title: The Best Place to Work: The Art and Science of Creating an Extraordinary Workplace
author: Ron Friedman  PhD
description: <b>An<i>INC.Magazine </i>Best Business Book of the Year </b><br /> <b></b><br /> "An excellent book."<br /> <b><i>Booklist</i></b><br /> <i></i><br /> A must-read<br /> <b><i>Library Journal</i> (starred review)</b><br /> <br /> What a gem! Enough that its a thorough, practical manual for optimizing relationships and work environments, based on new and solid research in human behaviorbut it's a surprising, witty, well-written, and wonderfully engaging read.<br /> <b>David Allen, author of<i>Getting Things Done</i></b><i><br /> </i><br /> We've lost our way. In this stunning book, Ron Friedman helps us get back on track, exploring not only what work is for, but how we can leap forward and become more human, more alive and more effective.<br /> <b>Seth Godin, author of<i>Lynchpin</i> and <i>The Icarus Deception</i></b><br /><br /> In<i>The Best Place to Work</i>, Ron Friedman examines the factors that take a company from ordinary to extraordinary. The stories in this book . . . pack powerful, research-based lessons for better leadership in the workplace. Friedmans findings are often surprisingly counterintuitive, yet always convincing.<br /> <b>Daniel H. Pink, author of<i>Drive</i>and<i>To Sell Is Human</i></b><i><br /> </i><br /> <i>The Best Place to Work</i>is an engaging journey through the latest science of improving the quality of life in organizations. Psychologist Ron Friedman examines how to unleash creativity, boost motivation, and offer rewards and recognition that bring people together rather than driving them apart.<br /> <b>Adam Grant, Wharton professor and author of<i>Originals </i>and<i> Give and Take</i></b><i><br /> </i><br /> A contemporary classic. Dr. Friedmans new book offers a highly original guide to creating exceptional workplaces based on cross-field academic research and superb examples from real companies. You wont find these insights elsewhere. <br /> <b>Marshall Goldsmith, author of <i>What Got You Here Wont Get You There </i></b><br /> <i></i><br /> "I love this book! It'ssmart, fun to read, interesting, clear, and practical. We're all owners of our workplaces, and this is our owner's manual. Following Ron's advice is easy and will pay huge dividends for you and the people with whom you work."<br /> <b>Peter Bregman,author of<i>18 Minutes</i></b><br /> <i></i><br /> Aneye-opening, highly-readable, and practical guideto improving the way we work. No matter what you do for a living, this book will change the way you see your workplace.<br /> <b>Richard Wiseman,author of<i>59 Seconds: Think a Little Change a Lot</i></b><br /> <br /> In<i>The Best Place to Work</i>, Ron Friedmanbrings together decades of psychological researchinto a package that offers organizations concrete advice to improve the well-being of workers and the quality of work. Much ofthe advice is eye-opening. I'm sure the results of taking the advice will be too.<br /> <b>Barry Schwartz,author of<i>The Paradox of Choice</i>and<i>Why We Work</i></b><br /> <br /> Thisfascinatingbook shows how to create workspaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and high productivity. Itsa joy to read, filled with practical advicefor leaders, engaging real-world stories, and grounded in scientific research.<br /> <b>Keith Sawyer,author of<i>Group Genius</i> and <i>Zig Zag: The Surprising Path to Greater Creativity</i></b><br /> <br /> "Friedman's bookfills you with optimism about the future of work. If enough managers pay attention to the science he is promoting, then a lot of people are going to roll out of bed on Mondays truly eager to get to the other side of their commutes."<br /> <b>David McRaney, author of<i>You Are Not So Smart</i></b><br /> <br /> When it comes to motivation and engagement, the problem is rarely that the work itself is terrible  its that the way we are working is. In<i>The Best Place to Work</i>, Ron Friedmantells you everything  and I mean everything  you need to know to bring out the best in your employees. This powerful (and entertaining!) book is a guide to understanding how subtle, often unconscious influences in the workplace affect happiness, creativity, productivity and loyalty  and how you can use these insights to create real and lasting impact, on your team and in your organization. Everyone should be reading this book.