Back to Human audiobook cover - How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation

Back to Human

How Great Leaders Create Connection in the Age of Isolation

Dan Schawbel

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Categories:
Corporate CultureManagement & Leadership

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Back to Human
The Impact of Technology+
Human-Centric Fulfillment+
Reclaiming Productivity+
Leveraging Diversity+
Collaboration & Proximity+
Meaningful Recognition+
Leading with Empathy+
Empowering the Workspace+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 8
According to the text, what is a major negative consequence of relying too heavily on digital technology for social interaction?
  • A. It decreases our ability to process complex information quickly.
  • B. It creates a false sense of connectedness while actually increasing social isolation and depression.
  • C. It makes employees overly dependent on their managers for daily task direction.
  • D. It causes remote workers to work longer hours than those in a traditional office.
Question 2 of 8
Based on Gallup poll research cited in the book, what is a strong indicator that an employee will be highly engaged and productive at work?
  • A. Earning a salary that is significantly above the industry average.
  • B. Having access to the latest workplace technology and software.
  • C. Having a best friend in the workplace.
  • D. Working remotely at least three days a week.
Question 3 of 8
How has the modern influx of technological notifications affected office workers' productivity, according to Professor Gloria Mark's research?
  • A. It has drastically reduced the amount of time workers can sustain focus on a single task.
  • B. It has improved multitasking abilities, allowing workers to complete more tasks simultaneously.
  • C. It has eliminated the need for daily prioritization meetings.
  • D. It has caused workers to rely more heavily on face-to-face communication to resolve issues.
Question 4 of 8
What strategy does the author recommend to overcome unconscious bias and foster a diversity of ideas during the hiring process?
  • A. Implementing strict demographic quotas for all new hires.
  • B. Asking candidates to participate in a brainstorming exercise to see if they bring fresh insights.
  • C. Conducting all initial interviews through anonymous, text-based messaging platforms.
  • D. Focusing primarily on the prestige of the university the candidate attended.
Question 5 of 8
Why does the author emphasize physical proximity and shared workspaces over remote working?
  • A. Remote workers are statistically more likely to suffer from technology-induced burnout.
  • B. Shared workspaces allow managers to closely monitor employee productivity and hours.
  • C. Physical proximity is crucial for generating 'watercooler moments' and fostering personal bonds.
  • D. Remote working requires expensive technological infrastructure that harms company profits.
Question 6 of 8
In Dan Ariely's experiment at an Intel factory, which reward resulted in the highest sustained productivity by the end of the week?
  • A. A voucher for free pizza.
  • B. A cash bonus.
  • C. An extra day of paid time off.
  • D. A rare, heartfelt compliment from the boss.
Question 7 of 8
What simple action does research from Virginia Tech suggest leaders take to improve empathy and interconnectedness during face-to-face conversations?
  • A. Maintain unbroken eye contact for at least 60 seconds.
  • B. Take notes on a tablet to show active listening.
  • C. Put their mobile phones completely away.
  • D. Ask the employee to rate their mood on a numerical scale.
Question 8 of 8
According to the actionable advice in the summary, what is a simple way for leaders to help employees feel more comfortable and happy at work?
  • A. Upgrading all office computers to the newest models.
  • B. Asking for their feedback regarding the workspace environment.
  • C. Providing a mandatory weekly seminar on mental health.
  • D. Eliminating all remote work options entirely.

Back to Human — Full Chapter Overview

Back to Human Summary & Overview

Back to Human (2018) explores how workplaces that offer a more human approach offer not just a better environment for employees, but better business results. In an age dominated by the use of technology, Back to Human is a practical guide showing workplace leaders how they can build a better corporate culture based on human connections.

Who Should Listen to Back to Human?

  • Managers and leaders who want to build human connections in the workplace
  • Anyone uneasy about the impact of technology on work and workplace relationships
  • People looking for a practical guide to modern day management.

About the Author: Dan Schawbel

Dan Schawbel is an expert in all things related to the future of the workplace. The founder of workplacetrends.com, the world’s largest aggregator of research on workplace issues, he is an acclaimed entrepreneur, podcaster, speaker and author. He has published two other best-selling books about life at work, Promote Yourself and Me 2.0.

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