Bring Your Whole Self to Work: How Vulnerability Unlocks Creativity, Connection, and Performance

by Mike Robbins

In today’s work environment, the lines between our professional and personal lives are blurred more than ever before. Whatever is happening to us outside of our workplace—whether stressful, painful, or joyful—follows us into work as well. We may think we have to keep these realities under wraps and act as if we "have it all together." But as Mike Robbins explains, we can work better, lead better, and be more engaged and fulfilled if—instead of trying to hide who we are—we show up fully and authentically.Mike, a sought-after motivational speaker and business consultant, has spent more than 15 years researching, writing, and speaking about essential human experiences and high performance in the workplace. His clients have ranged from Google to Citibank, from the U.S. Department of Labor to the San Francisco Giants. From small start-ups in Silicon Valley to family-owned businesses in the Midwest. From what he’s seen and studied over the years, Mike believes that for us to thrive professionally, we must be willing to bring our whole selves to the work that we do.Bringing our whole selves to work means acknowledging that we’re all vulnerable, imperfect human beings doing the best we can. It means having the courage to take risks, speak up, have compassion, ask for help, connect with others in a genuine way, and allow ourselves to be truly seen. In this book, Mike outlines five principles we can use to approach our own work in this spirit of openness and humanity, and to help the people we work with feel safe enough to do the same, so that the teams and organizations we’re a part of can truly succeed."This book will offer you insights, ideas, and tools to inspire you to bring all of who you are to the work that you do—regardless of where you work, what kind of work you do, and with whom you do it. And, if you’re an owner, leader, or just someone who wants to have influence on those around you—this book will also give you specific techniques for how to build or enhance your team’s culture in such a way that encourages others to bring all of who they are to work."

Genres: Business, Self Help, Psychology, Leadership, Nonfiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2018

About the author

Mike Robbins is the author of five books: Bring Your Whole Self to Work, Nothing Changes Until You Do, Focus on the Good Stuff, Be Yourself Everyone Else is Already Taken, and his most recent, We're All in This Together, (April 2020). He's a sought-after keynote speaker and business thought-leader who speaks to groups of all kinds throughout the world.

Some of his clients include Google, Wells Fargo, Microsoft, Gap, eBay, Schwab, Adobe, Genentech, Citibank, the US Department of Labor, Harvard University, the San Francisco Giants, and many others.

Mike and his work have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and Fast Company, as well as on ABC News and NPR. He is a regular contributor to Forbes, hosts a podcast called We're All in This Together, and his books have been translated into fifteen different languages.

Mike lives in Novato, CA with his wife Michelle and their two daughters. For more information, visit www.Mike-Robbins.com or follow him on Twitter or Instagram @MikeDRobbins or Facebook, www.facebook.com/mikerobbinspage

Reviews

[Tara Brabazon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an old goth. I expected to find this book located far too high on the hippy mountain for me.

I was wrong.

I am interested in - and I am troubled by - the phrase "bring your whole self to work." I believe strongly in the idea of it.

But... But...

The nature of the toxic workplace and mediocre managers is that personal details are used to attack, wound and demean. So I am a big believer in the separation of public and private, professional and personal.

This book convinced me of the value of bringing your whole self to work. I was convinced by the arguments and the analysis. I still worry - deeply - about personal details being used for personal attacks. But this is a fine book that follows the first truth of great writing.

Make the argument. Don't assume the argument.

Excellent.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This truly feels like a beautiful compilation of Mike's work over the past seventeen years on authenticity, appreciation, vulnerability, and what it really means to bring your whole self to work. Nothing could be more important in today's age than authentically bringing all of who you are to the work that you do, not just for your success, but for your well-being as a whole.

[Hollis Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was taught that work and feelings and personal lives don’t belong in the same room. I love how this book breaks down that idea. The sports undertones makes this book relatable to men and women. I wish this was a standard read for everyone in the workforce!!

[Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Truly awful. It's really a marketing brochure stretched, stretched, streettccched, into book length. This is primarily done by repeating everything at least twice, often four times, and including a lot of autobiography. For instance, the author sleeps 7 or 8 hours a night and meditates while laying on his back with his eyes closed. His marriage isn't very good, so he's had a marriage counselor for years. He loves books, but he's not much for reading. I guess he likes the pretty pictures on the covers or something.

I am really surprised at myself. I would bet that I would not have finished listening to a book by a person who loves books but who admits he's not one for reading. I guess in a follow-up we will learn he loves sandwiches, but isn't one to eat bread; or he loves beer, but not for drinking. I mean, who knows?

It's clear the author has not actually worked in an office on a team. Some of his advice will definitely get you fired if you have a job like this. He can't understand why people don't share all their negative emotions freely at work. Sort of the anti-Dale Carnegie method of getting ahead. Act sad, unhappy, and pathetic and you will be sad, unhappy, and pathetic.

The advice in this book is all repackaged. The author gives credit to the original sources, but none of "the whole self" stuff is based on his own research or original study or even original ideas. I advise, do not bring your whole self to work. Bring your best self to work, so other people will want to work with you.

There's a lot in here about being intentional and mindful. I observe that if you go to church on Sunday, you'll be mindful without the need to think about being intentional. Everything in the list of "what it means to be mindful" is a secular replacement for being a churchgoing, reverent person who prays a little, reflects a little, strives to be better, and goes to confession. It's a product of our times that people are missing "something" that they could easily have if they were not certain they needed something new. Their grandparents had what their shallow, hollow, techno lives are missing--found every Sunday at the corner church. Clearly, the author does not have a spiritual life and flounders around trying to replace it via technology, and fails.

The author advises, at least six or eight times, that you should have a coach and attend team-building and personal growth events. Coincidentally, the author is a paid coach who runs these events. If you hire him, he will mention your name and your company in his next book in the most flattering way.

I listened to the audiobook, which is not listed on Goodreads. To be avoided.

[Jess Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of good information

Years ago I read a book by Brené Brown who is referenced in this book by the author. I’ve gone on to read many books on the subject of being vulnerable in relationships. This is the first one to solely discuss this subject in the office. It's well rounded and very informative. There are many lessons the listener/reader can apply in their life immediately.

[Angela Alfonso · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book I have read from Mike Robbins.
He provides an example for all 5 concepts, backed with examples.
Key quote that resonated with me
"Authenticity is about being real, not right.”
“Recognition is positive feedback based on results or performance. Appreciation, on the other hand, is about acknowledging a person’s inherent value."
Will definetly read more of his books

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great tips and covering authenticity in detail. Loved the examples. Some of the things I am already doing in my business, and it gave me great tips on how to improve. Best for people managers and those who work ini HR

[Jon Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very applicable to every day work-life tools. Insightful and helpful.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had to read this for work. This is a great read and very eye opening. There are things in my day to day life that I can control and change.

[Joey Sudmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost like Brene Brown for business. No nearly as in depth or psychologically groundbreaking, but an important set of lessons and practices for the business world.

[Păuna Oana · Rating 4 out of 5]

O lectura utila despre cresterea performantei descoperindu-te pe tine insuti.

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good, nothing earth shattering or unique.

[Dannie Lynn Fountain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but not great. This was published in 2018 and probably needs an edition update to reflect the now more remote world we work in.

[K · Rating 3 out of 5]

It took me a long time to get through this book. There are many ideas to take time over and optional exercises to implement. I recommend this book if you lead a team

[Megan Stewart · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish I could give this 0 stars for how poorly written it is but I guess 1 star for the fact that he put in some good quotes from other impactful leaders

[Sara Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as part of my self study course for my Master's. Good read and would also suggest some of his live chats/interviews.