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Here's another management parable that draws its lesson from an unlikely source--this time it's the fun-loving fishmongers at Seattle's Pike Place Market. In Fish! the heroine, Mary Jane Ramirez, recently widowed and mother of two, is asked to engineer a turnaround of her company's troubled operations department, a group that authors Stephen Lundin, Harry Paul, and John Christensen describe as a "toxic energy dump." Most reasonable heads would cut their losses and move on. Why bother with this bunch of losers? But the authors don't make it so easy for Mary Jane. Instead, she's left to sort out this mess with the help of head fishmonger Lonnie. Based on a bestselling corporate education video, Fish! aims to help employees find their way to a fun and happy workplace. While some may find the story line and prescriptions--such as "Choose Your Attitude," "Make Their Day," and "Be Present"--downright corny, others will find a good dose of worthwhile motivational management techniques. If you loved Who Moved My Cheese? then you'll find much to like here. And don't worry about Mary Jane and kids. Fish! has a happy ending for everyone. --Harry C. Edwards ... Read more

Reviews (161)

Motivation ?
FISH! is he story of a woman searching for a way to revitalize her workgroup and in the process save her job. The solution she finds comes from the unlikely place of the local fish market. By listening to the stories of one of the market's clerks our heroine is able to take back to her own problem four basic tenets for success. She meets her staff at the corporate "toxic waste dump" and is able to convert them to a person from a group of dispirited losers into the best team in the company.

The 112 pages of this book read very quickly and the ideas in the book are quicker still. They are basic and they certainly are sound ideas for motivating people. However, I think that the parable of Mary-Jane and her dysfunctional team was far too simplistic to stand up to real world application and that is a serious detriment to the book. Once the lead is converted she meets with her team who, after one negative comment, begin to embrace the ideas wholeheartedly. Where are the perpetual whiners ? Where are the "We have always done it this way" complaints. How about that perennial favorite "It isn't our fault" ? And best of all - The sullen non-complainers who will agree to anything to get the meeting over with but resist any real change ? I am not trying to be a spoil-sport here but these are serious obstacles to the kinds of change that this book tries to implement. I think that this book is either much too long to explain what the four ideas are (and they are good), or it is much too short to actually serve as any kind of an implementation tool.

It is also a poorly written story. Rather than as a parable of one woman's self discovery, I would much rather have seen it as a non-fiction management book with the story of Mary-Jane interjected as an example. As written it is not a good manual nor is it a helpful example.

A Fish Story That's Real & Inspirational
What does a "Toxic Energy Dump" and throwing fish have to do with life, especially performance in the workplace? A great deal according to the authors of The Fish.

In this parable you learn very quickly and easily how to turn around a "toxic" environment. Although the solutions may sound simple and obvious, they remind us - that regardless of our position in an organization, it's a great thing to find enjoyment and satisfaction in our ordinary day-to-day work lives. The writers provide simple descriptions of what attitude and fun can do to turn around the "toxic energy dump" in the workplace. The fable and principles show you how to bring hope and excitement to the people who perform the "back room" functions.

This book is a quick read, with principles that are easy to grasp and apply. Laughter and fun are great bridge builders between people - I encourage you to try The Fish and see how these principles are used to build bridges not only at a renowned fish market in Seattle, but between people within a back room department and other departments.

Always Smell Your Fish Before You Buy
This book was given to me as part of a Fish seminar conducted by my company. The book must be addressed on three different levels: as a story, as a philosophy, and as a business book. The story is about a woman who takes over a failing department in her company, finds the inmates are running the asylum, learns some pearls of wisdom from some local fishmongers, teaches the employees the philosophy, and ends up with a successful department. The preceding explanation is only slightly shorter than the book itself, which contains so much white-space that it could easily be halved, and repeats so often that it could easily be halved again. As bad as the story and writing are, the philosophy underlying the Fish idea is even worse. It is essentially a hedonistic philosophy - that what employees really need to perform well is enough fun at work. The problem is that all jobs and careers involve a certain amount of tedium. Everone must "pay their dues." Too often the people complaining the loudest are those that refuse to deal with tedium as a fact of life. As a business book it fails as so many business books do because the ultimate goal of the book is not to attract a reader, but to convince corporations to buy a whole suite of products and services: the books, videotapes, fun fish things, decorations. Avoid this book, read Drucker instead.

Would rather be fishing
This book reminded me of a story about cheese. The ideas make sense, but the story is childish and doesn't provide an action plan. I recommend reading Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life instead.

Insipid Garbage
I was unfortunate enough to have been made to read this utter, banal trash. This 'book' is yet another in the endless deluge of 'management' aids. Being a manager myself I was extremely disappointed as this book offers no new insight or any hints to great management secrets. Once one gets past the countelss pages of fluff, the underlying moral is simple...your job is what you make of it. If you have a positive attitude and outlook, your job will be enjoyable. If you think your job is boring and menial then it will be just that. These are basic common sense ideals that any capable manager should already be instilling on its employees. If you are a manager and are unfamiliar with these concepts then you are obviously either ill-trained or completely inexperienced and should not be a manager in the first place.
My true rating would be NO STARS, but the lowest possible was one star. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Textbook, but easy to follow
We used this textbook for several courses in my Organizational Behavior program. Of all the texts we've used, this one has been the most valuable. The text is easy to read and is interesting, and the book offers a great deal of case studies to really emphasize the points. Overall, I think this is a great textbook and it is very versatile in business courses. ... Read more

