Book Description

Great managers praise effort and reward results. It’s true, and nobody knows it better than the best-selling authors of Managing with Carrots and The 24-Carrot Manager, Adrian Gostick and Chester Elton. Now from these award-winning authors comes a one-a-day manager’s handbook on motivating employees through praise and recognition. A Carrot A Day can keep you away from recognition pitfalls and help you develop employees who are more focused, more committed, and more engaged in your noble cause. Read just one a day and you will become a better leaders – a manager who is able to tap the power of recognition to build a stronger workplace where employees focus on company goals, spot new opportunities faster, and have longer employment life spans (translation: lower turnover).

Adrian Gostick is co-author of the bestselling The Integrity Advantage. An award-winning business author, Adrian also co-wrote the critically acclaimed business book The 24-Carrot Manager, called a "must read for modern-day managers" by Larry King. He has written for USA Today Magazine, Investor’s Business Daily and other national publications, and has been featured on CNBC, MSNBC and NPR. Adrian is director of corporate communication with the O.C. Tanner Company. Adrian has a master’s degree in strategic communication and leadership from Seton Hall, and is a guest lecturer on ethics at that university.

Chester Elton is co-author of the best-selling books Managing with Carrots and The 24-Carrot Manager. As a motivation expert, Chester has been interviewed by The Wall Street Journal and has been a guest on CNN, Bloomberg Television and on National Public Radio. A sought-after speaker and recognition consultant, Chester is VP of performance recognition with the O.C. Tanner Recognition Company. He has been a featured speaker at the HR Southwest, Incentive Magazine Forums, New York City Premium and Incentive Show, and Chicago Motivation Show. ... Read more

Book Description

48 Days to the Work You Love is not about finding a new job. It is about finding out what you are going to "be." According to Dan Miller, failing to make that fundamental discovery is why so many people find themselves in jobs they hate. But the great news is this book will lead you to the vocation you will love.

Dan Miller will help you see clear patterns form fromwhich you can make successful career and job decisions by understanding your God-given skills and abilities, personality traits, values, dreams, and passions. These patterns create a compass for you. Finding the work you love is finding the fulfillment of your calling. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Understand Yourself First
In reading this I was reminded of the old saying, "To thine own self be true." I first thought that this was a book on how to find a new and better job in 48 days.

Instead it's a book on self discovery. It's how to find, look at, and understand your own skills, abilities, personality traits, values, dreams, and passions.

Once you understand where you are and where you're coming from, you have the basis for making some decisions about where you want to go. Then you can use this knowledge to find a better job, to start a business or whatever.

Dan Miller then covers the fundamentals of finding the new job, or the new business. It's an interesting combination of a self-help and business advice.

This is an essential for anyone in the workplace!
How wonderful to find a book that gives hope and direction to all of us in the workplace.As Dan Miller says in his book, "The fruits of a fulfilling life - happiness, confidence, enthusiasm, purpose and money - are mainly by products of doing something you enjoy, with excellence, rather than things we seek directly."He also made me understand that I should decide what kind of life I want, then plan my work around it.What wonderful wisdom!If you are feeling like you aren't getting all you want out of your career and life, READ THIS BOOK!

Excellent Book !!!
A great book, that blends both common sense and reality together concering finding meaningful work. If you think your work situation is awful, I would suggest this book.I hate to use this common uesed phrase, but it allowed me "think outside the box." ... Read more

Reviews (10)

very hands-on, practical --- real-life effective ideas
This book was enlightening. I never knew there were so many easy and low cost ways to energize employees --- and Bob shows you all of them plus more. A must-have for today's best managers. A great follow-up to Bob Nelson's best-selling "1001 Ways to Reward Employees."

A must-have for managers and HR folks
I'm an HR person myself, and have found this (and the 1001 ways to reward) to be an essential part of my library. Many people want to look through it, borrow it... some have kept it, so this is probably my fifth version of the book that I've bought! Try to put your name all over the book so they don't forget it's yours.

A fast how-to book on energizing teams... lacks depth
If you are looking to truly turn around your company or department, this is not the book for you. When does this book come in handy? If you are seeking for quick ideas to energize your team, and are short on inspiration: that is where it's a very comprehensive source. But be realistic: true energizing and change is a process that can't be bought with treats or gifts, but rather built through trust and open communication, among other things. If you want to really energize your team, then be ready for a longterm commitment from your part, that will go beyond just getting them perks or giving them awards.

There's a sucker born every minute
Companies are spending so much money trying to inspire employees that they have spawned an industry: the motivation industry. Bob Nelson is cashing in on it for sure. What executive wouldn't buy in to the notion of some pundit who champions "no cost" motivation? I wonder what they pay to hear him say it on his motivational tours??

What inspires people remains vague and elusive. For every reader who is moved by his book, there are likely ten who see it as childish drivel.

Nelson is just repackaging old anecdotes and fictional stories, then reselling them. There is not one shred of proof that any of his methods have any lasting value. Don't waste your time or money on this garbage.

Needed now more than ever!
Creative yet practical ways to motivate and retain staff are needed now more than ever before. Between the sour economy that makes raises and bonuses tougher, the specter of layoffs that's making everyone nervous, the ability of top staff to bail on you at a moment's notice, and the trend toward making managers accountable for employee retention, managers can never let down their guard in this area. Many of the ideas here are common sense, but can never be restated enough. Others are low-cost and can be implemented with the leanest of budgets. My one quibble with the book: the suggestion to have executives spend a day with the staff is, IMHO, insulting to the rank and file and may even be counterproductive, as it comes off as more of a feel-good stunt benefitting the executives than a real motivator. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Rosabeth Moss Kanter will convince you that the goal of winning is not losing two times in a row. In her view, success and failure are not events, they are self-fulfilling tendencies. "Confidence is the sweet spot between arrogance and despair--consisting of positive expectations for favorable outcomes." says Kanter, a Harvard Business School Professor and author of The Change Masters.

She applies the literature of cognitive psychology (dissonance, explanatory models, learned optimism) to explore the winning and losing streaks of a diverse lineup including the BBC, Gillette, Verizon, Continental Airlines, the Chicago Cubs, and Target. The result is a brilliant anatomy lesson of the big decisions and the small gestures that build and restore confidence.

