Book Description

Speedwriting Shorthand is an easy-to-teach, easy-to-learn, easy-to-read, and easy-to-transcribe system of alphabetic short-hand. The Student Transcript contains all the printed keys for the reading and writing exercises of each lesson. The Instructor’s Guide provides complete lesson plans and outlines for each lesson. The Workbook has a drill structure format, while the Vocabulary Builder provides practice with 2,000 words and brief forms and five C-90 Vocabulary Builder tape cassettes. ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Simply A Treasure!
This book is amusing, it is witty, and it is just plain good. I consider myself lucky to have come across this treasure of a book and would like to thank Mr. Good for writing it.

As a professional engineer who speaks English as a second language, I have been searching for a grammar book I can use to improve my grammar proficiency. Over the years, I bought many grammar books that quickly started collecting dust. First of all, grammar is a dry subject, and one is quickly tempted to give up. Second, most books do not seem to address the needs of those who speak and write English as a second language.

Well, this one is different on both accounts. In less than a month since I started reading "Oops Me," I have covered more material than I had in years with other books. And the best part is that I am enjoying the learning. Mr. Good is a natural storyteller, and once he engages you, learning becomes an adventure, a joy ride really.

In a word, this book is a "must."

Text books are easier reads.
After the first chapter of the book my brain gave up. The author went too fast and did not describe the principles of the parts of speach in depth enough. He even used grammar principles that he hadn't described yet to describe the current principle of that section. In fact, he even admits a few times throughout the book how hard it is too follow. Another problem lies within the ways he tries to explain the principles; they're too abstract for any person to make a difinitive conclusion on weather that is the part of speach they're looking for or not. If you really want to learn grammar and learn it well, buy a REAL text book.

Generally excellent, but...
This is one of the best colloquial (nontextbook) books on grammar and usage available. American English grammar, at times, seems to be more a collection of 'rules of thumbs', rather than a coherent set of readily-understood principles; Mr. Good does a fine job of bringing some order to the chaos. Particularly clear and crisp are his handling of punctuation (Part five) and common grammatical mistakes (Part four). He also provides an excellent discussion of the "fused participle" bogeyman.

Regrettably, this book-- like most in its genre-- is overly prescriptive, emphasizing 'rules' and convoluted terminology. Do we need to know the difference between a prepositional phrase and a past participial phrase, as long as we know how to use each correctly? Mr. Good seems to believe that you should.
If your written and spoken grammar and usage are adequate (or better), you'd be better off reading a descriptive resource on grammar and usage. The style of those resources makes it easier to grasp the most common grammar and usage mishaps. Bryan Garner has written several excellent books in this category.

I wish I could give this book 10 stars
I own and have used numerous grammar books, and this one is without a doubt THE best grammar book on the market for the general reader. Mr. Good starts on the ground floor, so that no previous knowledge of grammar is needed. At the same time, however, he does not talk down to the reader, nor does he shy away from many aspects of grammar that other books deem too complex for beginners. Everything is explained here with perfect clarity, and nothing important is left out. Moreover, beyond Mr. Good's superlative explanations of grammar, this book earns 10 stars because Mr. Good shows us how our knowledge of grammar can improve our writing. He does this not with airy praise of grammatical education, but with concrete examples and advice that you can start using to improve your writing immediately. This book is not short, and it's not full of jokes and cartoons. But, if you really want to learn grammar and to write and speak better, buy this book now and read it from cover to cover. I can't think of any better way to spend your money and time.

The worst book
This book was the worst. I kept losing focus on what the author was saying-in one chapter he said, "I know I am losing your attention" and he truly was, I was literally falling asleep.
I think they are much more interesting books out there that can help you with your grammer. The topic is already boring I don't need the book/author to be just as boring.
I would recommend - Actiongrammar: Fast, No-Hassle Answers on Everyday Usage and Punctuation - This book is quick and interesting.

(As for the star it didn't deserve any but as you all know I had to give at least one.) ... Read more

Book Description

The administrative professional's guide to the modern office.