Book Description

Human Resource Management by Mathis and Jackson is viewed as a highly authoritative, current, and reliable textbook.In this new edition, the authors have taken great care to ensure that the elements that make this book successful are still the foundation in the new edition.However, they realize that HR is a dynamic field and that transformation is occurring HR.In the 11th edition, the authors discuss factors that are driving change in HR Management and how HR is being shaped by many factors such as Technology and Globalization.The authors of this book have excellent professional reputations and are well-connected with the Society for Human Resource Management.Now in its 11th edition, Bob Mathis and John Jackson have written an extremely successful human resource management book that is suitable for learners who will eventually work as HR generalists and managers, business students who are not HR majors, and current HR professionals, especially those who are preparing for their professional certification.This text is widely used in preparation for professional examinations (PHR, SPHR) given by the highly regarded Human Resource Certification Institute, a part of SHRM.Human Resource Management is a highly regarded book written by authors who are well known and extremely knowledgeable in their field. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Another Solid "Must" for Any Human Resources Library
Mathis and Jackson are tops in my book!If you're studying for the PHR or the SPHR certification examination, this is a "must read"!

delivered late and not what expected
I ordered a human resource book and it took 9 day when you said 3-5 business days. I thought i was getting a hardback book but when i got it..it was paperback with small print and black and white pages. I have sold books via Amazon but this is the first time buying and it was very disappointing.

Where's the Beef???
I use this text in a college course I teach and I would give it less than a C.The authors attempt to cover a wide range of material, but they fail to correctly present critical material even when informed of their mistakes.The book does contain links to useful web sites and is current on many of its topics. However, on the subject of diversity and EEO - they need to stick to the facts and not what will sell books.Too many errors for a text this costly.

One of the most useful textbooks ....
I used this textbook for my MBA Human Resource Management course in the spring of 2001.I found the textbook quite up to date with great case studies and end of chapter exercises.They were quite relavent to current issues and the ongoing AOL-Time Warner case was an used throughout the book.

Objective Learning
I believed the text book to be a great tool in the education of Human Resource Management.The book was very objective in teaching the aspects and procedures of Human Resource Management.The text would give both sides to the story.In almost all areas, the book gave disadvantages and advantages to using the policies presented.The text also did a good job of relating the material with current events.The text provided stories and inserts that related to issues with current companies.Therefore the reader is allowed to see how the material is actually applied in the real world. ... Read more

Book Description

'Leader As Coach' is a straight-forward, practical book that can help you lead your people and your organization to greater success.

The tips and practices in 'Leader As Coach' will enable you to sharpen your coaching skills so that you can attract and retain the talent you need for success, foster growth in others, provide effective feedback, orchestrate learning opportunities, and groom high-potential performers. After all, your people are your most important asset.

Within these pages you’ll find:
--Five high-impact strategies for effective coaching.
--Useful insights on how to deal with resistance and motivate others.
--Hundreds of tips and action steps to make you a better coach. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Professional Coaching
Our company recently hosted a presentation from David Peterson, one of the authors of Leader as Coach. His audience was a small group of HR managers and Training consultants. He provided us with a no nonsense, credible approach to coaching managers and leaders. The title of his presentation was quite true to that title, providing us with a clear vision of the state of the art and insights into the state of the practice.

David and Mary Dee's book, Leader as Coach, is the foundation for one of the clearest and most well-reasoned approaches to Coaching I have seen after a decade in this business. But don't stop with this book. Go on from here to Personnel Decisions International's Development FIRST and Supervisor's Handbook

This book has been my guide for my active research project.
This book has been both inspirational and motivational for me. I love the quotes and have used them when sending memos to people involved in my Masters active research project. The few colorful pictures are beautiful and representative of reaching high for the stars. The texture of the paper used is similar to a magazine's. I almost felt I was reading one, which felt more like leisure reading. The book is short, easy to read, and to the point. I've taken much of the advise while I've engaged as a leader in my project. I've made efforts to become a better listener, give positive feedback, inspire people to take risks, and built a bond of trust. I learned that I have to model the good habits I'd like others to practice. The strategies suggested are a must for people in the business world and adminstrators or leaders in education. The book is practical for anyone who assumes a leadership role and does not know how to begin the process. Thumbs up! ... Read more

Book Description

The Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) are the foremost nationally recognized certifications in the HR field, sponsored by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and endorsed by the Society for the Human Resource Management (SHRM). The PHR exam generally covers technical and operational matters, while the SPHR exam focuses on strategic and policy issues. A new addition to Sybex's line of "Best Study Guides", PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide is more complete than any other PHR or SPHR exam preparation package available. To support the primary courseware, the companion CD includes an advanced test engine with four bonus exams (two for PHR and two for SPHR), electronic flash cards, and the entire book in PDF. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Excellent study guide
I passed the SPHR examination in June 2004, after only a month and a half of preparation (besides years and years of experience) and credit the study guide with making it possible for me to acheive that result.

Anne Bogardus' book is not intended to be nor does it pretend to be a complete reference book for the entire body of HR knowledge. It is an excellent study guide and it provides references for the student to use for additional study in each of the six functional areas, should the results of the study guide's exams (three overall assessments plus one exam for each functional area) indicate that more work is needed before taking the certification exam.

Very resourceful book
I took the SPHR exam in June 2004 and passed, with the help of this book most definitely. In order to pass the exam, I highly recommend using numerous resources, because HRCI uses different terms that may not be found in any one book/resource. I used this book as a primer, and also used the SHRM Learning System, along with HR Management by Mathis, and began studying 6 months prior to the test date. This is a valuable book, and the test questions were helpful, but don't think that this book is the one and only resource that will help you pass the exam, because it won't suffice on its own. Another helpful hint: the practice questions in this book (and the practice questions in the SHRM Learning System) are MUCH easier than most of the questions on the exam, so be prepared!

