Page 12 - Make Work Great

Prologue

Choose to Choose

The strongest principle of growth lies in human choice.
—GEORGE ELIOT

ou’re not as autonomous as you think you are.
Y No offense. Neither am I.
That seems a terrible way to begin a book, doesn’t it? Here I claim
to have a method of creating your own workplace culture and making
your workplace great, regardless of your surroundings. I’m promising
that through your own efforts you can create a “crystal” of positive
workplace culture in a sea of—well, whatever else you are experi-
encing right now. Take the initiative, take action, and create a great
environment through your own efforts.
Why then would I possibly choose to begin by telling you to mis-
trust your own autonomy? Let me explain.

We Are Driven by Peers
When you’re standing on an elevator waiting to reach your fl oor,
which way do you face? Almost everyone faces the door. Why? Is it
so you can watch the electronic display? Perhaps, but the behavior

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