In 'Work Rules!', Laszlo Bock, former Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google, reveals the innovative people management strategies that transformed the tech giant into a thriving workplace. He shares insights on how to cultivate a culture of creativity, inclusivity, and empowerment, challenging conventional management wisdom. Through engaging anecdotes and data-driven research, Bock demonstrates that the best work environments are built on trust and transparency. Discover how to implement these revolutionary principles in your own organization to enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Are you ready to rethink the very nature of work?
By Laszlo Bock
Published: 2015
""In a world full of rules, the best ones are the ones you create yourself.""
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERWALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER The Globe and Mail Top Leadership and Management BookForbes Top Creative Leadership Book From the visionary head of Google's innovative People Operations comes a groundbreaking inquiry into the philosophy of work-and a blueprint for attracting the most spectacular talent to your business and ensuring that they succeed. "We spend more time working than doing anything else in life. It's not right that the experience of work should be so demotivating and dehumanizing." So says Laszlo Bock, former head of People Operations at the company that transformed how the world interacts with knowledge. This insight is the heart of WORK RULES!, a compelling and surprisingly playful manifesto that offers lessons including: Take away managers' power over employees Learn from your best employees-and your worst Hire only people who are smarter than you are, no matter how long it takes to find them Pay unfairly (it's more fair!) Don't trust your gut: Use data to predict and shape the future Default to open-be transparent and welcome feedback If you're comfortable with the amount of freedom you've given your employees, you haven't gone far enough. Drawing on the latest research in behavioral economics and a profound grasp of human psychology, WORK RULES! also provides teaching examples from a range of industries-including lauded companies that happen to be hideous places to work and little-known companies that achieve spectacular results by valuing and listening to their employees. Bock takes us inside one of history's most explosively successful businesses to reveal why Google is consistently rated one of the best places to work in the world, distilling 15 years of intensive worker R&D into principles that are easy to put into action, whether you're a team of one or a team of thousands. WORK RULES! shows how to strike a balance between creativity and structure, leading to success you can measure in quality of life as well as market share. Read it to build a better company from within rather than from above; read it to reawaken your joy in what you do.
Laszlo Bock is an accomplished author and business executive, best known for his work in human resources and organizational development. He served as the Senior Vice President of People Operations at Google, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s innovative workplace culture. Bock is the author of the bestselling book "Work Rules!: Insights from Inside Google That Will Transform How You Live and Lead." His writing combines academic research with practical insights, making complex ideas accessible to a wide audience. Bock’s writing style is characterized by clarity, wit, and a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices in the world of work.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
In "The Infinite Game," Simon Sinek challenges conventional thinking about competition and success, urging us to shift our mindset from short-term victories to long-term impact. He introduces the concept of the "infinite game," where the goal is not to win but to keep playing and evolving. Through compelling stories and insightful examples, Sinek illustrates how ethical leadership and resilience can foster innovation and collaboration. This paradigm shift not only applies to business but also to our personal lives, inviting readers to consider what truly matters in their journeys. Are you ready to embrace an enduring approach that transcends the finite battles of life?
In 'Good to Great', Jim Collins explores what it takes for companies to surpass mediocrity and achieve enduring greatness. Through rigorous research, he identifies key principles that distinguish successful businesses from their less successful counterparts. The book introduces the concept of the "Hedgehog Concept" — a simple, yet profound idea that lies at the heart of each great organization's success. Readers will be fascinated by the surprising findings on leadership, discipline, and cultural alignment that drive greatness. This insightful guide challenges conventional wisdom and offers transformative lessons that can be applied to any endeavor.
In "The Leadership Challenge," authors James Kouzes and Barry Posner reveal the essential practices that transform ordinary individuals into extraordinary leaders. Drawing on decades of research, they highlight five fundamental behaviors that inspire others and drive positive change. This compelling guide is filled with real-world examples and actionable strategies, inviting readers to embark on their own leadership journey. The dynamic interplay of vision, trust, and collaboration unfolds a roadmap to effective leadership. Are you ready to unlock your potential and lead with purpose?
In "Leadership Wisdom from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," Robin Sharma combines powerful life lessons with profound insights on leadership. Following the transformative journey of an ambitious yet disillusioned executive, readers are taken on a path of self-discovery and enlightenment. Through the monk's teachings, Sharma unveils timeless principles for success that transcend conventional business wisdom. Expect to explore the balance of personal fulfillment and professional achievement, challenging your perceptions of what true leadership entails. This book promises to inspire you to cultivate genuine purpose and wisdom in both your life and career—are you ready to unlock your potential?
In 'Traction', entrepreneurs Gabriel Weinberg and Justin Mares unveil the secrets to gaining traction and ensuring business success in a crowded marketplace. They introduce the Bullseye Framework, a systematic approach to identifying the best marketing channels for your startup. The book is filled with real-world case studies and actionable insights that challenge the conventional wisdom of startup growth. Readers will discover the critical importance of focusing on the right traction channels instead of spreading themselves too thin. With a mix of strategic advice and compelling stories, 'Traction' is a must-read for anyone eager to propel their business forward.
In 'The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership', authors Jim Dethmer, Diana Chapman, and Kaley Klemp present a transformative guide for leaders seeking to elevate their consciousness and effectiveness. Through an engaging exploration of 15 pivotal commitments, they challenge conventional leadership paradigms and inspire readers to embrace authenticity and vulnerability. Each commitment serves as a stepping stone to foster deeper connections and a culture of trust within organizations. With practical insights and experiential tools, the book invites leaders to dismantle limiting beliefs and ignite their potential. Prepare to uncover a new dimension of leadership that transcends mere management and truly empowers individuals.
In 'The Rational Optimist', Matt Ridley challenges the pervasive pessimism of modern society by illustrating how human innovation and collaboration have historically led to progress and prosperity. He argues that through trade, science, and technology, humanity has an incredible ability to solve problems and improve quality of life. Ridley takes readers on a journey through history, revealing how obstacles have often fueled creativity and driven advancement. This thought-provoking book invites you to rethink the future and embrace the power of optimism in a world filled with challenges. Discover why Ridley believes our best days are still ahead!
In 'The Fourth Turning,' authors William Strauss and Neil Howe present a provocative theory of history, suggesting that societies cycle through four generational archetypes every 80-100 years. Each 'turning' reflects distinct patterns of societal behavior, creating a rhythmic tapestry of crisis and renewal. With the current era positioned at a climactic 'Fourth Turning,' the authors argue that understanding the past can illuminate the path to our future. Their insights challenge readers to reconsider how generational dynamics shape culture and politics. Are we destined to repeat history, or can we forge a new narrative?
Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Library Mindset is an online platform and social media presence that encourages lifelong learning through reading and reflection. The brand promotes the idea of building a personal “library mindset,” where individuals accumulate knowledge and wisdom through books across a variety of genres. It shares book recommendations, summaries, and insights aimed at fostering personal and professional growth. Library Mindset emphasizes the power of reading as a tool for self-improvement and continuous education. The platform is popular among readers and learners who seek curated, thoughtful content that inspires growth and curiosity.

