Connect First: 52 Simple Ways To Ignite Success, Meaning, and Joy at Work

Business psychologist and consultant Katzman contends that connecting emotionally to one’s job and coworkers is vital to performing well and finding happiness and meaning in work. This requires managers to see their colleagues as people with whom to foster good relationships. This is the core insight that gives unity to a management book consisting of wide-ranging topics, from smiling and politeness to gathering information and writing clear goals. Informal in style, the work nevertheless follows a consistent pattern of discussion for each topic. For each, the author provides action steps and case studies, which results in concrete suggestions rather than abstract hypotheses. While Katzman doesn’t completely avoid theory, she provides authoritative practical advice. For example, “The Gift of Time” chapter suggests rewarding employees for a project well done with time off rather than a company dinner.