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I first heard about First, Break All the Rules: What the World’s Greatest Managers Do Differently when I bought Now, Discover Your Strengths. I decided to go take a peek at the book. The book is based on another study by the Gallup Organization and surveyed managers from a variety of industries.

The best take away from the book is whether employees can answer positively to the following questions:

1. Do I know what is expected of me at work?
2. Do I have the materials and equipment I need to do my work right?
3. At work, do I have the opportunity to do what I do best every day?
4. In the last seven days, have I received recognition or praise for doing good work?
5. Does my supervisor, or someone at work, seem to care about me as a person?
6. Is there someone at work who encourages my development?
7. At work, do my opinions seem to count?
8. Does the mission/purpose of my company make me feel like my work is important?
9. Are my co-workers committed to doing quality work?
10. Do I have a best friend at work?
11. In the last six months, have I talked with someone about my progress?
12. This last year, have I had opportunities at work to learn and grow?

Great things to think about in your current position or when looking for a new job. I can’t say I’ve worked in an environment where I could answer positively to all 12 questions but I’ve come close a few times.

How about you? Is your work environment 12 out of 12 or under 5 or somewhere in the middle? If it is under 5, it is time to re-evaluate why you are working there and make some changes.