Drew Houston is an accomplished American entrepreneur best known for co-founding Dropbox, a widely-used cloud storage service, in 2007. As the CEO, he has led the company to serve millions of users worldwide and become a key player in the tech industry. Although not primarily known for literature, Houston has shared his entrepreneurial insights and experiences through various interviews and public speaking engagements, offering valuable lessons to aspiring business leaders. His work has significantly influenced the way people and organizations manage and share digital content. Houston's innovative vision continues to shape the future of cloud computing and digital collaboration.

Adam Grant is a renowned organizational psychologist and bestselling author, celebrated for his influential work on motivation and workplace dynamics. He is a professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he has been the youngest tenured professor and earned numerous teaching awards. Grant's books, including "Give and Take," "Originals," and "Think Again," have been translated into multiple languages and have topped bestseller lists worldwide. His research and insights are frequently featured in major media outlets, and he hosts the popular podcast "WorkLife." Through his writing and speaking, Grant has profoundly impacted the fields of psychology, business, and education.

Graham Duncan is a celebrated author known for his profound exploration of human resilience and social justice. His debut novel, "Echoes of Silence," received critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of marginalized communities and won the prestigious Man Booker Prize. Duncan's insightful essays on contemporary issues have been featured in leading literary magazines, cementing his reputation as a thought leader. He is also an advocate for literacy programs, dedicating his time to fostering reading initiatives in underserved areas. Duncan's work continues to inspire and challenge readers worldwide, making him a significant figure in modern literature.

Tony Hsieh was an innovative entrepreneur best known for his role as the CEO of Zappos, where he revolutionized online retail through a strong emphasis on company culture and customer service. Born on December 12, 1973, in Illinois, Hsieh graduated from Harvard University with a degree in computer science. He co-founded LinkExchange, which he sold to Microsoft for $265 million, before joining Zappos. Hsieh authored the best-selling book "Delivering Happiness" in 2010, outlining his business philosophy and insights into creating a positive workplace culture. His work has left a lasting impact on both the business world and the literature on corporate management and entrepreneurship.

Brian Tracy is a renowned Canadian-American motivational speaker, self-development author, and business consultant. He has written over 70 books, including bestsellers like "Eat That Frog!" and "The Psychology of Achievement," which have been translated into dozens of languages. Tracy's work primarily focuses on personal success, leadership, time management, and sales strategies. He has also delivered over 5,000 speeches and seminars around the world, inspiring millions to improve their lives and careers. His practical advice and actionable insights have cemented his reputation as a leading authority in personal and professional development.

Simon Sinek is a motivational speaker, leadership expert, and bestselling author, best known for his book Start with Why, which explores how great leaders inspire action by focusing on purpose. His concept of the “Golden Circle” has been adopted by leaders and organizations worldwide to create more engaged and motivated teams. Sinek’s TED Talk on leadership, How Great Leaders Inspire Action, is one of the most popular of all time. He also authored Leaders Eat Last and The Infinite Game, focusing on building trust, empathy, and long-term success in leadership. Sinek continues to be a leading voice in leadership and organizational development.

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.
Showing 8 of 15 related collections
“"In a world full of rules, the best ones are the ones you create yourself."”
Work Rules!
By Laszlo Bock
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.