Great at Work: How Top Performers Do Less, Work Better, and Achieve More

we should evaluate the value of our work by measuring how much others benefit from it. That’s an outside-in view,

break with convention and try new ways of working.

“cognitive empathy,” which we can define as the capacity to understand another’s perspective or mental state.

INVITE THE OPPOSITION INTO YOUR TENT

When you work smart, you select a tiny set of priorities and make huge efforts in those chosen areas (what I call the work scope practice). You focus on creating value, not just reaching preset goals (targeting). You eschew mindless repetition in favor of better skills practice (quality learning). You seek roles that match your passion with a stron

When people redesign, the key is not the degree of change they’re undertaking. Instead, it’s the magnitude of the value they can create.

If you can’t obtain full resources, reduce the scope of the project, extend the schedule, or kill the project.

To lower this risk, Mike made sure that the life sciences unit established two separate teams,

forceful champions (chapter six). They inspired people by evoking their emotions.