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Good Business: Liderlik, Akış ve Anlam Yaratma
In psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's definition of leadership, the personal is political. The best-selling author of Flow interviewed several dozen exemplary CEOs whose wisdom provides the radical job description of the book's premise: "Leaders must make it possible for employees to work with joy, to their heart's content, while responding to the needs of society." Csikszentmihalyi leverages his definition of "flow"-the capacity for full engagement in an activity-to create a blueprint for a workplace in which bringing out the best in workers comes before products and profit. When leaders select and reward employees who find satisfaction at work, they can create an upwardly moral organization.
In this view, leadership is a privilege that requires checking ego in the coatroom and peering into the mirror to ask tough questions. For example, "How do I determine if something is right or wrong?" Or, "What is my business doing to benefit human well being?" He offers some inspiring stories from leaders who engage employees to go with the flow, including Body Shop CEO Anita Roddick, Patagonia crown prince Yvon Chouinard, and media mogul Ted Turner. Some of Csikszentmihalyi's advice will sound familiar. Yet he creates a compellingly fresh vision of good business in both a material and spiritual sense. Ultimately, the success of this book lies in its powerful, non-flaky ability to define corporate soul in terms of a company becoming a stakeholder in an entity larger than itself.--Barbara Mackoff
298 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
145 people are currently reading
2613 people want to read
About the author
Mihály Csíkszentmihályi
83 books2,529 followersA Hungarian psychology professor, who emigrated to the United States at the age of 22. Now at Claremont Graduate University, he is the former head of the department of psychology at the University of Chicago and of the department of sociology and anthropology at Lake Forest College.
He is noted for both his work in the study of happiness and creativity and also for his notoriously difficult name, in terms of pronunciation for non-native speakers of the Hungarian language, but is best known as the architect of the notion of flow and for his years of research and writing on the topic. He is the author of many books and over 120 articles or book chapters. Martin Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association, described Csikszentmihalyi as the world's leading researcher on positive psychology.
Csikszentmihalyi once said "Repression is not the way to virtue. When people restrain themselves out of fear, their lives are by necessity diminished. Only through freely chosen discipline can life be enjoyed and still kept within the bounds of reason." His works are influential and are widely cited.
He is noted for both his work in the study of happiness and creativity and also for his notoriously difficult name, in terms of pronunciation for non-native speakers of the Hungarian language, but is best known as the architect of the notion of flow and for his years of research and writing on the topic. He is the author of many books and over 120 articles or book chapters. Martin Seligman, former president of the American Psychological Association, described Csikszentmihalyi as the world's leading researcher on positive psychology.
Csikszentmihalyi once said "Repression is not the way to virtue. When people restrain themselves out of fear, their lives are by necessity diminished. Only through freely chosen discipline can life be enjoyed and still kept within the bounds of reason." His works are influential and are widely cited.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
June 3, 2014
I liked this better than Flow.
Take Aways
Three things necessary to achieve flow; Goals are clear, Feedback is immediate, A balance between opportunity and capacity
Csikszentmihalyi argues that with increased experiences of flow, people experience “growth towards complexity,” in which people flourish as their achievements grow. Creating a workplace atmosphere that allows for flow and growth can increase the happiness and achievement of employees.
However, there are barriers to achieving flow in the workplace. ex one’s job expectations and how it fits into the grand scheme are not clear, limited feedback can reduce motivation, assigned task isn't challenging or seem important
Take Aways
Three things necessary to achieve flow; Goals are clear, Feedback is immediate, A balance between opportunity and capacity
Csikszentmihalyi argues that with increased experiences of flow, people experience “growth towards complexity,” in which people flourish as their achievements grow. Creating a workplace atmosphere that allows for flow and growth can increase the happiness and achievement of employees.
However, there are barriers to achieving flow in the workplace. ex one’s job expectations and how it fits into the grand scheme are not clear, limited feedback can reduce motivation, assigned task isn't challenging or seem important
April 29, 2012
Pretty much just common sense written in intelligent-sounding prose. His overview of "Flow" was helpful, but the main reason I read it was just to say I've read a book by a guy with that last name (OK, not completely...).