This revised and updated Third Edition provides the office worker with practical advice on how to survive and thrive in today's fast-paced business environment. Written by business specialists, it has detailed information on standard office practices, with special emphasis on electronic communications and information technology.

• Produced under the sponsorship and direct supervision of IAAP, International Association of Administrative Professionals
• Provides up-to-date information on the electronic office, simplifying complex tasks and procedures
• Indispensable for office personnel at every level; self-employed workers; consultants; and entrepreneurs ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The only office manual you will ever need!
Finally! No endless searching through a gazillion books to get the information you need to be a top notch admin professional. This book is so comprehensive. It covers every topic possible from grammar to career development. I think this should be available in every office in America! ... Read more

Product Description

The Interaction method is a new, tested way to stop wasting time and get things done at meetings. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A Comprehensive Book on Meetings!
Although at first glance I was skeptical, this book provided great insight into running a meeting that participants will actually enjoy and get something out of. It was not just a repeat of the things I already knew. After reading this book and implementing some of the ideas, people noticed the improvements from clear agendas which stated the purpose, to the approach used during the meeting to make sure we were all aligned and in agreement on what we were to achieve. I highly recommend this book.

why don't they teach this in business school?
of all the things that we learn in school, how to more effectively manage a meeting is not one of them, but should be. i wish i had read this many years ago. everyone who joins our team receives a copy in their first week.

the handbook of successful meetings
Doyle/Strauss have written the classic in meeting design, facilitation and management. It is easy to read and use; the standard guidbook that everyone uses.

What every manager needs
The Interaction method is what every person who attends or organises a meeting should read. Learn how to attend and hold effective meetings that start on time and finish on time. Learn how to be effective and reduce your working week.

The best source for facilitation technique.
I've used this book as a constant reference over the last six years while a facilitator for BPR and Change Management projects. Although it may lack a comprehensive array of practical exercies and techniques for all situations that arise in meetings or during facilitated focus group sessions, it is by far the best reference. Once you read, re-read, and fully understand the basics that Doyle and Straus are presenting, you can modify and add your own experience and methods. ... Read more

Book Description

What can trainers learn from "Sesame Street"? Apparently quite a lot. Like how to make trainees turn on--not tune out--to learning by injecting training sessions with energy and excitement.

TRAINERS IN MOTION is a lively new book that offers a training approach inspired by the success of "Sesame Street" and other children's educational programming. Centered around the idea of "edutainment" (which says people learn better by doing), this book emphasizes interactive learning and shows readers how to:

* Apply the principles of edutainment to workshops for adults* Create a stimulating learning environment* Engage the imagination and creative side of trainees* Make the training experience more exciting, involving, and productive for both learner and trainer.

Perhaps best of all, the training techniques in TRAINERS IN MOTION work in any training environment, with any topic, and with any type of person. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Worth Every Penny
Although the price may deter some buyers, if you are doing any professional training, this book is a must-have. I unconditionally recommend it. There are many other books on conducting workshops (see my other reviews) but a lot of them are either; 1. Too academic on the subject of adult learning (beware of the use of the word 'andragogy'), or 2. Too consumed with team/individual game playing.

Trainers in Motion is my "bible" for conducting professional workshops. Vidakovich goes so far as to distinguish those activities that are appropriate for small groups versus large groups, and how to adapt your approach if the group dynamics change (which they will).

The real beauty of the book is the adaptability of it to almost any subject. I have taught workshops on Leadership, Team Building, Project Management, Sales and Marketing, Creativity, and other subjects, and one standard I have followed is the approach of this book towards generating participation and excitement.

The 3-ring binding of the book is also a benefit, as I have been able to take some of the pages along with me, when needed, as opposed to the entire book.

Use it well!

A Must Have
Trainers in Motion is full of fabulous ideas for trainers and course developers alike, regardless of experience level. For the beginning trainer, it provides many activities that are simple, approachable and effective. For the experienced trainer, there are new ways of creating the effective learning experience. As both a trainer and developer, I have used these creative participant-centered activities in training sessions and consider them a must for adult learning. Mr. Vidakovich is to be applauded for sharing his creativity with us.

