Work Like a Boss: A Kick-in-the-Pants Guide to Finding (and Using) Your Power at Work

(Full disclosure: I’ve had the honor to have met Nancy Lyons on two occasions during my Minneapolis years and we have sporadically communicated since. And while that was a factor in adding this to my “read” list, I consider the review an honest one).First off, I loved this book. It’s almost like someone channeled the majority of my experiences in career and life and distilled it down to a collection of thoughts and philosophies that reflect much of how I’ve sought to lead technology teams and, honestly, live life.Even so it is a bit hard to quantify:• It’s not a classic business leadership guide, but it certainly provides guidance on how to be a great business leader.• It’s not a pure relationship building guide, but it absolutely gives examples of how to build good ones.• It’s not a personal development guide, but there is a tremendous amount of wisdom to be gained from it.Instead it is really a framework and must-read example of how to assume personal responsibility for your own leadership, wherever and however you choose to lead.Much like the Nancy I’ve (regrettably) only gotten to know in the very briefest of ways, the book has a loose focus and casual approach, and as she warns early on, it tends to hop around a bit. Yet that informality is big part of what makes it work. And wrapped up in the informality is a fundamental single point that hopefully the reader will come to understand a bit better at the end, which is you are solely responsible for setting the example of how you work, lead, and live. It’s a definitive empowerment guide that is chuck full of examples of what works (and what doesn’t) in an empowered work environment without beating the word empowerment to death (although with that one sentence I may have just done so).Definitely worth having in your library.

I love this book in general, but there were two chapters that stood out for me as being particularly helpful. The first one is titled "Talk like a human". This chapter is about communication styles and how much they can mess things up. The example the author gave made me realize that it's not only important to be aware of my own style or the individual I'm talking to, but the culture of communication within organizations or groups that I interact with, since these cultures can impact everything.The other chapter that was really helpful for me was about "Kicking fear in the face". I'm a person who's struggled with all the standard fear-of-being-seen, and self sabotage. You name it, I fear it. The fact that I'm not special in my fears actually helps put them in perspective. These are human fears. Then the information about building resilience and tools including awareness for when my resilience is feeling a little low.Overall I think anyone who wants to be effective in any leadership type role should read the book. There's going to be something useful in there for you.

One of the easiest reads in the business genre, this book is so refreshing because unlike many, it ditches pomposity and talks in a frank, conversational way about improvement across the board. Not just for bosses, but for everyone who wants to be a decent human being doing a great job. Lyons focuses on people, and how to overcome the obstacles that get in the way of improving work outcomes (‘not outputs’ as she says). She homes in on emotional issues without being emotional about it, and a fair portion of the book gets into how to recognize roadblocks such as failures to communicate, common misconceptions, coworker needs and workplace culture. It's all about how to have a high-functioning workplace without losing your soul or stealing your colleagues'.

Fun and easy read from an established CEO and tech/work experience thought leader. Nancy’s writing style is human and accessible, it truly feels like she’s sitting across a table from you giving sound advice. I enjoyed the book so much I purchased it for many of my direct reports to help empower them to “Work like a boss” - highly recommend for people newly in their career through established leaders. Everyone can get something out of this book.

Inspirational and practical. In an early chapter, she writes "We have to find a better way - for our own sakes." This is the rare business book that articulates an empowering approach to changing one's relationship to work and meaning, and then actually provides concrete ways to do that. A path to staying in your job, if you want to, and owning your own power and effecting change.I recommend this for anyone who is attempting to find fulfillment and meaning in their workplace, and for leaders who want to empower their folks to do great things. Work Like a Boss is like a new work handbook.

I have been passing around my copy of this book for the last few months. (Encouraging people to buy their own copy, of course!) I love the straight-forward narrative style that Nancy utilizes so well. It's like sitting down with a good friend who is ready to tell you all the things you need to hear. I've hung quotes from this book on the wall in my office. I especially love "Own Your Own Shit" because we really do need to hold ourselves accountable first and foremost. The "show up or shut up" message really resonated with me. I've also seen changes in the people I've shared this with; both in their attitudes and in the way they approach their work. It's an excellent read for anyone looking for a push into being the best version of your work-self.

This book gives you the tools of empowerment. Anyone can benefit from this book whether you're just starting out on your work journey or your many years into your career. Nancy is thought provoking, insightful and honest. Not your typical corporate BS that is so prevalent today. Nancy has many years of experience from starting out as a server to now owning her own company. It's about taking reponsibility for you. Owning your stuff. Nancy is straight forward and clearly knows how to Work Like A Boss.