About the Book
Companies and organizations around the world are being confronted with alarming challenges-a global pandemic, market shocks, climate change, political instability. But in these unsettled times, organizational analyst Jane McConnell reveals that managers and executives have a secret weapon on their side: an overlooked group of employees that share "the gig mindset"-a freelancer-style knack for improvisation, adaptability and innovation that offers a crucial key to the future.
Found at all levels of the workforce but often stifled by managers, gig mindsetters are disruptors who upend business as usual and bridge gaps while achieving surprising outcomes and charting new directions.Six case studies of early adopters illustrate how it is shaping business in diverse fields: science and technology, industrial energy, healthcare, financial services, agricultural commodity trading and legal services.
With multiple examples and quotes, McConnell addresses the "How to" so necessary to turn ideas into actions: Recognize the value of gig mindsetters the border-crossers, inside outsiders and carriers of new skills
Overcome the willful blindness of management based on pride, fear and past successes
Go beyond resilience to achieve proactive resilience
Invest in moversthe gig mindsetters already in your organization and those to come
Define a relevant balance between gig and traditional behaviors
Own your personal strategy by choosing one of three paths
You'll also find checklists of points to ponder and discuss as you explore your own case and context.
In The Gig Mindset Advantage, McConnell brings her decades of research into workforce culture, organizational strategy and digital transformation into a compelling wake-up call to managers and executives. Long-term success and well-being lie in understanding and developing a gig-mindset work culture in both organizations and in individuals.
Review :
"As I read the book, it dawned on me that the
basic problem is not the lack of a gig mindset, but the way people internalize
fear of others - to the extent that it becomes habitual. McConnell addresses
these fears in new ways, each page different from the one before. A focused
achievement.”
Art Kleiner, author of The Age of
Heretics: A History of the Radical Thinkers Who Reinvented Corporate Management
This book is a breakthrough!”
Jessica Lipnack, coauthor of The Age of
the Network and Virtual Teams
“Recognizing and encouraging rebels and gig-mindset
people is the only way to realize the extraordinary possibilities of digital
transformation and the future of work. For all of us individually, cultivating
our gig mindsets is the only way to grow and find meaning in our work. Jane
McConnell has written the book on how to speed this transition from old to new
ways of working and to being able to bring our real selves to work.”
Lois Kelly co-founder of the Rebels at Work
movement and coauthor of Rebels at Work: A Handbook for Leading Change
from Within,
“Loaded with practical techniques and invaluable
tips, The Gig Mindset Advantage is an eye-opening, useful read for leaders and
employees alike.”
Dan Pontefract, bestselling author of
Lead. Care. Win.: How to Become a Leader Who
Matters
“In her provocative new book, Jane McConnell’s
deeply researched exploration of the origins, evolution, and implications of
the gig mindset offers leaders and managers actionable insights into the
realities of today’s and tomorrow’s workplaces.”
Jon Husband, founder of
Wirearchy
“At once a manifesto and an action plan that
details how a range of humane and inclusive behaviors, traits, and principles
can re-make diverse teams and businesses into more resilient, innovative, and
purposeful organizations.”
David Slocum, academic director at Rare with
Google
“Will inspire individuals to lead no matter what
their title, and help organizations create a more agile, collaborative
culture.”
John Stepper, author of Working Out
Loud
“Challenges us to think about the future of our
organizations, and, more importantly, of our people, in a way that transcends
cultures and structures.”
Stéphane Aknin, VP of Creative & Content at
Prudential Financial, Inc.
“The Gig Mindset Advantage is a compass for
business, and Jane McConnell is the
scout that every executive should tap to
help them find their way to the future of work.” —Chris Shipley,
coauthor of The Adaptation Advantage:
Let Go, Learn Fast, and Thrive in the Future of
Work
“A must-read for anyone who wants to stay relevant
and for any
leader who wants to ensure the future of their
organization.” —Frédérique Thiriet-Smith, change and learning expert
at BASF
“Change is afoot in the world of work and the gig
mindset
is an important harbinger of that change. This book
examines
it from many angles and offers compelling ways to
adapt.
A must-read for every talent professional.” —Kavi
Arasu, director of Learning and Change at Founding Fuel
“Now more than ever a gig mindset is a requirement
for
those seeking to make a greater impact within their company,
especially during times of change. Whether you are an individual contributor, a
team manager, or a CEO, you will be sure to
gain new insight and understanding here.” —Kristen
J. McCormack, Boston University Questrom School of Business
“In the ‘future of work’ canon, The Gig
Mindset Advantage is a rare treat.” —Jonathan Anthony,
author of Dis!Organize:
An Intrapreneur’s Guide to Making a Bigger Difference at
Work
“Jane McConnell explores how the gig mindset allows
us to focus on ourselves, our real
needs, and the contribution we want
to bring to the world. Her research and stories show how
each of us can play a role in building a gig-mindset ecosystem in our organizations
and open a new world of opportunities.”
—Marc Bramoullé, director of Knowledge Management
at Ubisoft
