206 pages of yes

Starting February 26, a powerful learning will be shared with all of us. 

Carolyn Swora takes us on her personal and professional journey and in the end, readers are brought together thanks to her observations, experiences and ideas.

In her debut book she writes, “Simply giving people permission to be human can unleash powerful outcomes.”

This book is about employee engagement and Carolyn keeps it real for us – we’re motivated by pride, courage, trust, purpose and most importantly, the relationships we have with those we work with.

Focusing our efforts on strengthening workplace culture doesn’t have to be a heavy lift. We’re so caught up with process that in the end, we lose sight of what really drives change; moreover, people.

In other words, taking time to nurture relationships. Making a concerted effort to have a meaningful (and mindful) discussion. Helping people understand what's required, why it's important, and what we can do to get there. 

Less spreadsheets, checklists and presentations.

More conversations. And encouraging others to follow suite.

What I love about this book is that Carolyn’s prose is hopeful yet grounded in realism. I spend a fair amount of time reading – at least two to three books a week. What I call a “hit” is a book that drives home simplicity in thought yet profoundness in outcomes. Carolyn gets it.

We’re so lucky to be able to wake up every morning and contribute to the advancement of the businesses or causes most dear to us. In an era where personal well-being, meaningful purpose and responsible leadership reigns, let’s be the light that moves each other forward.

Carolyn ends her book with an incredibly moving story. I mean, I had to wipe away my tears just so I could get through the last few sentences. Her husband was terminally ill and just before he passed, they had the most powerful and humbling conversation she has ever experienced. There was no noise. No disruptions. Just the there and the now.

A hopeful look at tomorrow.

In a world where everything is finite, be aware of how precious time is and how privileged we are to be in each other’s company while we work hard to bring our work to life. 

If we give ourselves permission to, as Carolyn says “work human”, we’ll take pleasure in challenging and advancing the notion of what it means to thrive. And most importantly, what it really takes to achieve this way of being.

Thank you, Carolyn, for giving us the opportunity to learn from you and thank you for sparking a new conversation on what we can do to build more engaging workplace experiences. It really does start with us.

Be sure to mark your calendar and pick up a copy of Rules of Engagement on February 26.