. We have found three catalysts for such growth: significant adversity, extreme dissatisfaction, or exposure to an exceptional leader.” Such is the conclusion from extensive research by Mark McCrindle and Ashley Fell in their 2020 book “Work Well Being: Leading thriving teams in rapidly changing times” (Rockpool Publishing).
Mark McCrindle is recognised as one of Australia’s leading social researchers, and founder of the internationally recognised company McCrindle Research. Ashley Fell is a social researcher, TEDx speaker and Communications Director at McCrindle Research.
The main contention of the book is that workplaces, coupled with good leadership, can create thriving teams and thriving organisations. It draws on a massive amount of research undertaken by their own organisation, as well as referencing work throughout the world. It is very difficult to argue against their points, given such a depth of data to draw from, which is communicated in such easy to understand way. It is very simple to see the progression of ideas and to build on each chapter. The currency of this book is excellent, as it even draws on the initial impacts of Covid-19.
Chapter titles include:
- The Future of Work
- How to Foster Work Wellbeing
- Leading Teams in Changing Times
This is an excellent book very professionally presented and written, which would appeal to anyone in a leadership position, or aspiring to one.
I very highly recommended this book and note that the ideas and conclusion are already finding their way into the course material I teach.