Previous Finalists

International Book Awards Finalist: Careers & Best Cover Design (Non-Fiction)

We all 'play the game' at work.

As we begin our journey in the professional world, we're encouraged to compete, to participate in a system of promotions, pay raises, bonuses... but how far should we take this game? And, perhaps more importantly, where will this game take us if we limit ourselves to thinking this way?

In attempting to master and gain an advantage in the 'system', we use short cuts, blips, hacks, or 'cheats'. Particularly in the early phases of professional life, it can be irresistibly tempting to focus on whatever tactics help us progress.

But this comes at a cost.

The longer we pursue this approach, the further we navigate away from meaning and purpose. The hacks and cheats start to define us. The professional persona or façade we assume becomes a parasite, feeding on our integrity and eroding our individuality.

A Groundhog Career, through a combination of the hugely entertaining Shey Sinope fable, and the accompanying deeply insightful and thought-provoking analysis from Drs Schuster & Oxley, illustrates the absurdities, temptations, rationalizations, consequences and compromises faced by anyone who wants to succeed in a world where all the power seems to be in the entrenched organizational systems. It also reveals how to be more aware of the risks, to stay aligned with your core identity and your convictions, and ultimately how to take control of your own career journey... to live professional life on your own terms.

'Entertaining, wise, humorous, an intergenerational approach to career and life. So much more than just a book about career choices.' Sir Ian Davis, Businessman, formerly Managing Director of McKinsey Company and Rolls Royce Chairman.

'Career advice reimagined for our times. There is great wisdom in this highly entertaining and thought-provoking new take on how to get the most from professional life.' Trisha Conley, Executive Vice President, People and Culture at LyondellBasel

This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: A Groundhog Career: A tale of career traps and how to escape them
Author: Dr. Helmut Schuster, Dr. David Oxley

Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 10/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 9/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
14 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
14 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author's strongest skill was 'subject knowledge'.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author's strongest skill was 'writing style'.
Of all the readers, 4 felt the author's strongest skill was 'clarity of message'.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
14 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.

Readers' Comments
“It's not often you find a book on career development that's fun! A very enjoyable read highlighting how important it is to focus on 'what matters' in the workplace. Accessible; even the cover looks fab!” Female reader, aged 44
“An excellent present for a young person starting his/her career. The cover is enticing, the writing style is accessible; there's even a little humour. Lots of tips in here on how to get on in life without losing sight of what's important. It might also be of interest to readers who feel they are in a rut, and want ways of developing.” Male reader, aged 52
“It's not difficult to fall into a work trap, chipping away at our integrity. This book offers ways of controlling how you work so, possibly, you can look at yourself in the mirror and think (in the words of Frank Sinatra), “I did it my way.” Short, snappy, informative.” Female reader (and Frank Sinatra fan), aged 67
“Enjoyed this. It's uplifting, thought-provoking and, in terms of 'ethics', it's highly uplifting.” Male reader, aged 37

To Sum It Up:
'An accessibly written self-help book offering readers an insight into 'career traps', and how to be successful whilst still having a strong work ethic. A FINALIST and highly recommended!' The Wishing Shelf Book Awards