A Very Useful Resource!!!!
I was fortunate to be one of the pilot readers of this book. I found it very interesting and informative. I think that the PHR/SPHR: Professional in Human Resources Certification Study Guide is the book for which many of those preparing for the PHR/SPHR Certification Exam have been waiting! This study guide is a welcome addition to the materials already available. It is a clear and concise review of the Body of Knowledge. At first reading, it is quite apparent that Ms. Bogardus not only understands the material, but also presents it in such a manner that it is easy to comprehend the application of the terms, theories and procedures. The study guide includes cross-referencing, indicating where additional information and clarification may be found, and the self-assessment questions help the learner review the materials. In addition, excellent examples are presented, and the "Real Life Scenarios" assist even the seasoned professional in confirming his/her grasp of the application of the information. In my opinion, I believe you will find this Study Guide to be very beneficial in your preparation for the PHR/SPHR Certification Exam. ... Read more

Book Description

Heneman and Judge's book is based on a comprehensive staffing model. The model has been revised somewhat in this edition to reflect the growing importance of staffing strategy and to incorporate retention management into the staffing domain.Components of the model includestaffing models and strategy, staffing support systems (legal compliance, planning, job analysis), core staffing systems (recruitment, selection, employment), and staffing system and retention management. Up-to-date research and business practices are the trademarks of this market leading text.In-depth applications (cases and exercises) at the end of chapters provide students with skill-building and practice in key staffing activities and decision-making. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An in-depth exploration of the Staffing function
I personally loved this book. Its content is enriched with a wealth of professional and practical theory about corporate staffing strategies and systems. The Staffing Organizations Model that shapes the structure of this text is considered a profound, intergrated, and coherent framework for the dynamic realm of staffing. The model's flow is logical, commencing from legal compliance and job analysis and concluding with employee retention management. The book helped me develop a sound conceptual map of what Staffing is, what it includes, and how its sub-systems interrelate. I recommend this book to all people who are interested or work in the Staffing field.

A Solid Human Resources Recruitment and Staffing Guide
As a human resources professional and a graduate student at Troy State University, I found this text to be very insightful in all aspects of researching, designing, planning, and implementing various internal and external staffing strategies, policies, procedures, and practices. This text is definitely an invaluable reference book that should be a part of any human resources professional's library.

Helpful guidance for the HR practitioner
This book offers solid insight into the complexities of organizational staffing. While other reviewers have commented that merit pay and job evaluation have little place in today's business world, my company uses these tools very successfully. The authors offer theoretical support for these concepts, but do not offer sufficient "real world" examples to provide guidance for those who have no prior experience in staffing. The academic approach that the book takes in dealing with these issues is to be expected from a textbook, but additional examples, possibly case studies, would be valuable for those who do not have the benefit of a course instructor.

Comprehensive examination of staffing
I use this textbook to teach an undergraduate class in Human Resources. I find that it provides a thorough discussion of the issues that organizations encounter during initial staffing and ongoing efforts.

As expected, it is oriented toward a model that best fits with a very large company. However, I find it is easy to explain the concepts in terms of how to use them with smaller organizations. The section on job analysis offers a nice approach to looking at rewards and motivation.

The sections on internal and external recruitment tend to be a bit longer than necessary and sometimes redundant. The same applies to the internal and external selection chapters. Both do contain a wealth of information.

I found the applications at the end of each chapter very useful in helping students apply what they learn. However, I wish there was more discussion of performance appraisals as selection tools. Otherwise I find the text to be versatile

Recall Time!!!
This book suggests that some "right" and "wrong" solutions to pay design exist. It proposes that how pay is designed will help an organization staff itself. All good so far. But then the book needs to produce some "how to" ways to get from where the organization is to where it is supposed to be. I guess this stuff must be acceptable for students at Ohio State but is doesn't was for an executive in a manufacturing company in Nebraska.

In our company, "merit pay" has been a disaster. It causes individual employees to go their own way and not help each other. "Job evaluation" has also been a disaster. We once had a personnel department that spent all of its time putting points on jobs and argueing about which job is more important than another. I have talked to many executives and they come to the same conclusions. So, I bought a book about pay to see what I should do.

I can't imaging someone really writes in a new book and says that merit pay and job evaluation have any place in a company at all. I am a practical business person. I probably could not get a job as a professor at Ohio State. But do I think anybody who believes what this book says could run a manufacturing company where it is tough to get production out, manage quality, keep people motivated, and satisfy customers????? ... Read more

Book Description

Finally, managers are catching on to something employees already know: What really motivates a person to perform are those thoughtful, unexpected gestures that signify real appreciation. This chock-full guide to rewards of every conceivable type for every conceivable situation, written by management specialist Bob Nelson, offers over a thousand innovative ideas beyond the expected raise and/or promotion. Illustrations throughout. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

Useful guide for rewards of every type
Heard the taped version of 1001 WAYS TO REWARD EMPLOYEES,
written and read by Bob Nelson . . . the author says that what most
motivates people who work is recognition--and not just money! . . . he
then presents a most useful guide to rewards of every conceivable type
for virtually any situation . . . the ideas include the spontaneous gesture
of praise to formal company-wide programs and just about everything
in-between.

These ideas, in particular, made a great deal of sense to me:

Works who must stay late at TIME INC. get cab fare home.

Marion Laboratories annually takes all employees and guests to see
a Kansas City Royals game.

Chevron keeps a Treasure Chest brimming with gifts so supervisors
can reward employees on the spot.

Every Christmas, the Walt Disney Company opens Disneyland for
employees and families only--with executives running the park.

