MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact

by Adaira Landry, Resa E. Lewiss

The promise of this book is simple: if you buy this book on Friday, you will be better at your job by Monday.

MicroSkills is built on one core, easy-to-learn principle: every big goal, complicated task, healthy habit, and, yes, even what we think of as character traits, can be broken down into small, learnable, skills that can be practiced, and incorporated real-time. We call these: MicroSkills.

As award winning physicians, educators, and mentors we hear the gamut of challenges with navigating the workplace. And when we learn a lesson we often wish we had learned it earlier. MicroSkills is packed with the privileged information that you want delivered to you as efficiently as possible.

In MicroSkills you will learn
•How to build your career without breaking yourself
•How to manage your task list to get work done
•How to build and maintain your professional reputation
•How to become a subject matter expert
•How to grow and nurture your network
•How to become a better communicator
and so much more...

MicroSkills is the gift we wish we had received early in our careers. Luckily, for readers it’s not too late!

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Productivity, Audiobook, Leadership, Business, Education

ebook

Published April 16, 2024

Reviews

[David Losacano · Rating 1 out of 5]

Based on reviews of this book and the title of the novel, it immediately peaked my interest. This book discusses and coaches the reader through their experience, how to learn micro skills and specific guiding principles to develop a series of micro skills. However, it is extremely difficult to continue this book (as a man) because there are subtle messages that target men using political buzz words. E.g., explaining "mansplaining" and "manterrupting". Manterrupting which the authors expand upon as a man who interrupts in order to share his thoughts. I think we have a word for that -interrupting which is not exclusive to just men. This theme never ending in this book starting from the introduction.

[Karolina Konduracka · Rating 4 out of 5]

lepsze niż myślałam

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little skeptical about this book being remotely helpful for someone 20 years into their career, but I did find value in it. They are targeting people who are just getting started and breaking down some basic corporate life skills... which I wish I had this book 20 years ago too. Thanks for writing it ladies. The early chapters, you're going to be like... well, duh. But the later ones have value. The later chapters about conflict, building your network and seeking new opportunities were great. They have a very "prescriptive" style... I mean, they are doctors. But they're telling you what to do. But, in an inclusive, coaching style.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Landry and Lewiss have created a compelling and well-thought out book for employees, managers, and businesses to better advocate for themselves and improve communication and workplace culture. Though these two authors use their time working at hospitals for anecdotes, it's clear that their experiences can be translated to any work environment from a cafe to a Fortune 500 company--even a library with a staff of 6 total people, which is where I happen to work!

Throughout this book, these authors offer an easy-to-follow structure to help you manage a task list, improve your communication, and navigate your network, to name a few. Each chapter is broken down into no more than 10 microskills, which then breaks this skill down into an anecdote, why we need this skill, why the skill is hard to achieve, and how to achieve this skill. These sections are incredibly important in that they are easy to follow and make these skills appear manageable.

Landry and Lewiss do an impeccable job in offering why the skill is hard to achieve--including personal fears, internalized oppression, and feeling vulnerable. Therefore, there is no blame for not having mastered these microskills. In their acknowledgement that learning these skills can be difficult, we as readers are relieved of the mental load of acknowledging our own roadblocks. This is what I found most compelling as I read the book. There were many times where I said to myself, "Yes! This is really hard for me!" and felt much more at ease in taking the next steps to better receive criticism and communicate. Not only this, but each example on how to achieve the microskill gives a direct example. They do not simply say, "Ask your supervisor for feedback"; they offer explicit examples on what types of questions to ask your supervisor and why they work.

It's clear they know what they're talking about, too, given all of the backmatter. If you want to read further on anything they discuss, you are sure to find plenty of resources and academic articles to choose from. At the end of each chapter, they also give you key takeaways and supplemental resources.