Highly Recommended!
Jim Vidakovich's Trainers in Motion is published in a binder with dividers, so you can add your own notes and comments. This reader participation workbook parallels Vidakovich's approach to involving participants in their own training. Vidakovich begins with an initial discussion of his approach, but the majority of the book is very hands-on, with descriptions of exercises, illustrations of room arrangements, lists of suggested approaches and questions for you to answer. This notebook is packed with good ideas from an expert on training. The caveat:...it's a little pricey. Nonetheless, we from getAbstract recommend it with confidence to trainers and workshop leaders. If hands-on is your style, you have a very well-informed friend in Jim Vidakovich.

AMA Senior Course Leader
I have participated in Jim's Accelerated Learning Course, where he taught us many of the ideas & exercises delineated in this book. All of us in the Course felt it was invaluable, and we were all "seasoned" professional trainers and consultants. His book is an excellent extension of his professionalism, enthusiasm, and superior training techniques. I can't recommend it highly enough.As a Trainer, I'm supposed to be professional ... this book has helped me be even better.

Trainers in Motion
I must say that Mr. Vidakovich's book is an essential tool for today's training environment. "Trainers in Motion" has set a new standard in adult learning in the 21st century. We all can learn to utilize this style not only in our academic environment, but also in our everyday interpersonal relations.

If you are in the training field, this is a must see manuel to guide you to an enhanced training environment that not only will your participants enjoy, but you will also have fun in the process.

Enjoy, Jeff Stavitzski Corporate Trainer (Levitz) ... Read more

Book Description

This best-selling guide to the year 2000 revisions to ISO 9000 has been completely updated for the release of the final version of ISO 9000. It provides readers with all the information they need to make a successful transition from the 1994 version. If your organization is currently registered or plans to be registered in the next few years, this book is a must-read. Inside you'll find information on: How to plan the transition from the 1994 version to the 2000 version, ISO 9001:2000's new process management approach, the differences between ISO 9001:1994 and ISO 9001:2000, ISO 9001:2000's new requirements, answers to commonly asked questions, and much more. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Read before your revisions
As known by its users; ISO 9000 certificates must be revised and converted into ISO 9000:2000 certificates before December'2003. The book explains changes in the standard in detail, therefore provides a very good understanding of the new version in an easy way. It must be read by internal and external quality auditors besides quality management educators.

ISO 9000:2000 In a Nutshell
I believe this title is mis-leading, since it is written from the perspective of the 1994 standard. Comparing the old standard to the new is a excellent thought, but it should of been reversed. Infusing the old standard into the new, instead of the way it is layed out elements 1-20 interspersed with the new standard. If I were using this book as a resource in helping me capture the intent of the standard I would be sadly disappointed. This book misses the mark.

simple and concise
This is a handy guide for anyone who is already familiar with the 1994 version of the standard. For each of the 20 elements of the old standard, this book offers a summary of what's new (both clarifications and new requirements), what has stayed the same, and what's not included. The book also offers a brief discussion of process management (key to the structure of the new standard) and some tips for transition planning. This is a slender volume, 120 pages including the appendices and index, and it lives up to its title - it's simple and concise. As a transition aid, I find it helpful, brief and accessible.

A Great Reference Guide to the Revisions of the ISO Standard
"ISO 9000:2000 In a Nutshell" is a great reference guide and I recommend it to anyone facing the upcoming revisions to the ISO standard. The language in the book is very clearly written and easy to read. I particularly like the layout of the section comparing ISO 9001:1994 with ISO 9001:2000. It is easy to understand what requirements have changed and what requirements have remained the same between the revisions. This book will be well used within the next couple of years as we make the transition!

Reader from the real world
In a Nutshell is wonderful! So well written and organized for easy reference. ... Read more

Book Description

Out Fox the competition with counterintuitive strategies.

