Women’s Network book of the month

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Mark Manson

Hardback, Harper

£18.99, Amazon (currently £11.99)

224 pages ISBN-13: 978-0062457714

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson is a refreshingly blunt and unconventional self-help book that challenges the reader to rethink their approach to life and happiness. Through a series of candid anecdotes, witty observations and practical advice, Manson confronts common cultural narratives about success, positivity and self-esteem, urging readers to embrace discomfort, accept their limitations and prioritise what truly matters.

One of the main concepts is Manson’s emphasis on the importance of embracing adversity and discomfort. Contrary to popular self-help rhetoric that promotes constant positivity and the pursuit of happiness, Manson argues that true growth and fulfilment come from confronting and accepting the inevitable struggles of life.

By reframing adversity as an essential part of the human experience, Manson encourages readers to develop resilience and find meaning in their challenges rather than constantly seeking to escape or avoid them. In the book Manson discusses the importance of embracing uncertainty and impermanence, highlighting the inherent unpredictability of life and the futility of seeking absolute certainty or control over outcomes.

Another key idea from the book is Manson’s critique of the ‘entitlement mindset’ and the relentless pursuit of external validation. Manson argues that many people are trapped in a cycle of seeking approval and validation from others, whether through social media, material possessions or achievements. However, true happiness and self-worth cannot be found in external accolades or the opinions of others. Instead, Manson advocates for embracing personal responsibility and focusing on values that are within our control, such as honesty, integrityx and authenticity.

Additionally, Manson challenges the conventional notion of happiness as the absence of problems or negative emotions. He argues that chasing constant happiness is both unrealistic and counterproductive, as it leads to dissatisfaction and a sense of failure when inevitable setbacks occur. Instead, Manson proposes the concept of ‘choosing your struggles’ and embracing the inherent pain and discomfort that come with pursuing meaningful goals and values.

Manson’s witty writing style, peppered with humour and profanity, added a refreshing and relatable tone to the book, making it feel more like a conversation with a friend rather than a traditional self-help manual. This book would particularly resonate with individuals who are tired of the typical ‘positive thinking’ rhetoric found in many self-help books and are seeking a more realistic and grounded approach to navigating life’s challenges.

Genna Rourke FCInstCES 

Women’s Networking session

Last month’s CICES Women’s Network session was provided by Laura Lench MCInstCES, Balfour Beatty and focussed on empowering maternity return from the implementation and impact of its ‘parental buddy’ system. Within the construction industry, a significant trend of employees not returning post-maternity leave has been observed. Recognising this trend, Balfour Beatty initiated a strategic review to enhance support mechanisms and facilitate seamless reintegration into the workforce. Through strategic reviews and consultations, Balfour Beatty implemented various measures to better support employees during maternity leave.

These measures included flexible work arrangements, improved communication channels and tailored support programmes to address the unique needs of individuals on parental leave. Laura explained how the ‘parental buddy’ system allows employees to opt into the scheme where colleagues serve as mentors, offering guidance, reassurance and practical assistance throughout the leave period and upon return to work.

The introduction of the buddy system has yielded positive outcomes, including a reduction in attrition rates among employees following maternity leave. Encouraged by its success, Balfour Beatty is expanding the programme, reaffirming its commitment to supporting employees through all stages of their professional and personal lives.

Insights

The insights from the session underscore the importance of proactive measures in empowering maternity return and fostering a supportive workplace culture. By leveraging initiatives such as the parental buddy system and facilitating knowledge sharing through events like the Women’s Network session, organisations can create environments that promote employee retention, satisfaction, and career advancement.