If you are like me and are always seeking ways to improve yourself both in terms of how you treat yourself, your work, and those around you, this is the book for you. This is not just a productivity book, or a book about workplace culture: it is a book, ultimately, about respect. Respect for your time, commitments, and beyond. This is an easy but worthwhile read. You might read other books that make you feel better after finishing the final page, but Microskills will actually make you be better.

Landry and Lewiss state in the introduction, "If you buy this book on a Friday, you will be better at your job by Monday." They were right.

[Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

“MicroSkills: The Tiny Steps That Lead to the Biggest Accomplishments” by Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss offers a profound exploration of how small, actionable steps can transform professional challenges into opportunities for growth and excellence. Drawing from their extensive experience in the medical and educational fields, the authors debunk the myth that qualities such as competence, ambition, humility, dependability, and effective communication are innate. Instead, they argue that these traits can be cultivated through deliberate, daily practice of microskills—small yet practical skills that, over time, can lead to substantial professional and personal accomplishments.

Building Resilience with Self-Care

Understanding the importance of self-care is crucial for professional survival. Landry and Lewiss stress that loving your job is not enough; you must also cultivate a fulfilling life outside of work. This section introduces several essential self-care skills.

1. Building a Support Network: Having a personal support network, or a "personal board of directors," is vital. Landry shares an experience from her time as a junior resident when she administered the wrong medication. Seeking support from a trusted colleague helped her navigate the emotional aftermath, illustrating the importance of a reliable support system.
2. Practicing Gratitude: Gratitude is more than just good manners; it’s a survival strategy. Appreciating the contributions of others strengthens relationships and enhances mental health. Lewiss recounts expressing gratitude to a mentor years after a crucial end-of-life conversation with a patient, reinforcing the value of gratitude in professional and personal growth.

3. Prioritizing Sleep: Sleep is a non-negotiable pillar of health, particularly in demanding professions. Lewiss emphasizes how neglecting sleep early in her career affected her cognitive functions and overall health. Prioritizing sleep led to significant improvements in her job performance and well-being.

These self-care practices form the foundation for managing other aspects of professional life, including task management, which is the focus of the next section.

Managing Tasks Like a Pro

Efficient task management goes beyond merely getting through the day; it's about strategically navigating responsibilities to feel accomplished rather than busy.

1. Strategic Prioritization: Aligning with what your supervisor values can significantly advance your career. Landry shares an instance where focusing on research and networking, rather than superficial details, proved more beneficial for her career advancement.
2. Effective Decision-Making: In emergency situations, quick decision-making is crucial. Lewiss describes bypassing standard protocols to perform an immediate ultrasound, which saved a patient's life, highlighting the importance of assessing and acting on priorities swiftly.
3. Setting Realistic Timelines: Landry’s methodical preparation for a national lecture at Harvard, involving clear milestones and practice runs, demonstrates how effective planning can enhance the quality of any project.
4. Assessing Feasibility: Understanding what’s needed to complete a project is essential. Landry's experience with an NPR podcast project underscored the importance of assessing resource demands before diving into a project.

These task management skills help streamline responsibilities, reduce stress, and ensure that efforts lead to meaningful outcomes. Polished communication is the next critical microskill explored.

Mastering the Art of Communication

Polished communication can transform your impact in the workplace. Effective communication is about delivering messages clearly and fostering positive relationships.

1. Body Language: Landry's experience with a frustrated patient in the emergency department illustrates the power of body language. Adjusting her approach to show empathy through body language transformed the interaction, highlighting the importance of non-verbal cues.
2. Language Barriers: Recognizing when assistance is needed to bridge communication gaps is crucial. Landry’s use of an interpreter to accurately diagnose a patient emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies in diverse environments.
3. Direct Communication: In critical situations, clear and direct communication is vital. Lewiss recounts a case where succinctly conveying concerns to a surgeon saved a patient's life, underscoring the importance of clear communication in high-stakes scenarios.

Effective communication not only conveys your message but also builds trust and fosters positive professional relationships. Maintaining a strong professional reputation is the next focus area.