In the tradition of Fox's bestselling How to Become a Rainmaker, entrepreneurs and small business owners learn how to compete in the marketplace and make their businesses thrive.

Ever dream of starting your own business? According to USA Today, more than 47 million people want to own their own businesses and over 20 million actually do. In How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business, bestselling business author Jeffrey Fox offers sound rules to succeeding in small business, whether you're running a bookstore, consulting business, or restaurant.

In short chapters that range from administration and cash flow to marketing and hiring, Fox reminds entrepreneurs what's important and what's not, what makes a business succeed, and what causes it to fail. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Big Bird Takes on Business Insights -- Yak
Thank God I got this out of the library and read it, not paid money for it (he does encourage business owners to be frugal). This is the kind of book that someone ought to be able to write in a weekend, and if they spend any more time on it than that, sheesh, why? It's one mind-numbing platitude after another, AND misspellings and odd word choices. The guy's specialty is MARKETING, and he may be very good at that, but this book is like being stuck in kindergarten and turning to your fellow students for insight. At least, how your fellow students would express them: simple, declarative sentences with barely anything deep or insightful to express. "Get customers" is the point of the book. Yay. We probably already knew that. Not fully terrible, but if you're really in need of a book THIS simple, let's just say, don't let it be the only book you read. Whoo hoo.

It took me only as long to read as it took my spouse to go to food shopping. Read something by Seth Godin instead or in addition to -- also simply style, but not this simple, and much more to say. (Like Godin's "Purple Cow".)

* * Buy for your business friends * *
Although some have criticized this book as being too simple, I find it makes a great summary of the important things a small entrepreneur must do.

It doesn't take too long to read but it contains lots of practical advice. I underlined mine heavily.

This book is also appropriate as a gift to friends that are starting their own company.

The most important points that I derived from this book were Fox's lists of things to do, and their priorities. I highly recommend this book, and all the rest by Jeffrey J. Fox. He's become one of my favorite business writers.

John Dunbar
Sugar Land, TX

How to Make Big Money in Your Own Small Business by Fox
The author explains that the first and most important task is to
identify quickly the target market of customers. Next, it is critical to compute the break-even-point and the minimum number of customers required to cover the costs of entering into the
business. Ultimately, the author inspires us to do what comes easy to us and what is harder for others to do. He breaks down the time commitment into 60% marketing, 30% service and 10% management. In addition, he points out the necessity to work hard
on a consistent basis. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether you work at corporate headquarters, in a small or medium-size office, or at home, you'll need this all-new revision of the authoritative handbook for today's office professional, featuring the latest information on the electronic office; comprehensive coverage of modern office procedures; practical guidance on managing your business career; how to handle human relationships in the office, including working with your boss and working with assistants; complete information on the latest in telecommunications; practical advice on how to plan, arrange, and conduct meetings and conferences; informative sections on basic accounting procedures and the fundamentals of business law; country profiles with up-to-date information; newly revised sections on grammar, usage, and punctuation; guidance on how to create, edit, proofread, send, and file professional business documents; new and updated illustrations, charts, and tables; an easy-to-use format with a comprehensive index. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The Professional Secretary's Handbook
This is such a handy reference at such a good price. I recommend it to all the vocational students taking my course. I teach a state certified course for Administrative Assistants and Secretaries. The business English section is an outstanding review and includes a concise guide to usage of frequently "used and confused" English terms. If you aren't required to make plans for meetings often, the section of Meetings and Conferences will be a life saver. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Good, plus the Beitler book.
Burke does another fine job with this book. In addition, I recommend "Strategic Organizational Change" by Michael Beitler.

The soul of OD
To me, this book represents the soul of OD. It defines for the practitionaire what it means to be an OD consultant, its values and consequently, the type of interventions we choose to use. A must buy. ... Read more

Book Description

Practical guide to becoming a more effective leader! Learn how to function more effectively under pressure, and cope more effectively with change. Hands-on leadership building exercises are included. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommended !
Business schools and shareholders focus so relentlessly on hard numbers and cold facts that it's no surprise that data reigns supreme in the corporate world. But executives who downplay the importance of emotion and intuition do so at their own peril, management expert Manfred Kets de Vries convincingly argues. He offers a wealth of useful tips for leaders who are ready to reintroduce the human side, the soft side, to their organizations and their own lives. The author occasionally drops in stories and quotes from his clients, but his argument would have been bolstered by even more examples. We recommend this easy-to-digest volume to leaders who want to improve their interpersonal skills.

