Quiet Works: Making Silence the Secret Ingredient of the Workday

by Joseph McCormack

We live—and work—in a world of nonstop noise. Most of us believe that it’s normal and we must accept the unfair terms and conditions. We don’t. It's time to reimagine how we work and make silence the secret ingredient.From the time we wake up, our workday starts. We’re on the smartphone, texting and emailing, scrolling news feeds, jumping on video conference calls. It’s a 24/7 hamster wheel. Work culture—at the office, hybrid, or remote—is defined by too much information and constant collaboration. There’s no time and place for thinking alone.In Quiet Works, Joe McCormack proposes a simple, practical, and useful way to work more strategically, and intentionally. You will learn Make appointments for quiet, not run from or cancel themSet boundaries to alert others not to disturb or distract youBalance time spent alone in quiet, with time together collaboratingDesign workspaces that are conducive to quietUse tools and practices that are realistic and rewardingThe noise of constant distractions, interruptions, and digital devices doesn’t need to defeat us. We can set the conditions for ourselves, colleagues, and organizations to slow down periodically while everything is speeding up. Quiet Works will help you become a stronger professional who is empowered and energized to work in a better, smarter, and more productive way in today’s competitive, noisy environment.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2024

Reviews

[Aprille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quiet Works
By Joe McCormack
4.75/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I’m sold and I’m bought in! Quiet Works was a gentle reminder of all the reasons why we need to pump the breaks and create the space to think. On the surface this topic seems obvious but Joe McCormack does a great job helping readers make the connection to HOW building quiet into their workday, and even everyday life, can lead to life changing results. As someone who lives meeting filled days and is on the go 24/7, this book gave me practical ways to integrate quiet in baby steps. I will and have recommended this book to my colleagues and friends as I do believe that everyone can contribute to a healthy culture of quiet. There’s a time and place for quiet, and this book helps to spell how to find and also do to effectively. If you’re looking for tips on how and why you should slow time, turn down the sound and take control of your workday, don’t sleep on inhaling this book! I listened to this book however I am definitely going to be purchasing a physical copy of this book.

Thank you NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this audiobook advanced reader copy! The Quiet Works audiobook comes out tomorrow, 12/24.

[Michelle OHagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Silence is the Secret Weapon We All Need

Joseph McCormack’s "Quiet Works" is a timely and insightful read in a world where hybrid work and constant communication dominate. It is the third book in a "trilogy" ("BRIEF" and "NOISE" are the author's other books) that aims to teach people how to communicate and work effectively together and alone.

In Chapter 8—"Knowing What Quiet Is and Isn’t"—McCormack debunks the idea that quiet is simply the absence of noise. He reframes it as a purposeful and productive space for deep work and reflection, which resonated deeply with me. In other words, "quiet" is an absolutely necessary part of the workday and it should be OK -- more than OK -- to claim some quiet at work every single day.

This book provides simple yet profound strategies to reclaim our mental space in order to focus, plan, and do deep work.

[Max · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read. Joe McCormack offers insightful tools and strategies to help us embrace quiet in our daily lives, leading to increased focus, productivity, and more meaningful outcomes. In a world of constant connectivity and endless demands, this book feels more relevant than ever. McCormack not only highlights the importance of carving out moments of silence but also provides practical steps to make it a reality. A must-read for anyone looking to reclaim their attention and create space for deeper thinking.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my quiet time at work and at home. This books validates key activities you might already do and provides plenty of tips if you are new to this space and not clear about how to carve out quiet time. Also links to author’s other resources. Useful…. And the message quiet time every day is so important to make us more effective human beings. Thank you to the author. Thank you to # NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

[Cristina Elena | LaaA · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone looking to get work done through a series of practical tips and tricks.

[Kerri Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who requires "quiet" days of intentional focus time to get meaningful work done week to week, this book and its prevailing messages really resonate with me.