Great Work, Great Career

Great Work, Great Career: How to Create Your Ultimate Job and Make an Extraordinary Contribution

About the Author

Dr. Stephen R. Covey is renowned for his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." As the co-chairman of FranklinCovey, he has spent decades advising national and corporate leaders on achieving outstanding performance. His dedication to lifelong learning and improvement remains evident throughout his career.

Jennifer Colosimo serves as the Executive Vice President and COO at FranklinCovey. With a background in change management consulting at Accenture, she is an executive coach and a prominent speaker on building career competencies. Together, Covey and Colosimo bring profound insights into creating meaningful and impactful careers.

Main Idea

"Great Work, Great Career" emphasizes that a great career is not solely defined by monetary success or power. Instead, it revolves around making a distinctive contribution and fostering loyalty and trust among peers. The book provides tools and insights for anyone, regardless of their position or profession, to create a fulfilling and impactful career.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Hallmarks of a Great Career
3. The Shift to the Knowledge Economy
4. Identifying Your Unique Contribution
5. Creating Your Personal Contribution Statement
6. Building Your Village
7. Conclusion

The Hallmarks of a Great Career

The book posits that a great career is characterized by two key hallmarks: making a distinctive contribution and generating loyalty and trust in others. It isn't about external validation or financial success alone but about solving significant problems, meeting great challenges, and making a meaningful difference.

“A great career is all about solving great problems, meeting great challenges and making great contributions.” - Stephen R. Covey and Jennifer Colosimo

One of the inspiring examples shared is that of Fiona Wood, an English athlete turned plastic surgeon, who invented "spray-on skin" for burn victims. Her work, driven by compassion and innovation, highlights the essence of a great career - significant contributions fueled by personal passion and a desire to help others.

• Fiona Wood's breakthrough with spray-on skin revolutionized burn treatment.
• Her dedication showcases how a great career is rooted in meaningful contributions.

Moreover, the French word "métier," which originally meant "ministry" or "service," captures the essence of a great career. It suggests that a great career is about giving of oneself and finding satisfaction in providing real and meaningful service.

The authors argue that a great career arises from within, driven by curiosity, talent, passion, and conscience. It is not about seeking external affirmation but about making a significant contribution and earning the trust and loyalty of others.

The Shift to the Knowledge Economy

The transition from the Industrial Age to the Knowledge Age has fundamentally changed the landscape of work and opportunity. In the past, job security and lifelong employment were common. Today, adaptability and continuous learning are crucial as traditional job security diminishes.