Brave New Work Book Summary

In 'Brave New Work', Aaron Dignan challenges the conventional structures of organizations, advocating for a radical shift in how we view work and leadership. He explores how adapting to a complex, unpredictable world requires a new mindset and innovative approaches to collaboration. With practical strategies and real-world examples, Dignan illustrates how businesses can thrive by embracing agility and fostering a culture of trust. This thought-provoking read invites you to reconsider the very nature of work and unlock your team's potential. Are you ready to rethink your workplace and unleash the power of a more human-centered organization?

By Aaron Dignan

Published: 2019

"In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and innovate becomes our greatest asset."

Book Review of Brave New Work

“This is the management book of the year. Clear, powerful and urgent, it's a must read for anyone who cares about where they work and how they work.” —Seth Godin, author of This is Marketing “This book is a breath of fresh air. Read it now, and make sure your boss does too.” —Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Give and Take, Originals, and Option B with Sheryl Sandberg When fast-scaling startups and global organizations get stuck, they call Aaron Dignan. In this book, he reveals his proven approach for eliminating red tape, dissolving bureaucracy, and doing the best work of your life. He’s found that nearly everyone, from Wall Street to Silicon Valley, points to the same frustrations: lack of trust, bottlenecks in decision making, siloed functions and teams, meeting and email overload, tiresome budgeting, short-term thinking, and more. Is there any hope for a solution? Haven’t countless business gurus promised the answer, yet changed almost nothing about the way we work? That’s because we fail to recognize that organizations aren’t machines to be predicted and controlled. They’re complex human systems full of potential waiting to be released. Dignan says you can’t fix a team, department, or organization by tinkering around the edges. Over the years, he has helped his clients completely reinvent their operating systems—the fundamental principles and practices that shape their culture—with extraordinary success. Imagine a bank that abandoned traditional budgeting, only to outperform its competition for decades. An appliance manufacturer that divided itself into 2,000 autonomous teams, resulting not in chaos but rapid growth. A healthcare provider with an HQ of just 50 people supporting over 14,000 people in the field—that is named the “best place to work” year after year. And even a team that saved $3 million per year by cancelling one monthly meeting. Their stories may sound improbable, but in Brave New Work you’ll learn exactly how they and other organizations are inventing a smarter, healthier, and more effective way to work. Not through top down mandates, but through a groundswell of autonomy, trust, and transparency. Whether you lead a team of ten or ten thousand, improving your operating system is the single most powerful thing you can do. The only question is, are you ready?

Similar books you might like →

Showing 8 of 27 similar books

Similar Book Recommendations →

Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations

Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.

Business and LeadershipMoney MattersInspiring Reads

David Cancel's Book Recommendations

David Cancel is a prominent entrepreneur and author best known for his influential work in the tech and startup communities. As the CEO and co-founder of Drift, a leading conversational marketing platform, he has revolutionized how businesses engage with their customers online. Cancel has also authored insightful books such as "Hypergrowth," which offers valuable strategies for scaling startups rapidly. His contributions extend beyond literature as he frequently shares his expertise through speaking engagements and his popular podcast, "Seeking Wisdom." David Cancel's innovative ideas and practical advice continue to inspire and guide entrepreneurs worldwide.

Business and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life LessonsInspiring Reads

Reid Hoffman's Book Recommendations

Reid Hoffman is an influential American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, best known as the co-founder of LinkedIn, the professional networking platform that transformed online professional interactions. Hoffman has significantly impacted the business world through his investments in notable tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and Zynga. As an author, he has co-written several acclaimed books, including "The Start-Up of You" and "Blitzscaling," which provide strategic insights into career development and business growth. His works are celebrated for their practical advice and have become essential reading for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders. Hoffman's contributions extend beyond his literary efforts, as he remains a prominent figure in Silicon Valley, shaping the future of technology and innovation.

Business and LeadershipFounders PlaybookSuccess Stories and Life LessonsTechnology and Future

Brad Feld's Book Recommendations

Brad Feld is a prominent American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author known for his influential work in the startup ecosystem. Co-founder of the Foundry Group, he has played a pivotal role in funding and mentoring early-stage technology companies. Feld is also a key figure behind the Techstars accelerator program, which has helped launch numerous successful startups. As an author, he has penned several essential books on entrepreneurship and venture capital, including "Venture Deals" and "Startup Communities," which provide invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors. His writings and active blogging have cemented his reputation as a thought leader in the tech and startup communities.

Business and LeadershipFounders Playbook

James Clear's Book Recommendations

James Clear is the author of the bestselling book Atomic Habits, which focuses on the power of small habits and incremental improvements to achieve significant personal and professional growth. Clear’s writing blends insights from psychology, neuroscience, and productivity to provide practical strategies for building better habits. His work has helped millions of people create positive changes in their lives by focusing on the process rather than the outcome. James’s clear, actionable advice has made him a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the field of personal development.

Self-ImprovementProductivity

Ryan Hoover's Book Recommendations

Ryan Hoover is the founder of Product Hunt, a popular platform where users discover and share new tech products, apps, and tools. Hoover started Product Hunt as a side project, which quickly grew into a thriving community for tech enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. The platform has helped launch countless startups and has become an essential resource for finding innovative products. In addition to Product Hunt, Hoover is an investor and writer, often sharing insights on startup culture and product development. His work has made him a key figure in the tech and startup ecosystems.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsTechnology and Future

Alfred Lin's Book Recommendations

Alfred Lin is a venture capitalist and partner at Sequoia Capital, where he focuses on investments in consumer internet, enterprise, and mobile companies. Lin is known for his early investments in companies like Airbnb and DoorDash, helping them grow into major global brands. Before joining Sequoia, Lin was an executive at Zappos, where he worked closely with CEO Tony Hsieh to develop the company’s innovative culture and customer service model. Lin’s expertise in scaling businesses and his strategic vision have made him one of the most respected venture capitalists in Silicon Valley.

Business and LeadershipInspiring ReadsSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Sheryl Sandberg's Book Recommendations

Sheryl Sandberg is the COO of Meta (formerly Facebook) and the author of the bestselling book Lean In, which encourages women to pursue leadership roles and create gender equality in the workplace. She is a prominent advocate for women’s rights, particularly in corporate environments, and has launched initiatives to support women’s empowerment globally. Sheryl’s leadership at Facebook helped the company grow into one of the world’s largest social media platforms. She is also the founder of LeanIn.Org, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering women.

Women Who LeadBusiness and LeadershipSuccess Stories and Life Lessons

Showing 8 of 11 related collections

In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to adapt and innovate becomes our greatest asset.

Brave New Work

By Aaron Dignan