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freddseb8's review against another edition
4.0
Good tips are essential in different life situations, a good life and work balance are always required to be happy.
neen_machine's review against another edition
The prescription approach had little in common with my lived experience, so I found it preachy and unhelpful.
lauraborkpower's review against another edition
4.0
Having recently read Rest by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang, I was worried this would be more of the same and a redundant read. Having now finished both, I can say that this is the far superior book and it's the one you should read if you only read one.
The thesis of both books are similar enough, but McKeown's writing is more practical; his examples of great thinkers, leaders, scientists, and creatives include people of color and women; and he's accessible, talking about his own life, which often includes brainstorming conversations he has with his wife. It's amazing how much easier (and more fun) it is to receive and absorb meaning from something when the writer has clearly thought about you as a reader.
The thesis of both books are similar enough, but McKeown's writing is more practical; his examples of great thinkers, leaders, scientists, and creatives include people of color and women; and he's accessible, talking about his own life, which often includes brainstorming conversations he has with his wife. It's amazing how much easier (and more fun) it is to receive and absorb meaning from something when the writer has clearly thought about you as a reader.
jmrprice's review against another edition
4.0
Biggest takeaway : discern more to do less.
Think about that.
Think about that.
nikread84's review against another edition
5.0
I keep quoting this book to people. It’s a great insight into what truly matters and how to figure that out.
gandalftheschway's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
for summer work reading
deluciate's review against another edition
4.0
McKeown outlines a compelling vision of a simpler life. This book has given me a lot to think about. After reading it from the library, I might need to buy a copy for myself.
However, I'm not sure he gives us enough to get there from here. There are a lot of interesting suggestions framed very generally.
Second, I'm not entirely persuaded that Essentialism is essential, or at least not for everyone. If each person focuses only on what is most essential for themselves, who connects all the dots between these high achievers? I think within big organizations, there is some work that's not essential for any one person, and yet is essential for the common success.
Great book, very interesting, lots to think about. A useful addition to a collection of leadership and management philosophy.
However, I'm not sure he gives us enough to get there from here. There are a lot of interesting suggestions framed very generally.
Second, I'm not entirely persuaded that Essentialism is essential, or at least not for everyone. If each person focuses only on what is most essential for themselves, who connects all the dots between these high achievers? I think within big organizations, there is some work that's not essential for any one person, and yet is essential for the common success.
Great book, very interesting, lots to think about. A useful addition to a collection of leadership and management philosophy.