This is a very interactive book. Michael Bungay Stanier starts by describing the difference between Bad Work (work that is pointless), Good Work (necessary, sometimes engaging, and mundane), and Great Work (meaningful, has an impact, makes a difference; inspires, stretches, and provokes). He argues that we often don't make deliberate choices to do more great work. Instead we follow other people's priorities into Good Work or even Bad Work.

To help us do more great work, Michael leads his readers through lots of introspective exercises to help them identify a great work project. In my management classes, I teach a little about how to find meaningful, intrinsically motivating work, and the principles in this book are very consistent with research evidence about meaningful work. But even though I've thought a lot about these ideas in theory, I learned a lot about myself when going through Michael's exercises. I definitely had some aha moments, and I appreciated the opportunity to think more about my own Great Work.

Although I applied this book to my work, it definitely applies to all types of life roles. We can do more great work at home, at church, and in our communities. ( )

Some of the best take-aways were the simplest:

* Set aside blocks of time to work without interruptions (uninterrupted time is more productive; forget about the idea that multi-tasking is more efficient... In fact, measuring IQ before and after trying to complete a task with and without interruptions shows there is a 10 point performance drop in those who are constantly interrupted).
* Think about managing energy vs. time:
o Figure out what tasks can be done adequately... not everything needs to be done perfectly. "Good enough" can free up time for great work (I've been applying this rule to housework for years).
o Years ago I read a time management book that advocated getting by on one to two less hours of sleep a night, with the rationale being you'd net more time. Thankfully, research by Schwartz and others shows this approach is counter-productive. Over time, people who catch more zzzz's aren't just healthier and happier, they're actually more accomplished.

http://thingswelove2.blogspot.com/2011/04/stop-busywork-and-start-work-that.html ( )

After hearing Michael Bungay Stanier talk about how to Do More Great Work: Stop the Busywork. Start the Work That Matters on the GTD Virtual Study Group, I had to read the book. It took me awhile to and I have to say I am glad I finally did. It is a very disciplined approach to finding what work is one's true calling, or Great Work.

Stanier contends there are three kinds of work: Bad, Good and Great. Bad work consists of those things we do that are a waste of time, energy and life. Good work is the familiar, useful, productive work we do day in and day out. Great work, however, is meaningful, has an impact and makes a difference. The idea is to eliminate bad work and spend more time on great work.

The book is short, only a couple hundred pages. Stanier has sprinkled in coaching stories and 'guest posts' by noted luminaries such as Seth Godin, Penelope Trunk and Leo Babauta amongst his material. It reads much like a blog with interesting tidbits thrown in to spice it up.

The stars of the show, of course, are the exercises. The book contains 15 maps designed to lead one through the process of discovering, defining, planning and executing their Great Work. Each exercise builds on the last and provides insight into the Great Work to be done.

I have read several books that give exercises, questionnaires or other assignments throughout. I am not one who likes to take the time to stop reading and do as I'm told. I will often read straight through, promising myself I will go back after I finish and do the exercises. I never do, though. Not once. This book is the first where I am actually doing the work. I did stop and do the first three exercises before plowing on to the end. Now that I am done, I want to go back and do then all.

Another feature of the book I really appreciate is the companion website and podcasts. Stanier has created short movies to help bring the point home. Also, the exercises are on the website as pdf files. This is a critical bonus to me as I don't like writing in books, much less exposing my deepest thoughts to whomever may come behind me and pick up the book. I like having those separate sheets to work with.

This is a book to be read, thought about, read again and acted upon. We all have Great Work to be done. I like the way Stanier guides through the process. The exercises unlock new ideas and helps make sure nothing is overlooked. These short activities (maybe 5 minutes each) are designed to provide insight. None are trite or useless. They are to-the-point, easy to do and push the reader to actually doing the Great Work. This book is well worth the time and money. Get out of the chair and go Do some Great Work. ( )