Strange Bosses Unmasked
Know any managers who act quite strangely? Or even downright dysfunctionally? Do you ever find yourself doing something you wished you had not, and then wondering, "What came over me?"

Humans behave oddly at times, even in the workplace; even at the top of the hierarchy. And no one, it seems, is quite who they seem to be. Did you know that family entertainment mogul Walt Disney made a habit of eating donuts drowned in whiskey-for breakfast!

A veritable smorgasbord of engaging tales and insights are chronicled in this book. Manfred F.R. Kes de Vries knows much about executives' strange behaviors because he's a psychologist who interacts with senior managers the world over. A clinical professor of leadership development, he is program director of a top management program at INSEAD in France. De Vries also taught at McGill University in Canada, the Harvard Business School in the U.S., as well as lecturing and consulting around the world.

De Vries chronicles and explains a wide variety of counter-productive executive maladies such as: excessive narcissism (self-centeredness); unusual-even inappropriate-responses to associates; excessive compulsions; extreme need for control; self-defeating behaviors; and on and on. Flip through the book, land on any page and your sure to recognize a description of someone you know (perhaps even someone who stares back at you from the mirror).

The book provides a fascinating glimpse into the vagaries of human behavior, especially by people who have been conferred with organizational power. De Vries offers up many insightful examples, interesting anecdotes, some wit, and very approachable explanations of psychological concepts in lay terms, along with some self-assessment exercises (of varying usefulness).

The book is not held together by a discernible thesis; it doesn't provide you with many actionable skills. But if you'd like to know more about why you and other otherwise very bright and capable people do odd things, this book provides a delightful peek into the executive skull. ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (225)

Great book--Great foreward by Melvin Powers
Over the years I have bought several copies of Think and Grow Rich but this particular edition, original unabridged version is perhaps the best and my personal favorite.

Think and Grow Rich is without a doubt one of the most prestigious and beloved books in the field of motivational literature. This version is a reprint of the original, unabridged, classic edition of Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. No doubt, Think and Grow Rich has helped shape the lives of millions of people around the world. Perhaps moreso than any other book ever.

In Think and Grow Rich, Napolean Hill shares his brilliant philosophy and practical techniques for achieving your financial goals, reaching your highest potential, and ultimately creating a life that brings you great personal happiness.

Think and Grow Rich will teach you how to harness the awesome mental magic of your mind. You are given a blueprint for self mastery. You learn that there are no limitations to what you can accomplish, only those you impose on yourself.

Napolean Hill said, "If you can conceive it, you can believe it." This precept has proven true repeatedly throughout history. Did we not send a man to the moon and accomplish other seemingly miraculous feats in many fields of endeavor? Every one of these feats began as an idea that was then transformed into reality. Think and Grow Rich shows youhow to transform your dreams into reality too.

Melvin Powers inspiring foreward and indicating how this great book transformed his life adds just on more great testimonial of the power behind Think and Grow Rich.

If you were to buy just one book on personal development, you wouldn't go wrong by making Think and Grow Rich that one and only book.

Thank you Napolean for sharing your wisdom!

Bugaboos of the Mind Revealed
Why do some achieve great wealth when the vast majority wallow in poverty?

Napoleon Hill interviewed nearly 500 wealthy men (including steel magnate Andrew Carnegie) to determine the underlying causes of wealth. In addition, Hill interviewed thousands of financial failures to determine what drove them to poverty.

Think & Grow Rich is a remarkable text that outlines what Napoleon Hill learned from his vast number of interviews. Hill enables readers to emulate the traits of the wealthy while shunning those characteristics of the financially challenged.