My only disappointment in the book was in the author's narration . . . he
lacked any real enthusiasm for the task, and this is one time that it
would have been much better had anybody else been the reader.

The Best Book for rewrading Employees
Employees are the assets of a company. If you want to earn more profit and success, employees are the tools for helping you. Thus, treating them in the best way is a must for you to success. Thus, this book can give you many ideas.

In the book, it provides many monetary and non-monetary rewards methods, such as recognition and profit incentivs. Besides, it provides many real examples for each method in order to make the theory more easy to understand!

Besides, the book is very interest because it let me to know that even give a flower or a greeting card to your staff can also improve thier relationship and enhance their morale.

After i read this book, i use it in my business. It makes me suprise that it really improve human relationship and my staff are very happy when i encourage them by few words or some low-price souvenirs.

All in all, i think every employer should read this book because it can gives you many ideas to reward your staff.

This is a book for morons
very sad book attempting to manipulate employees with the most pathetic ploys.

Best of the bunch -- easy to read, a must-have
I've had this book for almost 10 years, and as an HR professional, it's a requirement in my library. I also have 1001 Ways to Energize... Must-haves. They both get borrowed frequently so I have to really wallpaper my name all over the books in order to get them back. Which sometimes I don't but they are cheap enough to buy again. So easy to read, they help get the creative juices flowing... for all HR consultants and itnernal advisors as well as managers!

Good book, but information is dated
This book is badly in need of revision. Many of the ideas mentioned in the book either are no longer in use due to their dollar cost, or belong to companies which blew up (or were bought out) in the dot-com bust and early 21st-century economic collapse. As an example, Tandem Computers - and all of the six things attributed to it - no longer exist. Not only has HP (which bought out Compaq, which had acquired Tandem) stamped out those behaviours (every last one of them!), but it has eliminated or drastically scaled back all of the rewards attributed to it in this book.

Fun is out if it costs any money, and that's probably pretty common everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excessive examples, choppy writing, poor proofreading
The book provides useful diagnostic tools and challenging activities and case studies. However, the writing style of the author is poor and very choppy, making it difficult to follow the material. The author uses an excessive amount of real-world examples, but does little justice to covering and explaining the theory and concepts of the subject material.

I purchased a used 7th edition of this text book through Amazon.com. The pervious owner of my book (a student, I assume) noted several errors in the book. For example, in Chapter 3, "The Diverse Workforce:...", page 81, heading "INDIVIDUAL VALUES AND ATTITUDES", subheading "Values", paragraph 2, sentence 1, the published text states:

"Core values are more susceptible to change, and peripheral values are less susceptible (to change)."

However, the sentence in my text book was manually corrected by the previous owner (at the direction of an instructor at another educational institution, I assume) to read:

"Core values are less susceptible to change, and peripheral values are more susceptible (to change)."

When I first read the sentence, I could not agree with what the author had stated. So I did a search on Google.com and verified from other sources that the author had incorrectly stated this premise.

In Chapter 9, Activity 9-5 Behavior Description Questionnaire, page 319, the book provides a table for scoring a 30 statement behavior questionnaire. The activity requires one to select between an A or B statement which is characteristic of their own behavior. However, item number 6 in the scoring table shows two A answers, and item number 7 in the scoring table shows two B answers, making it impossible to obtain an accurate assessment of one's behavior pattern, unless one is able to clearly understand the subject material and correct the scoring table.

These are just a few of the errors noted in the 7th edition of this publication. It appears the author has not adequately proofread the final product.

Reads like a textbook
This book is required reading for a Masters level course, which is the only way it will ever get read. In a subject area bulging at the seams with real-life, practical hindsight, this book truely shows the difference between academia and those working stiffs who are just trying to make a living.
I will say one thing however - the teacher made the class enjoyable. I was sitting there in class one evening, enjoying the reparte between student and teacher, when I realized:
"Hey! I'm actually learning something here."

Old style type and graphics, writing doesn't flow.
It's not a book that makes you want to read it, I find myself just skimming through it. The author can barely go a page without mentioning "the dot-com global workplace", I find that very annoying. There are some interesting case studies but she doesn't give any suggested outcomes so the reader is left wondering what is the best course of action.

Wonderful
I uses this book on Master degree and is really what I'm waiting. One of the most indicated book for people that is taking Oranizational Behavior. ... Read more

Book Description

Used by more than a million people throughout the world, this highly readable book provides a comprehensive examination of the applied behavioral sciences, and focuses on fundamental ideas which have stood the test of years of application in academic, business, not-for-profit and administrative environments.Complete coverage of motivation and behavior, situational leadership, building effective relationships, planning and implementing change, leadership strategies, the organizational cone and integrating situational leadership with the Classics.For individuals interested in expanding their knowledge of, and proficiency in leadership strategies. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Management of Organizational Behavior: Leading Human Resourc
Used by over 1 million students worldwide, this book provides a comprehensive examination of the applied behavioural sciences, and focuses on fundamental ideas which have stood the test of years of application in different environments.

Goes where few texts dare to go: the real-world
I recommend this to managers as much as students.

Sure, the price seems like a lot of cash to shell out at first. But trust me, it is worth it. I had to read it for a Management class, and it started of like a typical OB text, illustrating the history of management studies (Taylor to Maslow to Mayo to Likert to ...). Good stuff, but pretty dull. Then, Hersey et al went where most scholars, even the supposedly worldly MBA types, fear to tread: real-world application!

The text covers all of the material covered Blanchard's "One Minute Manager," "Putting the One Minute Manager to Work," and a shelf load of other books. It also does a great job introducing Blanchard and Hersey's Situational Leadership, where the manager matches leadership behavior to a report's ability level and motivation. This replaces "Leadership and the One Minute Manager," and delves much deeper into the topic.

