NO TIME TO WASTE

A debut guide focuses on controlling the little things in the business world.

“As business leaders,” Smith writes in his book, “it’s our duty to effectively manage our microbehaviors in the workplace.” The term microbehaviors, in this case, refers to the whole suite of small comments, gestures, and actions that can often set the tone of a meeting or conversation. The author wants to stress the radical, atmosphere-shifting difference between greeting a co-worker with “About time” and welcoming the colleague with “Great to see you.” In a fast-paced series of short segments, Smith urges his target audience of managerial leaders to be more aware of these nuances. “Are you seen as grumpy and distant at work?” he asks. “A microbehavior that includes a smile, and a personal comment can change that perception.” His tone throughout is positive and encouraging; he frequently reminds his readers that they are in the driver’s seat when it comes to how microbehaviors will affect their companies. Smith is a clear and forceful writer, and the extent to which he convinces readers about microbehaviors will be determined by how fully they buy into the concept in the first place. Skeptics will say that simple sociability (smiling and being nice) and plain professionalism (refraining from snidely insulting co-workers) aren’t microbehaviors, and they’ll likely bridle at the author’s contention that only “constant reminders and continuous reinforcement” (“In every meeting. During every huddle. At every check-in”) will produce better leaders. But the greatest worth of Smith’s discussion is its universal applicability. In or out of a business setting, people should always be mindful of the common courtesies he champions in these pages. Most readers have had bosses and co-workers who would very much profit from perusing this book.

An upbeat, useful, and nonconfrontational manual on managing microbehaviors in the workplace.