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Jill Geisler

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Work Happy: What Great Bosses Know Paperback – January 7, 2014

by Jill Geisler (Author)

4.5 138 ratings

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When Jill Geisler was appointed to news director of her local station at the age of 27, her senior managerial experience was limited to a high school job at a candy shop. Thirty years later, she is one of the leading consultants for managers across the country. WORK HAPPY shares what she's learned over the years, specifically, what makes good bosses great.

Oftentimes, managers find themselves in the same position as Geisler did 30 years ago; they were good performers, so they were tapped to lead a team. But what made them good at their craft isn't guaranteed to make them good at helping others excel. They have managerial skill gaps, big ones, and their mistakes can hurt employees, businesses and their own careers. In WORK HAPPY, Geisler specifically addresses these skill gaps and provides managers with practical and precise research-based tools they can put to use immediately.

The book is divided into three sections: What Great Bosses Know and Do; How Great Bosses Grow Great Employees; and How Great Bosses Build Great Places to Work. The chapters in each section address the various challenges that managers face in the work place and specific advice for conquering them. Chapters include:

· What Employees Never Forget-and Never Forgive

· Manage Yourself So You Can Lead Others

· Tough Times, Tough Love; Handling Problem People and Tricky Situations

· Why It Pays to be a Coach

· How to Make Collaboration a Way of Life

· Would Your Best People Tell Their Best Friends to Work Here?

Along with the advice in each chapter, Geisler also includes quotes from real employees about great bosses and what they do so well, warnings about misapplying the book's advice, and quizzes and self-assessment tools for manager's to self-diagnose their strengths and weaknesses.

In WORK HAPPY, Jill Geisler teaches managers to commiserate with challenges, laugh at absurdities and celebrate success.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Jill Geisler has an uncanny ability to unravel the most complicated workplace problems and come up with creative solutions to resolve them."―Bob Schieffer, CBS News

"Geisler, head of the Poynter Institute's leadership and management faculty and voice of the popular podcast What Great Bosses Know, has distilled years of management experience and study into this practical step-by-step guide to improving leadership skills. Covering topics including types of power, how to give and receive constructive feedback, coaching versus fixing, self-awareness and self-management, Geisler provides useful quizzes and assessments to help the reader translate the concepts into personal learning. This positive, useful work is sure to be a go-to manual for those new to management."
―Publishers Weekly

"WORK HAPPY is an accessible, useful encyclopedia of managerial guidance artfully drawn from Jill Geisler's years as a master boss, learner, teacher, and coach. I just wish she had written it forty years ago....would have saved me lots of angst."
―Marty Linsky, Cambridge Leadership Associates, and faculty, Harvard Kennedy School

"Simply put, this book is a gift. A gift to any young manager in a new stretch assignment. A gift to any senior executive seeking to inspire a workforce. A gift to anyone driven to learn how to become a better leader. Jill Geisler's intelligence and warmth, captured within these pages, offers the reader an indispensable blend of best practices and comforting thoughts. She has created a safe place to think about becoming a better boss---which makes her something of a gift, too."
―Robert King, senior vice president, ESPN

"In a crisp, clear, upbeat style, Geisler cracks the code for what it takes to lead and to manage, even in times of change. Her experience as a leader, a coach, and a trainer of leaders comes through on every page. If you face the complex challenge of being your best as a leader and manager, WORK HAPPY puts a management guru by your side."―Peggy Holman, author, Engaging Emergence

"Jill has a talent for making great leadership seem slap-your-forehead simple. That's because her work in WORK HAPPY sits atop mountainous research and real-life experience that has been honed and scrutinized by some of the most exacting leaders around. The result is practical, rock-solid advice that you're ready to act on before she's done talking."―Keith Woods, vice president, NPR

"Want to love your job and reap the rewards of a productive staff? The secrets to achieve that are found in the pages of WORK HAPPY, as Jill Geisler challenges everything you know to manage yourself in order to lead others to success."―Susana Schuler, vice president of news, Raycom Media

