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Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: How To Get, Keep & Grow Talent
YOUR ONLY JOB AS A LEADER IS TO MAKE SURE MONDAY MORNING DOESN’T SUCK.
At least that’s what Eric Harkins thinks. In his first book, Eric talks about his twenty-five-year journey working in corporate America and the many lessons he learned about leadership. He was lucky enough to work for a company that made sure Monday morning didn’t suck, but even luckier to work for several that didn’t.
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck is a fun, engaging, and light-hearted collection of stories told by Eric. He’s worked for some good leaders. He’s worked for some bad leaders. And he learned a lot about what it takes to create a culture high performers want to be a part of.
At least that’s what Eric Harkins thinks. In his first book, Eric talks about his twenty-five-year journey working in corporate America and the many lessons he learned about leadership. He was lucky enough to work for a company that made sure Monday morning didn’t suck, but even luckier to work for several that didn’t.
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck is a fun, engaging, and light-hearted collection of stories told by Eric. He’s worked for some good leaders. He’s worked for some bad leaders. And he learned a lot about what it takes to create a culture high performers want to be a part of.
- GenresLeadership
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 19, 2021
25 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
January 12, 2026
A quick read to keep my mind occupied on my flight today. Geared toward people leaders and HR professionals, Eric Harkins had a lot of quick-hit lessons and reminders. His writing is a bit crude and casual, but it’s not meant to be a work of art. If you need a little inspiration and a chuckle, this is a punchy read written by a local author and former Target exec.
December 22, 2021
Lighthearted, genuine guidance
Eric Harkins’ Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: How to get, keep, and grow talent, is a guide for leaders in the corporate world to high retaining and high-performance companies. Bottom line, which we all know, the longer you can keep employees on average, the higher the average skill set of your office will be. Therefore, it makes sense that you might want to keep your teams happy, but office gossip around the water cooler rarely includes people raving about how cool their boss is. Harkins’ guide includes useful information and tips, good for supervisors to check against their own office environments.
The key ideas that I agreed with the most were that workers need to be treated like adults, and enormous goals should not be pushed for. Harkins points out that many leaders butt heads with HR departments when it comes to the kind of culture that they’d like to encourage. I definitely think this is an idea that should be shared more. Overall, as adult workers should be held accountable for the things that matter, but let them be adults otherwise.
I also liked Harkins thoughts on stewardship were insightful. My father always taught me the same thing—leave things better than you found them. Instead of encouraging huge advancement each day, making a goal for improvement (of any size) each day is smart.
Eric Harkins’ Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: How to get, keep, and grow talent, is a guide for leaders in the corporate world to high retaining and high-performance companies. Bottom line, which we all know, the longer you can keep employees on average, the higher the average skill set of your office will be. Therefore, it makes sense that you might want to keep your teams happy, but office gossip around the water cooler rarely includes people raving about how cool their boss is. Harkins’ guide includes useful information and tips, good for supervisors to check against their own office environments.
The key ideas that I agreed with the most were that workers need to be treated like adults, and enormous goals should not be pushed for. Harkins points out that many leaders butt heads with HR departments when it comes to the kind of culture that they’d like to encourage. I definitely think this is an idea that should be shared more. Overall, as adult workers should be held accountable for the things that matter, but let them be adults otherwise.
I also liked Harkins thoughts on stewardship were insightful. My father always taught me the same thing—leave things better than you found them. Instead of encouraging huge advancement each day, making a goal for improvement (of any size) each day is smart.
December 24, 2021
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck: How To Get, Keep & Grow Talent by Eric Harkins is a guide full of useful and necessary information on how a positive workplace environment impact not only on companies but also employee's productivity. The author shares his real-life experiences and expertly intertwines different scenarios on bad and good leadership. The importance of respect and great leadership reflects in the company's success. Every bit of advice is approachable and can be easily put to use.
