The Happy at Work Book
This is the page where I collected the draft chapters while I wrote my first book here on the blog.
The book is:
Happy Hour is 9 to 5 -
How to Love Your Job,
Love Your Life and
Kick Butt at Work
I finished the book and it came out in December, so this page is now less relevant. I’m leaving it here, to preserve some of the process that led to the book.
Click here if you want to read the finished book. It’s available free online and you can buy it on paper or as an e-book.
Here is the original page:
Happiness at work is an idea that is revolutionizing the business world.
The days of working only for the money are almost over. Fewer and fewer people will settle for a working day that gives them nothing but financial security. And fewer and fewer companies can survive and innovate when their employees are only in it for the money.
And yet, there’s still no one book that deals with how you can make yourself and others happy at work or how a company can create a happy workplace.
I’ve written that book – right here on the blog.
Content
The book contains these chapters:
- Introduction
- About the book
- What is happiness at work
- What makes people happy at work
- What does not make people happy at work (but lots of people think it does)
- What makes people unhappy at work
- Why happiness at work matters
- Why happiness at work matters for people
- For businesses- It’s about happiness and profits not happiness or profits
- Who is responsible for happiness at work?
- How to make yourself happy at work – Attention, intention, action
- Effective, easy, fun things you can do
- How to make a company happy – attention, intention, action
- A simple model for happy workplaces
- The 6 practices of happy businesses
- Get to it!
Click a chapter to read it. And don’t forget to tell me what you think about it :o)
About the book
The book itself is a little different:
- The book is for everybody with a job and everybody who wants one. Employees, managers, executives, students, everybody.
- The tone of the book is light and the language is 100% free of MBA-jargon.
- The book is full of stories and case studies from happy, successful companies who use the methods and principles described.
- I’ve also taken a departure from the normal length of business books (250-400 pages) and kept this one around 150 pages – so people will actually read it :o)
- The book is immediately useful. I’m enormously inspired by the head first series of IT-books, that aim quite simply to help the reader kick ass. I think each and every chapter should enable the reader to so something cool and make herself and others a little happier at work.
- I want the book to come out soon rather than come out perfect. I’d rather release it a year earlier, 80% perfect, than a year later 95% perfect. We can always call the book a “beta”. In fact I’d like the book to be in perpetual beta.
It makes a nice change from writing at home or at the office.
Status
Now that the text itself is ready, the next steps are:
- Find an illustrator
- Edit the book (and move around all the commas)
- Design the book and the cover
- Print the first edition
43 Comments »
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Positive Sharing » Help Alex write a book Said,
May 24, 2006 @ 11:10 am
[...] Read all about it – and please help me out. [...]
Solveig Haugland Said,
May 24, 2006 @ 10:57 pm
This sounds great! My friend Kathy (she of the passionate users) is also writing a book related to her blog…perhaps hers and yours can feed off each other and create a new *good* business book genre.
>> Find a publisher vs. self-publishing. What’s your take?
I have self-published several books ( must plug book here ;> http://www.thinkgeek.com/books/humor/7ddf/ ) and while my experience hasn’t been wildly profitable, it’s also not too complicated. Get an ISBN from bowkers.com, get the bar code from one of a zillion providers, create the PDF content and the cover, and pick your favorite printer on the continent(s) where you’re shipping the books to. Amazon will carry anything if you give’em their 55% discount. Getting onto shelves at actual bookstores is much harder but in the blogosphere, word of mouth and a link to Amazon might be all you need.
Re getting a publisher, if you don’t find someone to publish it as soon as you want to get the book out, you can always self-publish first, and then decide to give a publishing company the rights later if you want.
Any chance of including a case study in which you take a company that’s kind of in the dumps (or several), apply Happiness Principles, and report the results in the book? That would probably take longer than you seem to want, but it would kick ass. Maybe a variety of businesses: nonprofit, corporate, and family-owned?
An idea that just came to mind when looking at one of your other posts is that you might at least comment on the ideas in “Walden 2.” I can’t come up with something extremely relevant right now but there’s a whole system of how to approach work. You might think that Skinner is full of it, of course. ;>
Anyway, this is a little long so shall attempt to stop right now. Good luck with the book!
Alexander Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 9:25 am
Thanks a lot Solveig, that is excellent and very helpful advice.
I am leaning more and more towards self-publishing, especially since the published authors I know have mostly been underwhelmed by the support they get from their publishers.
