Make Change Work for You by Scott Steinberg Summary

Make Change Work for You provides actionable strategies to thrive in uncertain environments through a four-step model (Define, Interact, Assess, React) and 10 habits like "Play the Odds" and "Always Create Value." It blends psychology, real-world examples, and frameworks to help readers conquer fear of failure, adapt to change, and future-proof careers or businesses.

Professionals, entrepreneurs, and leaders navigating career shifts, industry disruptions, or personal transitions will benefit most. The book’s emphasis on resilience and innovation makes it ideal for those seeking actionable advice on overcoming stagnation or mastering change management.

Yes—it offers practical, research-backed tactics for embracing uncertainty. Reviews praise its clear frameworks for decision-making and adaptability, though some note it reinforces familiar self-help concepts. Ideal for readers seeking structured guidance on turning challenges into opportunities.

Steinberg’s key habits include:

1. Play the Odds (leverage probabilities)
2. Embrace Tomorrow Today (anticipate trends)
3. Seek Constant Motion (stay proactive)
4. Lead, Don’t Follow (innovate)
5. Never Stop Learning
6. Create Competitive Advantage
7. Connect the Dots (identify patterns)
8. Pick Your Battles
9. Set and Align Priorities
10. Always Create Value

The book identifies common fears (failure, rejection, isolation) and provides tools to reframe them. Steinberg’s four-step model encourages objective problem-solving, experimentation, and iterative adjustments to build confidence in navigating uncertainty.

Success hinges on proactively adapting to change rather than resisting it. By adopting agile habits and a growth mindset, individuals and organizations can transform disruption into strategic advantage.

While both tackle change management, Steinberg’s book emphasizes actionable business strategies and psychological frameworks, whereas Cheese uses allegory. Steinberg’s approach is more suited to professionals seeking concrete methods over parable-based lessons.

Some reviewers note the concepts—like embracing uncertainty or continuous learning—aren’t groundbreaking. However, the book’s structured synthesis of ideas into habits and models remains valuable for those new to change-management literature.

It provides tools to reframe challenges as opportunities, identify transferable skills, and build resilience. The "Seek Constant Motion" habit, for example, encourages proactive networking and skill development to stay ahead of industry shifts.

Steinberg is a Fortune-listed innovation strategist who has advised IBM, PwC, and MTV. His expertise in futurism and 14+ books on business resilience underscore his authority on adapting to technological and market changes.

With rapid AI adoption and workplace evolution, its focus on agility and lifelong learning remains critical. The book’s strategies align with contemporary needs like remote team management, digital transformation, and personal branding in competitive markets.

Absolutely. Habits like "Create Competitive Advantage" and "Connect the Dots" help startups identify niches and leverage trends. The four-step model also aids in pivoting business models during economic or industry disruptions.