Page 41 - Make Work Great

It Starts with You

tion that ultimately makes your entire workplace great? In that sense,
what you’re doing is full-scale cultural change.
Or perhaps not. Maybe you’ll just make your own work life better
and help your colleagues and employees a little as well. Maybe just
a little “great” is all you need. Either way, you win. And either way,
you’ll still be getting your work done.

EXERCISES

1. Obtain a notebook that you can use to record your thoughts and
ideas as you work through this book and your responses to the
exercises at the end of each chapter. Title a blank page “Notes
on Current Culture” and divide it into two columns, “Positive”
and “Negative.”

2. List the positive aspects of your work environment in the appro-
priate column. What is already great? More specifi cally, which
traditions, precedents, and cultural elements serve you and your
employer well? What existing patterns should be kept?

3. List the negative aspects of your work environment in the other
column. What is not so great? More specifi cally, which tradi-
tions, precedents, and cultural elements are detrimental to your
work experience and/or to your employer? What existing pat-
terns should be changed?

4. Imagine inducting a loved one, who so far has been a complete
outsider to your work life, into your company. Envision yourself
explaining all of the politics and processes that get the work
done. Which of those politics and processes make you proud?
Add those to your list of positives. Which of them embarrass
you? Add those to your list of negatives.

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