"Want to be a Great Boss? Then read WORK HAPPY, which explains with detailed work plans and assessment tools how to create a great work environment that gets results. Get one book for yourself---and another for your boss too. You'll both be happier for it!"―Charlene Li, author, Open Leadership, and co-author, Groundswell

"Jill Geisler's writing mirrors her compelling workshops. WORK HAPPY is a smart and substantive book that offers meaningful, practical advice to leaders at all levels in any organization."―Robert M. Steele, Ph.D., director, Janet Prindle Institute for Ethics, DePauw University

About the Author

Jill Geisler heads the leadership and management faculty of the Poynter Institute. She teaches, writes and consults on critical issues for leaders and counts among her clients The Boston Globe, CNN, and the Washington Post. Jill holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Wisconsin a master's in leadership studies from Duquesne University.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Center Street (January 7, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 368 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1455547077
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1455547074
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.5 ounces
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #196,486 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #422 in Human Resources & Personnel Management (Books)
- #1,110 in Motivational Management & Leadership
- #1,365 in Business Motivation & Self-Improvement (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.5 138 ratings

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Jill Geisler

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If you want to learn the secrets of being a great leader, ask Jill Geisler.

Jill guides managers - from the novice to the veteran - toward success. She holds the inaugural Bill Plante Chair in Leadership and Media Integrity at Loyola University Chicago. She is also the Newseum Institute Fellow in Women's Leadership, where she leads its "Power Shift" programs that battle sexual misconduct, discrimination and incivility in the workplace.

From 1998-2105, she guided the leadership programs at the Poynter Institute.

She designs and delivers leadership and management programs for scores of organizations in the U.S. and abroad and is in demand as a speaker on leadership issues, ethics, change management and the status of women in leadership. She's known for the humanity and humor she brings to her work.

Jill writes a monthly management column for the Columbia Journalism Review. Her podcasts, ""Q&A: Leadership and Integrity in the Digital Age" and ""What Great Bosses Know" have been downloaded millions of times.

Among her many teaching and coaching clients are NPR, The Associated Press, The American Society of News Editors, the Radio-TV Digital News Association, and newspapers and TV stations large and small, but her reach extends far beyond media organizations. She also guides leaders in medicine, law, education, technology and non-profits.

Jill holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin and a master's degree in Leadership and Liberal Studies from Duquesne University.

In recognition of her lifetime contributions to journalism, the University of Wisconsin honored her with its "Distinguished Service to Journalism" award, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association named her to its Hall of Fame, and the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences inducted her into its prestigious Silver Circle.

Jill launched her leadership teaching career after a 26-years in broadcast journalism and several walls full of national and local journalism honors. She was a reporter and anchor who became one of the country's first women to serve as news director of a major market network affiliate TV station.

She lives in Bayside, Wisconsin, is married and the mother of two terrific sons.

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Customers say

Customers find the book helpful and informative for new managers. They find it easy to read and follow, with clear explanations and examples. The advice is described as sound and effective for leadership. Readers consider it a valuable resource that's worth the cost.

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27 customers mention "Advice level"27 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful and informative for new managers. They appreciate its practical advice and realistic examples. The book helps them understand their teams and enhance their skills.

"...It was a good refresher with honest/accurate feedback of some of the fallbacks and shortcomings semi-experienced bosses have...." Read more

"...experienced managers, but as someone newly in the role, this book has been a lifesaver...." Read more

"...She covers all the aspects of being a manager and leader. She provides quizzes and tools for you to gauge yourself and where you need to improve...." Read more

"...Her strategies help people become more effective human beings. Her advice is candid, but not glib. Forceful, but not harsh...." Read more

12 customers mention "Ease of read"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and follow. It provides clear, simple advice with examples. The author breaks down concepts in a straightforward way.