I have read numerous leadership books but the author's style of easy flow of information and the undercurrent of humor stands out uniquely and is enjoyable. I hope people in leadership position will notice this insightful guide as its bound to make commendable improvements in their organizations and for their employees. Highly recommend this book for its excellent concepts if you do not want Monday mornings suck for you or your employees!
I have read numerous leadership books but the author's style of easy flow of information and the undercurrent of humor stands out uniquely and is enjoyable. I hope people in leadership position will notice this insightful guide as its bound to make commendable improvements in their organizations and for their employees. Highly recommend this book for its excellent concepts if you do not want Monday mornings suck for you or your employees!
December 23, 2021
This book is a game changer! Once I started reading it, I couldn't stop. Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck is inspiring, motivating and worth its weight in gold.
It was written by incredible author, Eric Harkins, who is a motivational speaker, consultant, executive-coach, and an expert in helping companies create a culture, high performers want to be a part of.
It's one of those books that as a leader I will read multiple times, because it is filled with grate advice and incredible ideas to improve the quality of my leadership and take it to the next level.
I loved the fact that the book is a collection of stories, as Eric’s own experience working with incredible leaders is priceless. I have definitely learned that having a great work environment is the key for a successful company.
I highly recommend reading this incredible book!
It was written by incredible author, Eric Harkins, who is a motivational speaker, consultant, executive-coach, and an expert in helping companies create a culture, high performers want to be a part of.
It's one of those books that as a leader I will read multiple times, because it is filled with grate advice and incredible ideas to improve the quality of my leadership and take it to the next level.
I loved the fact that the book is a collection of stories, as Eric’s own experience working with incredible leaders is priceless. I have definitely learned that having a great work environment is the key for a successful company.
I highly recommend reading this incredible book!
December 24, 2021
This book by Eric Harkins is a compelling guide for manifesting a perfect workplace environment. Returning back to your office on a Monday morning is not as dreadful as you thought. In this book, the author enumerates his work-life experiences and various leaders he came across during his professional shenanigans. The engaging and inspiring stories of establishing a warm ambiance at the workplace are just outstanding. Inculcating healthy practices and coexisting mutually was never so much fun. The book weaves a staunch narrative, as the author expresses his personal opinions in an easy-going, light-hearted manner. The readers tend to develop an inclination towards his thought process and would fall in love with the magnificent positive tone. Working is fun when you have this must-read classic by your side!
December 28, 2021
In this great book Eric Harkins states an idea I haven’t considered before. Leaders are not only responsible for building teams and managing the financial aspect of a company, but they are also in charge of constructing a relaxed and pleasant working environment. He explains that that feeling of depression and anxiety we experiment on Sundays when we think of the week ahead at work is common and it has to do with not being comfortable with what we do in our company, or with the physical place where we work, or also with the fact that we are not valued as employees. To change and improve all these factors are tasks that have to be solved by leaders. Through interesting stories, the author explains how to create and develop a company culture that attracts qualified people and that makes employees eager to go to work.
December 22, 2021
“Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck” by author Eric Harkins is an extraordinary and witty book about leadership. It contains entertaining and engaging stories, as well as management philosophies and leadership principles, that really teach how to motivate people and encourage them to develop and grow their talents. The author offers wisdom and facts from his 25 years' experience, with the aim that readers love their work environment and company. If they are engaged, the company will perform better.
From my point of view (and my experience), this book proposes a really valuable perspective, as it focuses on positive mind setting, and on the abilities and natural gifts of people. Highly recommended for different level managers and leaders.
From my point of view (and my experience), this book proposes a really valuable perspective, as it focuses on positive mind setting, and on the abilities and natural gifts of people. Highly recommended for different level managers and leaders.
December 27, 2021
A concise book that goes straight to the point
I truly believe that someone who is interested in becoming a leader should read this book and anyone who is not interested in it, as well. The bunch of stories that Eric Harkins shares in this concise reading are very engaging. Even its title is enticing, “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn´t suck”; every word and every story counts.
Due to Eric´s vast experience in different jobs, he has the knowledge of which qualities make a good leader and which ones make a bad leader. The way he tells his experiences is great. I liked his writing style very much. It goes without saying that I learned a lot from him and I agree with him in many situations. I short, I recommend it without a doubt.
