Why would I tread a book about business? I'm an artist and teach art, and while selling my art is a business, I'm not exactly employing anyone.
I learned about the book via our LinkedIn connection and know of him through mutual acquaintances and was intrigued. Most of the places I've worked have not been a joy to go to, though fortunately most of my present employers do greatly contribute to my loving to teach, write, and otherwise use my creative skills. I want to love going to work to teach, and I want my students to love to come to class.
When I got the book, I got excited. Sheridan writes in short to the point chapters about such things as teamwork, face time, making mistakes faster, and getting things done. All of those relate to what I do in my classroom at WCC (Washtenaw Community College) and other places I teach.
He discusses the importance of vision. I love it. A business that is concerned with doing something real...and it's more than making money. I need to have vision of what I want to teach in each of my many courses, and refine that in the individual sessions, so students will be able to understand and grasp various techniques and their purpose. My art classes are abut visual communication of subjects, attitudes, and emotions. The more we know what we want to say the easier it is to convey that.
I love how he values teamwork and has employees switch up teams. I really like the camaraderie of my classes, and I know things are really working when they offer up insights and suggestions to one another at critiques and throughout the class. We are always teaching and sharing with one another. That goes to the importance of having actual face time with each other vs. everyone working alone. we are social creatures, and seeing the timing and process in the demos and each others work makers a real difference.
My students hear me 'nag' abut making a few thumbnail sketches to work out the best composition before charging into a painting. it's easier and faster to see what has potential. Sheridan shares his philosophy of "making mistakes faster". I love that. Explore ideas without investing too much time. You cannot make a great painting from a bad composition. Fix things at the drawing and planning stage. otherwise lots of time is wasted (though there is that 'learning from it!) This is especially critical with my watercolor classes where painting over isn't usually an option.
I made lots of notes as i read this, but why not check it out yourself.
http://www.menloinnovations.com/joyinc/
So....where have you loved working?
What classes did you love to go to?
Where have you found joy?
ps. I get more than happiness....I get joy when my students tell me how my classes are help them improve their confidence in making art, and even reduce their stress and pain levels.