Three cornerstones are clearly detailed: "Accountability," the actions that involve facing facts without humiliation; "Collaboration," the rituals of respect that create teamwork, and "Initiative/Innovation," the "kaleidoscope thinking" that unlocks energy and creativity. A standout chapter describes how Nelson Mandela created a culture of confidence in South Africa. Some readers may wish for more strategies about positive habits of mind in individuals. Others will search for a quick fix. Instead, Moss Kanter’s in-depth examples and ideas about resilient organizations will become requiredreading. They add up to a persuasive and informed optimism. --Barbara Mackoff ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Rules of Work by Richard Templar
This is an exemplary work on the details of getting ahead in
today's business environment. It incorporates some of
Andrew Carnegie's advice, as well as others in the human relations
art. Here are some of the more noteworthy pieces of advice :
- get your work noticed by management
- develop a niche or specific area of your expertise
- overdeliver what you promised
- make definitive commitments
- be cognizant of your attitude
- dress appropriately
- smile and extend your hand for a handshake
- exude energy and enthusiasm
- be cool
- speak well of others generally
- set realistic objectives
- keep copious records and notes
- understand the corporate culture and hierarchy
- speak in the "we" rather than the "I" mode
- don't get too personal
- study the opposition as well as proponents

All of the above advice will constitute important precepts for
the workplace. Naturally, the details of implementation will
differ for each employer or work setting. Nonetheless, the
general principles set forth by Templar are worthy of emulation.
The work is important, if you intend to advance in a workplace
of any size and complexity.

An excellent resource for the striving few!
This Templar should be knighted for his efforts. Career strategy guides certainly aren't a new concept, but Templar's concise, yet well-explored presentation educates and inspires the prepared reader to greatness.

With the proper PR campaign, 'Rules' can easily become a vital resource much like "The 48 Laws of Power". Read the sample. If you like that and are persuaded to buy the work, don't hesitate. It is worth it! ... Read more

Amazon.com

In this third installment in the popular Fish! series, the authors examine change as a necessary, ongoing process that should never stop--at least not if one wants to keep the workplace vital and fully alive. Using a fictitious sushi restaurant as an example, this fable examines the three principles that Lundin, Christensen, and Paul believe are necessary for continuing success: Find It ("it" being each employee's personal vision of the business), Live It, and Coach It. Readers of the authors' previous books--Fish! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results and Fish! Tales--should find its familiarity comforting. For those new to the series, this standalone volume is easy to read and highly valuable. --David Bombeck ... Read more

Reviews (11)

A Good Read!
You're back in the fishing boat with the crew that brought you the successful Fish! and Fish! Tales. Offering another finny fable, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen and Harry Paul present a business parable based on creating and sustaining successful change. The book uses the same fictitious approach as the other two Fish!ing trips, but this time the story is set at a hospital's nursing station. The agent-of-change head nurse has departed and the new head nurse feels that the group is losing its vision. Then, she discovers that a local sushi restaurant is a model of excellence, and all goes swimmingly after that. Although the advice offered isn't particularly unique, some may find a certain charm in the story. Given that this is round three, the format may seem a little repetitive to those who have already Fish!ed. If you want to catch the core of the message on your first cast, look for the highlights on the occasional pages in whale-size type. We recommend the basic common sense of these messages, even if the storytelling is a little fishy.

A Good Read!
You're back in the fishing boat with the crew that brought you the successful Fish! and Fish! Tales. Offering another finny fable, Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen and Harry Paul present a business parable based on creating and sustaining successful change. The book uses the same fictitious approach as the other two Fish!ing trips, but this time the story is set at a hospital's nursing station. The agent-of-change head nurse has departed and the new head nurse feels that the group is losing its vision. Then, she discovers that a local sushi restaurant is a model of excellence, and all goes swimmingly after that. Although the advice offered isn't particularly unique, some may find a certain charm in the story. Given that this is round three, the format may seem a little repetitive to those who have already Fish!ed. If you want to catch the core of the message on your first cast, look for the highlights on the occasional pages in whale-size type. We recommend the basic common sense of these messages, even if the storytelling is a little fishy.

Make your changes stick
I liked this book because it took the parable book concept to a more productive level by teaching readers how to make changes and ideas stick after the story ends. Fish Sticks is like a motivational speaker who gives you solid, practical tips that you remember even after the conference. Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey is another great book for companies to share with employees because it offers entertaining stories and goal oriented advice about improving your workplace and your life.

Don't Starve, Learn To Fish!
An excellent book for our changing work enviroment. Let's face it, the workplace isn't the same as it use to be. you better get on board or be left behind. This book will show you how.

Making change stick
How do you get a group of people to adopt new strategies of coping with change? This story provides food for thought. I recommend you read it along with Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self. When we use Optimal Thinking, we take the most constructive actions and achieve what is supremely important. ... Read more

Book Description

"Team spirit, loyalty, enthusiasm, determination. . . . Acquire and keep these traits and success should follow."

--Coach John Wooden

John Wooden is without question one of the most respected and honored sports coaches in our nation's history. But it wasn't winning games that drove him; it was ensuring that, regardless of the final score, his players always put forth their utmost effort and performed to the best of their abilities.

One of the lesser-known aspects of Wooden is the notebooks in which, beginning in 1948, he regularly recorded his thoughts, inspirations, and life lessons. In Wooden on Leadership, the legendary coach and his longtime collaborator Steve Jamison combine the best of those notebooks with Wooden's far-more-celebrated Pyramid of Success to create a leadership skills guide designed to help anyone develop character, conviction, and remarkable achievement.

Whether discussing teamwork ("It takes 10 hands to score a basket"), organization ("Don't mistake activity for achievement"), or even discipline ("Use the carrot as a stick"), it constructs a masterful template for confronting limitations and achieving personal success in virtually any setting or situation.