Turning a company around using happiness is of course the greatest proof of concept. Fortunately, I don’t have to do it since lots of companies already have and I can steal… er… borrow their case stories.
pollas Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 1:07 pm
Nice. Linking to videos to make a point is cool ;-)
Good luck with the book – I’ll be happy (!) to read some chapters along the way…
J Wynia Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 8:25 pm
I bought a block of 10 ISBN numbers and was set up for direct on-demand publishing a few months ago. I haven’t done anything with them yet and wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the other 9 anyway. If you want, you can publish via my ISBN numbers at no charge.
Wilson Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 9:04 pm
You might want to take a look at the book “Dive Into Python” by Mark Pilgrim, at http://www.diveintopython.org, if you haven’t already.
It was written as ‘open source’, in that it was freely downloadable at all times (and still is) while Pilgrim was writing it and readers could suggest changes and improvements, many (all?) of which were credited in the text. I’m not certain of all of the details of licensing except that it was published under the GNU Free Documentation License.
After he finished it, it was published on paper by Apress. I bought a copy, despite having downloaded (and printed) the online version, partly because the book was a little easier to use but also because I wanted to support the author financially. Come to think of it, I wanted to support the publisher too, for having the guts to publish a ‘free’ book.
I suspect – I hope – that the feedback Pilgrim got during this process allowed him to get the book up to ’90% perfect’ (or whatever his threshold was) sooner than otherwise. But you might contact him and ask him about the experience, what he learned, what to avoid, whether he still recommends the open source documentation model. Perhaps also what he thinks of Apress and any other publishers with which he came into contact.
Alexander Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 9:25 pm
Thanks for the tip Wilson. I hadn’t heard about that book before, but it sounds pretty much like what I want to do!
Alexander Said,
May 25, 2006 @ 9:33 pm
J Wynia: Thank you VERY much for the offer. I’ll get back to you when I need an ISBN.
Joh Said,
May 27, 2006 @ 12:07 pm
I think this is a great idea. I loved Semler’s book. I wholeheartedly agree with the importance you place on it.
Relationships are often an big part of happiness at work. I have had quite a variety of jobs throughout my life and the thing that stands out to me as the most important part for my happiness was the people I was working with. Workplaces encourage or discourage this and I think it should be supported.
I look forward to reading chapters and giving feedback. Can you notify readers when you have added something to this project?
Alexander Kjerulf Said,
May 27, 2006 @ 6:09 pm
Thanks for the feedback and encouragement, Joh. I can certainly let people know when new chapters are out – Hey, I could even create an RSS-feed for the book.
cityzenjane Said,
May 28, 2006 @ 6:01 pm
Oh LOVE the idea of the book! Lot’s to be said!
I just heard Amazon is starting a print on demand service so that you would have no overstock. Take a look – I’d love to hear what you think.
You’ve probably covered all these points but:
- at base the pay structure of the company needs to be fair and honest
- people need to be put in a position to be successful – that is put people in spot where they are doing things they enjoy and are good at. Take off their plates then things that the do not enjoy whenever and whereever possible.
-different people enjoy different things – allow them to cooperatively structure their work
- encourage innovation and thinking – out of one’s ‘position’ – titles should only be ways to find people
- allow people to work the way they are most productive – let morning people be morning people and night owls be night owls – judge them on output
- acknowledge and support people’s commitments to family
- ackowledge that people without family obligations have obligations too! (Don’t force the singletons to take up the slack for the marrieds — hell we don’t get wedding presents or anything and you want us to cover all the time for the sick kids?)
-encourage continual education – don’t force it to be in one ‘job related’ subject — thinking is job related.
-give credit where credit is due
-reward enthusiasm
-reward compassion
-reward creativity
-make your company a place where people are PROUD to work by making the
triple bottom line your measure of success.
(for more on that http://www.triplepundit.com)
-leverage the energy of your employees and your resources to make a positive impact on the community – and the world.
Looking forward to reading it!
cityzenjane Said,
May 28, 2006 @ 6:03 pm
Oh PS….
If your mission and values statement is clearly window dressing and just so much BS your employees will know it so WALK the TALK.
Alexander Said,
May 29, 2006 @ 9:50 am
Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the great input cityzenjane.
With all your great thoughts, it sounds like YOU could be writing this book :o)
cityzenjane Said,
May 29, 2006 @ 4:13 pm
Ah, but you beat me to it! : )
Best of luck, Alex!
cityzenjane Said,
May 29, 2006 @ 4:14 pm
Ah, but you beat me to it! : )
Best of luck, Alex!