Hersey et al also cover:
- Behavioral shaping, and positive and negative reinforcement quite nicely
- Communications skills necessary to lead reports
- Power building, and using effective power bases ...
- The list literally goes on and on.

I use the concepts I was first exposed to here day in and day out. They work. My OB professor told us that, if he would be limited to just one book on management, he would choose this one. And, five years later, I agree. I am very glad that I did not sell this book back to the campus bookstore. I consult the book at least once a week while pondering both thorny and maundane problems with my employees.

You see, Dr. Davis? Some of us do listen.

All about Leadership!!! Must read!
This book is one of my favorites! It leads you first through a complete review of management and leadership theories, then introduces the authors' famous SITUATIONAL LEADERSHIP model and theory. This book goes into great depth about the sit-lead model and theory, and is a great read. Want to be a better leader??? Read the book by the experts! ...

Organized!
I was first introduced to Situational Leadership in the military quite a few years ago. This book did a great job of dusting off the cobwebs in the memory and proving that Situational Leadership is still a viable means of leading your people.

The book provides an overview of various management and human behavior theories, such as Maslow, Herzberg, Schein, Argyris, and McGregor. Then, fits them into a nice model deemed Situational Leadership. I must say that I've read the majority of the theories already and they do fit. Plus, if followed, the model is very effective in helping a leader in real world situations.

If you buy this book, you receive a host of valuable information. I think, besides involving you with the Situational Leadership model, the best attributes are the extensive lists of additional reading that are provided to you at the end of each chapter, and at the end of the book. If you're on a journey to better yourself as a manager and leader, the exhaustive list is well worth the price of the book. It saves you from buying the duds and "fadish" management/leadership books on-line without the ability to have them in your hands prior to purchase. Plus, the book gives you a good preview to the information contained in a book before you buy it.

All in all, if you're going to invest some time and money in a management/leadership book, definitely buy this book. You need to know this information and have it at your fingertips if you're going to survive in the organizational human behavior world as a leader.

How it is all linked
(!! This comment is based on the 7th edition !!)
If you know your way around organisational theory, and if you were surprised by the straightforwardness of 'The One Minute Manager', than this may be your next best buy.
The authors not only bring together several theories, but they also explore how they are linked, and what they mean in practice (after all, they are behaviorists).

If you are looking for a more theoretical underpinning of 'why the story of The One Minute Manager is so true!', you may find the answers in this book. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Because finding the ideal person for every workplace position has become an increasingly difficult task, the retention of top employees has become every manager's concern. Love 'Em or Lose 'Em, by organizational-development specialists Beverly L. Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans, proposes that this "race for talent" can be effectively run only by those who adopt programs and policies that truly support their personnel. It then shows how to do so, even in organizations reluctant to participate actively.

Kaye and Jordan-Evans encourage an initial scan of their 26 alphabetically arranged chapters--such as "Information: Share It," "Mentor: Be One," and "Space: Give It"--so attention can be fully focused on the most relevant benefits and responsibilities associated with employee retention. All are bolstered with hands-on exercises and stories of others' failures and successes. The section on family-friendly conduct, for example, suggests uncovering specifics by directly asking employees what would make their lives easier. Resultant needs can be met, it continues, by allowing staffers to bring children to the office on occasion, assisting anyone who must line up care for an aging parent, giving weekday comp time to those who travel on weekends, etc. It also explains how Deloitte & Touche and DuPont addressed these issues. Any manager who dreads losing a top performer would do well to consider this book. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (42)

Guaranteed Resource!
Beverly and Sharon have written the book that's sure to stay on your desktop for the next few years. This practical, clever, and oh so useful book is chockfull of ideas to help you win the talent war. LOVE 'EM OR LOSE 'EM provides you with the toolkit you need to retain your talented workforce. You will return to it again and again looking for just the right tool-and you will find it. Guaranteed! I have shared this book with a dozen clients and expect to share it with dozens more. Thank you for investing so much of yourselves in a book that is sure to be a hit with managers everywhere.

Beverly Kaye Does It Again
Beverly Kaye Does It Again! Her classic book is back, updated, and still and always the single best book ever written on the subject of employee retention and engagement.

Truly outstanding work!

Wow, is this ever timely!
All I keep hearing about is this new talent war ... people want to leave their jobs, they're not giving their effort, the boomers are leaving, the X'ers aren't staying.In the meantime, businesses are starting to pick up and it's obvious we're not going to have the right people available to do what's needed.So out comes this book ... makes sense?What's even better is it's simple.There's tons of to-do's and tips to keep people.If we don't start doing these common sense things, we don't stand a chance.Thanks Bev and Sharon for a great update, just in the nick of time!

Love 'Em indeed!
All I can say is I wish I'd found this book early on in my career as a manager!Every manager today should have this book on their desk and make it as interactive in their every day lives as a day planner!Your employees will LOVE YOU!

A good read
Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans organize this book in an easy to read fashion. Kaye and Evans encourage bosses to communicate effectively with their workers. They stress the importance of having meetings and getting feedback from key employees.This is an excellent book, and it never hurts to mentor good employees.I highly recommend this book, along with "He Never Called Again", and "Good Grief." ... Read more

Book Description

This highly-readable, #1 best-selling HRM book on the market, provides a comprehensive review of personnel management concepts and practices. It focuses on the high-performance organization—building better, faster, more competitive organizations through HR; while continuing to offer practical applications that help all managers deal with their personnel-related responsibilities.A six-part presentation covers the strategic role of human resources, recruitment and placement, training and development, compensation, labor relations and employee security, and international HRM.For human resource personnel—especially managers. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Dessler Knows the Field
Dessler's approach in Human Resource Management is thorough, comprehensive, contemporary, and very readable. The figures, tables, and other visuals are excellent for models and practical use. The cases and application exercises are relevant to the real world and greatly assist in the overall understanding of the main concepts of each chapter. Chapters on employee testing and selection, appraising performance, job analysis, and personnnel planning and recruiting, are particularly well presented. The complexities of establishing pay plans and financial incentives are explained in simple terms for the reader and include revelant examples. The text also comes with supplementary materials which greatly enhance it's use and application. This book can be used for lower as well as upper division courses at the University or College level.