Reviews (2)

The Best on Being The Best
John Wooden is undoubtedly one of the best leaders one can learn from. In this book he makes the statement that what he misses most about basketball is teaching. Well after reading this book, you see without a doubt that his teaching days are definitely not over. Only the students have changed. Instead of teaching young men as in the past, his audience knows no age limit, gender, or job title. This gentleman is much more than just a coach, but is a living example of the type of leader the world needs now more than ever. His pyramid should be required knowledge for anyone who aspires to be a leader. Well written, as are all his works with Steve Jamison, it is a book to be referred to often, read and re-read. Thanks Coach.

Great book
Author and former coach John Wooden in this book continues to share his great vision and framework for leadership and inspiration. The author proposes and provides the reader with a fantastic guide behind the skills and fundamentals of leadership. From personal experiences, he establishes an easy to read book that I highly recommend. ... Read more

Book Description

Pearls from The LITTLE BOOK OF BUSINESS WISDOM

"The man who starts out simply with the idea of getting rich won't succeed; you must have a larger ambition."-JOHN D. ROCKEFELLER

"Think about the customer, not the competition: Competitors represent your industry's past, as, over the years, collective habits become ingrained. Customers are your future, representing new opportunities, ideas, and avenues for growth."-MICHAEL S. DELL

"You've got to be out in front of crowds, repeating yourself over and over again, never changing your message no matter how much it bores you." -JACK WELCH

"Always break orders to save owners. There never was a great character who did not sometimes smash the routine regulations and make new ones for himself." -ANDREW CARNEGIE

"Don't speak up at a meeting until you have something meaningful to contribute. Talking to attract attention may call attention to your blank spots." -JO FOXWORTH

"Make 'em feel guilty when they do nothing. One thing I can't stand is people who don't act on a situation. I'd rather that people make mistakes than sit around and not do something."-DAVE THOMAS ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A good read and very thought provoking
I gave this book 4 stars because, while it was refreshing to read and I definitely learned quite a bit, it wasn't a paradigm-shifting book, which is what I am increasingly moving towards for my 5 star books.

I personally love the art of business. Yeah, you read that right........business is an art...

The Little Book of Business Wisdom has tons of useful information (over 50 different short stories/essays) that you could apply to your business or to understand what differentiates average companies from great companies. I underlined more than average when reading this book. I read this book hoping to learn some insightful comments and business practices to apply to my business once I get it up and running. I am trying to plan for the future and all of these business leaders have experienced phenomenal success and growth or trained those business leaders. This book is definitely worth picking up and is a KEEPER! If you are interested in a comparable book worth picking up you may want to look at Every Mistake in the Book by F.J. Lennon as I found this book to be a very straight book from a guy that ran his own company.

Another "Classic" Resource from Krass
I really admire the talents of Peter Krass who has brilliantly edited a number of "Wisdom" books, this being the most recent. Once again, he has assembled a collection of more than 50 essays written by what are correctly referred to as "business legends." Here is how the material is organized:

Part I: Management Principles (eg Lee Iacocca and John Erik Jonsson)

Part II: Leadership Secrets (eg John F. Welch, Jr. and Robert Townsend)

Part III: Qualities for Personal Management (eg David Ogilvy and Andrew S. Grove)

Part IV: Wall Street Wizards (eg Sir John M. Templeton and Peter Lynch)

Part V: Gunslingers and the Entrepreneurial Drive (eg P.T. Barnum and Lillian Vernon)

Part VI: The Gurus (eg Warren Bennis and Peter F. Drucker)

Part VII: Builders of Culture (eg Howard M. Schultz and Mary Kay Ash)

Part VIII: Maxims for Life (eg Carley Fiorina and Benjamin Franklin)

You get the idea. I should add that some of the specific titles are probably not readily available anywhere else. For example, J.C. Penney's "Six Principles for Winning", Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield's "Our Aspirations", and Al Neuharth's "An S.O.B.'s Ten Secrets to Success." This would make a terrific holiday gift for your business associates, customers, etc. but also (especially) for recent or imminent graduates who are committed to a career in business.

Please do not ignore Krass's Introduction. As always, he offers excellent insights of his own as well as remarks which help to create an appropriate context for the essays which follow. ... Read more

Book Description

For people who are overwhelmed by tasks of all sizes, this book provides the 21 most effective methods for conquering procrastination and accomplishing more. By identifying, then tackling, their biggest, most unpleasant task first — the philosophy of "eating a frog" — readers learn to plan and organize each day, set priorities, get started right away, and complete jobs faster. Written in a fast-moving format and breezy style, this book is immediately accessible and applicable for readers in any occupation. ... Read more

Reviews (41)

The Greatest Student of Success is Brian Tracy!
I've been listening to Brian Tracy audio cassette programs since the mid-1980's and have always been impressed with his committment to research and the high-quality of advice. He has always been a prolific producer of self-improvement materials without the hype of a Tony Robbins. In "Eat the Frog" Brian chunks down and simplifies the time management process into 21 easy and clear steps with action steps at the end. This book may be the best book for many people who want to accomplish goals and manage their life. I think every company should buy copies of this book and give them to their representatives especially if they need something to read for air travel. You can get the gist of it in a day, but use it for a lifetime. I know that Brian could have written a 300 page book if he wanted to, but this one is handy, simple, and profound. For me personally, I'd like to see a second edition of the book with some diagrams, cartoons, and pictures. That would make this book a little more interesting and fun.

I loved this book! It's changing my entire way of life!
Thanks, Mr. Tracy, for this inspriational book. It's a quick read full of no-nonsense tips. Although its advice isn't really new to me (prioritize; set goals; make A-B-C-D-E lists; etc.), somehow Tracy's presentation and style got through to inspiring me. I am getting so much more done--things that are important to my meeting my goals. Finally! I've told a lot of people about this book, and have passed it on to friends and colleagues. We all talk about our "ugly frogs" now, and I actually look forward every day to "eating" the ugliest, biggest frog, instead of piddling my time away on unimportant tasks. This book was just what I needed, and a good investment. I highly recommend it, and can't imagine needing to read another book on procrastination. I wish I had read it years ago. A great idea: why not give this as a gift to your favorite high-school or college student? "Eat That Frog" cured me! It's not too late for you, either!

