Mid-career employees are being squeezed like never before, and too many of them are not in a happy place. In this book Michael Brown reveals for the first time just how bad things really are, and sets out the Top 10 most useful tools to helping people whose 'career mojo' needs a boost.

Foreword Introduction Getting the most from the book Section 1: Diagnose your engine Tool 1: Reset your compass Tool 2: Build more trust Tool 3: Get out of the playground Tool 4: Invest in relationships Tool 5: Negotiate for yourself Tool 6: Avoid avoidance Tool 7: Think! Tool 8: Listen more, transmit less Tool 9: Meet intelligently Tool 10: Know yourself Section 3: Replace your engine Section 4: Mojo maintenance Summary Endnotes Resources Acknowledgements

"Michael really knows what he's talking about. This rings so true. Love the writing style - it's funny and wise and I read the whole thing in one go. Highly recommended." "Great book! Definitely recommend it." "Years of acquired insights distilled in highly readable self help book. Want to take control of your career? This book is for you. Highly recommended." "I opened this book late the night I received delivery and didn't close until after midnight... and got up at 5:15 to finish it. I have read it cover to cover and it has a strange effect when it connects the reader to the tales and characters interwoven into the text. I lost count of the 'OMG' moments, I laughed out loud at the mince pies and sobbed in the epilogue. I have bought extra copies for my Manager and Director as I leave their service in a few days time and Michael's book describes more eloquently than I could ever say why I have to go. Read it, read it twice, highlight the text and scribble in the margins until it is dog-eared and beaten - but most of all enjoy." "....I loved his personal anecdotes and often found myself smiling, thinking "yes, I've been there". It's easy to read, written in plain English and refreshingly free of business jargon and acronyms. Highly recommended..." "...Mike offers a ten point plan and real advice to as he puts it, 'get your career mojo back'. Career progression is too often seen as a steady escalator, but for most people it is not. That is why this book is so important" "A well written and easy to read book full of examples of where organisations can go wrong and employees forget why they are there. What we can do to get our mojo back in our jobs, Thanks Michael. Its one of those books you put down in an office and it gets picked up in seconds, which then starts some interesting conversations." "...Michael’s wisdom and experience as a trainer to over 10,000 people, together with his self deprecation, humour and anecdotes makes this book a fabulous read... " "I read this book within a couple of days, and found myself in violent agreement with much of the content. The book is like having a personal coach in your pocket, and now that I have read it through I know that I will be revisiting parts of it again and again. I was so taken by the book that I have actually arranged to have a coaching session with Michael to explore my personal profile in more detail, as he has really made me think about a career change." "This is good solid practical advice from someone who's been there and done it. 10 clear steps and lots of amusing anecdotes. Mike doesn't pull punches, and he says it like it is (or should be!). Top quality advice: a book to dip into on regular basis (like tuning a car!)." "A highly practical book, full of useful tips and wisdom. Written in an honest, engaging, and witty style. Michael demonstrates knowledge and experience in very human terms. Unlike many "management/ leadership books it is not a heavy read.....even though it raises some very deep questions. Buy it, read it, you will not regret it"

“Michael’s book powerfully portrays the widespread workplace dysfunctions that regularly cause employees (and their managers) to retreat into mindless behavior—which is reinforced by a pervasive culture of frustration, fear, and despair. This typical employee experience is the exact opposite of what organizations need for success in today’s fast-past, highly competitive, global economy. The generous gift of this book is to supply readers with the encouragement, insights, and tools to work around dysfunctional workplaces by helping them to reboot their self-awareness, self-empowerment, and self-confidence to engage in more effective and satisfying behavior—despite the many dysfunctions that may persist in their current situation.” - Dr. Ralph H. Kilmann, co-author of the Thomas-Kilmann Instrument (TKI) and CEO of KilmannDiagnostics.com"It can be tough working in the 'squeezed middle' of a modern organization. We experience, faster pace of change and increasing demands to deliver. At the same time, it can be hard to get things done in in a day filled with unnecessary meetings, irrelevant communication and unclear processes. No wonder some people lose what Michael calls their 'career mojo'. Low levels of engagement and enthusiasm are problem businesses and a tragedy for individuals – life is too short to not enjoy something you spend so much time on. Michael’s book delves into why we can sometimes lose our career mojo and offers some practical suggestions on how you can regain it. Don’t wait for someone else to do it for you. - Kevan Hall CEO Global Integration, author of the books Speed Lead, Making the Matrix Work, and Kill Bad Meetings