logo
pagesback-cover
173
Reddit meter
all mentions

Powerful

228 pages, 2018

business & management

business & management

1082 books
Takeaways
Description

When recruiting, motivating, and creating great teams, Patty McCord says most companies have it all wrong. McCord helped create the unique and high-performing culture at Netflix, where she was chief talent officer.

In her new book, Powerful: Building a Culture of Freedom and Responsibility, she shares what she learned there and elsewhere in Silicon Valley.

McCord advocates practicing radical honesty in the workplace, saying goodbye to employees who don’t fit the company’s emerging needs, and motivating with challenging work, not promises, perks, and bonus plans.

McCord argues that the old standbys of corporate HR―annual performance reviews, retention plans, employee empowerment, and engagement programs―often become a colossal waste of time and resources.

Her road-tested advice, offered with humor and irreverence, provides readers with a different path for creating a high-performance and profitable culture. Powerful will change your thoughts about work and how a business should be run.

Rethink Traditional Work Culture

Patty McCord encourages readers to challenge the conventional work culture. She believes that rules and regulations often limit creativity and productivity. Instead, she suggests fostering a culture of freedom and responsibility.

Hire, Reward, and Tolerate Only Fully Formed Adults

McCord emphasizes the importance of hiring mature and responsible individuals. She believes that adults who take responsibility for their actions contribute more effectively to the company's growth. So, next time you're hiring, look for these traits.

Say Goodbye to Employee Perks

In 'Powerful', McCord argues that employee perks like free lunches or gym memberships don't necessarily lead to a happy and productive workforce. Instead, she suggests focusing on creating an environment where people love to work.

Embrace Honest Conversations

McCord encourages open and honest communication in the workplace. She believes that transparency leads to trust and better problem-solving. So, don't shy away from those tough conversations at work.

Make Your Team Understand the Business

In her book, McCord stresses the importance of every team member understanding the business. She believes that when employees understand the business, they can make better decisions and contribute more effectively. So, take some time to educate your team about your business.

Quotes 5

Patty McCord's book 'Powerful' is a compelling and innovative approach to rethinking organizational culture. It's a must-read for anyone looking to redefine their company's dynamics.

Reed HastingsReed Hastings - Netflix Co-founder

'Powerful' by Patty McCord offers a bold, inspiring roadmap for creating environments that are real and truthful. It's a game changer for those who seek to lead with authenticity and courage.

Sheryl SandbergSheryl Sandberg - Facebook COO

Patty McCord's 'Powerful' is a beacon of revolutionary thinking. It challenges the conventional wisdom of corporate culture and presents a fresh perspective that is both practical and insightful.

Adam GrantAdam Grant - Organizational psychologist

'Powerful' by Patty McCord is a manifesto for a new way of working. It's a call to arms for anyone who believes in the power of human potential.

Arianna HuffingtonArianna Huffington - HuffPost Founder

Patty McCord's 'Powerful' is a provocative and inspiring read. It's a wake-up call for leaders and organizations looking to create a high-performance culture.

Daniel PinkDaniel Pink - Bestselling Author
Reed HastingsSheryl SandbergAdam GrantArianna HuffingtonDaniel Pink

Recommendations

4
authorReed Hastings

Reed Hastings

entrepreneurtechnology
Keith Rabois

Keith Rabois

entrepreneurtechnologyventure capitalist
authorAdam Grant

Adam Grant

educatorscientistauthor
Austin Rief

Austin Rief

entrepreneurventure capitalist