July 31, 2015
The central idea of this book is "flow", a state of mind caused by deep engagement in a physical or mental activity. In "Flow" all of one's being is focused and the passage of time cannot be felt or perceived. Reaching "flow" is essential in business if one wants to look forward to work, enjoy what he is doing, and excel in it. There are several advices in how to reach flow and how to help employes reach it.
Although the book contains powerful ideas and excellent arguments which are supported by true life examples. and I felt the book lacked structure, the idea is one: how to reach flow and create an environment which entices others to reach flow. Despite being a short book, it felt like one long chapter, the audio version at least. The author begins by explaining what is "flow" and how did he arrive at discovering such concept, but from there on the rest of the book seemed to be examples and applications of flow. I found it hard to see how the chapters were logically progressing to a conclusion other than the one made in the beginning which is: flow is necessary to enjoy work and succeed in it.
Having said that I still do recommend this book. I believe the idea of flow is worth exploring. It is indeed a powerful concept which could help many people overcome the mundane nature of some work tasks and turn work into a meaningful and integral part of being.
Although the book contains powerful ideas and excellent arguments which are supported by true life examples. and I felt the book lacked structure, the idea is one: how to reach flow and create an environment which entices others to reach flow. Despite being a short book, it felt like one long chapter, the audio version at least. The author begins by explaining what is "flow" and how did he arrive at discovering such concept, but from there on the rest of the book seemed to be examples and applications of flow. I found it hard to see how the chapters were logically progressing to a conclusion other than the one made in the beginning which is: flow is necessary to enjoy work and succeed in it.
Having said that I still do recommend this book. I believe the idea of flow is worth exploring. It is indeed a powerful concept which could help many people overcome the mundane nature of some work tasks and turn work into a meaningful and integral part of being.
May 5, 2012
This book is largely just an echo of "flow" (which was excellent) and comes across as a simplistic set of guidelines for business practitioners.
Though it was funded by a grant and based on research of leaders, the few examples are dominated by quotes from heads of Lockheed Martin and Monsanto ("flow companies"? Really?), a venture capitalist, and a handful of others Ina an extraordinarily non-representative sample. When the aerospace/weapons manufacturer CEO waxes on about religion, that as just about too much for me.
Best advice is read "flow" and think through how you'd apply it yourself to your own business. This book won't help much.
January 6, 2018
Good reading on Flow theory and application on Business World.
How modern management can enforce durable business facilitating employees involvement ?
The book starts from flow theory baseline, analyzing what happen when we get totally captured in what we are doing, what bring us in the "Flow", the status of getting lost facing a challenge and ending with a total fulfillment feeling.
The development goes through how this happen when we are working, what context, needs, help people to feel part of something vs being demotivated executors.
Theory is alternated with interviews of CeO , business leaders , corroborating that to be successful, personal satisfaction , challenges and proper-growing skills are key elements.
Book is in my view well written, good for manager that can facilitate an environment where employees can spontaneously do more, and good for employees that can look at the work in a brighter way.
Most of the book is energizing as it stimulate thinking on where I am, where I want to go, how all this fit or not in my ( everybody) personal experience, what difference managers cam do. I got a bit lost in the "good" business deep dive, where the ethic part of the business, the transposition of soul concept in business world, got me a bit struggling.
Definitively recommended to all.
How modern management can enforce durable business facilitating employees involvement ?
The book starts from flow theory baseline, analyzing what happen when we get totally captured in what we are doing, what bring us in the "Flow", the status of getting lost facing a challenge and ending with a total fulfillment feeling.
The development goes through how this happen when we are working, what context, needs, help people to feel part of something vs being demotivated executors.
Theory is alternated with interviews of CeO , business leaders , corroborating that to be successful, personal satisfaction , challenges and proper-growing skills are key elements.
Book is in my view well written, good for manager that can facilitate an environment where employees can spontaneously do more, and good for employees that can look at the work in a brighter way.
Most of the book is energizing as it stimulate thinking on where I am, where I want to go, how all this fit or not in my ( everybody) personal experience, what difference managers cam do. I got a bit lost in the "good" business deep dive, where the ethic part of the business, the transposition of soul concept in business world, got me a bit struggling.
Definitively recommended to all.
