The Humane Workplace: People First - A Book Project

By Amanda Sterling

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About

The Humane Workplace: People First - A Book Project

Project 2015-03-19 16:12:22 +1300

I've written a book and I need help to get real, hold in your hands, copies printed.

You see in November last year I took part in something called National Novel Writers Month (#Nanowrimo). It's basically an event whereby writers from all around the world spend a whole month writing 50,000 words of a novel or book. Here's a blog I wrote about getting started and one I wrote when I won Nanowrimo. In other words, I successfully nailed the 50,000 words and then some.

After doing Nanowrimo, I ended up with was this very very rough draft. It was more of a dogs breakfast really. But I’ve spent the last five months re-writing and editing it into a piece of literary work that I’m really quite proud of. What I have is a book that is now going through the final stages of editing. It's my very first book!

It’s almost ready to be published and I was always going to do it as an e-book but people keep asking me if they can get a printed copy and whether I’m having a launch party. I’m self-publishing this baby and getting hard copies printed and throwing parties does not really fit into my non-existent budget. So I’m hoping you can help me out?

You see this book I’ve written is a compilation of over 2-years of #NZLEAD tweet chats, conversations with awesome people and other inspiring and thought provoking stuff. I’ve threaded the key themes together, teased out thoughts with more information and added a whole lot of my own stories to bring it to life. It's really a culmination of a whole lot of the stuff we've talked about and done with NZLEAD. If you know a bit about NZLEAD already, you know this book is going to be awesome. In alot of ways you've helped create this. Will you help me take it this step further?

I’m tossing up between calling it People First: Community, Technology and a Humane World of Work or The Humane Workplace I’m very honored to have Perry Timms doing the foreword and Simon Heath doing the cover art.

Here is the blurb I’ve put together that tells you a bit more about what the book is about:

For the past two years I’ve been part of a tribe of people who’ve connected over a common purpose to create a better world of work. Many of our conversations have been captured in a New Zealand based tweet-chat called NZLEAD. It’s these conversations, as well as the stories and learning that I’ve collected from the awesome people in this community, that make up this book. This book is the collated wisdom of hundreds of people and culture practitioners from all around the world. It’s about how technology is a catalyst and enabler of great change, but fundamentally it’s all about the people. It’s about how our workplaces can and should be more humane. It’s about putting people first to create greater connections and communities. It’s about the opportunities we have as people and culture professionals, those of us who have people at the heart and soul of our professions, to truly shine, to re-evaluate what we traditional think of as our roles, to transform our approach, to step up and be brave.

It’s about people first, community, technology and a humane world of work.

You can also read some of the blog posts I wrote using parts that I cut out of the book:

This is exactly what your money will be used for:

Cover layout - $800
Interior design and layout - $795
Print of 100 copies - $1,135 (if I get more pledges I can get more copies - the cost goes down by copy)
Bar tab and food at the launch party - $1,000

Any extras I raise will go towards the costs of editing that I have already paid.

The date of the launch party will be confirmed as soon as I reach the target and confirm all the timelines for printing. It’ll be in Auckland City.

An e-book will still be available when I launch the book.

About me: Amanda Sterling

I used to be a Human Resources specialist, a Learning and Development practitioner, and then an Organisational Development consultant. But the best way to describe me now is a challenger, innovator and creator.

I lead a passionate and proactive community of people and culture practitioners called NZLEAD. It's an online and in real life community driving change for people and culture at work. Together we're building so much knowledge, learning and resources about the future world of work, the role of the people and culture professions, and how to survive and thrive in this fast changing world.

I have this vision for the world of work. That everyone is treated with kindness, appreciated for their strengths and supported to grow and give back. This is my individual purpose.

When I'm not trying to change the world, I'm reading trashy novels, practicing yoga, baking or watching bad sci-fi movies with my awesome husband.

You can also find me on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram or my personal blog.

I wrote a book because I believe in the power of words to change the world.

Thank you for your support!

Amanda

Comments

Updates 17

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Apparently due to the public holiday weekend in NZ there has been a slight delay with the printers. I was expecting delivery of the books by today but now won't get them until Thursday.

It's torture! Because I just really really want to share my book with all of you!

It's nothing to worry about though. Aside from keeping me on the edge of my seat in anticipation it doesn't derail any of my original timelines. I have a pile of envelopes waiting and as soon as the books get to me I'll be packaging and posting them out around the world. You should, hopefully, still get them by the 9th of June, the date of the launch!

Speaking of which, if you pledged for the launch party next Tuesday but are not longer able to make it then please let me know so I can finalise numbers. You can find details of the launch here: https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/the-humane-workplace-book-launch-tickets-16705290975

If you didn't pledge to get a hard copy of the book you can now pre-order a Kindle version here: http://www.amazon.com/The-Humane-Workplace-Community-Technology-ebook/dp/B00Y280NEY

And, I also wrote a blog about the whole book writing experience which you can find here: http://learningtoflynz.com/2015/05/22/what-its-like-writing-a-book/

I'll update you again on Thursday, hopefully with pictures of the actual book!

