The Best Place To Work: The Art and Science of Creating an Extraordinary Workplace

(Paperback)

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In The Best Place To Work, award-winning psychologist Ron Friedman, Ph.D., uses the latest research from the fields of motivation, creativity, behavioural economics, neuroscience and management to reveal what really makes us successful at work. Combining powerful stories with cutting-edge findings, Friedman shows leaders at every level how they can promote smarter thinking, greater innovation and stronger performance.

Reviews

AnINC.Magazine Best Business Book of the Year

"An excellent book."
Booklist

A must-read
Library Journal (starred review)

What a gem! Enough that its a thorough, practical manual for optimizing relationships and work environments, based on new and solid research in human behaviorbut it's a surprising, witty, well-written, and wonderfully engaging read.
David Allen, author ofGetting Things Done

We've lost our way. In this stunning book, Ron Friedman helps us get back on track, exploring not only what work is for, but how we can leap forward and become more human, more alive and more effective.
Seth Godin, author ofLynchpin and The Icarus Deception

InThe Best Place to Work, Ron Friedman examines the factors that take a company from ordinary to extraordinary. The stories in this book . . . pack powerful, research-based lessons for better leadership in the workplace. Friedmans findings are often surprisingly counterintuitive, yet always convincing.
Daniel H. Pink, author ofDriveandTo Sell Is Human

The Best Place to Workis an engaging journey through the latest science of improving the quality of life in organizations. Psychologist Ron Friedman examines how to unleash creativity, boost motivation, and offer rewards and recognition that bring people together rather than driving them apart.
Adam Grant, Wharton professor and author ofOriginals and Give and Take

A contemporary classic. Dr. Friedmans new book offers a highly original guide to creating exceptional workplaces based on cross-field academic research and superb examples from real companies. You wont find these insights elsewhere.
Marshall Goldsmith, author of What Got You Here Wont Get You There

"I love this book! It'ssmart, fun to read, interesting, clear, and practical. We're all owners of our workplaces, and this is our owner's manual. Following Ron's advice is easy and will pay huge dividends for you and the people with whom you work."
Peter Bregman,author of18 Minutes

Aneye-opening, highly-readable, and practical guideto improving the way we work. No matter what you do for a living, this book will change the way you see your workplace.
Richard Wiseman,author of59 Seconds: Think a Little Change a Lot

InThe Best Place to Work, Ron Friedmanbrings together decades of psychological researchinto a package that offers organizations concrete advice to improve the well-being of workers and the quality of work. Much ofthe advice is eye-opening. I'm sure the results of taking the advice will be too.
Barry Schwartz,author ofThe Paradox of ChoiceandWhy We Work

Thisfascinatingbook shows how to create workspaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and high productivity. Itsa joy to read, filled with practical advicefor leaders, engaging real-world stories, and grounded in scientific research.
Keith Sawyer,author ofGroup Genius and Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity

"Friedman's bookfills you with optimism about the future of work. If enough managers pay attention to the science he is promoting, then a lot of people are going to roll out of bed on Mondays truly eager to get to the other side of their commutes."
David McRaney, author ofYou Are Not So Smart

When it comes to motivation and engagement, the problem is rarely that the work itself is terrible its that the way we are working is. InThe Best Place to Work, Ron Friedmantells you everything and I mean everything you need to know to bring out the best in your employees. This powerful (and entertaining!) book is a guide to understanding how subtle, often unconscious influences in the workplace affect happiness, creativity, productivity and loyalty and how you can use these insights to create real and lasting impact, on your team and in your organization. Everyone should be reading this book.
Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of9 Things Successful People Do Differently

"If you want to attract and keep exceptional employees, your culture is the key. In thisentertainingbook, Ron Friedmanoffers a practical game planfor building a workplace that thrives.
Todd Henry,author ofThe Accidental Creative and Die Empty

Theres an astonishing gap between what science knows about human behavior and what companies think they know. In thisfascinatingbook, Ron Friedman outlines the science behind thriving at work and offers practical advice for managers who are committed to making a real difference in the workplace."
David Burkus,author ofUnder New Management

"What a great relief to read a business book that is not just about how to be a better leader but about what makes work more fun, exciting and productive. By focusing on what managers at all levels of an organization can do, this book provides a rich inventory of practical, research-based ideas for making work engaging. Amost valuable and entertaining read full of powerful insightsthat should be read by every manager and employee."
Edgar H. Schein,Professor Emeritus Sloan School of Management, MIT

Ron Friedman'sThe Best Place to Workpresents the latest scientific findings in a highly entertaining but rigorous way.An excellent example of great science writing for practical application in the real world. If you want tomake the workplacebetter, this book is the best place to start.
Dean Keith Simonton, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Davis

The Best Place to Workflows seamlessly and isfilled with practical, accessible waysof seeing not only oneself in depth, but also the complex mosaics of workplace environments with pitfalls and opportunities galore. The principles that undergird a fulfilling and healthy life, with room for authentic, creative play are infused into practical, real-life vignettes throughout its pages. Bringing the science of human innovativeness and productivity into focus, and combining these science-based truths with a life well lived are what can be gleaned from its chapters.
Stuart Brown, M.D., author ofPlay: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul

Ron Friedmanbridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the reality of the modern workplace in a way that is clear, sensible, and effective. Friedman does more than offer recommendations he provides empirically supported tools for turning most any office into a lively, engaging workplace. Written in a user-friendly style that will grab your attention, this book isa must-readfor anyone who has wondered why workplaces cant be successful and welcoming at the same time.
Harry Reis, PhD, University of Rochester Professor of Psychology, Past President of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology

An energetic, conversational look at what really makes an office environment tick.
Publishers Weekly

"Most readers will find some arresting ideas in this book...with a light and entertaining touch."
Financial Times

Author Bio

Ron Friedman, Ph.D., is an award-winning psychologist who writes for the Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, Entrepreneur, and CNN. He is the founder of ignite80, a consulting firm that helps smart leaders build thriving workplaces, and frequently delivers keynotes and trainings on the science of workplace excellence. To learn more about his work, visit ignite80.com.