Official Review: Winning the Game of Work

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 08 Aug 2020, 07:19

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Winning the Game of Work" by Terry Boyle mcDougall.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Deserving a promotion in your workplace and not getting it hurts. But do you know what's more hurtful? It is to see others get promoted instead of you! Winning the Game of Work by Terry Boyle McDougall is the kind of book you would wish you had read earlier. Nevertheless, it would be wise to tap from the immense value it offers now.

At the beginning of this book, Terry recounts how she didn't get the promotion she deserved in the early days of her career. She desired to move up in her career, so when her boss promised her a promotion, she believed it was only a matter of time before she got it. Eventually, her boss got fired, and the advancement never came. This experience and many others that followed in the course of Terry's career made her believe something deeper was going on in the workplace. And she was bent on discovering what it was. It is her findings that she is now sharing with us in this book. Terry postulates that work is a game. She adds that for you to win in the game of work, you must play the game by the right rules.

This title combines the experiences of the author and those of other distinguished professionals to bring invaluable tips to the reader. It features stories in the words of these individuals, telling us how they were able to get to where they are now. Their stories go to show that it takes more than hard work to be successful. I cannot commend the author enough for the life-changing lessons I learned from this book.

What I liked the most in this book was the use of a participatory approach in it. There is an exercise at the end of each chapter in the form of questions for the reader. The author encourages readers to write down their answers to these questions in a journal or notebook. More so, the purpose of this book became very clear to me as I answered the questions. As I journaled, I became aware of the wrong moves I have been making in my journey. But most importantly, I learned how to get myself back on track. Perhaps I should say I learned how to play the game of work by the right rules.

I appreciate how easy it is to relate to this book. The author makes use of simple language, and this makes the book easy to follow and understand. Terry uses a direct style in writing this book. You don't even need to finish reading it to benefit from the value it offers because each of the chapters can stand on their own. I found the author's lesson about paying attention to the envy we feel when someone else does what we wish to do to be fascinating. I am sure you will agree with me if you read this book.

I appreciate that the author isn't presenting this book as the gospel. She only urges readers to approach work differently and also backs up her suggestion with success stories from professionals. I couldn't find anything I disliked in this book. It professionally edited and without typos. I, therefore, rate Winning the Game of Work 4 out of 4 stars. I found the practical tips in this book to be very insightful and informative. Hence, I am recommending it to leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking career advancement.

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Winning the Game of Work
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Prisallen · Post by **Prisallen** » 09 Aug 2020, 08:14

I'm glad that I'm at an age that I don't have to worry about playing those games anymore. Thanks for a great review!

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 09 Aug 2020, 08:48

Prisallen wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 08:14 I'm glad that I'm at an age that I don't have to worry about playing those games anymore. Thanks for a great review!

Wow! I wish to get to that age. I am excited that you found time to read and comment. Thanks you.

Manali_DC · Post by **Manali_DC** » 09 Aug 2020, 11:13

I am sure this is a "game" we all have strategized over at some point in our careers- and often wished we had a little bit of help and guidance with how to go about it. This book seems to address these issues and sounds like a helpful read. Thank you for a great review!

Doziesixtus · Post by **Doziesixtus** » 09 Aug 2020, 11:22

I can't wait to get into the labour market, at least I now have this book in my arsenal.I would be able to easily climb up the career ladder.
Awesome review.

Connie Otwani · Post by **Connie Otwani** » 09 Aug 2020, 11:54

It totally sucks when others get promoted yet you felt you stood a better chance than them. I already agree it would be interesting to know about paying attention to the envy we feel when someone else does what we wish to do. I like that each chapter in the book is kind of standalone. Makes it easier to read what someone finds relevant to the them.

xsquare · Post by **xsquare** » 09 Aug 2020, 12:07

This sounds like a useful book for those who may have concerns about navigating workplace politics. I like the element of interactivity with the journalling. Thanks for the great review!

Post by **kandscreeley** » 09 Aug 2020, 17:00

You're right. The participatory part of the book would be very helpful. I don't think this is one for me, as I'm really not looking to advance at work. Thanks for your review, though!

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 09 Aug 2020, 17:26

kandscreeley wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 17:00 You're right. The participatory part of the book would be very helpful. I don't think this is one for me, as I'm really not looking to advance at work. Thanks for your review, though!

Thank you for finding time to read and comment. I appreciate!

Vic Chimezie · Post by **Vic Chimezie** » 09 Aug 2020, 17:27

xsquare wrote: ↑09 Aug 2020, 12:07 This sounds like a useful book for those who may have concerns about navigating workplace politics. I like the element of interactivity with the journalling. Thanks for the great review!

Thank you very much for your kind words.

Elvis Best · Post by **Elvis Best** » 09 Aug 2020, 17:59

Wow, I'd def love to read this book and win the game of work. Great review!

Gabriel Merêncio · Post by **Gabriel Merêncio** » 09 Aug 2020, 21:38

I've never worked in a corporate setting and I don't really intend to, but I'm sure this book could be helpful to most people. Thanks for the review!

MeganDJ · Post by **MeganDJ** » 09 Aug 2020, 23:39

Wow, a practical read on how to level up in the work place by working smart, and not incredibly hard? Sign me up! Self-help and development books are my cup of tea and I look forward to picking this one up. Thank you for your detailed and thorough review! Happy reading

Post by **Jeff Kanda** » 10 Aug 2020, 00:30

It really hurts for one to never be promoted at their workplace. Thanks for a detailed review. I give it a thumb!

Leen282 · Post by **Leen282** » 10 Aug 2020, 02:40

As mentioned by someone above, it indeed is nice to be at an age or in a situation where you don't have to worry about these things. I have had great bosses throughout my career, never had the struggle as described above. I know a lot of other people who do struggle, so for them I can imagine it is a good book to find confidence and motivation to move on and up.