One sentence summary
Learn 9 proven strategies to stand out and excel in your career with Robert E. Kelley’s book ‘How to Be a Star at Work.’
Book genre
Self-help/business
Main topic of the book
The book focuses on providing practical advice and strategies for individuals to become successful and highly valued employees in their workplace.
Key ideas
- Success at work is not simply about working harder, but about working smarter and strategically.
- Being a “star” at work means consistently delivering outstanding results and becoming a valuable asset to your organization.
- The book emphasizes that anyone can become a star at work by implementing the right strategies and mindset.
- The author also highlights the importance of building relationships, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and embracing continuous learning and growth.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
- Part One: The foundation of becoming a star at work, including understanding what a star is and taking ownership of one’s career.
- Part Two: Nine key strategies for becoming a star, such as taking initiative, building relationships, and becoming a change agent.
- Part Three: Honing specific skills and developing a personal leadership style to excel at work.
Key takeaways
- The concept of “followership,” which suggests that in order to become a great leader, one must also be a good follower.
- The importance of networking and building relationships to enhance one’s professional success.
- The significance of continuous learning and adaptability in a rapidly changing work environment.
- The power of self-awareness and identifying one’s strengths and weaknesses in order to excel at work.
Author’s background and qualifications
Robert E. Kelley is an organizational behavior consultant and the founder and president of The GameChanger Group. He has over 30 years of experience as a consultant, researcher, and educator, and has worked with organizations such as IBM, Coca-Cola, and General Electric. He holds a PhD from MIT and is a recognized authority on leadership and organizational behavior.
Target audience
This book is primarily aimed at individuals looking to advance and excel in their careers. It is also useful for managers and leaders who want to create a culture of high performance within their organizations.
Publisher and first publication date
‘How to Be a Star at Work’ was published by Random House Business Books in 1999.