Reviews (2)

Same deal as the Arco Mechanical And Spatial Aptitude text
The only differences are:

This text includes some basic knowledge of tools and fasteners, as well as test taking tips.

The hidden figures are WAYYYYYYYYYYYY too easy. The same goes for the Arco test. If you've taken the AFOQT, you'll know what I'm talking about. The hidden figures are a lot more complex.

The rotated blocks are also more complex in the AFOQT.
Unless the military sets different standards for the various branches, you should expect the same in other tests. This book isn't all that helpful in my humble opinion.

A great help...
I used this book to help me prepare for a test for a technical job. I found that this book helped me prepare and I had a lot of similar questions at my interview. The answers were explained clearly, and the graphics were excellent. ... Read more

Book Description

Entrepreneurial phenomenon Ari Weinzweig, co-founder of the much-loved Zingerman's Deli, shares the secrets to providing world-class customer service.Zingerman's in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a beloved deli with some of the most loyal clientele around. It has been praised for its products and service in media outlets far and wide, including the New York Times, Men's Journal, Inc. Magazine, Esquire, Atlantic Monthly, USA Today, and Fast Company. And what started out as a small deli has grown to a flourishing restaurant, catering service, bakery, mail-order operation, creamery, and training business.

Booming business and loyal customers are proof enough that the Zingerman's team knows a thing or two about customer service. Now in Zingerman's Guide to Giving Great Service, co-founder Ari Weinzweig shares the unique Zingerman method of treating customers, giving the reader step-by-step instructions on what to teach staff, how to train them, how to implement the training, how to measure their success, and finally, how to reward performance.

Some of Zingerman's time-tested principles:

--Customers who get a great product but poor service won't be as loyal as those who are disappointed with a product but get great service.
--You'll get more complaints if people believe you care enough to listen to them. And that's a good thing.
--Employees who are rewarded, respected, and well cared for treat customers the same way. ... Read more

Book Description

Who hasn’t been frustrated by the unnecessary stress and aggravation caused by troublesome co-workers?

This hard-hitting desktop book provides all the proven techniques and strategies to create better relationships with the people at work who can make life miserable.

Conveniently organized in an A-to-Z format for quick, easy reference, Solomon offers practical ways to turn awkward situations to your advantage.Learn to cope with hostile, presumptuous, manipulative, or critical co-workers, and get cooperation as well as respect from colleagues. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Learn the art of Communicating.
Well, Well, I find this book 'terrific' to say the least.
The arrangement of text(especially 'capitals') is simply wonderful. I learnt more and educated myself in the process. It was more like reading a novel. I would highly recommend you to read this book, but keep it away from the sight of 'Co-workers/Boss(for your own good!). I wish I could have a video of this book, I mean it would definitely help. Words once uttered, cannot be taken back, so it is better to polish it so that it conveys the intended meaning and gets the appropriate results when dealing with not only 'Difficult people' but everybody.
After some time, you will enjoy working with 'Difficult people', because they are usually the ones who have talents that have been overlooked. Take heart.

Only an OK book
There is some useful information in the book. The book is divided into many different situations and types of people and this is useful. However many sections are very shallow and it seems that the sections that deal with the most difficult people tend to blame it on the recipient rather than the perpetrator. Also, there is a tendency to helplessness in the face of the worst offenders, i.e. there is nothing you can do. In reality this is seldom the case. But the desired actions may be dramatic and have far reaching consequences. It seems the book is written so as to offend none when some should be offended.

Read "Winning with Difficult People" instead
Try reading "Winning with Difficult people" instead of this book. This book did tell me about certain types of people and how to deal with them, but it didn't go into deal about why they are the way they are to others.

Good understanding for what motivates difficult people
I bought this book when it first came out over a decade ago. It's a classic (or should be). It covers the behavior in groups (e.g. "Pushy/Presumtious People", "Exploitive People") and further divides each group into how it is manifested in Bosses, Peers, and Suborbdinates. The author is very perceptive in describing the patterns, what insecurities drive people to behave that way, and methods for dealing with them. The advice is very practical and appropriate to the case. Sometimes it's on the order of "give them some attention to get a return", sometimes it's "define your boundaries" and sometimes it's "this is toxic, walk away." ... Read more

Book Description

Packed with essential tips for today's competitive business world, these low-priced paperbacks are ideal for anyone interested in improving their business skills.

Perfect for the briefcase or portfolio, these four new guides in the Essential Managers series are ideal for experienced or novice managers in companies both large and small. Having sold more than 2 million copies worldwide, these books are relevant to every work environment. Concise treatment of dozens of techniques, skills, and methods make Essential Managers the most accessible guide to business available. ... Read more

Book Description

The next business revolution--using the power of stories as the ultimate source of influence and impact.