December 18, 2021
کتاب با تمرکز بر ادبیات غرقگی (Flow) در کار سعی میکند ابتدا در مورد این غرقگی و مختصات آن توضیح بدهد؛ و بعد راهحلهایی برای صاحبان کسب و کار (با هدف افزایش غرقگی برای کارکنانشان) ارائه میدهد. از این جهت حدود یک سوم کتاب برای من غیر قابل استفاده بود. در انتهای کتاب در مورد غرقگی در زندگی نیز مختصر توضیحی آمده.
نکتهی جالب کتاب برای من اشارهی نویسنده به مفاهیم مذهبی و ارزشهای اخلاقی در توسعهی کسب و کار بود.
نکتهی جالب کتاب برای من اشارهی نویسنده به مفاهیم مذهبی و ارزشهای اخلاقی در توسعهی کسب و کار بود.
June 5, 2018
This man is a genius and any information that can be acquired regarding business and life will only benefit you. The Creator of flow, defines how that and soul are essential to having the work and home life you desire.
December 2, 2021
برای کسایی که کسب و کاری راه انداختن میتونه خیلی مفید باشه، اما برای من که بیشتر دنبال بیشتر فهمیدن در مورد تجربهی غرقگی بودم از قسمت کمیش کمی استفاده بردم.
February 17, 2016
Subtitled Leadership, Flow and the Making of Meaning, this insightful book speaks of the “psychological capital” contained in Flow and its significance for business, work and life. Humans need, per the author, to combine differentiation (understanding how they are unique) with integration (interaction with the world around them). Divided into three sections, the author begins by focusing on the relationship between Flow and Happiness. Flow, per “Mike,” has clear goals, immediate feedback and provides a balance between opportunity and capacity. Two diagrams are presented in this section to show the critical balance between challenge and skills to move from boredom (no challenge, too many skills) and anxiety (more challenge than skills) to Flow (challenge and skillls are matched).
The second section, Flow and Organizations, combines quotes from visionary leaders coming from organizations as diverse as Patagonia, Motorola, Amway and Templeton Investments to show how concentrating on the deeper issues beyond shareholder earnings creates extraordinary businesses. Mike speaks of hundred year managers that "have a vision that gives life meaning, offers people hope for their own future and those of their children."
Finally, in Flow and Self, the author speaks of the “soul” of business. As a person of faith, I take a different tack on this topic, although he has much to offer in this area. MIke describes the “stuff of great souls” as including optimism, integrity, ambition, perseverance and integrity, populating this discussion with numerous quotes from leaders who embody these characteristics and seek to “walk the talk.”
This exceptional book closes by providing practical guidance on helping the reader to develop strengths and discover opportunities to create flow in life as well as providing a strong challenge for each business to “truly fulfill its potential to help make life happier for all.”
The second section, Flow and Organizations, combines quotes from visionary leaders coming from organizations as diverse as Patagonia, Motorola, Amway and Templeton Investments to show how concentrating on the deeper issues beyond shareholder earnings creates extraordinary businesses. Mike speaks of hundred year managers that "have a vision that gives life meaning, offers people hope for their own future and those of their children."
Finally, in Flow and Self, the author speaks of the “soul” of business. As a person of faith, I take a different tack on this topic, although he has much to offer in this area. MIke describes the “stuff of great souls” as including optimism, integrity, ambition, perseverance and integrity, populating this discussion with numerous quotes from leaders who embody these characteristics and seek to “walk the talk.”
This exceptional book closes by providing practical guidance on helping the reader to develop strengths and discover opportunities to create flow in life as well as providing a strong challenge for each business to “truly fulfill its potential to help make life happier for all.”
June 23, 2015
I love this book! To summarize (from back cover): Balancing the material and the spiritual, these leaders have a common dedication to 3 fundamental principles: a goal that benefits society and that inspires a workforce to do its best; earning the trust and respect of employees by fostering on-the-job growth; and creating a product that benefits humankind and not one that just generates revenue. If only....
Favorite quotes:
If one is not willing to invest psychic energy in the internal reality of consciousness, and instead squanders it in chasing external rewards, one loses mastery of one's life, and ends up becoming a puppet of circumstances.