Packed with a lot of Tracy-isms
Please don't judge this book by it's size. Keep in mind that some of the all time best books were small; As A Man Thinketh, The Richest Man in Bablyon, Acres of Diamonds and more. If you are looking or were expecting one of Brian Tracy's huge 300 page books, you'll be dissappointed. But if you are looking for some nuggets of powerful information, you'll be very satisfied.

Brian is excellent.

21 rules to overcome procrastination
I really can understand the 1 star reviews. Brian Tracy is such a talented author and trainer that it seems like a waste to read a book by him, especially after you have those 300+ page books that he puts out. You have to understand what Brian is trying to do here. This was intended to be a fast read, to give you 21 powerful techniques to overcome procrastination and achieve success. In that light, Brian has succeeded admirably with this work. Highly recommended.

Not deep, but useful, focused and on target, You need it!
This book isn't a new take on time management or efficiency. Instead, Brian Tracy, a man who's own success speaks pretty loudly, takes some of the best wisdom out there on the topic and puts it in a compelling form. This is important beacuse time management is about more than having the right information - it's about putting that information into action. Tracy puts the same message of prioitization and focus in front of you in a form that challenges you to take action. Highly reccomended, but you have to be willing to use this book, not just read it! ... Read more

Book Description

More than just a how-to book for the 21st Century, Re-imagine! is a call to arms -- a passionate wake-up call for the business world, educators, and society as a whole. Focusing on how the business climate has changed, this inspirational book outlines how the new world of business works, explores radical ways of overcoming outdated, traditional company values, and embraces an aggressive strategy that empowers talent and brand-driven organizations where everyone has a voice. ... Read more

Reviews (46)

Well...DUH!
Peters's brilliant "new" idea about "re-inventing" business? Technology! Specifically, using the web and wireless communications to speed things along, eliminate middle men, and sift through unneccessary bureaucratic clutter.

To say this isn't necessarily a new idea would be understating the situation, but what is really frustrating is that Peters seems intent on reiterating this non-revolutionary ideal, over and over and over and over and over, ad-nauseum, throughout the tedious 256 pages that comprise this book. Additionally cumbersome is the flipped-out way the book is designed. Much style over substance here, and it seems as if the publishers of this book might be taking some sadistic pleasure in making it as difficult to read as possible.

While I enjoy most DK books (travel guides, reference, etc...), the subject matter here is an ill-fit for their style of publication.

I was terrifically disappointed with this book and would advise anyone I know who wanted to learn more about the world of modern business to look elsewhere for substancial information.

The first coffee table business book?
The world needs more leaders - not MBAs (More Boring Anal - ists)

I confess that am a big fan of Peter's previous work - most of which is recycled in this book - He still inspires me and challanges the status quo orientated world of business management.

This book gets a 5* from me not for new ideas, but because I love the packaging. Tom has re-imagined the concept of a business book brilliant! The whole books shouts LOOK AT ME! And, it need a place in every reception, coffee bar and board room.

So many businesses are stuck in old ways of doing things. Even when they know what to do, they still don't do what they know.

I'm sure many people will hate this book and criticise Peter's for recycling and lack of new content. My opinion is that he is trying to do more of what he does best - WAKE PEOPLE UP.

If you already run a business that is doing everything espoused in this book, or .... if you think there are any newer ideas that superceed Peter's opinions on leadership, service and innovation .... or if if you can truly recommend authors who have broken new ground, that seeks to transform peoples business thinking (rather than recycling the same 30 year old stuff on strategic planning and management) then let us know about it - 'til then put up or re-think! yourself!!

And, BTW I also love the Audi A4, my Powerbook, my IPod and R50 pentel's!!

Interesting but hard on the arm muscles
This is a wild collection of Tom Peters thoughts culled from his portfolio of Powerpoint slides.

I particularly liked the Chapter on Education - both the current workforce & the future workforce.

For all the boasting he made about his new partnership with Dorling Kindersley, I found the book too heavy, and the key "Contrast" Summary tables at the end of each Chapter were printed White feint on a bright Red background - very hard to read - DK should know better.

the greatest business book of the year (no really!)
As a budding entrepreneur I've read a lot of business books in the past 4 years. So I can't quite understand how it is that I've never read a tompeters! book until now.
From other reviews I've seen here, it would appear that some of the material is an updated version of stuff that's been said/written/blogged before - but really, so what? This is an absolutely fantastic book that covers so much ground.
Design, boomers, marketing to women, sales, Talent, branding and of course the future.

This is not only crammed full of content it is an absolute pleasure to read. The design of this book is wonderful - not at all what you'd expect for a 'business' book.
Colour & loads of it, sidebars on every page linked to the main text, images that complement & stories galore.

I normally read with a highlighter, you know 'just the important stuff' to aid re-reading & wisdom-retention. That's the only bad thing about this book - you can't shorten it, summarise it or give the highlights. There's just so much on every page. Examples, stories, links to books or people or web pages.

The future is going to be vastly different than most of us have been preparing for - there aren't many better guides than tom peters (seth godin, dan sullivan & ricardo semlar would be my pick alongside tp)

Read this book. Please! And then read lovemarks.

Chaotic Compilation of Crusading Canon
If you have never read any of Tom Peters' books, you can skip the earlier ones and just read this one.

If you have read all of his earlier books, you can skip this one.

If you have read some of the earlier books, you can just read the topics in this one that are skipped in the earlier ones you have read. I suspect that that won't be too many.

Tom Peters is our most passionate management guru. He explodes all over his audience in anger, annoyance, passion and rapture. It's a marvelous show . . . and I highly recommend it.

He's also open to new ideas. This book, for instance, gratefully acknowledges contributions from dozens of other authors, CEOs, business thinkers and members of his own family (especially his wife). If you don't read very many business books, I was impressed to see that he cited a very high percentage of the best management books of the last dozen years or so. So if you have read very little on the subject, this book will serve you well.

As intriguing as the book is, it has important limitations. First, the format can be all but impossible to read (especially where text is printed over grey images) in places.