"...It tells you in simple language what to do- and perhaps more importantly- what not to do...." Read more

"Jill Geisler gives easy to follow advice with specific examples. She covers all the aspects of being a manager and leader...." Read more

"...Jill Geisler is so smart and breaks it down in such clear simple ways." Read more

"Very easy read with lot's of thought provoking information. I like the writer's style and how she brings a lot of experience to her work." Read more

10 customers mention "Leadership"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for leadership. They say it's an excellent resource for new and seasoned supervisors, providing great advice for dealing with coworkers and motivating them. The book is applicable for all leadership positions, offering simple ideas that will help you understand your team and enhance your skills.

"...This book is applicable for all leadership positions, but sometimes focuses a little bit more on office and professional settings over manual /..." Read more

"...Dealing with different types of personalities, handling difficult conversations, knowing the difference between coaching and preaching..." Read more

"...She has a way of relating to bosses and leaders like no one I've ever known and her advice is very helpful...." Read more

"...to be front and center, but the advice in this book taught me that great leaders also have to learn to guide the ship from the galleys!..." Read more

3 customers mention "Value for money"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides good value for money. They say it's worth it even if they learn one thing.

"TL;DR - buy the book. The cost is well worth it even if you learn only 1 thing...." Read more

"Great Book at a great price!..." Read more

"A great investment!..." Read more

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Aaron Saray
Great for New Bosses // Good Refresher for the Experienced
Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2014
Verified Purchase
TL;DR - buy the book. The cost is well worth it even if you learn only 1 thing.

As I was reading through this book, I was reminded of the many bosses I've had in my career. Some I desperately wished would have read this book - or if they knew the principles, at least took them to heart. Others I think could have written this book - they were paramount examples of the things "Great Bosses Know." In my current leadership role, I think I fell somewhere in the middle.

If you're running a team for the first time, grab this book immediately and read it from cover to cover, NOW. This is even more important if you've not been part of the workforce for a long time. This book is applicable for all leadership positions, but sometimes focuses a little bit more on office and professional settings over manual / customer service work.

You've been a boss for a while? Still grab this book and scan through it. For me, some of these things "I knew" - but others I didn't fully comprehend until I read the way that Jill phrased them. It was a good refresher with honest/accurate feedback of some of the fallbacks and shortcomings semi-experienced bosses have.

Overall, I'm glad I read the book. I think if I would have read it sooner in my career, I might have saved some mistakes - but that's also a point in the book: managers will make mistakes!

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2 people found this helpful

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MTK
Becoming a Manager? Buy this Book
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2013
Verified Purchase
I can't speak for experienced managers, but as someone newly in the role, this book has been a lifesaver. It tells you in simple language what to do- and perhaps more importantly- what not to do. In fact, I'll have something happen at work and I will recall part of the book and think- ah, that's what Jill was talking about. Great for TV people but the advice would be good for managers in any industry.

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2 people found this helpful

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Dilane
Simple and straight forward
Reviewed in the United States on July 2, 2019
Verified Purchase
Jill Geisler gives easy to follow advice with specific examples. She covers all the aspects of being a manager and leader. She provides quizzes and tools for you to gauge yourself and where you need to improve. Loved this book.

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Will Pry
Because good bosses don't grow on trees
Reviewed in the United States on June 13, 2012
Verified Purchase
Your work life is easier than ever these days, so you probably don't need this book. Also, you are an amazing boss whose team members drool in anticipation of your every witty word, so you don't need this book. And since your work-life harmony is perfect, you just don't need this book.

But if you're self-aware enough to recognize that you aren't perfect and your leadership skills need care and feeding, do yourself a favor: Buy this book, read it, think about it, read it again, then do what it says. And then later on, like in a month or two, read it again, slower.

Jill Geisler's advice belongs chiseled in a stone tablet and delivered to the masses by a Heston-like figure, but for now, this edition will do.