Several highlights of the text are:

(1) Prerequisites to wealth acquisition include a statement of: (a) the amount of money desired (b) the sacrifice one is willing to give in exchange for the money (c) the deadline for obtaining the money (d) a definite plan for acquiring this money (e) a declaration of this statement twice daily once before sleeping and once after waking.

Hill remarks, "You may as well know, right here, that you can never have riches in great quantities unless you can work yourself into a white heat of desire for money, and actually believe you possess it."

(2) The subconscious mind can be a powerful ally (or foe) in the pursuit of wealth. One should truly believe that one will become wealthy and "the subconscious mind will hand over the plan that you need". This belief should be infused with emotion.

(3) Create a Master Mind group of encouraging individuals who can provide the specialized knowledge necessary to achieve wealth

(4) "Success requires no explanations; Failure permits no alibis"

(5) Common causes of failures include: Lack a well defined purpose in life, Lack of ambition, Lack of self-discipline, Procrastination, Lack of Persistence, Lack of decision.

(6) Persistence is absolutely critical to wealth. Hill mentions that "I had the happy privilege of analyzing both Mr. Edison and Mr. Ford ... I found no quality save persistence that even remotely suggested the major source of their stupendous achievements."

(7) To develop persistence one must have a: (a) specific goal with a yearning for its attainment (b) definite plan (c) mind closed against negative influences (d) friendly alliance with those who will encourage one to achieve the goal

(8) Sublimate your sexual urges to a yearning to accomplish your goals

(9) "You have absolute control over but one thing, and that is your thoughts"

This is a remarkable book that is a paean to the power of the mind and its ability to create wealth in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles ...

Excellent! but the hardcover version is abridged
Wonderful book, which inspires me and makes me think big and stay motivated. I love the unabridged version from wilshire book company. Unfortunately it comes only in paperback. I recently bought the hardcover, collector's edition. Unfortunately it is abridged, in some chapters several pages in total. The format in this book is among the best i've seen though. Leatherbound, goldedges etc. Anyway, great book!

It Helped Jim Carrey, myself and it can help you too...
What can I say? I bought this book at a church bookstore, ironic huh? Having been fortunate enough to attend elite academic institutions in America and Europe, I can say without a doubt that the principles espoused by Mr. Hill's writing are by far more valuable than much of what I learned in a formal academic environment--this is real education....SELF education, i.e. knowledge of Self.

Jim Carrey reputedly read this book while working a low wage job before becoming famous, applied the fundamentals and the rest, as we say is history.

I always like to point out interesting teaching points from books and here are a few:

**"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

**"There are no limitations to the mind EXCEPT those we acknowledge"

**"Both poverty and riches are the offspring oof thought"

One of my greatest ambitions is to actualize the level of success I envision for myself and in doing so, be in a position where I can mentor others about the principles of success such as those. Mssr. Hill teaches. One of the first things I shall do is give this book away in order to complete the cycle of giving and receiving.

I also recommend reading this book along side Joseph Murphy's book "Power of Your Subconscious Mind" and Claude M. Bristol's "The Magic of Believing" along with "It Works" by RJH. These books along with Think & Grow Rich can truly enable you to achieve whatever you desire not only financially but in health, relationships, peace of mind and true expression--true wealth.

I have personally achieved some wonderful results through the application of these principles and look forward to applying them even further for higher and higher levels of achievement. I hope you do so as well!

Not his best, but a great book by Napolean Hill
Think & Grow Rich is a condensed version of Hill's 17 principles of success; he course that he used to teach in over 17 lessons via weekly lectures and is still available in other books and tape programs like Your Right To Be Rich.

Nonetheless, Think & Grow Rich is an excellent intro to the principles and techniques that Hill discovered after interviewing the wealthiest people of his time.

Think & Grow Rich will open your mind and open opportunities to you. Great book by Hill. ... Read more

Book Description

In this delightful, quick to read, business management allegory, Donna M. Genett Ph.D., uses an entertaining narrative about identical cousins, James and Jones, to introduce her successful six-step program for effective delegation.