What's your story? Who are you? Where do you come from? What do you want? When you seek to influence others, you face these questions and more. Whether you're proposing a risky new venture, trying to close a deal, or leading a charge against injustice, you have a story to tell. Tell it well and you will create a shared experience with your listeners that can have profound results.

In this highly accessible and groundbreaking book, Annette Simmons reminds us that the oldest tool of influence is also the most powerful. Showcasing over a hundred examples of effective storytelling drawn from the front lines of business and government, as well as myths, fables, and parables form around the world, Simmons illustrates how story can be used to persuade, motivate, and inspire in ways that cold facts, bullet points, and directives can't. A great read, The Story Factor will guide and inspire you to become a more effective communicator. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Learning a Critical Leadership Skill
I am responsible for leadership development in the largest healthcare system in the country--the Veterans Healthcare Administration. As part of a rigorous two-year leadership development program for mid-management high potentials, we use this book to not only highlight the power of communicating through storytelling, but we give participants experience in finding, constructing and telling their own powerful stories by using the guidelines in the text.

We floundered in this part of our curriculum until we found The Story Factor, which combines the "why" and the "how" in a very easy-to-understand fashion. The frequent examples from the business world help to overcome the resistance of the physicians and other "reluctant yarn-spinners" in the room.

If you need a "how-to" on storytelling, this is your book. And if you appreciate listening to an author's unique voice as she speaks with passion, it's for you, too. Useful AND enjoyable!

The Story Factor is a rare gem ... worth six stars plus
I first read The Story Factor by Annette Simmons after completing the book "The Story" by Hollywood screenwriter Robert McKee. I was fascinated by a Harvard Business Review interview with McKee on the use of story in influencing business decisions. Annette Simmons has taken story telling to an entire new sphere of communications with this book. Besides being exceptionally well-written, it is superbly emotionally satisfying and a joy to read. Every page is literally filled with nuggets of truth about story and the effect it plays on our human emotions and psyches. The story is the king of human communications. No wonder Jesus wrapped The Truth in story to be told as parables.

Amazingly Annette Simmons is herself a masterful student of story telling. The breadth of her references and her story examples come from the reality of using story to make the communications connection between humans. There is hope and joy to be obtained from reading this book that overcomes cynicism and the sense of victimhood which embellishes so many of our contemporary institutions.

I've read dozens of business books on leadership, communications, collaboration and the like. Personally I have found no equal to this amazing little book which is so humanly valuable. Following Mortimer Adler's advice on reading a book three times to extract all that is there, I have just finished my second reading and savor the experience of reading it again in the coming months.

A major contribution to organizational storytelling
This book does what any book about applied storytelling should do: it describes how to apply storytelling without compromising storytelling's artistic heart.

Annette offers the book as a way to achieve "inspiration, influence and persuasion." By the end of the book, the reader learns that the "secret" of influence is, in fact, what has drawn so many fans to the art of storytelling: stories persuade because they lead us to the common ground of mutual respect - not by giving one party a secret weapon with which to manipulate the other. In Annette's words:

"Story doesn't grab power. Story creates power.... As a storyteller you borrow a story's power to connect people to what is important and to help them make sense of their world." (Page 29).

"The Story Factor" is my favorite "storytelling in business" book. To be sure, I had the pleasure of writing the forward to it. I did so in part because Annette has been my student in storytelling as well as my mentor in my own work with businesses. But I would never write a forward to any book in which I did not believe as deeply as I believe in my own books. I receive no payment from sales of "The Story Factor."

Here are some particular things I liked about "The Story Factor":

1. The description of the "Six Stories You Need to Know How to Tell" is worth the price of the book. People want the answers to certain questions before they'll give you a chance to persuade them of anything. These six stories achieve some of your essential interpersonal goals right away, and lay the groundwork for you to achieve the others.

2. In the chapter called "What Stories Do That Facts Can't," Annette shows how your stories can de-escalate conflict, side-step traps laid for you, avoid the "because I said so" kind of arguments, broaden a discussion by grounding it in a wider reality, etc.

3. One of Annette's chapters takes up one of my least favorite questions: "How do I tell a good story?" Why do I dread being asked that question? Because it seems to pre-suppose that there is a recipe for telling stories that works in all situations. In her characteristic Aikido-like way, however, Annette directs her readers to follow solid, easy-to-use advice that doesn't lock them into a limited formula. She briefly and convincingly outlines nine key points to keep in mind - that will nearly guarantee good telling.

4. Annette's tone hits that "sweet spot" between the hype of so many pop business books, on the one hand, and the dense, soggy prose that deadens so many academic-type books on communication, business strategies, etc., on the other. She speaks to her reader with conversational ease - but without "selling" or oversimplifying.