If a person reaches adulthood only enjoying activities like watching television,partying, gambling, or drugs, chances are that he is not going to be much good at anything else. In this way the pattern of energy investment learned in the early years has momentous consequences for the rest of one's life.
Favorite quotes:
If one is not willing to invest psychic energy in the internal reality of consciousness, and instead squanders it in chasing external rewards, one loses mastery of one's life, and ends up becoming a puppet of circumstances.
If a person reaches adulthood only enjoying activities like watching television,partying, gambling, or drugs, chances are that he is not going to be much good at anything else. In this way the pattern of energy investment learned in the early years has momentous consequences for the rest of one's life.
September 5, 2014
Business perspective on Csikszentmihalyi's flow. Some examples are duplicated from the earlier Flow text. Notable Quotes: "Nothing destroys the morale of a group as quickly as knowing that self-serving, cynical employees are promoted ahead of those who love the work for its own sake and believe In helping the entire organization realize its potentials." ... the success of business might enable it to spread and to take over our entire lives, like vigorous cancer cells that devour the healthy organs of the body. In that scenario the only measure of value will be financial success, and the only good that which increases profit. . . . if business continues to be oblivious to the responsibilities attached to the power it has acquired, the immune system of society is going to reject the free-market paradigm."
January 24, 2014
The book does cover Flow in some detail but not in a way that was derivative. This text, focused as it is on business, brings a different perspective. It offers something to everyone at every level in an organisation; from leadership to entry-level graduates deciding on what is the right first-time career move or company for them.
It's principles of purposeful and meaningful business are noble but somewhat undermined by some of the example companies. That aside, its values are sound, it's arguments well-constructed and it does speak convincingly of creating a better workplace and a better world through good business. It is an important book that quite rightly challenges us all to re-think the way we work and do business.
It's principles of purposeful and meaningful business are noble but somewhat undermined by some of the example companies. That aside, its values are sound, it's arguments well-constructed and it does speak convincingly of creating a better workplace and a better world through good business. It is an important book that quite rightly challenges us all to re-think the way we work and do business.
May 31, 2013
Generally good book on good business. I enjoy books with many examples, and Mihaly did a great job of that. A wide wide variety of company owners/executives who create a deeper meaning to why they do what they do and how they unite their employees and volunteers around them. The reason for a 4 star, a little much of the environmental push. I agree with him, but the direct way he repeatedly addressed it was unexpected in a book like this. He spent a little much time on "the rockclimber"... it was good but interesting how such a large portion of the quotes and stories were about them. Enjoyed it thoroughly, well worth the time!
June 25, 2017
An acquaintance on Facebook asked “What is one thing you wish someone told you as a child?” I first said: Money, Nations, and Gods are the same as the Easter Bunny. (But in a nice, kid friendly sort-of-way.) (Thanks Harari!)
Then after seeing some more other replies I decided to write:
"Following up-protect and encourage the skills that us sapiens have by default- social & curious: show the importance of integrity; allow them to follow their curiosities; highlight the importance of self awareness as a guide, their pleasures will lead to discovery of purpose; teach them the importance of ignorance, failure, and perseverance; model collaboration and inclusivity as a problem-solving behavior; inject genuine optimism in the day to day!” Many of these words are the fallout from Mihaly Csiksgentmihalyi’s philosophies and research. I’m already utilizing these new memes.
While reading this book I was invited to give a TEDxMKE talk - And I’m honored beyond words. I’m using Daniel Pinks allegory of Mastery as an Asymptote (maths- two lines that get close but never touch). Pink’s argument is based upon Csikszentmihalyi’s research into autotelic pursuits. (from Greek autos ‘self.’ and from Greek telikos ‘final,’ from telos ‘end.’) Later Csiksgentmihalyi called this ‘self-final’ approach FLOW. I’m also using Kevin Kelly’s ‘Science as an exponential questioning mechanism. I’ll also talk about the 'NOW THAT' context we live in in order to connect these two thoughts. Not a lot of original thought- but connecting a lot in order to share my understanding of our world.
This book, Good Business, mixes two current interests: How to be a proper leader in a world in dire need of leadership, while simultaneously expanding on Pink’s descriptions of flow. This text mostly corroborate the ideas of Sinek - Start with Why/Leaders Eat Last. It’s a nice addition to my culture.