Second, he has blind spots in several areas that make the advice come out somewhat jaundiced. For instance, he hates anything to do with eliminating errors (such as the quality movement and Six Sigma) as though using those methods destroy any chance for innovation in any other area. In my research, I've seen innovation in every dimension of a company exist just fine side-by-side with efforts to eliminate errors and improve quality, whenever different people worked on different aspects of innovation from those working on quality improvement and error elimination.

He correctly points out that women are underestimated and under-served as customers. But in big companies, men still run the show (except at a few bellwethers like Avon Products) . . . and he just ignores the question of how to market to influential men as though it were irrelevant.

Finally, he's been traveling in the exalted circles of the biggest, most influential people and companies for so long that he doesn't have any new examples from the top up-and-coming performers or any new guidance for start-ups. So he's unfortunately dated in his illustrations. That makes the message one that seems to be tame . . . because it is aimed at those who can feel safe in ignoring it as they sit in their palatial suites in the largest companies.

The story is amazingly redundant in the book. There's a microcosm of virtually the whole message of the book in almost every chapter. The repetition is primarily helpful for persuasiveness. It is annoying though if you already get the message.

You can boil the book down to this message: Innovation rules. You need to get off-beat people to work on innovation to have a chance. Everyone's job is innovation. Passion drives successful innovation by creating beautiful, simple systems and wonderful emotional experiences for customers and employees. The leader's job is to create an environment for such innovation. Be ready to fall down, pick yourself up, and try again. Focus your innovation as much as possible on those areas where few others are looking. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Fish! Tales is Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, and Harry Paul's follow-up to Fish!--their enormously popular fable that draws lessons aimed at combating dysfunctional workplaces from the happy fishmongers at Seattle's Pike Place Market. In Fish! Tales the authors show how these lessons were put into practice at businesses both big (a major hospital and long-distance carrier) and small (a local car dealership and roofing company). Anyone who enjoyed Fish! (or, for that matter, Who Moved My Cheese?) or is looking for a motivational tool to help energize their own workplace, should find this short, upbeat primer worthwhile. --Harry C. Edwards ... Read more

Reviews (25)

Insightful!
Things are going swimmingly in Fish! land. In the latest volume, Fish! Tales, authors Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, Harry Paul and Philip Strand build on the successful training program that evolved from their first Fish book. Tales shows how four companies - a long-distance call center; a hospital neural-renal unit, a car dealership and a roofing company - have applied Fish! theories effectively. They also provide short examples from other companies to show how well the Fish! function. The four main principles are familiar by now - keep the work fun, seek to serve others, stay focused on your customers and have an enthusiastic attitude - but the examples in the book bring them alive. Along the way, the authors heavily sell their Fish! courses and merchandise - that's just good salesmanship - but the real catch of the day is the final how-to section, showing ways to apply these principles in any organization. The lively writing style helps keep you hooked. We from getAbstract suggest that if you haven't yet caught any Fish!, start with this one. Its cheery, accessible methods should lure you in, hook, line and sinker.

Insightful!
Things are going swimmingly in Fish! land. In the latest volume, Fish! Tales, authors Stephen C. Lundin, John Christensen, Harry Paul and Philip Strand build on the successful training program that evolved from their first Fish book. Tales shows how four companies - a long-distance call center; a hospital neural-renal unit, a car dealership and a roofing company - have applied Fish! theories effectively. They also provide short examples from other companies to show how well the Fish! function. The four main principles are familiar by now - keep the work fun, seek to serve others, stay focused on your customers and have an enthusiastic attitude - but the examples in the book bring them alive. Along the way, the authors heavily sell their Fish! courses and merchandise - that's just good salesmanship - but the real catch of the day is the final how-to section, showing ways to apply these principles in any organization. The lively writing style helps keep you hooked. We suggest that if you haven't yet caught any Fish!, start with this one. Its cheery, accessible methods should lure you in, hook, line and sinker.

"Real" It In
I enjoyed reading Fish, but Fish Tales is even better because it has real world success stories. While the original Fish! seemed like a business theory, Fish! Tales shows how several companies actually benefited from implementing these ideas instead of just reading about them. Fish! Tales enhances the credibility of the original book. Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life by JoAnna Carey is another great book for companies to share with employees because it offers entertaining stories and goal oriented advice about improving your workplace and your life.

Disappointing
While the message is a good one, it nearly gets lost in this very poorly written book.

Integrating Fish and optimizing the workplace
The Fish philosophy isn't new but the unique context and delightful presentation makes it effective. I got a lot out of this book because I saw how the concept is integrated into organizations. We have found that the best companion for the Fish philosophy is to train employees in Optimal Thinking. Optimal Thinking is the simple, realistic mental resource to empower individuals to be their best and bring out the best in others. I recommend both of these books. ... Read more

Reviews (73)

a must read for people of all ages
This quick and easy read is a life-skills book suitable for ordinary and extra-ordinary people, professionals, non-professionals, basically people of all ages. Unlike many other books on the market today that are trendy, this book is a "timeless" treasure with a practical, common sense approach. In most corporations, personal accountability is one of the top 10 core competencies, and the QBQ! book, together with its support tools (licensing agreement, training program, posters, etc.) provide the foundational pieces for organizations to create the culture of "personal accountability"; it cannot be mandated. Organizations need to embrace the notion of "flying the plane differently" (Stacey's story, page 28), and provide the environment for employees to translate this concept into their daily work life.

From a personal viewpoint, QBQ! helps individuals deal with change in their life and eliminate victim thinking that holds people back from being their best. QBQ! provides the "how to" steps to have a peaceful and successful life.

Key themes that support both corporate as well as personal success include "How do I let go of that which I cannot control?", and "I can only change me." This little book has helped me tremendously both as a business person/consultant in my work, and personally. I am so glad I discovered it. Others I have shared this book with have told me it has "changed their life". A must read, and one that you will want to share with others.

