Reviewing «Rework»
I just finished reading «Rework», the new book by the founders of web software company 37signals.
It's a good book. First of all, it is very short; reading it only takes around two hours. Also, it is written in this simple, clear, slightly repetitive language that just makes you nod in agreement while reading.
«Rework» consists of many short chapters, one to two pages long, that give you advice on how to run your business. Most are true. Many are obvious. Some are weird. Others redudant. The selection of my highlights:
- Workaholism is bad for you and for your company
- Embrace constraints because they drive creativity
- Interruption is the enemy of productivity
- Make sure you get enough sleep
- Decommoditize your product - put the you in it
- Pick a fight
- Hire great writers
- Speed is crucial
Personally, I would have added two more recommendations:
Beware of simple solutions. «It's easy» is the most overrated advice there is. Most of the time, it's not. Otherwise, it wouldn't be interesting. Simple solutions are dangerous because they always look attractive, but are not always the right ones. Often, they overlook something crucial.
Don't read business books. These books, including «Rework», suffer from a fatal flaw: They imply that you can use the model that worked for one company to every other company as well. That's nonsense. «Rework» is a good book about how 37signals became successful. Nothing guarantees that your business will be successful too if you follow the same rules.
