The world's greatest managers are those that BREAK all the rules. Here's why…

Friday: Mindfulness by Miles FROM THE DESK OF MILES EVERSON: Welcome to “Mindfulness by Miles!” I hope you’re having a great day so far. Every Friday, I write articles about health, wellness, mindfulness, and the future of work. My hope is to help you improve your life—personally and professionally. The reason for this is I believe that true wealth is health, and so you need to take care of your overall well-being. In this article, allow me to share with you a few insights about a great book for professionals. Continue reading below to know what the greatest managers in the world do differently in their workplaces. CEO, MBO Partners Chairman of the Advisory Board, The I Institute

The world's greatest managers are those that BREAK all the rules. Here's why… In the vast landscape of management literature, certain books stand out not just for their insights but for their ability to fundamentally reshape how we think about leadership. One of these books? The “First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently” by Marcus Buckingham and Curt Coffman! Published over two decades ago, the wisdom found in this book remains as relevant as ever, offering a refreshing departure from traditional management wisdom. At its core, the book challenges the notion that there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to effective management. Here, Buckingham and Coffman instead advocate for breaking free from the shackles of conventional wisdom and embracing a more nuanced, individualized approach to leadership. So, what exactly sets the world’s greatest managers apart? Let’s delve deeper into the key insights from this groundbreaking work. Rethinking Conventional Wisdom The book’s title itself is a bold declaration of intent to break the rules… but what rules are we talking about here? Buckingham and Coffman argue that many of the widely accepted principles of management are not only outdated but also downright detrimental to employee engagement and organizational success. Because of that, the authors encourage managers to challenge these norms and chart their own course based on what works best for their teams. The Importance of Individuality Central to the book’s thesis is the idea that great managers don’t try to shape their employees into a uniform mold. Instead, they recognize and celebrate the unique strengths of each individual. Rather than focusing solely on fixing weaknesses, great managers harness the power of an individual’s strengths to drive performance and foster a culture of excellence. The Power of Feedback and Recognition Effective feedback is like fuel for growth and development. Buckingham and Coffman emphasize the critical role of regular feedback in helping employees understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Moreover, the authors underscore the importance of timely recognition. They believe in acknowledging and appreciating employees’ contributions in a meaningful way. Building Trust and Engagement The book highlights the importance of building trust through transparent communication, genuine concern for employees’ well-being, and a commitment to fairness and equity. According to Buckingham and Coffman, when employees trust their managers, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and willing to go the extra mile. Shaping the Future of Work In an era of rapid technological advancements and shifting workplace dynamics, the principles outlined in Buckingham and Coffman’s book are more pertinent than ever. As organizations navigate complex challenges and strive to stay ahead of the curve, they need visionary leaders who are willing to challenge the status quo and embrace change. In summary, “First, Break All the Rules” offers a compelling blueprint for excellence in management. By breaking free from conventional wisdom and embracing a more individualized, strengths-based approach, managers can unleash the full potential of their teams and create a culture of high performance and engagement. So, as we navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, let us let the timeless wisdom of this book serve as our guiding light in striving to make a lasting impact. I hope you find today’s topic interesting!     EXCITING NEWS AHEAD The world of work has shifted, and there’s no going back. The barriers to entry have never been lower for talented professionals to work independently, and today’s massive external workforce is hardly a pandemic-produced fad. Business owners can only survive in the new work landscape by partnering with this deep talent pool. With decades of experience in both small-business entrepreneurship and executive management at PwC, I truly believe that the future of work is independent. With that, I’m happy to share with you that my book, co-authored with Walter Scott Lamb, is now available for pre-order on Amazon! Free Birds Revolution: The Future of Work & The Independent Mind This is an essential read for both independent professionals and corporate executives. Here, we provide educational and practical guides to unpack the ever-growing workforce and offer you crucial ways to become a client of choice. Click on the link above to pre-order your copy. Let this book help you future-proof your career and organization in the new world of work. For a daily version of this newsletter, please subscribe here.