Substantive yet Simple
I found the book indeed a must for "managers". It is essentials-full and highly concise, a product of many years of thought. If not for some minor spelling errors, the book would have been near to perfection.

Disappointment int he Details
I was delighted to learn that Dessler had a new HR management book available August 1999 for an MBA class I was teaching beginning in September 1999. Before selecting the book I reviewed an earlier edition and was pleased with the organization, topics, and simple style. I selected the newest edition without seeing it. Imagine my shock and embarrassment when I started reading it after assigning chapters to my students. I found a few typos in the beginning and laughingly told my students I would give them bonus points for any they found. I thought it would encourage them to read carefully. I had to discontinue the practice after about probably the first dozen were in the first couple chapters. One class we concentrated on writing a resume. The example of a "good" resume that Dessler provided was terrible. Not only was it confusing, it was from the 1980s. I am sorry that my students had to pay $. I am teaching the class again in February so will need to find another book. Mr. Dessler, I hope you encourage those in HR to be more careful in the details of their work than you were in your book.

thorough and detailed
i am a business final year undergraduate taking applied personnel policy, i find this book quite useful, even though it is not the prescribed text but i think it's worth the money.

Out of Date, limited on specific information,
I was extremly disappointed with this book, i am currently completing a diploma in HRM, and this was a set text so i spent the money; however i used it twice only, and have been trying to sell it for 5 months at the 1/4 of retail and i am still stuck with it. I recommend Stones or Robbins. ... Read more

Book Description

Introduction read by the author
4 cassettes: 0-553-52595-6
6 Hours

Peter Senge's national bestseller, The Fifth Discipline, revolutionized the practice of management by introducing the theory of learning organizations.Now Dr. Senge moves from the philosophical to the practical by answering the first question all lovers of the learning organization ask: What do they do on Monday morning?

The Fieldbook is an intensely pragmatic guide.It shows how to create an organization of learners where memories are brought to life, where collaboration is the lifeblood of every endeavor, and where the tough questions are fearlessly asked. The stories here show that companies, businesses, schools, agencies, and even communities can undo their "learning disabilities" and achieve superior performance.If ever a work gave meaning to the phrase hands-on, this is it.Senge and his four co-authors cover it all including:

        Reinventing relationships
        Being loyal to the truth
        Building a shared vision
        Organizations as communities
        Designing an organization's governing ideas

The Fieldbook is designedto have you creating a learning organization right from the very beginning!Listen to it anywhere: in meetings, planning sessions, during reflections, or anytime a conflict or challenge arises. Listen to The Fifth Discipline Fieldbook, take notes, and watch your own guide to mastering the disciplines of organizational learning evolve. ... Read more

Reviews (16)

A second dose of Inspiration...
Senge's second serving of the Learning Organization is filled with practical tips and real-life examples from companies and organizations that have embraced the teachings of the Learning Organization successfully.

The Book is a collaboration of several writers who do a superb job of unraveling the web that is the learning organization. At times, it may seem to the reader that the book is a labyrinth of disjointed concepts and ideas. However, if you have read 'The Fifth Discipline' you will find no problems following the concepts introduced. In fact, you will even understand why the writers have chosen to introduce them in that fashion. If you have not read "The Fifth Discipline', do not despair, it will take a little longer to get 'the whole picture'.
The Book is divided into 8 main sections:

1) Getting Started addresses the basic concepts and ideas of the Learning Organization.
2) Systems Thinking (the fifth discipline) - Many people have argued that Senge should have delegated the fifth discipline until the end, however, without Systems Thinking, your vision is disjointed and incomplete.
3) Personal Mastery covers the area of individual development and learning. The chapters here are among the most valuable in the area of self-growth and self-improvement.
4) Mental Models - These are the pictures that you have in your head which represent reality.
5) Shared Vision - You've seen the whole picture, you've developed and you understand how you see the world. Now you need to find a common cause with the rest of the people in your organization, something that you all work for.
6) Team Learning - As you work with other people in teams or groups, you need to pass the stuff that you have learnt and the wisdom you've acquired to others. At this stage, the learning is no longer that of the individual, but the group.
7) Arenas of Practice - (Self explanatory)
8) Frontiers - Where do we go from here.

If you are interested in development, learning, growth, leadership, gaining a competitive edge whether at an organizational or personal level, then this book is for you. In fact, I'd venture to say that this is book is for everyone.

The Fifth Discipline
This book is a collection of theoretical summaries, reports, analyses, and strategies all quite useful to anyone interested in generating some thinking and action around change. The team of five writers (Peter Senge, Richard Ross, Bryan Smith, Charlotte Roberts, and Art Kleiner) provide some original work, but also serve as editors to a vast quantity of material drawn from practitioners, theorists, and writers in the field of organizational improvement. According to Senge, "great teams are learning organizations - groups of people who, over time, enhance their capacity to create what they truly desire to create." (p.18) This book is really about creating and building great teams. The learning organization develops its ability to reflect on, discuss, question, and change its current and past practices. To do this, people and groups in the organization need to meaningfully pursue the study and practice of the five disciplines - personal mastery, mental models, shared vision, team learning, and systems thinking.

