January Book Review - REWORK by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson

Our first book of 2013 was New York Times best-seller REWORK, by Jason Fried & David Heinemeier Hansson. Jason and David are the founders of 37signals – a trailblazing software company with products used by millions of people around the world. They have been profiled in Time, Newsweek and Wired.

The back cover of the book is intriguing, spitting out unusual phrases such as ASAP is Poison, Under-do the Competition and Meetings are Toxic. Needless to say it caught our attention.

The book opens by touching on the new business landscape that we all work in today. Tools that were once out of reach are easily accessible; new software and technologies are readily available for little to no cost. One person can do a job that used to take 2 or 3 people.  We’re connected like never before through conference calls, web calls and online social platforms; you don’t technically even need an office these days!

The book comes across as abrasive at times but the fast delivery of information is engaging. That said, some topics are brushed over and we would've preferred if they delved into more detail on a few items.

A few key points we agree with:

1. Unplugging: Alone time is key. Take an hour “off” to focus on a key task. Shut down your email. Don’t take calls. Work alone.
2. Key Priorities: Prioritize your tasks and focus on one at a time. Trying to juggle too many balls at once is hard. Focus on one, finish it and then move on to the next.
3. Do You Really Need?: You need less than you think. Ask yourself this question before making key decisions. Do you really need ten people or will two or three do for now? 

Disagreements:

1. Planning is Guessing: Yes planning may technically be guessing, but it helps steer you in the right direction and brings you closer to your desired outcome.
2. Meetings are Toxic: Meetings with a purpose are necessary. They help to align our team. Structured meetings with assigned actionable items have proven to be effective here at Meetingmax. 

Overall REWORK was a solid book that got us thinking and re-evaluating some of our processes. It scored an 8/10 on our rating scale, where 1 equals a book with little value one would not wish to read again, and 10 equals a fantastic book with the ability to grow an individual personally, professionally or both.

Have you read it? Let us know what you thought.