All You Need to Know About

WORK

Finally, someone explains what
“work smarter, not harder” is all about

Are you learning? Are you being paid well? Are you having fun? At any point in your career, at least two of those answers should be yes.

  • In this book, I’ll finally explain what the heck “work smarter, not harder” really means.

  • I’ll give you guidelines to approach your work — both big picture and day-to-day — so it supports your life instead of consuming it.

  • I’ll show you what companies truly value, what matters, and what doesn’t.

  • You’ll learn how to lead teams, manage relationships and expectations, silence your inner impostor, and protect your personal space.

  • I’ll teach you how to run a career review and make the big decisions.

  • And I’ll share tips for choosing your first job — or switching to a new one.

Buy on Amazon (Hardcover or Kindle)
Buy on Amazon (Paperback)
Read a sample

You might need to try your local site (e.g. amazon.sg) if amazon.com does not deliver to your location.

CONTENTS

Click on + to check the content.

  • Before we start

    This book is not for you

    Your career map in just two pages

  • In the beginning, you know nothing

    Your first job is meant for learning and experimenting, not to get rich

    Surround yourself with people smarter than you

    Find out the kind of worker you are

    Choose a job where you can make the world better (even a tiny bit)

    Your work won't be great at first — and that's great

    Find this in your job

    Ask yourself these questions

    Beware of robots.

  • Make your work recognizable

    Develop your superpowers

    Find good problems to solve

    Train with live ammunition

    Accept your limitations… and act accordingly

    "More or less" is more or less good enough

    Results are what matter

    Focus where the impact is greatest

    Show off what you don't do

    Learn how to manage a crisis

    Knowing how to think matters more than knowing

  • You don't need to have an answer to every question

    Don't overrely on instinct

    Don't confuse activities with objectives

    Don't create new problems if you can't solve the existing ones

    Don't miss the lessons in failures

    Don't reinvent the wheel — but make it better

    Don't obsess over planning

    Don't obsess over growth

  • Know which "hat" you're wearing as a manager

    What the hell is a coach?

    Be clear about what matters to you

    Be predictable

    Create a well-rounded team

    Before you hire, do it yourself

    When hiring, prioritize values and skills over knowledge

    Filter out the bad candidates to make time for the good ones

    Never hire someone who's "more or less" right for the role

    Ask better questions instead of giving clear-cut instructions

    Learn to delegate

    Don't dismiss micromanagement entirely

    Have few rules — but make them count

    Create a safe space for discussion

    Establish a zero-tolerance philosophy toward mediocrity

    Build a philosophy of continuous evolution — not revolutions

    Expect great things from your team

    Be opportunistic with praise and di

  • Don't fall for the work-life balance myth

    Separate who you are from what you do

    Create your own islands of happiness

    Make the most of remote work

    Think before you volunteer

    Put things in perspective

    "Commute" from work to home

    Don't be too connected

    Stay unchained

    Don't be a workaholic

    Protect yourself from burnout

    Take notes — just in case

  • Doing your job well will make you happy — managing impressions will make you money

    Ask someone who's done it before

    If you like your job, say it

    If something terrible happens to you, take the initiative

    Dress — and act — accordingly

    Save face — yours and theirs

    You can break the rules, but only if you understand them

  • Every once in a while, summarize your career

    Don't follow your passion, build it yourself

    Design your dream job in your current company

    Know your limitations, filters, and wishes

    Don't make yourself too easy to label

    What do companies really value?

    Freelance or employee?

    Analyze the company's mission, vision, and values

    Write a memorable résumé

    Nail your job interview

    How to negotiate your salary

    You're fired

    And if you retire…

  • Final thought: work is just one part of your life

    Summary

    Other ideas related to work that you can find in my other books

    All the books in this series