Assuming vision for the team’s pursuits have been communicated and trust established among the group, then the individuals in the group simply need time, autonomy, and resources in order to grow more complex. The groups leader then needs to establish the following:
clear goals that are adaptable
channels of feedback for both leadership and members of the group
matching challenges to the group with the person with the best skills
In order to meet these needs the Leader doesn’t need to know everything. That, in fact, would be counter productive. Instead they need to focus on the three “P’s” of business:
People
Process
Product
Of course Csiksgentmihalyi talked about all of this ‘business stuff’ in relation to flow- which was super beneficial as I’m an individual that truly understands self-determined activities, boundaries, and self-imposed standards of evaluation.
FLOW - the Cliff Notes:
These are moments when an individual is in a task that is in their ‘sweet spot.’ That spot is somewhere between ‘easy’ and ‘unknown’ and matches all aspects of their body and mind to the task. Running 100 meter dash at the Olympic Level and Neurosurgery were two examples cited in the book.
Moments of flow are qualified as:
-The focus of attention is on a finite task
-In that focus a sense of self fallaway, so too does the world/issues/external problems
-There is a sense of effortless control over mind and body (it’s not a struggle, rather it is a pursuit)
-Seconds, Minutes, and Hours are relative; often expanding (100 meter dash), or contracting (Neurosurgery) while the task is being focused upon.
I particularly enjoyed the ‘step-back’ moments in this text to talk about things like life, and soul. Psychic energy was another moment that got a lot of attention. The ‘If/Then’ that Csiksgentmihalyi sets up is this: IF we think of the brain’s ability to process a finite amount of information in a given life (bits), THEN we need to understand the economy of our focus. In order to develop behavior patterns that match our psychic energy, one must: Know Thyself.
The entrance to the Delphic Temple in Greece (I get to say I visited this last month- yay!) has these words upon it. One cannot find flow if they are not approaching complexity. (This occurs when we mix our interests with our skills.) Self regulating your everyday actions based upon your interests and curiosities is critical for this to develop. They will need to pay attention to the moments that they are mentally active, and create a life that allows them to focus these energies with their talents. Their talents need to be honed over time, tested, and fostered. This is not an overnight effect, but the aggregate pursuit of their interests will culminate in an enjoyment of their time, attention, and psychic energy being bent towards their FLOW.
Enjoyment and Pleasure were also distinguished in a new way (at least for me.) Typically I used these words as synonyms. Simplistically speaking: Enjoyment is the endorphin fueled pursuit, and Pleasure is the hollow dopamine bumps one gets with instant gratification. While there are dopamine ‘bumps’ along the way in the autotelic (with no chemical payoff we wouldn’t even try). Enjoyment leads to betterment of both oneself, but if applied to business, it will lead to a better culture. Then we get to enjoy the lasting serotonin and oxytocin of connections with our community.
Make no mistake- Csiksgentmihalyi’s dynamic mechanism - FLOW - results in happiness.
Favorite Quotes:
"Religions evolved to makes sense of certain values by creating a mythical framework to communicate those values.”
“More than we usually acknowledge we think that technology will lead us to happiness."
Then after seeing some more other replies I decided to write:
"Following up-protect and encourage the skills that us sapiens have by default- social & curious: show the importance of integrity; allow them to follow their curiosities; highlight the importance of self awareness as a guide, their pleasures will lead to discovery of purpose; teach them the importance of ignorance, failure, and perseverance; model collaboration and inclusivity as a problem-solving behavior; inject genuine optimism in the day to day!” Many of these words are the fallout from Mihaly Csiksgentmihalyi’s philosophies and research. I’m already utilizing these new memes.
While reading this book I was invited to give a TEDxMKE talk - And I’m honored beyond words. I’m using Daniel Pinks allegory of Mastery as an Asymptote (maths- two lines that get close but never touch). Pink’s argument is based upon Csikszentmihalyi’s research into autotelic pursuits. (from Greek autos ‘self.’ and from Greek telikos ‘final,’ from telos ‘end.’) Later Csiksgentmihalyi called this ‘self-final’ approach FLOW. I’m also using Kevin Kelly’s ‘Science as an exponential questioning mechanism. I’ll also talk about the 'NOW THAT' context we live in in order to connect these two thoughts. Not a lot of original thought- but connecting a lot in order to share my understanding of our world.
