Open House: Archives

Rework by Jason Fried and David Heinemeir Hansson
Founders of 37signals

Jason and David reveal to us their views on business—how to start one, build one, and grow — or not grow — one. This book is unlike most business books, both in its simplicity and message. They briefly discuss several ideas that are mostly common sense, but very useful insights none-the-less. These guys lay it out there in black and white fashion. Here's just a few topics they cover:

- Don't take outside investment
- You're better off with a kick-ass half, than a half-assed whole
- No time is no excuse
- Don't try to grow indefinitely
- Don't always listen to your customers
- Scratch your own itch
- Decisions are temporary

Also, so you get a sense of their writing style... here's an excerpt from the chapter on Culture.

Send people home at 5
The dream employee for a lot of companies is a twenty something with as little a life as possible outside of work—someone who'll be fine working fourteen-hour days and sleeping under his desk.

But packing a room full of these burn-the-midnight oil types isn't as great as it seems. It lets you get away with lousy execution. It perpetuates myths like "This is the only way we can compete against the big guys." You don't need more hours; you need better hours.

When people have something to do at home, they get down to business. They get their work done at the office because they have somewhere else to be. They find ways to be more efficient because they have to. They need to pick up the kids or get to choir practice. So they use their time wisely.

As the saying goes, "If you want something done, ask the busiest person you know." You want busy people. People who have a life out side of work. People who care more about more than one thing. You shouldn't expect the job to be someone's entire life—at least not if you want to keep them around for a long time.

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I selected this chapter as an example... as it resonates with my ideas of success and creating balance in life—family, work, health, interests, and hobbies. This book strives for honesty and does not just feed you hype. Business books, schools and people themselves like to over-complicate business. This book is a quick read with many intriguing ideas... some of which are quickly becoming the new norm. I'm planning to keep Rework on my desk as a reality check for myself.