Staying Reputable and Credible

Building a solid reputation is an ongoing process, where every action contributes to how others perceive you. Reliability and honesty are key components.

1. Meeting Deadlines: Respecting deadlines and maintaining open communication are crucial. Consistently missing deadlines can damage your reputation, while prompt communication about delays can preserve trust.
2. Handling Complaints: Addressing complaints constructively can prevent conflicts and improve team dynamics. Landry’s guidance to a team member on expressing grievances constructively highlights the importance of positive complaint handling.
3. Honesty: Maintaining honesty is critical. Lewiss shares an incident where a resident’s dishonesty damaged trust, illustrating the lasting repercussions of dishonest behavior.

A solid professional reputation opens doors and builds trust, which is essential for navigating workplace conflicts effectively.

Navigating Conflict with Finesse

Conflict is inevitable in the workplace, but managing it well can turn potential negatives into growth opportunities.

1. Recognizing Early Signs: Early recognition of conflict signs is crucial. Landry’s regret over not addressing passive-aggressive behavior sooner emphasizes the importance of early intervention.
2. Proactive Approach: Discussing potential conflicts with a confidant can help gauge the situation accurately and determine the best course of action.
3. Acknowledging Your Role: Mutual acknowledgment of contributions to a conflict can enhance understanding and repair relationships. Landry’s experience with a confrontational colleague illustrates the benefits of honest reflection and discussion.

Effective conflict management involves a personalized strategy, seeking feedback, and engaging in professional coaching. These skills can transform challenging interactions into opportunities for personal and professional development.

Conclusion

“MicroSkills: The Tiny Steps That Lead to the Biggest Accomplishments” by Adaira Landry and Resa E. Lewiss emphasizes that the smallest steps pave the way for the biggest successes. By building a resilient foundation with self-care, managing tasks efficiently, enhancing communication skills, maintaining a strong professional reputation, and navigating conflicts with grace, you can set yourself up for a thriving career. Each microskill contributes to overall excellence, demonstrating that deliberate, small actions can lead to substantial achievements over time.

[Sarah Cupitt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overall thoughts: "The promise of this book is simple: if you buy this book on Friday, you will be better at your job by Monday." If only the book focused on improving so that your job becomes easier, not focus on how you can be better so your employer or organisation can get more out of you for no extra enumeration. I would like to see a book that talks about why we aspire to grow professionally for nothing additional in return except the odd desire to be better at our current jobs, instead of treating them for what they are, simply jobs.

Good things from this book:
- no amount of networking or gratitude can replace the fundamental need for sleep
- The foundations of self-care enable us to manage other aspects of our professional lives
- smartly navigating your responsibilities so you end up feeling accomplished, not just busy
- Nearly 85 percent of employees encounter conflict, costing companies significant time and money.

Notes:
- is it really worth sacrificing enjoying your job to simply strategically align with your bosses values
- Landry and Resa E. Lewiss debunk the myth that traits like competence, ambition, humility, dependability, and effective communication are innate. They propose that these qualities can be cultivated through the deliberate daily practice of microskills – small yet practical skills – to transform potential into excellence over time. (seems like common sense but sure)
- hard truth: you might love your job, but your job won’t love you back. (might have been better to discuss why you don't need to love your job and why attaching self worth to being montesisable can be unhealthy if you only have a relationship with your job)
- The first essential skill is building your personal support network, otherwise known as your “personal board of directors.” These are the people you trust deeply, who can support you without passing judgment. (sure in tall poppy society of sydney totally achievable and you won't get roped into some manipulative scheme at all)

[Czytane przeze mnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Współpraca z Wydawnictwem Kobiece
🧠🧠🧠
W tej książce dowiesz się:
💬 Jak zbudować zdrową karierę zawodową
💬 Jak rozplanować zadania, aby efektywnie je wykonać
💬 Jak zostać ekspertem w danej dziedzinie
💬 Jak stworzyć i podtrzymywać sieć kontaktów
💬 Jak lepiej komunikować się z innymi

Książka „Mikronawyki. Małe korekty, wielkie efekty” to niezwykle wartościowy przewodnik po życiu, który zaskakuje swoją prostotą i świeżością w tej tematyce. Jest to książka, która nie krzyczy hasłami o wielkich i szybkich przemianach, lecz cicho i z czułością podpowiada, jak zadbać o siebie – naprawdę i skutecznie, bez presji i bez pośpiechu.