The learning organization - Senge's vision for the productive, competitive, and efficient institutions of the future - is in a continuous state of change. Four fundamental questions continuously serve to check and guide a group's learning and improvement (see page 49): (1) Do you continuously test your experiences? ("Are you willing to examine and challenge your sacred cows - not just during crises, but in good times?") (2) Are you producing knowledge? ("Knowledge, in this case, means the capacity for effective action.") (3) Is knowledge shared? ("Is it accessible to all of the organization's members?") (4) Is the learning relevant? ("Is this learning aimed at the organization's core purpose?") If these questions represent the organization's compass, the five disciplines are its map.

Each of the five disciplines is explained, and elaborated in its own lengthy section of the book. In the section on "Systems Thinking" (a set of practices and perspectives, which views all aspects of life as inter-related and playing a role in some larger system), the authors build on the idea of feedback loops (reinforcing and balancing) and introduce five systems archetypes. They are: "fixes that backfire", "limits to growth", "shifting the burden", "tragedy of the commons", and "accidental adversaries". In the section on "Personal Mastery", the authors argue that learning starts with each person. For organizations to learn and improve, people within the organization (perhaps starting with its core leadership) must learn to reflect on and become aware of their own core beliefs and visions. In "Mental Models", the authors argue that learning organizations need to explore the assumptions and attitudes, which guide their institutional directions, practices, and strategies. Articles on scenario planning, the ladder of inference, the left-hand column, and balancing inquiry and advocacy offer practical strategies to investigate our personal mental models as well as those of others in the organization. In "Shared Vision", the authors make the case for the stakeholders of an organization to continually adapt their vision ("an image of a desired future"), values ("how we get to travel to where we want to go"), purpose ("what the organization is here to do"), and goals ("milestones we expect to reach before too long"). The section offers many strategies and perspectives on how to move an organization toward continuous reflection. In "Team Learning", the authors rely mostly on the work of William Isaacs and others, and make a case for educating organization members in the processes and skills of dialogue and skillful discussion.

This book is enlightening and informative. It has already found a place on my shelf for essential reference books.

A follow up to the legend
The Fieldbook attempts at making the esoteric concepts of the fifth discipline more down to earth and contains a treasure trove of strategies, tools, methods and explanations on how to make the learning organization into a reality.

Thus people who have read The fifth discipline will gain the most from this book. It's a must read for people who want to make their organizations transition into a 'learning organization'

Less than I expected!
Purchased this item used as it was recommended by a work colleague. The book arrived in an paper envelope with damage to the spine and a wrinkle on the paperback cover. Damage could have been avoided if seller had placed this heavy book into a padded envelope. Price was only slightly less than new purchase price. Beware when purchasing used items from 'vendors' stating "excellent condition"!

Absolute must for instructional designers
I do love this book. I constantly refer to it. I honestly can't imagine the world without Peter Senge's work. This book is very accessible. The format of the content is an excellent example of good instructional design. It is incredibly user-friendly. If you are involved in education, business, corporate training or anything remotely related and wonder how you can make a difference, read and use this book. ... Read more

Book Description

Using metrics and making the business case for HR is no longer an option; it's becoming an absolute requirement for creating and maintaining a competitive advantage. Use HR Metrics to save your budget, and maybe your own career as you identify opportunities by measuring the success of your HR processes.

HR Metrics brings today’s HR executive quickly up to speed on the "New HR" - more measurable, more strategic, and more responsive than ever before to corporate profitability. Dr. Sullivan provides step-by-step guidance on how to establish credibility, forecast business needs, improve your organization’s competitiveness, and more!

You’ll learn to:

Identify the resources that can be shifted toward a business opportunity
Allocate resources into areas of high opportunity and away from low-return areas
Remove barriers to rapid movement of resources
Identify the changes the market may require
Recruit management support – and more!
Included is a 75 minute CD recording of HR Metrics Audio Conference, Level I. ... Read more

Book Description

Human Resource Management: Gaining A Competitive Advantage by Noe/Hollenbeck/Gerhart/Wright is back with a new and improved 4th edition. In this new economy, effective human resource management is all the more necessary to gain true competitive advantage in the marketplace, as competitors strive to win the war for talent. Four challenges companies face are the global challenge, the challenge of meeting stakeholder needs, the high performance work practices challenge, and the challenge of competing in the new economy. The authors bring these challenges to life by highlighting real-world examples pertaining to these 4 issues and relating it to the concepts within the chapter.This best-selling McGraw-Hill Human Resource Management title provides students with the technical background needed to be a knowledgeable consumer of human resource (HR) products and services, to manage HR effectively, or to be a successful HR professional. While clearly strategic in nature, the text also emphasizes how managers can more effectively acquire, develop, compensate, and manage the internal and external environment that relates to the management of human resources. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Complete and well written Human Resource Management Resource
I was required to use this text book in my Human Resource Management class for my MBA requirements. I do not have an HR background so a lot of the information presented in this book is new to me. The authors do a great job of presenting the material in an easy to understand manner. There are a lot of real life examples and case studies that are interesting to read and help to put the concepts in to perspective.

This book will be a great reference in my professional life. It has employment laws, recruitment strategies, training and placement strategies to name a few. This is a must read for any HR professional and it really brings to focus the need for a stronger HR presence in companies to help them stay competitive.

Great book
I used this book to study for the Excelsior College exam in Human Resources Management and I got an A. It was very well written and easy to follow.

