Thrive!

There are countless books on management, leadership, change, and other such topics pertaining to professional development and success. Most of these books are interesting and fun to read; some offer guidance on becoming successful based on anecdotal evidence, while others present thought-provoking insights into persistent problems, such as poverty or crime. However, very few of these books on management are based on research. Too often, after reading one of these books, if you were to ask yourself, “What did I learn, and how can I apply what I learned from this book to enhance my career?” you may not be able to list many takeaways. Even if you could, how would you know if those takeaways or suggestions will work for you? Just because a certain approach worked for one person does not mean it will work for you, because that advice was given based on anecdotal evidence, meaning it was not carefully tested or replicated in an unbiased, controlled environment. In contrast, suggestions based on the conclusions of careful experimentation and research are more likely to work. Thus, there is a need for books that elucidate concepts that have been rigorously tested and explain how these concepts can be successfully applied to achieve success. This book aims to fill this space.

In this book, eight individuals gather to spend a week at a lodge in the woods. The host, Professor James Mo, asks each of them to share their career journeys. After each individual shares their story, Professor James Mo explains the theoretical framework underlying their story—that is, the concepts and principles that contributed to the success of the individual. He then outlines the steps one could take to enhance their own success. Each story describes a pathway to success. This book then illustrates eight pathways to success, while acknowledging the existence of other pathways. Depending on your career circumstances, you could use one of these pathways or a combination of pathways to achieve your own success.

To be clear, success means different things to different people. For example, indicators of success might include reducing work stress, ensuring a fair workplace, enhancing workplace diversity, achieving psychological well-being, turning a boring job into an exciting and meaningful job, securing an excellent performance evaluation, obtaining a significant pay raise or a promotion, or moving up the corporate ladder. In addition, our definition of success will change as our careers evolve. For instance, a young professional might consider obtaining a promotion accompanied by a sizeable pay raise success, whereas a seasoned professional might consider managing to reduce work stress and achieving psychological well-being success.

To get the most value out of this book, read each of the eight career stories presented, study the theory Professor James Mo identifies as the root of that individual’s success, and strategize ways to apply those principles to your own career. Then, engage in the exercises provided at the end of the book. Exercise 1 requires you to work individually, whereas exercise 2 requires a partner. These exercises involve clearly describing your current situation, outlining your aspirations, and identifying one or two pathways illustrated in the book that will best help you achieve your aspirations. Once you have identified the pathway(s), read that story again and write down how you might successfully apply the principles described in the pathway. Be sure to also outline a timeline, list the resources you may need, and anticipate the obstacles you may encounter. Refine your plan in the context of identified resources and constraints, implement your plan, and persist. I wish you much success!