Autorki, obie pracujące w środowisku medycznym, które wiedzą, jak wygląda codzienność ludzi żyjących pod presją obowiązków i stresu (z książki również się dowiadujemy, że one same przez długi okres tak żyły). Dlatego właśnie ich podejście do zmiany stylu życia opiera się nie na rewolucji, ale na małych czynach – drobnych gestach troski o siebie, które można wpleść w nawet najbardziej zabiegany dzień.

To, co wyróżnia tę książkę, to świetna przestępczość. Każdy rozdział poświęcony jest innemu aspektowi codziennego funkcjonowania: od snu, przez relacje, aż po radzenie sobie z emocjami. Zamiast przytłaczać teorią, autorki dają krótkie wskazówki, historie z życia, konkretne ćwiczenia i – co najważniejsze – zachęcają do łagodności wobec siebie.

Polecam tę książkę każdemu, kto chce wprowadzić zmiany w swoim życiu, ale nie wie, od czego zacząć. To idealna propozycja dla osób zmęczonych wielkimi planami, które kończą się frustracją. „Mikronawyki” uczą, że wielka zmiana zaczyna się od najmniejszego ruchu i że każdy z nas może tego dokonać, bez względu na okoliczności.

Książka jest podzielona na 10 rozdziałów, które zawierają mikroumiejętności związane z:
1. Samoopieką
2. Zarządzaniem lista zadań
3. Skuteczna komunikacja
4. Budowaniem i podtrzymywaniem reputacji
5. Pogłębianiem wiedzy fachowej
6. Przyswajaniem kultury panującej w miejscu pracy
7. Pracą zespołową
8. Poszerzaniem sieci kontaktów
9. Rozwiązywaniem konfliktów
10. Aktywnym poszukiwaniem nowych możliwości.

Jest to jedna z najlepszych książek samorozwojowych, jakie przeczytałam, ponieważ w każdej innej przekazywana wiedza się w jakimś stopniu powielała. Tutaj natomiast

Moja ocena: 9/10 ⭐️

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I decided to borrow this on the whim after seeing it was published. I liked the idea of somehow being better with my job over the course of a weekend (although the concept is ridiculous) and wanted to see what this book could over. Although the authors are unfamiliar to me, I thought the concept was interesting: if you break down what seems like overwhelming, unattainable goals into smaller, shorter, simpler tasks, it will be easier to move forward on them and achieve them after all.

So the book is divided into sections about various big goals. What is the skill you are trying to master? What is the purpose of this skill? What are smaller tasks/projects you can undertake to achieve this skill? In a series of anecdotes plus explanations for the how/why, etc. the greater tasks are much easier when you break them down into small parts.

Once you understand the smaller actions, then the larger skills become easier to tackle. Each chapter pretty much proceeds in the same manner once you understand the outline and how each section will go. So depending on the formulaic nature of the book, you could probably skip around to whatever you think is more important or relevant for your needs.

Ultimately, I found this extremely dull. The idea of breaking down large goals into small tasks and actions is not new, but this was a little dull. The authors say that this book is best for someone who is new to the workforce and I agree. If you've been out of the workforce for awhile, are undertaking a great change in your life (maybe you've left a not so great situation and realize you have a lot of self-work to do), this could be a great read.

There's an audience for this, but even then I still think the cover is too much. You might be able to do one or two things better by Monday, but it is probably best to look at a book like this as a long-term project since you're undertaking these things in smaller actions anyway.

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

ADAIRA LANDRY AND RESA LEWIS - MICRO SKILLS

Book 27 of 2024.