A textbook for advanced students
This is a textbook for advanced students of Human Resource Management, but even old hands in this field can gain a new insight on different topics which are very often neglected such as career development or separation and retention. Beside the discussion on different subjects the editors are bringing in comprehensive bibliography as well as discussion questions and a modern approach by using the web for additional exercises. ... Read more

Book Description

This book centers on business decision-making and managerial problem-solving, consistent with today's best practices' Human Resource Management Practice and Research. Real-life cases and a global focus will hold readers' interest as this book imparts valuable information about the dynamic field of human resources.Expanded coverage of international human resource issues governs this edition of the popular book; it also covers the management of work flows, job analysis, equal opportunity and the legal environment, diversity, recruitment and selection of employees, downsizing and outplacement, performance management and appraisal, workforce training, career development, compensation management, rewards and performance, employee benefits, employee relations, employee rights and discipline, organized labor, and workplace safety and health.The reference resource for human resource directors, managers, and small business owners, as well as others in leadership positions. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Well organized and synthetic
This book contains the basic principles that any HR or General Manager (especially in the US) is supposed to know.

I have been using this textbook as a guide for my MBA studies.
I found it very useful in that it clearly explains and organizes almost every important topic about HR management. It gives practical clues on the kind of considerations a manager needs to be aware in day-to-day operation.

I used this book to find basic, straightforward ideas about HR principles and how this function is changing in the era of globalization. This way, I could use it to organize my own ideas, and if needed, using the enclosed bibliography, I could go to more specialized books on a particular topic of interest.

Good. Breaks down things like Employee Manual
This book is clear and up to date. I found it very useful for our company. It's a keeper! ... Read more

Book Description

Managing Human Resources retains its unique orientation to overall practicality and real-world application.Practical tips and suggestions provide effective ways of dealing with problems in communication, leadership, discipline, performance appraisal, and compensation administration. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Useful
This is a useful textbook. It is easy to read, informative, and well organized.

When it comes to learning , this book teaches well!
I am a mid-career professional, returning to the virtual classroom after 20 years of absence. With a study in management and leadership, this book was highly recommended and I must say, it did not disappoint!.

Of the books in my book cases, this is one I will turn to again and again for insight and wisdom, guidance and increased understanding. Well written, well read and well worth the investment!

Excellent!
Highly recommed this book.It's a good reference and very detail-oriented!!

Excellent, real-life examples in HR management.
I use this text to teach a Human Resource Management course and the students really enjoyed the real-life examples and case studies.The book gives web site address that complement the material in each chapter.Istrongly recommend this text as a solid overview of HR.

Excellent study material
This book is excellent for general college level study of the full range of human resources. It is also a great book to review in preparation for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) or Senior Professional in HumanResources (SPHR) certification tests given by the Society for HumanResource Management (SHRM). ... Read more

Book Description

107 interactive games and activities can be found in the pages of this easy-to-use book. Each game is fun, experiential, easy to lead, unique, and requires minimal resources. With 65 team challenges and 42 activities that help any team get to know one another, become comfortable with each other, and open up, there is something for every group.

If you work with youth, corporate groups, therapy groups, church groups, scouts, families, school groups, sports teams, at camp, or with any other group who must work together you will find helpful games and activities in this fun, energetic, and purposeful book! ... Read more

Reviews (11)

The best I've seen.
This book was exactly what I was looking for to build teams with my middle schoolers. Many activities would also be useful with high schoolers or adults. I have a lot of the traditional games and team building activity books, but none were as well arranged or easy to use. Activities that use few or no props or items that are easy to find are what work best for me! This book is full of them!

Team-Building Games
What a great book! I am a high school teacher, and I'm not only trying to teach my students about literature and grammar, but also about teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills. This book has lots of activities that are divided into 4 levels from learning peoples' names to really opening up and sharing personal stuff. The instructions are easy to understand, and most require little preparation and supplies that you usually have around (pens, paper, tape, chairs, etc.) The book is well-organized beyond the 4 activity levels as well; for each game, the author clearly states the objective, the needed materials, instructions, and variations on the activities. For the second two levels, she also includes excellent discussion questions. It seems to me that these activities would really work with ANY group. Well worth the investment.

Pretty Good stuff!
Good book with good activities. Some are more involved than others and require some hefty prep and set up (if that's a problem, check out Miller's Quick Teambuilding Activities book, it's similar, but only has short, quick activities for when you are on a time crunch). I especially liked the writing format here, easy to skim the activities and quickly grasp the essense so you can decide if this is the one you wanna use!

Great for Boy Scout Junior Leadership Training!
I purchased this book to supplement the team building games provided by BSA. I was extremely pleased with the games that are offered in this book. We decided to try "Cup Stack" at one of our first training sessions, and since then it has become a staple game for us. The variety of games available has enabled us to create a completely new variation of Junior Leader Training every time out. I have just ordered Alanna's second book to enhance our program even further.

Excellent
Not a bad book... it is easy to follow, very easily adapted to many different audiences and I cant wait to use it this summer. Activities are well organized and practical.

I am so pleased with this book, I am going to order more by Alanna Jones. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Management Info you Need
If you're a software manager, and you haven't read "Peopleware," stop reading this, and go read that instead. It's that's good. If you're a developer or engineer on a team that's not getting anything done, read it. This book is filled with practical advice on teams, team building, and getting work done.

"Peopleware" doesn't go in for theory. It puts into words what any contemplative manager already knows intuitively. The benefit of this book, however, is that it provides concise, powerful evidence to support each of its statements on team building and managing creative people. "Peopleware" covers it all -- why you have high turnover, why you have low productivity, and how to get your team to "jell."

The design of the book is excellent. There are 34 chapters in 226 pages. The cover struck me a