Have an awesome week

Amanda

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There's not been alot to report this week aside from alot of going back and forth nit-picking on spelling, grammar, capitals, lower case, upper case, paragraph spacing, references etc. for the actual book text.

But I'm pleased to report that I only had two tweaks to make this round and then it's off to the printer! I hope the level of detail and many hours reading aloud to myself shows through in the final product!

The printers take two weeks which puts it right on track for the 9th June launch. Speaking of which you can find details of the launch party here https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/the-humane-workplace-book-launch-tickets-16705290975. The Ponsonby Cruising Club has a pretty good and selection of beers and wines and there'll be some super yummy food! And, a great book of course!

If you've pledged for the party you just need to show up. If you can't make it please let me know for numbers and, if you pledged for the book, so I can arrange for your book to get to you.

Now, the next job is re-formatting the book for kindle! Watch this space!

You need to pledge to see this update.

I'm laying the blame squarely on the feet of Friday-itis! Don't worry, my attention to detail is better in the book! :-)

The venue is not the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron but the Ponsonby Cruising Club which is a very close by!

I hope I see you there :-)

I've now heard back from the publishing dude and I have a timeline for getting the book printed. Hard copies will be in my hands by the 5th June!!

If you're overseas or out of Auckland, I will be posting them to you early the following week.

If you're in Auckland and coming to the launch party, you can pick it up there.

The launch party will be on Tuesday 9th June from 5.30pm at the Ponsonby Cruising Club. So put it in your calendars :-)

Thank you for your patience. I decided to do some last minute edits last week, hence the delay in getting timeframes for the print. It's hard to let go of it!

Hi everyone!

Wow what a week last week was! I'm still buzzing that my book is going to appear in hard copy format. I'm so stoked that you've all got behind the book and I'm working super hard to add the finishing touches so it's up to your expectations of awesomeness.

I was going to use Brothers Beer for the launch party because they have such a cool vibe. But unfortunately they have come back and said that they don't want to do a private function because it annoys their regulars. Fair enough, I wouldn't want to turn up and find them closed for a private do - mostly because I'd have to deal with a disappointed husband.

I don’t get out much (writing a book will do that to you). So can you recommend an awesome place to have the launch?

I’ll come back to you with dates for the book and launch soon. Right now it comes down to me letting go of my inner critic and handing the book over to the publisher!

Lastly, if you know of anyone who is interested in getting their hands on a copy of the book but missed the Pledgeme campaign, they can contact me direct.

Happy Wednesday!

Amanda

I just want to say a massive THANK YOU to everyone who got behind the campaign to get my book published in real life hard copy. It has now reached target, it will be printed, we will be having a party and it will be awesome.

So all of you who promoted the campaign through your networks, who gave me moral encouragement, who posted such lovely comments on the campaign, who pledged any amount, THANK YOU so much!

You have made my heart burst with joy and you are the reason why I keep pushing forward to make the world of work more humane, why I wrote this book in the first place. You are my inspiration.

Anything that gets raised over and above now will go towards the editing costs that I have allready paid. The next step is to finalise the layout and printing timelines and book a date for the PAARTAY! I should be able to give you all those timeframes early next week!

THANK YOU!!!!!

"For those of us who feel the HR profession as we know it is dying a slow and painful death, the #NZLead community has been a massive shot of adrenalin over the last two years and given those of us who participate and collaborate through it a meeting place and a sense of purpose and direction that goes much further than a weekly tweet chat. Alliances have been formed, relationships forged, connections made both in New Zealand and globally. #NZLead has been a trail blazer and a game changer and along the way a fantastic resource base has been created via the website. Amanda's book now captures the essence of those first two years and the characters that have shaped them. But more importantly, she articulates the thinking and the discussions that have made this the best online discussion forum for those in the people professions who are future-focused."

Richard Westney

Simon Heath has designed this simply awesome cover for the book. There are still a couple of tweaks to be made which I will ponder over the weekend.

What do you think?

I am really truly honored to have the awesome Perry Timms do the foreword for my book. I couldn't help but share some of it. Actually I wanted to share the whole thing but it seemed too special for that. You might just have to wait for the book (or pledge if you havn't yet).

But here is a little excerpt from it which tells you a bit about what the book is about. My favorite is this quote: "Consider it your chart of the uncharted waters. The shield from the elements and the playbook for the forthcoming big game." Because that's really it, it's a guidebook for other people and culture practioners told with the voices of fabulous and talented people from all around the world.

"The Humane Workplace - a field guide to making sense of the world of work and its intertwining relationship with social technologies is how to describe (very basically) the book that Amanda Sterling has written and crafted.