Rating: 7/10

Micro Skills by Adaira Landry and Resa Lewis offers a practical guide to mastering small, actionable behaviors that can make a significant impact in leadership and communication. The authors emphasize the power of subtle yet effective habits that can be implemented in daily professional interactions, helping readers develop better rapport with colleagues, manage difficult conversations, and foster a positive workplace culture.

While the book is packed with useful tips, I found that many of the skills presented aren’t exactly groundbreaking. In fact, a lot of what’s covered seems like common sense or practices that naturally evolve with maturity as a leader. The techniques, such as active listening, providing clear feedback, and being mindful of body language, are undoubtedly valuable but are often things that leaders develop over time as they gain more experience.

That said, the strength of the book lies in its accessibility. For newer leaders or individuals looking to refine their leadership style, it offers concrete steps that can be easily implemented. The case studies and real-world examples provided are relatable and helpful in reinforcing the concepts. The simplicity of Micro Skills makes it a good resource for anyone looking to brush up on core leadership behaviors, even if it might feel somewhat redundant for seasoned professionals.

Overall, while Micro Skills doesn’t break new ground, it serves as a useful refresher and an easy-to-follow guide, especially for those who are early in their leadership journey.

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

MICROSKILLS is my favorite kind of self-improvement and productivity book -- it has a clear structure, straightforward and no-fluff language, and best of all -- supremely actionable content. Love! I was a little wary of the book at first because it was written by two medical professionals and I thought it might skew towards that field, but I needn't have worried. This is a book that presents universally valuable insights. I only wish I'd had this book in my twenties.

The book presents 7-10 "microskills" each across 10 umbrella objectives (self-care, managing a task list, communicating with polish, maintaining your reputation, etc.) and for each skill presents:

1. what is the actual skill?
2. why do you need that skill?
3. what are the critical actions for this microskill?

For example, under Microskills for Self-Care, you have 1) Nourish relationships with people you trust and 2) Recognize the value of gratitude, among others.

The book doesn't go super deep into each skill so it's broader in its coverage than it is deep, and readers may find themselves wanting more detail on how to strengthen specific skills. Still, I thought the authors did a commendable job in terms of organizing and baselining a plethora of "adulting" microskills. As someone in her 40s and mid-career, this book feels too basic for me but I will for sure pick up a couple of gift copies for the new college graduates in my life.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a personal growth book for high-achieving professionals is a challenge. But Dr. Landry and Dr. Lewiss do that in their new book with specificity and life anecdotes to illustrate their points along the way. Most of these insights are immediately actionable, and although I have read shelves of personal growth books, this one has so many pearls in it that I find I want to carry it around with me to help address many issues that we all struggle with, like when and HOW to say “no” to projects, using storytelling strategically in presentations and direct, simple things that we should all know by now but don’t such as “email etiquette” in the professional world. This is an insightful and valuable resource that I will read more than once.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

MicroSkills is a meticulously constructed how-to on how to be an adult. At my ripe old age in my mid-thirties, I found that I did not need to learn these skills--but only because I generally osmosed them over time in school and work. The authors cover so many small things that you are never taught but are expected to just know--when to put an exclamation point, period, or emoji in an email; what to sign up for when you're given a benefits folder on your first day of work; how to find a PCP; how to dress at work, particularly as a young woman. I HIGHLY recommend giving this book to new college grads in anticipation of their first job--it will save them a great deal of effort, awkwardness, and potentially money.

[Frances Schulz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a thoughtful, meaningful book guiding professionals in the real world. What I love most is that the authors have been through so much and are vulnerable, inquisitive and only want to help others out in tricky situations that they have found themselves in. I have gotten so much out of their experiences and guidance. The MicroSkills are easy to understand and keep you pulled in, ready for what the next one will offer. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to find a better way to navigate the workplace. I loved it!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a self-management guide to making the most of each day and maximizing your impact and productivity. I started reading it as a time management tool and potential procrastination guide. While these are addressed, so many more skills are presented and broken down into manageable steps to make it easier to enhance your productivity and better relate to people. This is a great resource to use when faced with a new situation at work where you aren’t sure how to proceed effectively. Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade for the ARC. This is my honest review.

