Book Review: Erik Hatch’s "Play for the Person Next to You"

“Play for the Person Next to You: A Guide to Servant Leadership”

by Erik Hatch

Synopsis: Erik Hatch writes that real estate has nothing to do with brick and mortar and everything to do with the people who are going to live in that house. At Hatch Realty, relationships matter. Team members are welcomed and encouraged to be their full selves and, in turn, are able to serve clients to the highest level. While most businesses ask people to be their buttoned-up resumes, Hatch Realty embraces transparency and vulnerability. Trust forms quickly, and team members thrive. An inspiring storyteller, Hatch traces his sometimes rocky path to success with honesty, humor, and the spirit of a servant leader. Playing for the person next to us, he writes, creates a more successful business and more purposeful life.

With chapters such as:

The Importance of Foundation

Take Time to Develop as a Leader

Trust Not Transaction

You Can’t Not Have Cancer at Work

REVIEW:

First things first, this review is in three parts. I am going to review it as an EMPLOYEE, as a BUSINESS OWNER and as a READER

1) EMPLOYEE

Boy oh boy, I wish my superiors at work would read this book, share it with the rest of the higher ups and then implement the ideas found in these pages. Feeling valued and allowed to succeed are points that employees made during exit interviews. You can lose valuable talent by not understanding that those who show up everyday for you and your company don’t need a box to work in, they need one to stand on. Erik dials into the 21st corporate culture that potential employees strive to find. The hiring process that Erik lays out (in full form so you could immediately implement at your work place) is a game changer in finding the best of the best.

A little goes a long way in developing talent. The term “servant leadership” invokes a feeling of confidence in spreading ideas, helping build concepts and makes a team member stronger. After reading this book, I realized that old phrase of “every chain has a weak link” doesn’t have to be true. Employees should read this book to know what they should expect and rely on their leadership for during the days, months and years at their chosen company.

CLICK HERE TO HEAR “Keep It Real with Erik Hatch”

2) BUSINESS OWNER

I have several small businesses that work with other businesses for events, training, brand building and providing services that some companies choose to outsource. This book has opened my eyes to a lot of reasons why employees parted ways with my organization. Remember the first time you heard the Beatles? Reading Erik’s book was like that for me. I think ANY organization would do well with reading and implementing these concepts, but let me lay out a particular piece that hit a chord with me.

The Nine Step Hiring Process that Erik’s teams use. Amazing. The type of stuff that scares off a lot of employers, but those who can see the benefits of this method will see massive benefits as they see whether or not applicants are human beings they can stand to be around day in and day out!

Click Here to Hear Erik Talk About His Book on KFGO Radio

3) READER

This book is HILARIOUS! Hatch uses real stories from his life, his business and his failures to shape his world. You can tell that Erik is a person who cares about the people who work for him, the people he works for himself and the people he meets everyday. In one particular section that calls out the “One Size Fits All” concept felt like he was taking a moment from my past and putting it on page. If you are looking for a book that can make you laugh and think, this one is great.

Without getting lost in meandering and lazy storytelling, the pages are filled with fun. Even if you are a college student, self employed, retired or don’t read a lot of non-fiction – you can have a heck of a good time reading this.

FINAL THOUGHTS:

Reading a book on leadership might not sound like something you would ever try, but Erik’s wit and heart can be seen in every word on every page. I have a challenge for individuals who are trying this book out.

Put your name on the inside cover with a #1. Read it, underline one sentence. Give it to a friend, co-worker or stranger. Have them write their name with a #2. Tell them to underline a single sentence. Get together afterwards and talk about the sentences you each chose.

Boom! You just started something!

The book is for sale at Erik’s website

www.hatchingleaders.com

OR you can stop by Hatch Realty at 4215 31st Ave S, Fargo, ND 58104