No Excuses - Hardcover

by Jennifer Robin (Author), Michael J. Burchell (Author)

The business leader's guide to creating a great workplace from the Great Place to Work Institute

In this follow-up guide to The Great Workplace, experts from Great Place to Work(R) Institute, Inc. reveal the most common excuses managers use for why they can't create a great workplace. Authors Jennifer Robin and Michael Burchell poke holes in every single excuse. Whether the reasons involve the organization's leadership, employees, environment, or any other factor, the authors explain that if managers lead people properly, they can create a great workplace. The authors explore how managers can interrupt their own negative thought patterns and instead create lasting change, and they describe how great workplaces have surmounted very real difficulties with aplomb.

• Includes case studies, stories, tips, and tools for managers who want to transform their organizations
• From the experts at the Great Place to Work, a global research, consulting, and training firm that operates in nearly 50 countries
• Proves that any and every organization can change for the better when managers have the right tools and mindset

Creating a place where people want to work and want to succeed is the primary key to success for every manager. No Excuses shows that managers in any organization can transform their workplace--if they'll only get out of their own way first.

Front Jacket

A great workplace is the holy grail for managers--it leads to a stronger, more successful company that weathers storms with ease, and rises above others in times of promise. Though managers may desire a great workplace, they often think it's out of their reach. They are wrong. No Excuses offers a practical guide for transforming any workplace into a great workplace--one where you trust the people you work for, have pride in what you do, and enjoy the people you work with.

Jennifer Robin and Michael Burchell have asked leaders all over the world, "What are your challenges in creating a great workplace?" In No Excuses, they reveal the most common arguments offered and poke holes in every single one. To those who claim, "That would never work in my industry," Robin and Burchell show how professional service firms have found ways to promote work/life balance, just as manufacturing companies have helped workers take great pride in their work. To those who claim, "My company is just too small," No Excuses shows how a dearth of funds can be a catalyst to promote efficient and creative work habits, as well as a true spirit of camaraderie. And those who claim, "Top leadership will never get on board with this," will learn how to make a great workplace oasis among the people they manage, which may well start a company-wide trend.

Filled with real-life case studies and inspiring stories from a wide range of major organizations, including Coca-Cola, Whole Foods, Zappos, and Accenture, No Excuses describes how leaders of great workplaces have surmounted very real difficulties with aplomb. Whether an obstacle involves the organization's leadership, employees, environment, or any other factor, a great workplace is always possible if managers interrupt their own negative thought patterns and lead people properly.

Author Biography

JENNIFER ROBIN, Ph.D., is a research fellow at Great Place to Work^(R) Institute. A former consultant with the Institute, she led the Advisory Practice, helping senior leaders integrate their organization's culture with its strategy and aligning efforts to be a great workplace. Currently, Jennifer teaches in undergraduate, MBA, and professional programs in the Foster College of Business at Bradley University. She lives in Peoria, Illinois.

MICHAEL BURCHELL, Ed.D., is vice president, International Operations at Great Place to Work^(R) Institute, Inc. A member of the corporate management team, Michael oversees affiliate operations, global expansion efforts, and the business development of multinational clients across the Great Place to Work network. Previously, Michael led consulting services for the Institute in the United States. He also co-owns and is a director for Great Place to Work^(R) Institute in the United Arab Emirates, in Dubai. He is based in Washington, D.C.

Great Place to Work^(R) Institute is a global research, consulting, and training firm with thirtyeight affiliates operating in nearly fifty countries. Great Place to Work produces the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For^(R) Annual List and the Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For in America lists, in addition to several dozen best companies lists internationally.

For more information, please visit
greatplacetowork.com
mygreatworkplace.com