Great at Work Book Summary

In 'Great at Work,' Morten T. Hansen uncovers the secrets to excelling in your career while maintaining a balanced life. Drawing on extensive research, he reveals the five key practices that lead to extraordinary effectiveness. This insightful guide challenges conventional wisdom about productivity and success, encouraging readers to work smarter, not harder. Filled with compelling anecdotes and actionable strategies, Hansen provides a roadmap for achieving remarkable results in any professional setting. Are you ready to transform your work life and unlock your true potential?

By Morten T. Hansen

Published: 2019

"The key to success lies not in working harder, but in working smarter, focusing on what truly matters, and harnessing the power of collaboration."

Book Review of Great at Work

The Wall Street Journal bestseller—a Financial Times Business Book of the Month and named by The Washington Post as “One of the 11 Leadership Books to Read in 2018”—is “a refreshingly data-based, clearheaded guide” (Publishers Weekly) to individual performance, based on a groundbreaking study. Why do some people perform better at work than others? This deceptively simple question continues to confound professionals in all sectors of the workforce. Now, after a unique, five-year study of more than 5,000 managers and employees, Morten Hansen reveals the answers in his “Seven Work Smarter Practices” that can be applied by anyone looking to maximize their time and performance. Each of Hansen’s seven practices is highlighted by inspiring stories from individuals in his comprehensive study. You’ll meet a high school principal who engineered a dramatic turnaround of his failing high school; a rural Indian farmer determined to establish a better way of life for women in his village; and a sushi chef, whose simple preparation has led to his unassuming restaurant being awarded the maximum of three Michelin stars. Hansen also explains how the way Alfred Hitchcock filmed Psycho and the 1911 race to become the first explorer to reach the South Pole both illustrate the use of his seven practices. Each chapter “is intended to inspire people to be better workers…and improve their own work performance” (Booklist) with questions and key insights to allow you to assess your own performance and figure out your work strengths, as well as your weaknesses. Once you understand your individual style, there are mini-quizzes, questionnaires, and clear tips to assist you focus on a strategy to become a more productive worker. Extensive, accessible, and friendly, Great at Work will help us “reengineer our work lives, reduce burnout, and improve performance and job satisfaction” (Psychology Today).

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The key to success lies not in working harder, but in working smarter, focusing on what truly matters, and harnessing the power of collaboration.

Great at Work

By Morten T. Hansen