I truly believe that someone who is interested in becoming a leader should read this book and anyone who is not interested in it, as well. The bunch of stories that Eric Harkins shares in this concise reading are very engaging. Even its title is enticing, “Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn´t suck”; every word and every story counts.
Due to Eric´s vast experience in different jobs, he has the knowledge of which qualities make a good leader and which ones make a bad leader. The way he tells his experiences is great. I liked his writing style very much. It goes without saying that I learned a lot from him and I agree with him in many situations. I short, I recommend it without a doubt.
December 31, 2021
Informative and Entertaining!
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck by Eric Harkins is a great book for leaders or for those aspiring to be in the near future.
Eric’s stories are very relatable and would make you say, “that's another way to look at it, or why didn't I think of that”. It is a great resource on how to be a better and fun boss. The boss that the staff respect but also they love to be around with. I like how the chapters are written, it's very catchy and intriguing and makes you want to read and not put the book down. My take away from this book? "You have to be honest. You have to be genuine. And if you say you're going to fix something, you better fix it.” Accountability , set a good example to your staff and you will see how your people, well most of them will exceed your expectations, but you have to lead by example first. Read it and you will learn so much from it!
Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck by Eric Harkins is a great book for leaders or for those aspiring to be in the near future.
Eric’s stories are very relatable and would make you say, “that's another way to look at it, or why didn't I think of that”. It is a great resource on how to be a better and fun boss. The boss that the staff respect but also they love to be around with. I like how the chapters are written, it's very catchy and intriguing and makes you want to read and not put the book down. My take away from this book? "You have to be honest. You have to be genuine. And if you say you're going to fix something, you better fix it.” Accountability , set a good example to your staff and you will see how your people, well most of them will exceed your expectations, but you have to lead by example first. Read it and you will learn so much from it!
December 26, 2021
Perfect for leaders
“Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning doesn’t Suck” is a book written exclusively for leaders and for those who aspire to become one.
The first-time writer of this reader, whose name is Eric Harkins, has got a vast experience in the business world. Thanks to these past experiences, he now transmits his knowledge.
The book proved helpful for me and my job, because it helped me develop my character and business profile. After reading, I now have an idea of what I want to be, and how I want to try to accomplish my ideas.
The book contains several anecdotes that are light-hearted, which makes this reader fast-paced. Five stars to this one!
“Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning doesn’t Suck” is a book written exclusively for leaders and for those who aspire to become one.
The first-time writer of this reader, whose name is Eric Harkins, has got a vast experience in the business world. Thanks to these past experiences, he now transmits his knowledge.
The book proved helpful for me and my job, because it helped me develop my character and business profile. After reading, I now have an idea of what I want to be, and how I want to try to accomplish my ideas.
The book contains several anecdotes that are light-hearted, which makes this reader fast-paced. Five stars to this one!
December 28, 2021
Being a leader is one of the most difficult tasks I have experienced but one I enjoy greatly. Having my team happy with the work and working environment is a must for me; so I always try to read and learn from books that give ideas on how to be better in this position.
I like the author’s perspective towards making Monday mornings better. His vast experience is seen through the pages and this is important because it gives value to his words. The author’s stories are engaging and give you different ideas of different scenarios.
I believe this is a must read for those in a leading position because there’s always something new to learn and implement.
I like the author’s perspective towards making Monday mornings better. His vast experience is seen through the pages and this is important because it gives value to his words. The author’s stories are engaging and give you different ideas of different scenarios.
I believe this is a must read for those in a leading position because there’s always something new to learn and implement.
January 4, 2022
Funny and informative
The author of this book is going to provide you with some amusing anecdotes about his time in the corporate world. The focus of this anthology is using some reflective humor to explore what makes a good leader good and a bad leader bad. Is it really just making sure Monday morning doesn't suck the weekend lifeforce out of you, as the title suggests, or is there more to it than that? By the time you're done reading through these twenty-something anecdotes, you'll have a much better idea of the do's and don'ts of managing human capital. Great read and amusing to boot.