Meat mixed with brevity and wit
QBQ! really give some meaty solutions to the problems of blame, victim thinking, and procrastination. It's a quick read with short chapters which I just love. I am able to reread the book or just a few chapters and immediately go use the content on the job. It teaches how to ask questions that enable one to practice personal accountability and how to take ownership. It also makes me aware of what questions to not ask. So much that happens at work requires a response of accountability - not blame and finger pointing. Clearly we need our politicians to ready this book. Unlike many popular biz books that just provide parables and fictional story lines, QBQ! provides a tremendous "how to" so it can become part of my daily walk. The supporting stories are fun and real life.

QBQ! continues to work
As a district mgr in a retail firm, I find it necessary to stay on top of my personal accountability game. It's easy - as John Miller writes in QBQ! - to slip into blame and victim thinking. We have big goals and quotas and we all want to win, but it's easy to ask the worng questions like "When will others carry their weight?" and "Why can't corporate support us more?" But then I work to create what Miller calls QBQs - questions that help me eliminate the blame and complaining. I begin to ask "What can I do?" and "How can I contribute?" and it's amazing how fast I am refocused. We are using the QBQ! training program with all our managers along with the book, and this whole concept of accountability is taking root. Our culture is changing and as we gear up for the end-of-year, it's apparent that people are asking QBQs and we will have better results. I know I will. Miller's book is a fast read, practical and humorous - I recommend it to any person or company wanting to really take personal accountability seriously.

Stop Whining and start working
For everyone forced by management to read this book and/or take the class I will summarize it for you: Quit you're whining and accept the fact that your company is the way it is, just concentrate on what you can do now. There's alot of motivational talk about personal accountability and not blaming others, just concentrate on what you can do to rectify the situation.

That's it. Seriously. John Miller also goes on and on about how we learn by repitition, so read that 5 times and you don't have to read the book or take th class. Serously though, I understand that the book has good points and I understand why corporations all over the US will have their employees take this class, because it just says what I said above. But in the end it is very demotivational and a little insulting. This is from a person who truly feels he has learned quite a bit from reading many CEO biographys, management books, and books such as the 7 habits and six hats. I don't necessarily but into motivational hype, but I keep an open mind and try to pull in as much useful information as possible. I took the the DVD/facilitor-led class and then read the books in hopes of more inspiration and just left a little insulted.

QBQ! does work!
I am in the real estate/investment business and when I read QBQ! it changed completely for the better the way I think. I had been blaming my tenants/customers, property mgrs, the marketing dep't, etc. for my results and when I read QBQ! I sat down that night and asked "How can I be more effective?" and then set about writing out a new plan for my approach to my business. Since then things have improved greatly. The chapter on how I can only change myself has made me a better manager of my people, by far. The book took me an hour to read and then I went back through and re-read and highlighted. I take it wherever I go as it is such a practical message on personal accountability I can use it in all areas of my life. QBQ! deserves 5 stars ... maybe 6. I've read a ton of business books and QBQ! has made the difference for me. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Developing your Character based on Values and Committment
Maxwell's teachings are both insightful and practical. The concept of developing the twelve fundamental aspects of success in professional and personal life - habits he collectively calls the Daily Dozen- is the main theme of this book. The identification of these "work areas" effectively helps us untie the knot of our cluttered and busy existence. Maxwell guides us through the commitments and decisions that we have to make on each aspect of our lives in order to be highly succesful people. More importantly, Maxwell strives to make us realize that success is not achieved at a future date through much work and effort, rather, he teaches us success is both a mindset and a lifestyle.
Maxwell delivers his insights in a refreshing and affirming manner, walking us through the benefits and demands of each Daily Dozen component. The fact that he shares with us his own walk toward mastering the Daily Dozen inspires us to realize we have what it takes to live on a higher level. The main theme behind his insights is that we must develop the courage to maintain our commitments, practice good thinking and live out our values.
Those who are ready to exercise the courage needed to implement these habits in their lives are bound to find this title of trascendental value. If we take Maxwell's advice, we would find ourselves amazed at the indifference (or ignorance) in which we approach ourlives and to the extent our day-to-day actions might be hindering our development and slashing our likelihood of being usccesful.
I recommend reading this book with the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey.

Good...
Success depends upon a daily dozen, according to the author. Before you get your hopes up that he means a dozen doughnuts or eggs, the dozen is twelve principals on which to base your life. Before explaining what these are, Mr Maxwell helps you realize that today is important, each one has the potential to be the most important one of your life. Then, methodically, he explores the daily dozen; attitude, priorities, health, family, thinking, commitment, finances, faith, relationships, generosity, values, and growth. Using both is own experience and that of others, the lessons are taught clearly then followed by a "workbook" section to help apply what you were taught.

**** While seeing Mr. Maxwell speak in person is the ideal; if that is not possible, this is the next best thing, or even better. You can schedule it on your own time. While faith is the foundation of the entire book, the religous aspect is not overwhelming. A secular person can derive almost an equal benefit as a Christian. ****

Reviewed by Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews.

Daily Disciplines to Keep You on the Path to Success
Can you expect to win a gold medal in the Olympics if you start preparing the day of the try outs for your country's team? Probably not.

In the same way, each of us needs to develop ourselves spiritually, psychologically, emotionally, physically, intellectually, and socially if we want to accomplish more in the future. Many books take one aspect of life and suggest daily activities to strengthen that part of one's life. Dr. John C. Maxwell has taken that important idea further in this book and suggested what you need to do each day in 12 different areas.

The 12 areas are:

Choose and display the right attitude

Determine and act on important priorities

Know and follow healthy guidelines

Communicate with and care for your family

Practice and develop good thinking

Make and keep proper commitments

Make and properly manage your money

Deepen and live out your spiritual faith

Initiate and invest in solid personal relationships

Plan for and model being generosity

Embrace and practice good values

Seek out and embrace personal improvements.

Each section comes with negative and positive examples so you understand the point Dr. Maxwell is trying to make. I often found the negative examples to be more instructive than the positive ones. I don't want to be like those people!

At the end of each section are a series of questions to help you make the decisions and take the actions you need to do to accomplish what you want to in life. So, you're not modeling on what Dr. Maxwell does specifically . . . but rather turning a spotlight into areas he's found to be valuable in his own, very successful life.

