WORK RULES! That Will Transform How You Live and Lead by Laszlo Bock
Reviewed by Ed Ladd
All of us know how successful Google is, and most of us have heard that the company is rated as one of the best places in the world to work. Many of us have visions of a Google workplace full of tie-dyed t-shirts and worn jeans work attire where the foosball tables jockey with Starbucks coffee bars for office space. This imagined imagery suggests a company that is casual and relaxed where work is serendipitous and playful. Nothing could be further from the truth as Laszlo Bock reveals in this book about how Google cultivates an organization that is purposeful and value driven. And in doing so, Bock gives us insights into how we could create a similar culture within our schools.
At the beginning of this read, I found some of the details overwhelming or questioned how these practices could translate to schools, but as I ventured deeper into Bock’s evocation of Google’s organizational practices, I read ideas, as well as a philosophy, that would serve a school’s culture well. For this reason, I would encourage anyone who is looking for ways or processes to improve their ethos or breathe some fresh air into their atmosphere to consider reading this book.
From the outset, Bock is clear that Google’s culture is about people. Google believes that the key to success is hiring, retaining, and developing the very “best” people. To this end, Google is extremely purposeful in their approach to hiring, their shaping of their workplace, and their believe in continuously exploring every detail that will enhance what they do.
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Work Rules! Book Review