Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World by Marcus Buckingham, Ashley Goodall

Description

“Nine Lies About Work: A Freethinking Leader’s Guide to the Real World” challenges nine deeply ingrained workplace myths and reframes them with more human-centered truths. Through engaging research and real-world examples, Marcus Buckingham and Ashley Goodall debunk assumptions like “people care most about their company,” “the best plan always wins,” and “feedback is what employees crave.” Instead, they show that what really matters are strong, close-knit teams; real-time intelligence over rigid plans; meaningful work rather than top-down goals; using individual strengths (“spikes”) instead of forcing people to be well-rounded; attention rather than constant feedback; personal momentum in place of abstract potential; finding love in one’s work instead of chasing work-life balance; and following leaders who stand out authentically, not those who fit a generic mold. It’s a bold manifesto for leaders who want to craft workplaces where individuals are celebrated for who they are and where real connection and purpose drive performance.