I often marvel at how much Dr. Maxwell accomplishes. He writes lots of books. He gives many speeches. He trains enormous numbers of leaders. He inspires millions more. For a long time, I've wondered what the discipline was like that he uses. Now that I have read this book, I know. And I'm very impressed. This is a level of self-discipline and focus that I had never considered before.

Mid-way through the book, I found myself becoming intimidated by all that needs to be done . . . and began to despair if I was up to the challenge. It was with a great sense of relief that I found this problem addressed in the conclusion to the book. Rather than attacking the whole Mount Everest of opportunity for daily self-discipline all at once, he suggests starting with two areas where you are doing well and one where you are not. Then, switch focus as you get one of the areas you have been working on where you want to get it. I think that's a reasonable plan, and only wish he had suggested that approach in the beginning of the book.

Personally, the book would have worked better for me if I had read it in this order: faith, values, attitude, thinking, growth, health, family, relationships, commitment, generosity, finances and priorities. I suspect that the right order for you will be different from either Dr. Maxwell's or mine. The book is modular enough that you can reorder your reading of the chapters after the first two to provide a focus that fits with the way you like to organize your thinking and actions. I encourage you to do so.

Although this book will make a tremendous difference in your life, it will make even more difference if you share and discuss it with those you love and care about. So be generous in sharing this remarkable volume. ... Read more

Book Description

Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles, co-authors of the New York Times business bestseller Raving Fans, are back with Gung Ho! Here is an invaluable management tool that outlines foolproof ways to increase productivity by fostering excellent morale in the workplace. It is a must-read for everyone who wants to stay on top in today's ultra-competitive business world.

Raving Fans taught managers how to turn customers into full-fledged fans. Now, Gung Ho! brings the same magic to employees. Through the inspirational story of business leaders Peggy Sinclair and Andy Longclaw, Blanchard and Bowles reveal the secret of Gung Ho--a revolutionary technique to boost enthusiasm and performance and usher in astonishing results for any organization. The three principles of Gung Ho are:

• The Spirit of the Squirrel
• The Way of the Beaver
• The Gift of the Goose

These three cornerstones of Gung Ho are surprisingly simple and yet amazingly powerful. Whether your organization consists of one or is listed in the Fortune 500, this book ensures Gung Ho employees committed to success.

Gung Ho! also includes a clear game plan with a step-by-step outline for instituting these groundbreaking ideas. Destined to become a classic, Gung Ho! is a rare and wonderful business book that is packed with invaluable information as well as a compelling, page-turning story.

Raving Fans brilliantly schooled managers on how to turn customers into raving fans. Gung Ho! now brings the same magic to employees. Here is the story of how two managers saved a failing company and turned in record profits with record productivity. The three core ideas of Gung Ho! are surprisingly simple: worthwhile work guided by goals and values; putting workers in control of their production; and cheering one another on. Their principles are so powerful that business leaders, reviewing the manuscript for Ken and Sheldon, have written to say, "Sorry. Ignored instructions. Have photocopied for everyone. I promise to buy books, but can't wait. We need now!" Like Raving Fans, Gung Ho! delivers. ... Read more

Reviews (80)

Great Book and Here's Another!
Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles have created another classic. In a highly effective parable, they provide a blueprint any leader can use to create organizational excitement in just about any type of organization. The most positive characteristics of this book, like all Blanchard books, are the underlying values and wholesome philosophies that drive the message home at each juncture along the way. Whether a person is leading a small work group, a department, a division, or an entire company, he or she will find many useful ideas in this easy-to-read book.

Another book, with a foreword by Ken Blanchard, that I have just finished is also destined to be a classic alongside GUNG HO! I highly recommend everyone - not just people in leadership positions - read WINNING WAYS: FOUR SECRETS FOR GETTING GREAT RESULTS BY WORKING WELL WITH PEOPLE, by Dick Lyles. Dr. Lyles is a protégé of Blanchard and Bowles and this book proves that he, also, has mastered the art of parable writing. This book contains tips that will help anyone be more powerful and charismatic in their dealings with other people.

It will make you believe in yourself and your staff
I joined a new company almost two years ago. Many management people over me were required to read "Gung Ho". I asked to read it and found it thought-provoking, but the three concepts exciting. I've lived those three concepts for the past year and just recently was put in charge of a group seven staff-members. As I recalled the book and the basic concepts, I took it down and read it afresh. As I had practiced, I began teaching the three basic concepts without telling my staff what they are doing. Now my next step is to let them in on the secret. I know "people" are watching me and that's okay. My team is succeeding. With these three concepts in my daily plan of action, I know I will pass the test of a new supervisor as well as have helped create a great winning team. The staff themselves are the winners. The book explains in extremely simple but motivating language how to work together, take control of your actions, and praise one another when we "do good". The book "Gung Ho" is a great birthday or Christmas gift.

You may be able to take something from it
Managers may not be able to enact all of the principles of Gung Ho, but they will be able to walk away with some valuable insight in the world of motivation and performance. If your not sure if you really want this book or not I would recommend that you go for it. There is truly nothing to lose and the reading is entertaining and informative. Every person will be able able to take something from this book and be able to apply it to their work environment.

economics class
The book gung Ho by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles is a great book for managment. It is excellent in the way it simply defines a way to significantly improve your management skills by focusing in the 3 principles. the principles could be used in personal life as well as your profesional life. It is so great that it helps create organization and to use practice using techniques on a daily basis. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving their work style. This book is also easy to read and understand.

Simple But Useful
Gung Ho! is a book related to management. Although the concepts in the book are simple, it is important to everyone, especially those are in the management field. The three underlying principles are The Spirit of the Squirrel, The Way of the Beaver and The Gift of the Goose. They are parables of the importance of making employees understand their roles, the conflict between directing the tasks to employees and empowerment by management, and the importance of appreciation to employees respectively.

In my view of point, I think Gung Ho! is a revolutionary technique to boost enthusiasm and performance and usher in astonishing results for any organization. The principles are the tips to increase productivity by fostering excellent morale in the workplace. For example, employees will be loyal to the company if they gain job satisfaction from their worthwhile work. Positive reinforcements such as appreciation (i.e. say ¡§well done¡¨ when those have good performance) and empowerment can motivate employees to improve and have a better performance.

To conclude, Gung Ho! is easy to read but useful for everyone. The writers convey the important management strategies to the readers by using simple story and parables. I think it is a good time for the company, the management team and the employees to refresh and understand their roles so that they can have a good relationship which can benefit as a whole. ... Read more

Book Description

A proven program for turning effective listening into a powerful business tool Managers and other employees spend more than 40 percent of their time listening to other people but often do it so poorly that the result is misunderstood instructions, misdirected projects, and erroneous actions—millions of dollars’ worth of mistakes just because most people don’t know how to listen. In this new edition of her classic guide to the art of effective listening, Madelyn Burley-Allen shows you how to acquire active, productive listening skills and put them to work for you—professionally, socially, and personally. With her time-tested techniques, you’ll learn how to:

• Eliminate distractions and improve your concentration on what is being said
• Locate key words, phrases, and ideas while listening
• Cut through your own listening biases
• Interpret body language clues
• Ask constructive, nonthreatening questions that elicit real information
• Get others to listen to you
• Master a whole range of listening skills that you can use on the job and in your personal life

Reviews (6)

A Good Guide
An easy to understand and implement guide to the art of listening. Some great advice and I recommend this book to anyone interested in improving their listening skills.

Excellent reference and guide
This book is written mainly for the business audience, but all the principles are applicable to every situation. The author is very good at explaining scenarios and solutions. Other authors spend the bulk of their time explaining why we need to listen, but Burley-Allen spends the bulk of her time explaining how to listen. That alone places this book on a more productive plane than most books on this topic. You'll be impressed with how things change in your inter-personal communication at work and at home with the adoption of even a few principles from this book.

What good is listening, if it's not effective?
With this exciting new Millenieum upon us, most all of us have had classes, lectures, and read books on expressing ourselves more effectively, public speaking and the list goes on. The problem now is "No One is Listening." Madelyn Burley-Allen's book Listening the Forgotten Skill is the perfect tool for helping us get back to the true meaning of listening. What good is all of this teaching, until you are taught how to listen. With this book you are taught how to communicate effectively and listen effectively as well. This is an excellent book for improving your lifestyle through listening.

Listening the Forgotten Skill-Something for Everyone
I just recently read this book, and was amazed at what I needed to learn, for professional and personal reasons. This book shows you areas where people, businesses and organizations are lacking in communication skills due to the fact that we don't listen and we are not being heard. In this book, the Author Madelyn Burley-Allen, with her years of research and teaching on this subject, she gives you ways of improving your listening communication skills as well as how to speak effectively so that you are listened to. This book provides vital solutions for improving your listening and communication skills. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. It is very informative and helpful and will continuely be a source of information in the future.

Great Book
I strongly recommend this book. To be quite honest I just fell in love with this book, it tought me things that I never knew about myself.

I've heard all this time and never really took the time to listen.Now, I understand what listening is and how it helped me enchance my abilities to communicate better and better. Everyone should read this book, great asset.

I have met Ms.Madelyn Burley-Allen and she is quite a charming lady. You learn when she speaks. ... Read more

Book Description

A remarkable teenager who went from public assistance to a million dollar net worth shares his story and offers 9 key principles to success.

Farrah Gray is no ordinary teenager. He wears a suit and tie; he has an office on Wall Street and another one in Los Angeles . . . and he sold his first business at the age of 14 for more than a million dollars. He invested that money in a partnership with Inner City Broadcasting, one of the most prominent African-American owned businesses in the country, and now is heading the relaunch of their signature magazine, InnerCity. According to People magazine, Farrah is the only African-American teenager to rise from public assistance to a business mogul without being in entertainment or having a family connection.

Reallionaire tells Farrah's extraordinary and touching story. When he was just six, Farrah's mother became seriously ill, prompting his decision to provide for this family, and he spent the first $50 he ever made taking them for a real sit-down dinner. At the age of eight, he founded his first business club. By fourteen, with a million dollars in his pocket, Farrah was well on his way to business success.

Each stage of Farrah's progress is marked by one of the principles of success he learned along the way, creating not just an extraordinary story but also a step-by-step primer for others to create success in their own lives with honor; charity and compassion.
In the tradition of great motivators and leaders, this is both an instructional book and a story to inspire others to live life to the fullest. And readers don't have to be interested in business to enjoy it. In fact, Farrah is a role model for everyone.

Reviews (1)

Reallionaire Is A MUST Read!!!!!
I was truly impressed with Mr. Gray's writing style.It blends the personal develoment tenets of Kiyosaki, John C. Maxwell, Napoleon Hill and Jim Rohn beautifully in a way that can be easily understood and duplicated by young and old readers.It is a very inspiring and thought provoking guide to living your life with passion, purpose and faith in God and your God-given abilities. I recommend this book to everyone who is serious about personal development. ... Read more

Book Description

Getting stuck is an integral part of business because the most ambitious and rewardingwork is often the hardest to undertake. The challenge is knowing how to get unstuck.Inthis dynamic and pragmatic handbook, Keith Yamashita and Sandra Spataro share theinsights, methods, stories, and best practices of the extraordinary leaders they haveworked with at business giants such as IBM, Sony, Disney, HP, and Nike.

In immediately accessible terms, they identify the symptoms of being stuck, introducereaders to the Serious Seven states of "stuck"—from "Overwhelmed" to "Exhausted" to"Alone"—and offer dozens of in-the-moment tools, techniques, and examples to generateimmediate ideas, whether you need to back up in order to move forward, motivate astruggling team, change your goals, or inspire yourself with a clearer picture of whereyou’re headed.

With a handy trim size, a vivid two-color interior, and memorable images that speaklouder than words, Unstuck is a book for anyone who wants to get themselves ortheir team motivated and moving in the time it takes to fly from New York to D.C.Designed to be flipped through, read in chunks, and returned to again and again,Unstuck is an innovation in business literature. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

A very user friendly book for your business.
This book caught my eye immediately with the vibrant cover and it's small size. I read this book cover to cover the first time I picked it up. Then I went back through it and