This book, Good Business, mixes two current interests: How to be a proper leader in a world in dire need of leadership, while simultaneously expanding on Pink’s descriptions of flow. This text mostly corroborate the ideas of Sinek - Start with Why/Leaders Eat Last. It’s a nice addition to my culture.
Assuming vision for the team’s pursuits have been communicated and trust established among the group, then the individuals in the group simply need time, autonomy, and resources in order to grow more complex. The groups leader then needs to establish the following:
clear goals that are adaptable
channels of feedback for both leadership and members of the group
matching challenges to the group with the person with the best skills
In order to meet these needs the Leader doesn’t need to know everything. That, in fact, would be counter productive. Instead they need to focus on the three “P’s” of business:
People
Process
Product
Of course Csiksgentmihalyi talked about all of this ‘business stuff’ in relation to flow- which was super beneficial as I’m an individual that truly understands self-determined activities, boundaries, and self-imposed standards of evaluation.
FLOW - the Cliff Notes:
These are moments when an individual is in a task that is in their ‘sweet spot.’ That spot is somewhere between ‘easy’ and ‘unknown’ and matches all aspects of their body and mind to the task. Running 100 meter dash at the Olympic Level and Neurosurgery were two examples cited in the book.
Moments of flow are qualified as:
-The focus of attention is on a finite task
-In that focus a sense of self fallaway, so too does the world/issues/external problems
-There is a sense of effortless control over mind and body (it’s not a struggle, rather it is a pursuit)
-Seconds, Minutes, and Hours are relative; often expanding (100 meter dash), or contracting (Neurosurgery) while the task is being focused upon.
I particularly enjoyed the ‘step-back’ moments in this text to talk about things like life, and soul. Psychic energy was another moment that got a lot of attention. The ‘If/Then’ that Csiksgentmihalyi sets up is this: IF we think of the brain’s ability to process a finite amount of information in a given life (bits), THEN we need to understand the economy of our focus. In order to develop behavior patterns that match our psychic energy, one must: Know Thyself.
The entrance to the Delphic Temple in Greece (I get to say I visited this last month- yay!) has these words upon it. One cannot find flow if they are not approaching complexity. (This occurs when we mix our interests with our skills.) Self regulating your everyday actions based upon your interests and curiosities is critical for this to develop. They will need to pay attention to the moments that they are mentally active, and create a life that allows them to focus these energies with their talents. Their talents need to be honed over time, tested, and fostered. This is not an overnight effect, but the aggregate pursuit of their interests will culminate in an enjoyment of their time, attention, and psychic energy being bent towards their FLOW.
Enjoyment and Pleasure were also distinguished in a new way (at least for me.) Typically I used these words as synonyms. Simplistically speaking: Enjoyment is the endorphin fueled pursuit, and Pleasure is the hollow dopamine bumps one gets with instant gratification. While there are dopamine ‘bumps’ along the way in the autotelic (with no chemical payoff we wouldn’t even try). Enjoyment leads to betterment of both oneself, but if applied to business, it will lead to a better culture. Then we get to enjoy the lasting serotonin and oxytocin of connections with our community.
Make no mistake- Csiksgentmihalyi’s dynamic mechanism - FLOW - results in happiness.
Favorite Quotes:
"Religions evolved to makes sense of certain values by creating a mythical framework to communicate those values.”
“More than we usually acknowledge we think that technology will lead us to happiness."
February 26, 2013
A good moral basis for business...alot more links to institutional religion than I would have expected. Here is a person that believes in the power of human institutions, and I think i agree with him. This is the cornerstone of corporate social responsibility. It would have been really good if he actually proposed some new measures of business success like intangible asset valuation, that would have reinforced and addressed the pressures of the quarterly earnings call. I really enjoyed reading this book.
October 7, 2015
I honestly had no idea about this Flow concept Mihaly was so kind to explain on his books--and on this one--He is also quite good at explaining how it is that businesses could benefit from not only promoting flow, but also how flow can be obtained.
