Books we like ... and books we're not too fussed about
Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson
Vermilion 2010
Regular visitors to readitinbooks.com – of which there are precisely none – will know that I’m not in the habit of reading books explaining how to work better. However, on the recommendation of a friend, I made an exception here. From what I gather though, it’s not typical of its genre – and thank goodness for that. Firstly, it’s written in clear, concise, informal English, with no business jargon or trendy metaphors. Secondly, the advice it gives is good old-fashioned common sense: there’s nothing smart about being a workaholic; most meetings are a waste of time; “talk like you really talk”; “marketing” isn’t something that can be separated from everything else your business does. Having built up their own successful software firm following these rules, Fried and Hansson know what they’re talking about.
Having used a hotel which boasted “No is a word we never use” – and then proceeded to cock just about everything up - I found their comments on the fultility of “mission statements” rang particularly true; having received far too many illiterate and/or incomprehensible communications, I found their emphasis on the importance of good writing also refreshing. In fact there was nothing here I disagreed with and a lot which, I know, will help anyone work more successfully without letting it dominate their life. This is a business book for those who don’t like business books, and is thus highly recommended. Thanks Rachel!
7 May 2010
http://37signals.com/rework/
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