I suppose I’ve worked in enough bad work environments to know a lot about how NOT to do it!
Claire Tompkins Said,
May 29, 2006 @ 6:11 pm
I think an important source of happiness at work is feeling empowered. People want to feel that their work has a direct effect on the company’s bottom line; profit sharing is an example of that. Companies like Southwest Airlines are profitable, have profit sharing and the employees seem happy (they’re nice, anyway!)
I am considering self publishing on http://www.lulu.com. They offer on-demand publishing, single ISBN’s and submission to Google Book Search. Sounds pretty good.
I love your topic! I’d be interested in reading chapters.
Alexander Said,
May 29, 2006 @ 8:43 pm
Thank you so much for the encouraging words, Claire!
Empowerment is at the center of happiness, both at work and in life. The feeling that you have control over the things that matter to you is crucial!
Thanks for the tip on lulu – I’ll check them out.
Positive Sharing » First parts of the happy at work book Said,
June 23, 2006 @ 11:02 am
[...] So, here they are, the very first parts of the happy at work book. WOO-HOOOOO!! [...]
stefan Said,
June 24, 2006 @ 8:28 am
I think this is a great idea. You’re ideas point straight at what makes me “tick”! I wonder though if you’re picking a type of person (probably neglected and undervalued) that fits your model – but perhaps there’s a whole swath of people who LIKE “productivity” “hard work” and so on. At least, it sure looks like from the outside looking in. I wouldn’t know, personally, what that’s like…
Have you heard of Margaret Lobenstine at http://www.togetunstuck.com ? It might give an interesting angle on your own ideas – she has some good descriptions of what works for the non-structured types like me. Personally, I’m too unstructured to do anything with them, but they’re interesting nonetheless.
I’ve discovered a few things about myself over the years that fit well with your thesis. For instance, I’m profoundly UNmotivated by money. This is good in some ways – I like to focus on the processes in my life more than outcomes, and I don’t try to make busy-work for myself to get more money. But there are serious downsides too – like in a job doing all the work I’m supposed to do or else I won’t get paid. Of course I *know* that’s bad, but it always remains an abstraction and is rarely motivating.
Finally, I’d really like a chapter devoted to the total losers like myself – the people who have been so unsuccessful at finding the ‘happiness niche’ that we’ve simply given up; it’s a nice dream but it’s not going to happen. Hope springs eternal they say – or else I wouldn’t even bother to write that. I’ve nearly come to accept that my only future lies in work I don’t like nor am I very good at it, I’ll never be “productive” or “competent” and people who claim there are alternatives are holding out false hope for me… but I can’t help hoping! What a quandry, eh?
Cheers,
Stefan
Alexander Said,
June 26, 2006 @ 10:51 am
New chapter added: Why happiness at work matters for businesses. It’s mostly about how happiness at work improves the bottom line.
Let me know what you think!
Alexander Said,
June 27, 2006 @ 10:23 am
Next section is up: http://positivesharing.com/2006/06/what-is-happiness-at-work/
Protocol 80 Productivity Blog :: The “Happy At Work” Book Said,
June 27, 2006 @ 5:12 pm
[...] Here’s a refreshing new idea, a book about being happy at work. I’ve seen lot’s of things that indirectly lead to been happy at work, as a rule models like the “Seven Habits” result in a generally happier state of being, GTD reduces stress but happiness is a by-product, not the goal it’s self usually. [...]
Positive Sharing » Happiness at work leads to success Said,
June 28, 2006 @ 8:44 am
[...] Why is happiness at work important to you and me? I just finished the chapter on that in the happy at work book, and iIn that chapter I reference a study that shows that happy people are more likely to be successful. Here’s some more info on that study: a lot of research has pointed in another direction, contending that happiness is the result of a lot of things — success at work, a good marriage, a fit body, a fat bank account. [...]
Alexander Said,
June 29, 2006 @ 9:25 am
Two new sections are now up:
http://positivesharing.com/2006/06/what-makes-people-happy-at-work
http://positivesharing.com/2006/06/what-doesnt-make-people-happy-at-work
Enjoy!
