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sarahareinhard's review
4.0
Refreshing read in the space of business books that offer "secrets" to success that really aren't secret and aren't successful. Instead of that, you get a dose of what seems like common sense, respect for people, things you WANT to do, and advocating for the calm. What's not to love?
rodhilton's review
5.0
You need to read this book. Actually, scratch that, your manager needs to read this book, and his or her manager as well. All the way up the ladder. This is more than just a book, it's a manifesto for sanity and calmness at the office.
Nearly every (two-page) section is gold. It reads quick, it's well-written, there's no extra fluff or padding. Just straightforward advice for how to run your company and culture to maximize happiness at the office, written by people who have been successful. This book puts into succinct words exactly what I've been saying to various people for years, it's so validating to see the co-founders of a successful business reiterate what I keep telling people, as well as giving me new annoying things to tell people who won't listen.
This book is a must-read, I recommend it to absolutely everyone. Even if you don't think it's "crazy" where you work, it's probably crazier than it needs to be. It's going to be a sad day 15 years down the road or whenever that Basecamp goes out of business and this book will just seem like a graveyard of great ideas. Please read it now while it still seems like good advice so that your organization can add to the voice it represents.
Nearly every (two-page) section is gold. It reads quick, it's well-written, there's no extra fluff or padding. Just straightforward advice for how to run your company and culture to maximize happiness at the office, written by people who have been successful. This book puts into succinct words exactly what I've been saying to various people for years, it's so validating to see the co-founders of a successful business reiterate what I keep telling people, as well as giving me new annoying things to tell people who won't listen.
This book is a must-read, I recommend it to absolutely everyone. Even if you don't think it's "crazy" where you work, it's probably crazier than it needs to be. It's going to be a sad day 15 years down the road or whenever that Basecamp goes out of business and this book will just seem like a graveyard of great ideas. Please read it now while it still seems like good advice so that your organization can add to the voice it represents.
sara_shocks's review
2.0
2 Stars
There were some interesting ideas in here, but the writing style was not for me. It kind of read like an extended TED talk or another way of spitting out pieces of a manifesto. I think this may have been an attempt to give busy entrepreneurs the chance to actually read through it and then change how their companies run. As a non-entrepreneur/company owner, it felt less helpful for me to have read this.
There were some interesting ideas in here, but the writing style was not for me. It kind of read like an extended TED talk or another way of spitting out pieces of a manifesto. I think this may have been an attempt to give busy entrepreneurs the chance to actually read through it and then change how their companies run. As a non-entrepreneur/company owner, it felt less helpful for me to have read this.
rossborkett's review
5.0
Probably one of the best business books I’ve read in a while. Complete opposite to so many of them and really struck home for me with my work environment. Only a short book and I’d recommend it.
sharonus's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
3.0
They authors share a lot of great points, and I honestly hope my next job can be at a company where the leadership shares these values. That's unlikely, but I do think you can apply some of their ideas yourself as an individual contributor. It's important to do what you say you will do, don't make promises you can't keep, and respect your teammates and yourself in the process. There are absolutely cases where you HAVE to work lots of hours, but there are also times where you can put boundaries around yourself and take action so you don't have to do that. At the very least, the ideas in this book are something to ponder even if you can't achieve all (or many) of them.
I listened to this as an audio book and there were a couple things I did not like. First, there are random anecdotes about famous people scattered throughout the book. It confused me at first as when I heard "Oprah Winfrey only works one day a week" (or whatever it was) I expected them to elaborate on that. I finally realized that it was just signaling the end of a section and the tidbit was in there for inspiration. The other thing I didn't like was the voice actor. She read this in kind of a condescending, "bless your heart" way that I didn't think went well with the content. It made it sound like the authors were saying: "We did it. <shrug> Why can't you?" which I don't think was their intent.
I listened to this as an audio book and there were a couple things I did not like. First, there are random anecdotes about famous people scattered throughout the book. It confused me at first as when I heard "Oprah Winfrey only works one day a week" (or whatever it was) I expected them to elaborate on that. I finally realized that it was just signaling the end of a section and the tidbit was in there for inspiration. The other thing I didn't like was the voice actor. She read this in kind of a condescending, "bless your heart" way that I didn't think went well with the content. It made it sound like the authors were saying: "We did it. <shrug> Why can't you?" which I don't think was their intent.
Content Warnings
Minor: Cursing
thisisstephenbetts's review
5.0
Really good, interesting book on company organisation — and a fast read to boot. At BaseCamp they document, and iterate on their corporate practices, and even version them. Each chapter is short, focuses on one thing. Naturally I don't agree with _everything_ but there was so much good stuff in here. I read this from the library but am planning on getting my own copy, rereading and sending extracts to others.