A Human Business: The People-First Model for Lasting Success

I read the first draft of this book 5 years ago. Glenn, my friend and mentor, gave it to me at a diner booth in Southampton, PA. I sat across from the table from him and watched his face alight with enthusiasm. His tone was curious, his words hopeful. And there was an absence of doubt. That fearlessness in his face inspires me to this day.

At that time I was not employed by SnapCab. Now I work directly with Glenn as a contractor. I am here, working with him, because of this human business book. What I love the most is in principle number four: embrace problems and weaknesses. It still fascinates me. You mean, ugly things are okay? Mistakes are acceptable? That message still relaxes me into a state of self-acceptance, from which I have seen I can be more useful–not less useful--to others. This applies both at work and at home.

Just yesterday I messed up. I punished my 5-year-old daughter for spilling black mulch on the concrete instead of in the garden bed. As I was waving my hand, reprimanding her, I was aware that I was conducting myself in the way conventional business does, shaming and blaming. But I could not stop myself! I did it anyway, and the guilt followed. What is different now is that I am willing to do what A Human Business calls “non-judgmental observation.” I am willing to name what I did wrong without allowing it to eclipse my genuine intention to be a better person. I really do have a desire to be useful; I just don't always succeed in practice. And this model says, “it’s okay.” It emphasizes continuous improvement as an incremental, life-long journey. Taking a page out of Glenn's book means responding to my own failure with patience and compassion, with a willingness to say, “I take responsibility. I was wrong; I'd like to do this better.” And then placing my trust in the possibility of change.

An open, curious, response to mistakes creates a tunnel to the light, like being in a deep hole and looking up to see the sky at the very top of a narrow column of dirt. How could this approach not affect my presence, attitude, and relationships at work?

I could read this book over and over and over. In fact, I have! I have read it 3 times, and next up is the audiobook version that I just purchased on the day of its release!

The lessons in the book don't wilt after one pass; they are perennial. The story is simple and inspiring, and the suggestions are accessible. “Make a bad plan” is among my favorite suggestions, lowering the bar to take action without the pressure of being perfect.

The fact that these life lessons not only can be but should be enjoyed in a work setting is my dream. Before this model, I felt a clear division between work and the rest of my life. I thought I had to conceal what was ugly so that I could be acceptable and useful. As it turns out, I am primarily useful when I expose what's ugly. I told Glenn the truth about me: I can be a nit-picker; I am loyal to Plan A and have trouble flexing with Plan B; I am not good with numbers; I am in a program of recovery from addiction. These admissions have only increased his faith in my ability to contribute. He has told me that directly, many times.

I would like to be part of this human business movement because it is a way of being and working that has transformed my life. It is a source of guidance for my decision-making and for my attitude toward myself and others.

This book is for leaders, visionaries, and for those visionaries who think they are not leaders.

This book casts leadership in a new light, highlighting the necessity of weakness in successful organizational collaboration. It highlights the necessity of vulnerability for a meaningful, connected, purpose-filled life–at work, of all places. I cannot wait to listen to the audiobook and am waiting with bated breath to read the next book in the series.

This is one of those books that stays with you after you finish it. There are plenty of business books that teach you how to make more money or grow a company, but this one focuses on something much more important. It reminds you that people are the heart of every business.

What I appreciated most was how genuine it felt. Nothing came across as just another leadership theory. It was clear that Glenn truly believes that when you invest in people, treat them with respect, and build a culture of trust, everyone benefits. That kind of leadership is rare.

I also liked that the book wasn’t about pretending business isn’t important. It shows that you can build a successful company while still caring deeply about your employees and the people around you. Those two things do not have to be at odds.

When I finished it, the first person I thought of was a former boss who shares many of these same values. I’m actually going to send him a copy because I think he’ll genuinely enjoy it and appreciate the message. To me, that’s one of the best compliments I can give a book.

Success isn’t just financial. It’s about the impact you have on other people. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who wants to build a better business or simply become a better leader. Five stars.

Bostock's book is a must-read business book for business leaders, managers, employees, and students alike. Standing side by side with thought leaders such as Brené Brown, Simon Sinek, and Stephen R. Covey, Glenn Bostock shares his philosophy for a human-centric way of business.

As an employee of Bostock's company, SnapCab, I had the privilege to use Bostock's book to teach students at the collegiate level. Teaching Principles of Management to Sophomores and Juniors, I had the opportunity to study and reflect on Bostock's philosophy and how his 5 principles lay the foundation to leading, managing, and organizing businesses.

While many are unhappy or actively disengaged at their place of work, Bostock offers a model to galvanize the work force to meaningful and useful work that is also sustainably profitable. When people feel heard, valued, and contribute to something positive, they are better able to support and be of service to the customers. Happy customers become raving fans, and everyone wins.

This is a book you will want to have and reference over and over again. Enjoy!

As someone who works in retail, I often wish that bosses like Mr. Bostock were more prevalent, especially now, of course. His ideas about how to run a business with real humans is a breath of fresh air. We need more businesses like this precisely because of the influx of automation, AI, and robotics which are posing an unsettling threat to the future of business itself. Anyone who's contemplating starting their own business right now would do well to read this book, and take to heart its deeper offerings beyond just the business practicalities.

There are so many gems in this book, especially for anyone who is in a leadership role. It has a business centered theme but with a true sense of caring for your fellow man. My goal is to run “A Human Business”.

Diana Hasen,

Author of the Stevie and Harley Children’s Book Series

Founder,

The Stevie and Harley Foundation

“Where humans and animals connect”

I am grateful for this book, which is kind of a hands on approach for swiveling an approach in running a business. Glenn’s goal is what the title suggests… bringing humanity into our work lives. Just one company practice is to celebrate each employee once a year with a video of coworkers expressing their appreciation for that person. I know of no other super power that encourages the best in others. Glenn believes in supporting employees through hard times, from extra time off, or groceries in tough times, to a celebratory breakfast. I especially want to highlight Glenn’s honesty about what a failure he felt like in school. One teacher truly cared enough to nurture his hidden gifts which made all the difference. It took extra time and effort, but she did. I see that kindness as an inspiration for what Glenn does with his employees as often as possible.

The contrast of these practices with how the workplace often behaves is clear. Treat your employees with kindness and empathy and everyone is lifted up. I hope these practices spread to other companies and communities.

This is the book–and the philosophy--that the work world has been needing forever, and NOW much more than ever! Thank you, Glenn Bostock for organizing and articulating these truly essential HUMAN thoughts and principles. For a long time now I have wondered why businesses can’t be successful “enough” without squashing and plundering the very body parts of the organization. I can only hope that having such a respected publisher as Forbes will ensure that this book and its insights and practices will reach and impact a very wide audience.

Loved this

An important book. If the future of industry and service can follow the simple truths presented in this book, it's possible that the world can be saved.