Whether you are the one delegating or the one being delegated to, implementing these six steps is guaranteed to lighten your workload and give you more time to focus on what’s really important—on and off the job. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Worth reading.
This is a very clever and entertaining story that teaches simple, important steps for more effective time, work, and life management. Delegation is difficult for many of us successful people, but Dr. Genett inspires us to stretch for the purposes of stress reduction and optimal performance.
Highly recommend.

Allegorical book helps efficiency
This slender little book, of fewer than 100 pages, can help you with your New Year's Resolution (or any time of the year) to be more efficient at the office. The author is a psychologist and consultant who helps companies enhance productivity and train managers.

Genett's book is written in the form of a story about cousins who have different management styles. One is successful and has time for a nice family life and hobbies, and the other's life is a mess. But the second learns Genett's Six Steps of Effective Delegation and becomes as happy and successful as his cousin.

It sounds hokey, but it's actually an effective way to impart these tips. This isn't some dry textbook, but a useful tool for learning how to efficiently delegate responsibility - and be successful at it. It's short enough to breeze through, and the tips are clearly marked along the way.

Powerful!
An easy read, but one that offers some significant take-aways! The concepts are so simple, but often overlooked in practice. Donna's tips can be applied not only in business, but also to raising children!

A great parable - highly recommend it!
This is a fresh, fun, simply communicated approach to helping managers delegate effectively and enjoy the results. A quick read but a serious lesson. I recommend it highly!! ... Read more

Book Description

At times in our careers, we've all been aware of a "gut feeling" guiding our decisions. Too often, we dismiss these feelings as "hunches" and therefore untrustworthy. But renowned researcher Gary Klein reveals that, in fact, 90 percent of the critical decisions we make is based on our intuition. In his new book, INTUITION AT WORK, Klein shows that intuition, far from being an innate "sixth sense," is a learnable--and essential--skill.

Based on interviews with senior executives who make important judgments swiftly, as well as firefighters, emergency medical staff, soldiers, and others who often face decisions with immediate life-and-death implications, Klein demonstrates that the expertise to recognize patterns and other cues that enable us--intuitively--to make the right decisions--is a natural extension of experience.

Through a three-tiered process called the "Exceleration Program," Klein provides readers with the tools they need to build the intuitive skills that will help them make tough choices, spot potential problems, manage uncertainty, and size up situations quickly. Klein also shows how to communicate such decisions more effectively, coach others in the art of intuition, and recognize and defend against an overdependence on information technology.

The first book to demystify the role of intuition in decision making, INTUITION AT WORK is essential reading for those who wish to develop their intuition skills, wherever they are in the organizational hierarchy. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A useful perspective on thought processes / decision making
In Innovation at Work, Gary Klein presents the interesting premise that intuition can be a learned skill rather than an innate trait that someone either does or does not have. Citing his work with the US Marine Corps, firefighters and certain business organizations, Klein lays out his theory that intuition is something to be valued, developed and leveraged. To push his thesis, he tends to beat up on analytics and metrics in decision making - so much so that people with a strong analytical bent (like me) might dismiss the thesis as rubbish. Keeping an open mind, however, makes one see that what Klein is really advocating is a blend of intuition and analytics. In fact, a number of the tools outlined by Klein to build up intuition are somewhat analytical in nature - in effect creating a situation where one can intuitively decide something today because of "pre-analysis" that had been done in the past. Although the concepts are presented more from an anecdotal perspective than from a rigorous scientific one, Klein is able to nonetheless put forth a concept that merits attention, if for no other reason that to gain a perspective on different management styles the one must deal with on a regular basis. ... Read more

Book Description

This new edition retains much of the vision of the previous editions-it encompasses written, oral, and visual communication-but also reflects current practices in the field of technical writing, with continued emphasis on workplace communicationThe focus remains on the entire writing process from planning through revision, with topics discussed including, defining technical communication, the workplace audience, developing a clear, direct communication style, information design, graphics as a means to support and clarify information, technology, the technical writing process including planning and drafting, and reviewing and revising.For anyone interested in improving his or her writing. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for bad spellers
I found this book in an old desk at work. I am now buying one for my children. It is perfect for those who cannot spell, like me. I have struggled with expressing myself in a written form all my life because of my spelling problems, but now with this book an arms length away I can write anything! Very Very helpful for the spelling challenged.