[Nila Novotny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book filled with advice of how to be successful with work (and in life). Much of it is common sense, but it's amazing how little common sense there is out there. My take home message is how important good communication is between coworkers, departments, etc. If the other person is weak in communication, then I need to take it to another level myself. This would be best to read while you're starting off on a new job or in a new department.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciated how the book breaks down skill-building into manageable steps that gradually increase in effort and complexity. While much of the content is familiar advice on productivity and habit formation, it’s presented in a clear and structured way. For those who are early in their careers or just beginning their personal development journey, this book offers practical, accessible guidance that can be especially useful.

[Andrea Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! As a mid-career physician and educator, I found many practical tips to improve my professional workflows and fulfillment. I particularly enjoyed the vignettes and also the suggested templates for emails/communications. It is well-written and easy to digest. It is great for work teams and a wonderful graduation gift.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

A book that does what it promised, helps you break down seemingly unmanageable tasks into doable micro tasks.

I can attest to their promise, "buy (and read) this book on Friday, be better at your job by Monday". Don't hesitate, this book will help you not only at your job, but in your daily life, it has helped me!

[Paule · Rating 5 out of 5]

Microskills - it is excellent lots of practical advice many of which I was already doing but seeing it all packaged in this book is awesome. I learned new ones as well. Highly recommend this reading no matter what stage in your career you are. Resa and Adaira promised and delivered! A great investment for your professional growth!

[Amy Diehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! Although especially relevant for early career professionals, it is really for everyone. You will learn strategies for workplace success that everyone is just expected to know, but are never explicitly taught. Drs. Landry and Lewiss break down each skill into actionable steps. Read this book and keep in on your bookshelf for reference.

[Tomasz Kowalski · Rating 1 out of 5]

najgorsza ksiazka jaka przeczytalem w tym roku i chyba topka najgorszych w ogole

poniewaz nie robie zadnych dnfow itd doczytalem to do konca :-/

takiego pierdolenia to ze swieca szukac, i te wstawki o "nie bialych" w kazdym jebanym rozdziale!!!! (tak sa nazwani murzyni, zolci i inne rasy)

litosci !!!!

NIE POLECAM 0/5 !!!

[Robin Schoenthaler · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many great tips and strategies in the book. I am going to buy this book and give it to every new college graduate, every person changing jobs or careers, every new young professional, everybody in any kind of work transition (or any transition). Super smart, super easy, super impact.

[Carmen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written by 2 female MDs, this was so much more palatable to me than an Atomic Habits. Very succinct and to the point (ie. Reads like an after visit summary) and definitely written for people in their 20s/early in their career as this is the audience these authors mentor.

[Shellie Ware]

Highly recommend for young professionals relatively new to the workplace. Drs. Landry and Lewiss share excellent tips for success, well-being, and self-reflection that will help bring clarity to communication and fulfillment in achieving goals.

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book would be wonderful to gift a college graduate heading into the work force. It’s full of small, bite size nuggets and includes things I’d like to share with my daughters but would be daunting coming from their mom all the time.

[Alex Gregory · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one so much more but it ended up a DNF. I appreciate the breakdown of a skill into microskills, but the information was so basic it wasn’t useful. I read reviews that said the later chapters get better, but why should the first half be such a slog?

[Janae Sharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book stands out in the sea of self-help books as a thoughtful assessment of practical steps accelerating career advancement.

[Tara George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a brilliant accessible and useful book. One I’ll definitely be recommending and gifting to my trainees.

[Alyson McGregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big Impact is RIGHT!
Timely skills to effectively evolve into post-covid communication.
Brilliantly done,
Alyson

[Marina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh how I wish this book would have been available 30 years ago! A must read for anyone in the workforce.