The author of this book is going to provide you with some amusing anecdotes about his time in the corporate world. The focus of this anthology is using some reflective humor to explore what makes a good leader good and a bad leader bad. Is it really just making sure Monday morning doesn't suck the weekend lifeforce out of you, as the title suggests, or is there more to it than that? By the time you're done reading through these twenty-something anecdotes, you'll have a much better idea of the do's and don'ts of managing human capital. Great read and amusing to boot.
April 6, 2022
This is a really good, “tell it like it is” book on leadership. It is current, very current, and anyone lead ing people in any industry should give it a read. I read it in one evening and so much of it, resonated with me. There are simple to follow principles that will be easy to recall. This book is being passed on to my two kids, who are each in leadership positions with large companies and on their own journeys of leading people. While I am wrapping up my career, retirement coming later this year, I still found this book full of insights that will be valuable in whatever is next for me. I highly recommend this book!
December 23, 2021
This business guide goes about how to be a good leader in order to transmit that to your employees so they don't hate coming into work. Being a leader in a corporation is almost a 24hour gig. They are constantly thinking of ways to improve the workplace and be efficient.
I really enjoy how the writer decided to narrate this book, it gives that touch of personal experiences that gets the reader more involved in the read.
"Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck" is a great tool to have at hand if the aim is to have a successful, efficient and happy environment at work.
I really enjoy how the writer decided to narrate this book, it gives that touch of personal experiences that gets the reader more involved in the read.
"Great Leaders Make Sure Monday Morning Doesn’t Suck" is a great tool to have at hand if the aim is to have a successful, efficient and happy environment at work.
September 8, 2022
This was a great read for leaders who are looking to get the most out of their teams. Eric Harkins speaks to the importance of rewarding your high performers and not allowing your bad performers to be dead weight on your team. He speaks from real-world experiences that leaders at any level can relate with.
August 24, 2023
Mandated to read this for work. Very few to zero examples of women leading. No effort made to quote famous, respected leaders who happen to also be women. Frances Hesselbein, for starters. Oprah Winfrey, Dolly Parton, the most positive icon on the planet. Madame C.J. Walker.
A disappointing read. Do better.
Enough said.
A disappointing read. Do better.
Enough said.
February 14, 2025
Quite honestly, all the leadership development you need
Okay, not really, but a damn good summary, start, and daily and weekly reminder. How do you make this happen? That requires learning and practice and humility and... you can do it if you follow Rule #3. (Read the book.) Eric has made it simple, but not easy, and that is a good thing. This includes the reminder that there is no difference in leadership between being in the office and being it having remote employees. Read the book. But more importantly, use this and put it into practice.
Okay, not really, but a damn good summary, start, and daily and weekly reminder. How do you make this happen? That requires learning and practice and humility and... you can do it if you follow Rule #3. (Read the book.) Eric has made it simple, but not easy, and that is a good thing. This includes the reminder that there is no difference in leadership between being in the office and being it having remote employees. Read the book. But more importantly, use this and put it into practice.
October 3, 2023
Short sweet and to the point. Good general principles for talent retention and culture.
November 9, 2024
Simple and easy read or listen. Practical way to ensure you have the right people in the right seats. Also, the acronym LEAD is easy to remember. And I love Rule #3!
April 22, 2024
Well written. Finished it in one sitting. Took me about 2.5 hrs with the highlighting and all. It's a great book to hone your leadership skills immediately. And, if you don't know, you already do.
December 16, 2023
I loved the leadership message here. It's ok to have fun at work, you must have tough conversations with employees not doing what they should be, and don't hire or keep assholes.
October 3, 2025
Quick and impactful read. Definitely a re-read.
I didn’t agree with everything in the book but certainly learned a lot and will use this in my career going forward
I didn’t agree with everything in the book but certainly learned a lot and will use this in my career going forward
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews