You probably look at cubicle walls and wonder, who the hell designed these ugly monstrosities? But that's not even the point. Why would any company put their valued employees in these little human pens?
Do they really care about what I think, and if they do then why don't they ask for my opinion?
If you've ever worked in a cubicle, you probably have had these thoughts. The corporate world often does what is easy instead of what is right.
There have been signs of corporate culture changing in large and small companies, but it doesn't seem to happen fast enough.
I'm trying to push the change. It's difficult to steer the stubborn elephants to consistently use work happiness methods. We needed to bottom out, which I hope happened in 2008. We need major changes in the infrastructure of American companies. It's time for a shift in the way we communicate, think of work processes, treat each other, and have fun at work.
Escape
For those of you who can't wait for the change to take effect, "Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur
" is the perfect book for you. Check out the first chapter right here.
This guide to starting your own business gives you stories from which you can learn, tips for creating your plan, and strategies on how to implement your ideas so you have a better chance of success.
Pam Slim the author created a well rounded book that will help people escape their dreaded cubicles. I've read about a lot of these concepts on her blog, but the book gave me advice that was new.
As most of you know, I'm in the process of building my business foundation in order to expand my own company. I'm excited to be out there, helping companies improve their work environment, but I can always improve. EfCN taught me a few lessons about subjects that I had failed to research - insurance is one of my weaknesses. I'm still young and don't go to the doctor very often so it hasn't been a priority, but I understand that I need to stay on top of this otherwise I might get burned by a bad choice.
So for those of you who have been laid off, fired, or bribed to leave (or maybe you just hate your job) then pick this book up and find out how you can succeed on your own.
Building Your Dream Business
Working for yourself is not for everyone. There are some great companies to work for (Google, Southwest Airlines, and Zappos to name a few), but many of you probably have a dream of creating your own hours and answering to no one. If this describes you then this book may be just what you need.
When you read this book you will gain a better understanding of some of the problems and joys that will occur before you start your own business. As you know, it won't be easy.
Don't forget, once you start your own business then bring me in. I'll help you create a culture that doesn't force your employees to buy this book and want to start their own business. 🙂
Buy it on Amazon: Escape from Cubicle Nation: From Corporate Prisoner to Thriving Entrepreneur
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Sage advice is hard to come by and one of my favorite bloggers/philosophers is Lance of Jungle of life.
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You need some quick work happiness advice every now and again then try me out on Twitter - @workhappynow.
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If you enjoyed this review then check out:
Hi Karl: I think more and more employers are realizing that happy employees are more creative and more productive, so there's a practical reason to improve the atmosphere in the workplace. I think you're making a wise career transition.
Karl, the happiness revolution is certainly beginning and you are poised to ride that wave. Keep at it - folks are listening.
I've just begun poking into Pam's book but from what I've read so far it's a winner. It's an extremely thorough guide to all the decisions a would-be entrepreneur is faced with. Her book contains many excellent questions for deep consideration so that one can make his or her move with forethought and confidence.
Hi Karl,
Many of us spend a good chunk of our time working. Whether this is for ourselves, or for someone else - a key point is that we should enjoy it. And that's not just the work, it's the environment also. Pam's book sounds like a good one to check out, thanks much for pointing me there! And I think this fits so well with what you're discussing here, Karl, the whole concept of work and being happy.
And thank you for the link and kind words - it's all very much appreciated!
Here's to working happy!
Hi Karl,
Thanks for the book recommendation; I'm going to check it out.
Being happy at work shouldn't be a bonus - it should be the the expected culture. You're doing a great job communicating this - keep pushing for happy. 🙂
Great review. This is the second review I've read about this book and even though it sounds great I've yet to pick up a copy. I need to get on that ASAP!
Good stuff.
> Do they really care about what I think, and if they do then why don’t they ask for my opinion?
This problem shows up in software too. People ship things that nobody wants. One of the practices our group uses is "customer-connected engineering." It includes the customer throughout the cycle so they actually shape the result. It sounds like common sense, but it's not necessarily pervasive. I think more people are moving to prosumer models where the producer pairs with the consumer.
Hi Marelisa, I hope so.
Hi Lance, our work environment and how we interact with it determines a lot of our happiness. When we figure out how to optimize every situation, we have won a huge mental battle.
Hi Tom, I'm going to ride it as far and as long as I can because I love every minute of it.
Hi Laurie, happy at work should never be a bonus - it's mandatory.
Hi Positively, the book is well worth your time.
Hi J.D., prosumer creating is a great technique. I hope more companies try this style of business.
Hi Karl,
I agree, "Working for yourself is not for everyone.". Although we have our own business, there are times when I wish I had a steady paycheck coming in. But, all in all, self employment does have some awesome benefits.
Hi Karl,
I think it is a dilemma. In one side, we want to start our own business, and on the other side, when our business is running, we expect that our employees are satisfied and happy working with us and don't want them to resign to start their own business too.
Thanks for the review.
Hi Barbara, there are positives to both. The question is which positives matter most to the individual. When a person knows what is most important to them the choice is easy.
Hi Arswino, it is a dilemma that it a difficult part of starting your own business. My hope, with this site, is that entrepreneur's read these articles and try to make their company culture so much fun that they keep their employees for years and years, growing the business together.