First, Break All the Rules

My first thought about this book is that those who work for companies that do surveys like Barna and Gallup should never be allowed to write books. They believe their data gives them insight, which it does, but I am always bored with their conclusions. Survey writers just don't seem to be creative leaders to me.

On point, this book has one real gem. Apparently there are 12 answers to 12 questions that determine the level of performance of company's employees. This seems like good stuff and it is true from my experience:

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I reeived recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there somone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel my job is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. Inthe last six months, has someone at work talked to me about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had the opportunities at work to learn and grow?

The more positively employees answer those questions, the better their work environment.