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The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work Audiobook
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(3.06) - 144 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
What really sets the best managers above the rest? It's their power to build a cadre of employees who have great inner work lives—consistently positive emotions; strong motivation; and favorable perceptions of the organization, their work, and their colleagues. The worst managers undermine inner work life, often unwittingly.
As Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer explain in The Progress Principle, seemingly mundane workday events can make or break employees' inner work lives. But it's forward momentum in meaningful work—progress—that creates the best inner work lives. Through rigorous analysis of nearly 12,000 diary entries provided by 238 employees in seven companies, the authors explain how managers can foster progress and enhance inner work life every day.
The book shows how to remove obstacles to progress, including meaningless tasks and toxic relationships. It also explains how to activate two forces that enable progress: (1) catalysts—events that directly facilitate project work, such as clear goals and autonomy—and (2) nourishers—interpersonal events that uplift workers, including encouragement and demonstrations of respect and collegiality.
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"Really enjoyed this book! Research was fascinating, and great insight into what contributes (and doesn't) to positive inner work life. Also reminded me of the power of journalling...which can take many forms, even something as simple as a tweet or a FB post."
— Michelle (5 out of 5 stars)
The Progress Principle Listener Reviews
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" I found this book really hard to read and get interested in. I would say that true HR focused individuals would likely find this book more interesting. "
— Jeff, 1/18/2014 -
" Every manager and organizational leader should read this book. Great insights on how to build a culture where people are happy and productive. "
— Paul, 1/14/2014 -
" Badly written. "
— Katherine, 1/12/2014 -
" Great concept and interesting examples. I only wish it focused more on what we can do as individuals rather than managers. "
— Bojana, 12/19/2013 -
" I would really give it 2 1/2 stars. The book offers and confirms what I have read in the past. I skipped past the "other" stories because I am personally tired of this style of writing and skipped to the practical pieces. I wish the stories were shorter. "
— Amy, 12/5/2013 -
" Well-researched and thought out position on how to enable employees and coworkers to optimize achievement and happiness. Looks to be a fair bit that I can immediately with my team. "
— Rob, 11/12/2013 -
" A surprisingly simple book that seems to overplay the research underpinning it. (The authors analyzed journal entries of a few hundred people and focused on a few teams. Not exactly amazing science.) Still, the main assertion, that a manager's main task is to enable progress every day, is useful. "
— John, 10/2/2013 -
" For the general idea how the companies either go up or down, the book is quite good. On the other hand, I felt like the information in the book is exaggerated. Generally, It is easy to read and clear. "
— Filiz, 9/14/2013 -
" Not bad. It's research, so it takes a while before we get to any practical bits. Once we did get into the meat of it though, there were lots of insights into how managers can cultivate productive work in their teams. I wish I had read this five years ago. "
— Amy, 6/7/2013 -
" An enlightening book! I learned some new things that are extremely helpful. "
— Barbara, 4/18/2013 -
" Excellent research-based book on helping staff move forward in their work in a nurturing way. Great read! "
— Jeff, 2/22/2013 -
" OC Business Book Club Selection--concepts worth the read --Harvard Blog recapped. Lots of anecdotes make it miss in flow. "
— Michelle, 2/3/2013 -
" Great book, I really enjoyed the simplicity of the book backed up by the study data. The way the authors define and describe "the inner work life" throughout the book makes so much sense. Read this book. "
— Robert, 7/20/2012
About the Authors
Harvard Business Review is the leading destination for smart management thinking. Through its flagship magazine, eleven internationally licensed editions, books from Harvard Business Review Press, and digital content and tools published on HBR.org, Harvard Business Review provides professionals around the world with rigorous insights and best practices to lead themselves and their organizations more effectively and to make a positive impact.
Steven Kramer is a developmental psychologist and has co-authored a number of articles in leading management periodicals.
About Margaret Strom
Margaret Strom, a New York–trained actress, graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and holds both BA and MA degrees in theater, as well as an MS degree in educational administration and supervision. She has narrated more than five hundred books for the Library of Congress, and is the voice of business, private, nonprofit, medical, and government industrials and commercials.