She is adept at holding a mirror in front of your managerial face and helping you fix your problems in a non-judgmental way. Dealing with different types of personalities, handling difficult conversations, knowing the difference between coaching and preaching (or worse, taking over): All of these managerial qualities are presented in an approachable way.

Her strategies help people become more effective human beings. Her advice is candid, but not glib. Forceful, but not harsh. And most important: It is empowering.

You need to read this book. And if you think you don't, my friend, you are the one who needs to read it the most.

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12 people found this helpful

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Evita Yuan
The perfect book for a boss that cares about their people and wants to lead!
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2012
Verified Purchase
I was very thankful to stumble upon Jill Geisler's podcasts about "Work Happy; What Great Bosses Know" because she has an amazing way of putting every leadership scenario into a common sense approach. When I heard that she was writing a book I was really excited and knew I had to get it! I was very happy to be able to get it on my Kindle. Just so you know this is the first review I've ever written on Amazon and I've bought a lot of books! That's how much I think you should read this book! Trust me your team will be grateful. I love her leadership podcasts and I love the book as much, it's like a compilation of all her podcasts and it's great to have in my leadership toolbox. She has a way of relating to bosses and leaders like no one I've ever known and her advice is very helpful. Her book is like having a personal leadership mentor at your fingertips.

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6 people found this helpful

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And vice versa
Read it twice
Reviewed in the United States on June 25, 2023
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A fantastic management book, written by a terrific media-management consultant. It gets even better the second time through; the section about having difficult conversations applies to workplaces particularly, but also to life in general.

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hillienc
Great management book that reads easy and is incredibly relateable
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
I recommend this to all my new managers or any employee that wants to improve their work experience. I re read it and use concepts in staff meetings. I've been required to read management books as I have grown in my company but sadly this one was not on the list- it is now! Jill Geisler is so smart and breaks it down in such clear simple ways.

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Raymond Wilson
Good Read
Reviewed in the United States on May 10, 2015
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Very easy read with lot's of thought provoking information. I like the writer's style and how she brings a lot of experience to her work.

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Peter Robinson
Great Book for All Managers.
Reviewed in Canada on August 5, 2018
Verified Purchase
This book is a must for new/all managers. It's easy to read. Great stories. Awesome advice. It's my go-to book for management 101 advice. I've recommended this book to lots of new managers and they all love it.

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Tanushree
Good read
Reviewed in India on July 1, 2018
Verified Purchase
Wonderful book to read.

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Florent
Bisounours ou pas ?
Reviewed in France on June 18, 2014
Verified Purchase
Il fait partie des livres qui me confortent dans l'idée qu'un manager n'est pas juste là pour essorer les employés. Il faut être humain avec eux et ils nous le rendront. Le manager doit savoir laisser parler les émotions, sinon vous allez aller au travail tous les jours dans une ambiance de mort avec le silence qui plane sur les gens.
Ca parle aussi d'encourager les gens à la différence et à la proposition. Il ne faut pas juste donner des ordres, mais connaitre les points forts des employés et savoir les aider à avancer là où ils s'épanouissent, mais aussi là où ils apportent le plus à l'entreprise.

Je ferai un lien avec le livre français "la stratégie de la bienveillance" de Juliette Tournand qui elle aussi explique qu'il faut être honnête avec les gens et quand ils nous déçoivent, il faut autant le dire pour notre bien que pour le leur. Une personne doit savoir quand elle a fait une erreur, en parler l'aidera à comprendre la source de l'erreur et à faire que ça ne se reproduise plus.

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Supaluca
Leadership masterclass
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 26, 2013
Verified Purchase
Possibly the best book I've read on the subject. A practical yet punchy guide to becoming the best manager you can. Packed with great advice and insight from a true expert.

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Gandhih
Best book I have ever read on leadership so far.
Reviewed in India on May 30, 2019
Verified Purchase
This book is truly amazing read, and I liked each chapter written so well with lots of examples and quotes. Truly worth buying and reading for all new bosses, or aspiring to be boss.

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