After writing four books that were published as interconnected web pages, I finally have a topic I want to explore that requires the structure of a traditional book. I don’t know when I will get around to finishing it, but the following is my current draft outline.
Introduction
Part 1: The Problem
We chronically deliver incomplete low-quality work slowly
- Missed deadlines are assumed
- Unfinished work is celebrated
- Low Quality accepted as normal
We keep using techniques that continue to fail
- Adding More People
- Chasing “The Right People”
- Core Work Hours
- Physical Workspaces
- Micromanagement
- Casual Environments
- Flat Org Structures
- Stock Options
- Open Office Layouts
- Electronic Monitoring
- Productivity Metrics
We use dishonest motivational strategies
- Promises of Mutual Loyalty
- Career Advancement
- Profit Trickle-Down
Part 2: The Solution
We must adapt to the Next-Gen Worker
- They have all the leverage
- They must volunteer to be productive
- They want to share in company profits
- The need to be specialized
- They need to work in teams
- They need to be treated fairly
- They must be given flexibility
- They must feel fulfilled to stay with one company
We must embrace the Age of Cognitive Productivity
- Cognitive Productivity is the only productivity that matters
- Cognitive Productivity cannot be directly observed
- Cognitive Productivity cannot be measured
- Cognitive Productivity Requires Competence & Worth Ethic
We must maximize Cognitive Productivity
- Mandating High-Quality Sleep
- Facilitating Emotional Calmness
- Fostering Internal Motivation
- Emphasizing Professional Experience
- Teaching Previsualization
- Supporting the Flow State
We must motivate Cognitive Productivity
- Money as a Motivator
- Time-off as a Motivator
- Flexibility as a Motivator
- Deadlines as a Motivator
- Competition as a Motivator
- Peer-Competency as a Motivator
Part 3: The Methodology
Core Principles of Reward Motivated Teams
- Evaluations
- Missions
- Rewards
- Strategizing
- Competition
Requirements for a Reward Motivated Team Member
- Capitalistic
- Competitive
- Creative
- Competent
- Disciplined
Requirements for a Reward Motivated Team Leader
- Mission Driven
- Success Seeking
- Failure Avoiding
- Excellent Communication
- Shrewd Negotiator
- Expert Facilitator
- Highly Adaptable
- Ruthlessly Decisive
The Mission Lifecycle
- Evaluate
- Separate
- Establish
- Define
- Organize
- Propose
- Review
- Approve
- Decide
- Finish
Troubleshooting Guide
- Institutionalization
- Tenured Entitlements
- Systematic Laziness
- Sandbagging
- Process Zealots
- Resignations
- Deadwood
- Recruiting
- Cliques
- Change Resistance
Conclusion
If you’d like me to write this book, leave a comment. Otherwise I may still write it, but maybe not as quickly.