I strongly agree with his observations about the fact that--regardless what it is we do--we all could strive to get flow while doing it...It is after all, the best thing we can do so that we could enjoy what we do.
Very strongly recommend this book for all readers....business or non-business people.
I strongly agree with his observations about the fact that--regardless what it is we do--we all could strive to get flow while doing it...It is after all, the best thing we can do so that we could enjoy what we do.
Very strongly recommend this book for all readers....business or non-business people.
January 21, 2015
Csikszentmihalyi explores how we can make business better for our societal and emotional well-being. The ground breaking author of flow understand that if we spend more of our lives at work, we should make it meaningful.
I found this book inspiring and uplifting and appreciated the real-life examples he scattered throughout the book. However, like most of his other works, it is a little dense and academic, so for the committed reader.
I found this book inspiring and uplifting and appreciated the real-life examples he scattered throughout the book. However, like most of his other works, it is a little dense and academic, so for the committed reader.
December 16, 2013
Audible didn't have Flow, about which I had heard great things, so I grabbed this instead. A useful book, but read like a redo on something Tom Peters would have written in the 80's. I liked the first part of the book which sounds like a summary of Flow, but was yawning about halfway through with insight such as it is important to communicate often and clearly with employees plus the supporting evidence through the book was often anecdotal. Still, I am eager to read Flow.
August 27, 2016
[2005] I read this book at a time in my career when I was desperately looking for - and then found - a necessary and important change. I'm hoping what I found was a job where I can experience the "flow" I need. The author talks about flow theory in the context of business, and he it the nail on the head. I also think that some of his ideas about what contributes to flow resonate with ideas about "servant leadership", a concept I intend to read about in another one of the books on my shelf.
May 18, 2013
Csikszentmihalyi takes his concept of "flow" a step further by talking about how it should be integrated into business to achieve better results, more satisfying careers, and a more balanced, ethical set of outcomes. "Flow" has significantly influenced my personal outlook, and this book is a worthy accompaniment.
July 30, 2014
A short book full of interesting insights and some not so interesting ones. I enjoyed reading it, but found it to be a bit heavy on the religion and examining some companies that I am not too interested in. Overall, a good read, but not the most relevant (to me, anyway) of the books by Mihaly Csikzentmihalyi.
August 25, 2014
Csikszentmihalyi will certainly get you thinking about your work differently. He has some wonderful concepts in this book to help one navigate the many options in business, and the various attitudes we can bring to the table. The book is full of interesting quotes from business leaders. Csikszentmihalyi has some trouble incorporating them into his narrative, but overall this a wonderful read.
November 26, 2011
Okay--but rather derivative of his (generally more excellent & original) previous stuff.
This narrative tends to string together LOTS of quotations from various business leaders in order to illustrate Csikszentmihalyi's points.
This narrative tends to string together LOTS of quotations from various business leaders in order to illustrate Csikszentmihalyi's points.
July 10, 2024
I listened to this on audiobook. I finished however it did not capture my attention.
The author revisited the same points in a circular fashion, ultimately the topics he covered extended well beyond the scope of his primary research.
I recommend "Shine" instead.
The author revisited the same points in a circular fashion, ultimately the topics he covered extended well beyond the scope of his primary research.
I recommend "Shine" instead.
February 13, 2016
Excelente leitura!!!
Livro fantástico para empreendedores que acreditam no poder dos valores e do propósito no ambiente corporativo. Ao construirmos um negócio do bem, gera,os felicidade, engajamento e retorno.
Livro fantástico para empreendedores que acreditam no poder dos valores e do propósito no ambiente corporativo. Ao construirmos um negócio do bem, gera,os felicidade, engajamento e retorno.
January 21, 2008
Good perspective on flow from a CogSci guy.
March 5, 2011
Awesome book
August 23, 2012
I am quite interested in flow, but this wasn't the book for me. I work at a for non profit. I already know big business could be better.
July 29, 2012
I'm a big fan of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's work, but as a business book this could have been much more concise.
August 6, 2016
A lot about what makes good business- satisfaction in work that also extends to personal life. Sets up to talk about "flow". Sort of basic now but pivital back in the day.
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