<br /> <b>Heidi Grant Halvorson, author of<i>9 Things Successful People Do Differently</i></b><br /> <br /> "If you want to attract and keep exceptional employees, your culture is the key. In thisentertainingbook, Ron Friedmanoffers a practical game planfor building a workplace that thrives.<br /> <b>Todd Henry,author of<i>The Accidental Creative</i> and <i>Die Empty</i></b><br /> <br /> Theres an astonishing gap between what science knows about human behavior and what companies think they know. In thisfascinatingbook, Ron Friedman outlines the science behind thriving at work and offers practical advice for managers who are committed to making a real difference in the workplace."<br /> <b>David Burkus,author of<i>Under New Management</i></b><br /> <br /> "What a great relief to read a business book that is not just about how to be a better leader but about what makes work more fun, exciting and productive. By focusing on what managers at all levels of an organization can do, this book provides a rich inventory of practical, research-based ideas for making work engaging. Amost valuable and entertaining read full of powerful insightsthat should be read by every manager and employee."<br /> <b>Edgar H. Schein,Professor Emeritus Sloan School of Management, MIT</b><br /> <br /> Ron Friedman's<i>The Best Place to Work</i>presents the latest scientific findings in a highly entertaining but rigorous way.An excellent example of great science writing for practical application in the real world. If you want tomake the workplacebetter, this book is the best place to start.<br /> <b>Dean Keith Simonton, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Davis</b><br /> <br /> <i>The Best Place to Work</i>flows seamlessly and is<b></b>filled with practical, accessible waysof seeing not only oneself in depth, but also the complex mosaics of workplace environments with pitfalls and opportunities galore. The principles that undergird a fulfilling and healthy life, with room for authentic, creative play are infused into practical, real-life vignettes throughout its pages. Bringing the science of human innovativeness and productivity into focus, and combining these science-based truths with a life well lived are what can be gleaned from its chapters.<br /> <b>Stuart Brown, M.D., author of<i>Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul</i></b><br /> <br /> Ron Friedmanbridges the gap between cutting-edge science and the reality of the modern workplace in a way that is clear, sensible, and effective. Friedman does more than offer recommendations  he provides empirically supported tools for turning most any office into a lively, engaging workplace. Written in a user-friendly style that will grab your attention, this book isa must-readfor anyone who has wondered why workplaces cant be successful and welcoming at the same time.<br /> <b>Harry Reis, PhD, University of Rochester Professor of Psychology, Past President of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology</b><br /> <br /> An energetic, conversational look at what really makes an office environment tick.<br /> <b><i>Publishers Weekly</i></b><br /> <br /> "Most readers will find some arresting ideas in this book...with a light and entertaining touch."<br /> <b><i>Financial Times</i></b>
zlib_text: 
  
  
  ADVANCE PRAISE FOR
  
  
  _The Best Place to Work_
  
  
  “What a gem! Enough that it’s a thorough, practical manual for optimizing
  relationships and work environments, based on new and solid research in human
  behavior—but it’s **a surprising, witty, well-written, and wonderfully
  engaging read**. I had countless ‘aha!’s about how we can effectively get
  things done. Bravo, Ron Friedman.”
  
  
  —David Allen, author of _Getting Things Done_
  
  
  “ **A contemporary classic.** Dr. Friedman’s new book offers a highly original
  guide to creating exceptional workplaces based on cross-field academic
  research and superb examples from real companies. You won’t find these
  insights elsewhere. From office design to employee motivation to conflict
  resolution, _The Best Place to Work_ is the best book to have on your shelf
  _now_.”
  
  
  —Marshall Goldsmith, author of _What Got You Here Won’t Get You There_
  
  
  “We’ve lost our way. In this **stunning** book, Ron Friedman helps us get back
  on track, exploring not only what 