Alexander Said,
July 3, 2006 @ 10:07 am
New chapter added: http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/what-makes-people-unhappy-at-work/
Alexander Said,
July 5, 2006 @ 9:43 am
New chapter up: http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/who-is-responsible-for-happiness-at-work
Positive Sharing » A question for you about the Happy at Work Book Said,
July 6, 2006 @ 8:47 am
[...] The Happy at Work Book is now half finished. It took me eight days of writing, writing only before lunch to get this far. I can’t believe how fast I’ve been writing or how much fun it’s been. I literally have to force myself to take days off from writing on it once in a while :o) [...]
Positive Sharing » Vacation Said,
July 7, 2006 @ 9:40 am
[...] But don’t worry, I’ve blogged ahead, so new posts will appear next week. I’ll be back the week after, ready to finish the Happy at Work Book. With the speed I’ve been going, that shouldn’t take more than a couple of weeks :o) Share or vote for this post:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Alexander Said,
July 21, 2006 @ 11:24 am
New chapter posted: http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/a-model-for-happiness-at-work
It’s my favorite chapter so far – I especially like the contrast between the Gujarat beaches and SAS Institute :o)
Alexander Said,
July 24, 2006 @ 12:08 pm
New chapter up: http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/make-yourself-happy-at-work/
Positive Sharing » Question: What makes you happy at work? Said,
July 25, 2006 @ 5:57 pm
[...] I’m looking for inspiration for the Happy At Work Book which, incidentally, will be finished soon. I’ll write the last chapter this week or next week at the latest and I only started writing it a month ago. Sometimes I scare myself :o) Share or vote for this post:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]
Alexander Said,
July 27, 2006 @ 9:15 pm
New chapter up: http://positivesharing.com/2006/07/make-your-organization-happy-intention-attention-action/
Positive Sharing » Get lucky at work - be positive Said,
August 3, 2006 @ 11:13 am
[...] The Happy At Work Book [...]
No time at Fudeblog by Cesar Cardoso Said,
August 9, 2006 @ 3:48 pm
[...] O Ricardo falou sobre o natimorto-por-enquanto podcast que surgiu de fazermos. A idéia é boa, mas cadê o tempo dos dois pra fazer? Bem, estou devendo uns svn commit pro Mussi (vou fazer, Mussi, vou fazer) e iniciar a tradução do livro do Alexander Kjeruf, the Happy at Work Book. [...]
landed.ru Said,
August 10, 2006 @ 6:47 pm
better be happy when you go work when you at work and coming back
be still happy……………
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Под впечатлением
The top 10 advantages of low-rent living Said,
August 11, 2006 @ 10:32 am
[...] In The Happy At Work Book there’s a chapter on what you can do to make yourself happy at work which has this piece of advice: Reduce your expenses One of the biggest threats to happiness at work is having too many fixed expenses at home. When you’re completely dependent on bringing home a pay check (or two!) every single month, you’re vulnerable. If work turns out to be unbearable you can’t simply up and leave and take three months without income. [...]
10 tips for fun, creative, productive writing Said,
September 5, 2006 @ 10:10 am
[...] Well whaddaya know: It’s only been three months since I wrote and posted the first chapter of the happy at work book and now the whole book is up on the blog (minus one chapter which is almost done). [...]
Top 10 tips for productive, creative, fun writing Said,
September 5, 2006 @ 10:16 am
[...] Well whaddaya know: It’s only been three months since I wrote and posted the first chapter of the happy at work book and now the whole book is up on the blog (minus one chapter which is almost done). [...]
tay Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 7:41 am
Hi,
Just curious, since you have posted your whole book online, how do you expect to turn a profit from it by publishing? I mean, no ones going to buy your book if they can get it free from the net right?
Please enlighten me.
Alexander Said,
September 25, 2006 @ 10:47 am
Hi Tay. Good questions, and I have a few interesting ideas coming up.
For one, many people still prefer books on paper, and they’ll be able to buy it. Also, the book will generat contacts and business for me as a consultant and speaker.
And one more, new, weird idea, which I’ll be announcing very soon.
Fernando Meyer » How to be happy at work? Said,
October 8, 2006 @ 9:25 pm
[...] The Happy At Work Book [...]
Liz Lawley Said,
October 9, 2006 @ 5:42 pm
David Weinberger recently self-published a children’s book through Lulu, and wrote about the process (including step-by-step instructions for getting an ISBN assigned).
http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/mtarchive/my_kids_book_on_amazon.html
Help me name my book about happiness at work Said,
October 18, 2006 @ 4:09 pm
[...] The book is of course about happiness at work. What it is, why it matters and how we can get it. The book is for anyone who has a job and anyone who wants one. You can read all about it (and even read the first draft of it) here. [...]