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Who would have thought that receiving a call in a McDonald’s parking lot could be life-defining? As the author will prove time and time again, that is exactly what happened to her. In fact, everyone will receive their life-changing, or “Red Cape,” moment, as Eikenberg so aptly puts it. From her incredible relatability to simply having a knack for empowering her audiences, Eikenberg has created a monumental guide to address the doldrums of one’s career and take control of the narrative being put into the universe.
Eikenberg shares how she was on the verge of becoming a partner at her consulting firm, a career track that seemed destined for her. However, when she received the call that she wouldn’t be selected, it almost felt like the world was crashing down. When it comes to employment, there are simply so many moving parts, she argues, that the status quo of one’s tenure can be interrupted with outsourced talent, mergers, consolidations, or even a leadership shake-up involving your boss. Using her own experience as the backdrop and those of the many she has worked with, Eikenberg dives into strategies that will help tackle the pitfalls of the mind and reprogram the mindset to control what can be controlled. Through it all, and in no uncertain terms, the author is adamant that the Red Cape heroic figure that will rectify the circumstances is none other than oneself. Rather than simply recommending pressing the eject button, what is remarkable about this text is that it will guide the reader toward improving their current employment climate with tried and true strategies.
Divided essentially into parts, the first focuses on one’s thoughts, the second on a person’s words, and the third on an individual’s actions. The combined result of implementing these strategies is a more confident, curious, and free employee whose career productivity will likely be enhanced. What this text does exceptionally well is transform the individual into a transparent and forthright communicator, one who is confident and unafraid to ask for that raise, ask the “stupid” question in the meeting, or even request feedback for their performance when their colleagues are shutting them out. Using metaphors like sand slipping through the fingers the tighter one holds it, Eikenberg delves into topics of OPVs (other people’s values), positive intent, and changing the conversation from “frustration to empathy.” Digging deeper, she impels the audience to think, “what else could this mean?” in reference to a perceived slight.
While the theories are phenomenal and cut right to the point, the case studies that substantiate these stand out, such as the individual who felt lost and on her way out because she was thrust into higher-level meetings about which she had very limited knowledge following a merger or the employee who recognized that everyone was cold and distant with her. In the former, she was told to reframe her thinking by understanding that the executives valued her enough to hear her unique and innovative ideas and questions, while in the latter, the guide suggests reaching out and asking for feedback directly rather than practicing avoidance behaviors. The guide itself is incredibly malleable, adjusting for every individual’s specific circumstances, making it an almost necessary piece of literature to have, read, and even reread throughout the times when one’s career seemingly hits a wall or there is a hint of frustration or complacency. Overall, Eikenberg’s book is filled with one “aha” moment after another and is a surefire game-changer in the world of career development.
A 2022 Eric Hoffer Book Award Business Category Honorable Mention
RECOMMENDED by the US Review