Flow and Corporate responsibility

Nearly a decade ago I was captivated by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's books "Flow" and "Finding Flow". Here he takes his ideas to the next logical step - moving from the individual to the organization.

This program takes you first through why, and then HOW organizations can get better resuts, how executives can better themselves, and how everyone can be more creative and more rewarded by their jobs. It simply(!) requires creating an environment where flow is more easily achievable.

Yes, most of us probably could find a way to find flow in almost any work situation, with enough practice and thought. But few have the time and focus to achieve this. This book helps the manager see how (and why) to focus their organizations differently, to promote flow. It discusses PERSONAL choices in how we live, and why we live that way, and how changing the environment to promote flow will promote our entire wellbeing.

This is not a "How To" book. It is much more powerful than that, if you bring the right skills and background. Like the book "Learned Optimism", "Good Business" helps you learn and think about yourself, why you function as you do, and how you can change it.

In personal growth, there is no substitute for personal effort. But there are some outstanding guidebooks. They will be different for each of us - but this is one of mine.

49 people found this helpful

Classic Mihaly

Wish Audible had more from this author. Good summary of his theory of flow in business.

8 people found this helpful

Lacked Structure

I really liked the ideas in this book but I found myself looking for a but more structure. Ideas seemed to be delivered in no particular order. Would have been nice to build one concept on top of another. Still a good read though

3 people found this helpful

"Flow" through a business perspective

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the author who coined the term "flow" (moments where you are in peak concentration, immersed and doing what you love and know how to do best), has transposed his ideas to the business world, with tons of examples from companies and leaders that do "Good Business".

Inspiring, the book helps entrepreneurs and managers find their way, turning their companies and departments into flow inducing places.

Although not a breakthrough kind of book, it`s packed with wisdom and can be exactly what one needs to get moving in the right direction and in high gear. Recommended! =)

7 people found this helpful

Very interesting book.

What did you love best about Good Business?

The philosophy was enlightening and informative.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Good Business?

The real meaning of happiness and self actualization.

Which scene was your favorite?

The discussion of flow.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Nothing.

Any additional comments?

Would have liked to have heard the unabridged version and would like to see the author's other books on audio.

2 people found this helpful

A must read

Easy listening if you have already read "Flow" from Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. Well structured book and makes a lot of sense in any stage of life.

2 people found this helpful

should be mandatory for any business leader

no single book is more important than this one in shaping the evolution of business in the future.

can't believe it took me so long to find this book

So many great insights, wanted to bookmark what felt like every minute. Will me revisit past initiatives to modify and enhance them for better results using the principles of FLOW.

Coulda been

I was pretty excited to read a business book by the originator of the concept of flow. Finally, some practical ideas about how to use this intriguing concept at work.

The book started off interesting enough, but soon stumbled amidst Marxist complaints about Industrial Age injustices in the workplace and platitudes about poor working conditions. Dr. Csikszentmihalyi is obviously an academician and not a business leader. His stilted language, passive voice writing, and examples all bespeak someone who may have *studied about* business in the modern era (apparently, the late 20th century from his examples), but has not actually *worked in* it. The ideas in this book are fuzzy generalizations inspired by Dilbert or The Office, but don't really give us much that is actionable, except to complain about pointy-haired bosses. The review of the elements of flow were somewhat interesting, but he missed a great opportunity to give us applications to today's workplace.

reinforcing read

enjoy his work very much. This was a bit of a recap of flow with not much new bit worth the listen.