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The Progress Principle by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer - book review

The Progress Principle: Using Small Wins to Ignite Joy, Engagement, and Creativity at Work* by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer

"The single most important thing you can do to make your employees happy, engaged, and productive is to help them make progress on meaningful work." 

- Teresa Amabile

In the bustling world of modern business, where deadlines loom and stress levels soar, "The Progress Principle" offers a refreshing, research-backed approach to leadership. Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, both experts in psychology and management, delve into what truly motivates employees and how leaders can foster a more productive and joyful workplace. Published by Harvard Business Review Press, this book is not just another management manual—it's a dive into the psychology of work.

At the heart of *The Progress Principle* is a simple yet powerful idea: managing progress is far more effective than managing people. Through a rigorous analysis of nearly 12,000 diary entries from employees across various organizations, Amabile and Kramer uncover that the most significant driver of motivation and creativity is the sense of progress in meaningful work. This concept is elegantly broken down into essential forces that enable progress: "catalysts" and "nourishers."

Catalysts are events that directly facilitate project work, such as clear goals, autonomy, and sufficient resources. Nourishers, on the other hand, are interpersonal events that uplift workers, including encouragement, respect, and camaraderie. The authors argue that by focusing on these elements, managers can create an environment where employees not only perform at their best but also find joy and fulfillment in their daily tasks.

The book is filled with practical advice, real-life examples, and insights that challenge traditional management practices. It emphasizes the importance of creating a positive inner work life for employees—a state where they experience consistently positive emotions, strong motivation, and favorable perceptions of their work and organization.

Amabile and Kramer’s work is a read for any leader who wants to move beyond superficial motivational tactics and tap into the deeper, more enduring sources of employee engagement. Their research is thorough, their conclusions are insightful, and their advice is actionable. The book dismantles the myth that managing people with a heavy hand or through sheer oversight is effective. Instead, it shows that by focusing on small wins and creating an environment that fosters progress, leaders can unlock the full potential of their teams.

One of the book's insights is the idea that progress, even in the smallest form, can ignite a sense of joy and engagement that fuels creativity. This principle is not only applicable in the corporate world but can be extended to any area where people strive to achieve meaningful goals.

Who is the publisher of The Progress Principle?

It is published by Harvard Business Review Press.

What is the price of The Progress Principle Book?

Price of the book is US$30.00 or CAN$37.50 approximate.

Who are the authors of this book?

TERESA AMABILE is the Edsel Bryant Ford Professor of Business Administration and a Director of Research at Harvard Business School. The author has long studied creativity, motivation, and performance in the workplace.

STEVEN KRAMER is a developmental psychologist and has coauthored articles in management periodicals, including Harvard Business Review and Leadership Quarterly.

Who has designed the cover of the book, The Progress Principle?


The cover jacket has been designed by PHILIP PASCUZZO

How many pages does The Progress Principle have?

The hardcover copy of the book 📖 spans 257 pages.

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