Rebooting Work: Transform How You Work in the Age of Entrepreneurship

Q & A with Maynard Webb, author of Rebooting Work

Despite the fact that media headlines are reporting that the workforce is in a doom and gloom situation, this is one of the most exciting times in the history of work. Just as the Industrial Revolution was defined by manufacturing that gave people jobs, today's IT revolution, defined by new technologies, is giving people more flexible and empowering opportunities for work than ever before. The workforce is evolving, and many of our current practices and methods around work must change radically--we can no longer tackle today's issues with antiquated solutions.

I want readers to understand that the way we currently work isn't working and that there are tangible ways to fix it that will make people's lives more fulfilling and make companies more competitive. So many people are unhappy with work; one survey found that only 45% of Americans were satisfied. When adults spend more of their waking hours at work than anywhere else, shouldn't it be a place of inspiration and innovation? New technologies let us work from wherever we want and get rid of the standard 9-to-5 workday, expensive office buildings, and unpleasant commutes.

We have moved away from the Age of Paternalism, which embraced the idea that companies would take care of their employees and employees would be loyal to their companies. People aren't staying at companies for 25+ years anymore, and frankly, companies aren't even lasting that long. The future of work will be one based in meritocracy--talent will be valued over tenure and individuals and companies will need to be voted onto the team each and every day.

I came up with the book's framework after investigating what specific aspects of work are unsatisfying and what steps we can take to transform how we view work. It explores four different mindsets: the Company Man or Woman, CEO of Your Own Destiny, Disenchanted Employee, and Aspiring Entrepreneur. Everyone goes through different mindsets during their career--there are times when you are very content being the Company Man or Woman and other times when you feel unappreciated and disenchanted. The important thing is to identify your mindset and take actionable steps to define and reach your goals.

All of us have had days where we feel unappreciated, but taking a victim's perspective can be a dangerous thing. The Disenchanted Employee mindset embraces an attitude that someone else owns you and is responsible for your success or failure. However, that's not today's reality--you have an ownership stake in your success. A Disenchanted Employee needs to seek new inspiration to feel empowered. This can be through new roles and responsibilities, a new job, or finding a mentor.

It's all about integrity, do what you say and say what you do. It's important to have a great attitude--you may be brilliant and talented but if you're hard to manage, it's very easy for an employer to find someone else. Always try to work for a higher purpose. At eBay we didn't sell stuff from people's attics; we actually created e-commerce and empowered a generation of entrepreneurs. Make it a priority to expand your sphere of influence. I owe a lot of my success to the many mentors I was fortunate to have in my life. Take time to sit back and reflect and never forget to be brave and be bold.