Brave New Work.
by Aaron Dignan
I read this book during the sunny months of the first lockdown. Not that I was one of those people that ended up furloughed and had a lot of time, more because, with a bit of distance, I could see that there were things that could be improved about the business that I worked in, and with the way I was leading my team at the time. This book really opened my eyes to the possibilities of doing things a different way.
Brave New Work by Aaron Dignan challenges the traditional workplace model, arguing that outdated hierarchical structures and rigid processes stifle innovation and employee engagement. Dignan proposes a ‘brave’ approach that emphasizes autonomy, trust, and transparency to challenge the operating system of our workplace.
Key themes in the book include:
The limitations of traditional management: Dignan critiques the command-and-control style of leadership, which he argues can lead to bureaucracy, low morale, and a lack of innovation. We can all be a bit guilty of giving out advice, and stepping into the role of the “expert” when we think we know better!
The importance of psychological safety: I am fascinated with this topic. A psychologically safe environment is essential for employees to feel comfortable taking risks, sharing ideas, and admitting mistakes. How open are your team with you, really?
The power of self-organization: Dignan advocates for teams to have more autonomy in deciding how they work, which can lead to increased productivity, creativity, and job satisfaction. This has a major role in creating truly collaborative teams. I am not sure many teams are actually collaborating, even when they think they are.
The role of leadership: Leaders should shift from being controllers to facilitators, creating conditions where employees can thrive and contribute their best. Even the language Dignan uses in this books makes you think.
Brave New Work offers practical advice for organizations seeking to transform their workplaces and create a more agile, innovative, and fulfilling culture. Each chapter closes with a set of questions that I have returned to many times over the years since reading this book.