…..

So should you copy and follow everything Amanda has done?

You could; but likelihood is, you’ll take a drop of Gemma Reucroft, a slice of Neil Usher and a dash of Harold Jarche and mix it all up with Amanda Sterling. Names you might not know but should look up on Twitter and on other blogging platforms. Heroes. Practitioners. Consultants. It matters not what we call them. They’re part of our destiny, designed world and denoters of great content.

It’s this excitement about the social world and the practice of being a people and organisation development professional that I share with Amanda. This coming together is like a perfect storm for us. It’s an unnerving world for others mind. This is where this book comes into play. Consider it your chart of the uncharted waters. The shield from the elements and the playbook for the forthcoming big game."

Pledgers 90

Claire Le Grice

02/04/2015 at 9:52am

"Cannot wait to read and also to see what next! Congrats Amanda & NZLEAD co x"

Daniel Rock

02/04/2015 at 9:22am

Ian Pettigrew

01/04/2015 at 9:44pm

"Nice one Amanda! Really looking forward to reading it."

Katrina Collier

01/04/2015 at 9:28pm

"Congratulations! "

Keith Gulliver

01/04/2015 at 9:03pm

"Good luck!"

Ed Griffin

01/04/2015 at 8:12pm

"The last part of the book is the hardest! Keep going - we all need inspiration."

Andrew Cooper

01/04/2015 at 6:10pm

Scott Duncan

01/04/2015 at 4:47pm

"Amanda - kudos to you! All the best with the book."

Iain MacGibbon

01/04/2015 at 3:22pm

"Awesome work producing a book Amanda. Over summer all I did was read them ( and drink beer!)"

Tash Pieterse

01/04/2015 at 11:08am

"You're inspirational and amazing! "

Angus Ogilvie

31/03/2015 at 9:06am

"All the best with this, Amanda. It's an amazing achievement. "

Lisa Gill

31/03/2015 at 3:05am

"Congratulations on an amazing project. Can't wait to read it! Lisa x"

Jonathon Woolfrey

30/03/2015 at 1:32am

Amie Parker

29/03/2015 at 5:30pm

Michael Sleap

28/03/2015 at 5:04pm

Carol Howard

28/03/2015 at 9:34am

"Did someone mention a book? And did I hear the word party? I'm in ;-) Good luck Amanda - go get 'em!"

Matt Pontin

27/03/2015 at 6:48pm

"Good on ya Amanda #Getin !"

Rebecca Clarke

27/03/2015 at 6:27pm

"I'm looking forward to the launch event Amanda :) Congratulations on your achievements so far! Bex"

Shona Glentworth

26/03/2015 at 4:54pm

Paulette Norman

26/03/2015 at 1:51pm

David Cullen

26/03/2015 at 8:30am

"A great idea Amanda - I hope you make it!"

Corinne

25/03/2015 at 12:17pm

"All the best!"

Adrian Edge

25/03/2015 at 11:08am

Khurshed Dehnugara

24/03/2015 at 10:56pm

Simon Jones

24/03/2015 at 10:16pm

Amanda Arrowsmith

24/03/2015 at 8:55pm

"Bloomin brilliant!"

Sarah Miller

24/03/2015 at 8:28pm

"This is gonna be goooooood!"

Gareth Davies

24/03/2015 at 3:23pm

Alex Hagan

24/03/2015 at 2:51pm

"Looking forward to what I'm sure will be a fascinating read Amanda - congratulations on the book!"

Megan Borrie

24/03/2015 at 2:15pm

Followers 11

Followers of The Humane Workplace: People First - A Book Project

Nicola Texeira

The Humane Workplace: People First - A Book Project

Project 2015-03-19 16:12:22 +1300

I've written a book and I need help to get real, hold in your hands, copies printed.

Here is the blurb I’ve put together that tells you a bit more about what the book is about:

It’s about people first, community, technology and a humane world of work.

You can also read some of the blog posts I wrote using parts that I cut out of the book:

This is exactly what your money will be used for:

Cover layout - $800
Interior design and layout - $795
Print of 100 copies - $1,135 (if I get more pledges I can get more copies - the cost goes down by copy)
Bar tab and food at the launch party - $1,000

Any extras I raise will go towards the costs of editing that I have already paid.

The date of the launch party will be confirmed as soon as I reach the target and confirm all the timelines for printing. It’ll be in Auckland City.

An e-book will still be available when I launch the book.

About me: Amanda Sterling

I have this vision for the world of work. That everyone is treated with kindness, appreciated for their strengths and supported to grow and give back. This is my individual purpose.

When I'm not trying to change the world, I'm reading trashy novels, practicing yoga, baking or watching bad sci-fi movies with my awesome husband.

You can also find me on Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, LinkedIn, Instagram or my personal blog.

I wrote a book because I believe in the power of words to change the world.

Thank you for your support!

Amanda