ESSENTIAL
This book is a must have for any one who writes on a frequent basis. The spell checkers in word processors are great, but more often than not, I start out with pen in hand. The copy of this book that I bought in 1972 is falling apart. I'm delighted to find that it is still in print.

Awesome!
A book for every student of life. This "little" text and I have been together since 1972. I have a copy at work and at home. It is faster than a dictionary -- it is faster than a computerized speller. This guide really works. ... Read more

Book Description

THE HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW PAPERBACK SERIES is designed to bring today's managers and professionals the fundamental information they need to stay competitive in a fast-moving world.Here are the landmark ideas that have established the Harvard Business Review as required reading for ambitious business people in organizations around the globe.

This essential reference is for readers who need to stay up-to-date on the new rules and evolving ideas that are shaping today's corporate strategies.1. TOC: Creating Corporate Advantage by David J. Collis and Cynthia A. Montgomery 2. Competing on Resources: Strategy in the 1990s by David J. Collis and Cynthia A. Montgomery 3. Desperately Seeking Synergy by Michael Goold and Andrew Campbell 4. The End of Corporate Imperialism by C.K. Prahalad and Kenneth Lieberthal 5. Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World by Stuart L. Hart 6. Why Focused Strategies May Be Wrong for Emerging Markets by Tarun Khanna and Krishna G. Palepu 7. Competing on Capabilities: The New Rules of Corporate Strategy by George Stalk, Philip Evans, and Lawrence E. Shulman 8. Corporate Strategy: The Quest for Parenting Advantage by Andrew Campbell, Michael Goold, and Marcus Alexander About the Contributors

Index ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Theories on Strategy backed by real life examples.
This is another excellent collection of essays from Harvard Business Review and the topic is Corporate Strategy. 8 essays in a little less than 250 pages address various corporate strategies that can be useful if you are in a similar situation.

These are very interesting theories and it is fascinating to read them with all the real life examples. If you don't enjoy pure strategy, some of the material may feel dull though. This book goes into the guts of what makes for good corporate strategy. It starts out with a chapter on Creating Corporate Advantage where you are exposed to examples of companies that leveraged their multibusiness capabilities extremely well to create a serious corporate advantage (the companies are Tyco International, Sharp, The Newell Company, and Saatchi and Saatchi).

The book then moves on to the strategy in the 1990s with a focus on competing on resources. Five tests are put forward that should help determine if a resource can qualify to be the basis for an effective strategy.

The rest of the book addresses topics such as Synergy, Strategies for a Sustainable World, Emerging Markets, Competing on Capabilities, Parenting Advantage (the kind of businesses a company should own), etc.

Overall, the book has some very serious discussions on Corporate Strategies. Some of these may not be as relevant to the particular situation you are in, but most would be if you work in a large organization. I picked up the book to see what I could learn on strategy for small businesses but this isn't the book for that. Though these lessons could be applied when the small business starts transforming into a large business. Bottom line - this book is an interesting read especially if you are in an MBA program or are part of the upper management of a large corporation. Enjoy!

First mover advantage on corporate strategy research?
Many scholors have been researching in corporate strategy so far.And now this theme seems to be coming back.Too much emphasis on competitive strategy and business strategy of business units are likely criticized indeed. Mulibusiness corporations really need the optimal fit between corporate strategy and business strategy.This book is the one of challenging and quick respoce to that trend. The faster The better..... I don't know.But difinitely it is worth while reading for practitioner and researchers in this field. Including A.D.Chandler's discussion, outstanding papers of harvard business review are contained. Probably you will find new standpoint of academic field. ... Read more