5. Annette's book is filled with memorable, well-told stories. Some are brief enough to throw into a conversation; others could be the keystone of a speech. The story about the red and green shoes is now part of my permanent mental landscape, as are the burning piano and the silent door-to-door salesman. With few exceptions, Annette integrates the stories into her chapters, rather than separating them into self-contained boxes. She never says why; I'll bet, though, that it's because she believes that stories persuade best when they aren't self-consciously introduced as "stories," but when they flow out of your very being, your attitude toward your listeners, and your commitment to your message.

If you care at all about using storytelling in an organization, for persuasion, or to get across a personal message, you'd be foolish to pass up this book. Beginners in the use of story will be well guided; experts will find great new stories to tell as well as a clear, systematic exposition of how story works in practice - and, underlying it all, a refreshing, inspiring perspective about how humans actually persuade each other. This book is not only about influence; it has already become highly influential. Miss it at you own risk!

Storytelling eye-openers - how to reach people
I highly recommend Annette Simmons The Story Factor for a new and different look at the way we communicate. I especially found it useful in analyzing how people process information, and then applying that to how to reach people on difficult topics.
Storytelling is a fine art in the entertainment world, and there are many sources to hone your skills on this. But Annette has provided insights and practical tips that have been particularly useful for me using story-telling in the working world. There is nothing more painful than learning that your work or project is ending or not being used. With some of the strategies in this book, I have found ways to help people recognize and be satisfied with what they have done, and continue on to the next project with a shorter "grieving" cycle, so we can all become more productive again quickly. Also, I have found ways to use story to help build our work teams to quickly coalesce around the goal and tasks at hand, when we have incredibly tight deadlines and little time for the usual necessary "bonding" that a team needs to reach optimum productivity.
I highly recommend this book as both useful and an entertaining read at the same time.

Simply the best
Since I consider Power Point presentations a notch below prehistoric cave painting as an effective form of communication, I have sought out and read the best books that I could find on the art of storytelling as I am interested in its application in the field of management. The Story Factor is quite simply the best book I have read on the topic. Simmons doesn't bore the reader to death with theory but gives the specifics necessary to make this an essential "how to" book. I recommend it for any manager who wants to incorporate the use of dynamic story in his or her skill set. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Valuable time saving reference and tutorial
I started a job hunt recently, and hadn't written a resume in the last 6 years or so. I had a good idea of how I wanted to present and market myself, but I didn't have all of the fine details filled in.

This book is extensive, but well labeled. Start reading at the beginning, and every subject points you to the chapter with more information on that subject. Kind of like hyperlinks. That way you can look through at the major headings and pick and choose what you don't already know.

I took a prioritized approach, because I was in a little bit of a hurry. I took the resume section, picked a format based on my experience, then wrote a draft. From there, I went back and picked through the writing sections to make sure that I was on the right track. If you've read the examples, and the "before and after" sections, you'll probably have a good idea already what the big picture is. From then I went on to the section on cover letters and online job searching.

There are sections on virtually every subject of resume and cover letter writing, gathering references, job searching and interview preparation. Everything that you really need to get started, or just touch up on what you already know is well organized and labeled so that you can use it immediately. It's just what I was looking for, so that I wouldn't have to waste time reading the "full story" on each subject.

After following the advice in this book and sending out about 20 copies of my resume online, I had about 10 replies in the first week, and about 6 requests for interviews already.

600 pages for a book on writing a resume, impossible?
I said, "How can resume-writing be this complicated?" before carrying this 600-page 8.5" x 11" book home. Susan Whitcomb did a good job of compiling tips and advice and presenting them at the right time. There are tips on left vs. right justification, including personal information, and picking fonts, and long discussions on CVs vs. resumes, on functional vs. chronological, on printed vs. scannable vs. ASCII, and on grammar and mechanics. She's obviously a great copyriter and page designer.

Because, indeed, a resume now must look good enough so it will be read.

One chapter did nothing but help you choose which sections and section titles fit your situation. I found that weird, until I began the next chapter, which read, "Even experienced writers can feel some fear and trepidation when facing the start of a new project. You already have a good outline in which to work (chapter 4), which puts you beyond the 'blank sheet of paper' stage."

Inside the "tweaking" section, she even gives the keystrokes you'll use for both Microsoft Word and Corel WordPerfect.

You'll also find 250 "impact-mining questions" to ask yourself to come up with powerful accomplishment statements. Is that a lot? Well, no, but it gives you a good start! When you expect a resume-writing book to have a list of action verbs, Susan diligently wrote a impressive example for each verb.

I do not agree with her treatment of ASCII resumes, though. Of course, her discussion on online promotion and online resume submittal has grown stale; her ideas on "keyword resumes" is as outdated as advice on META TAGS on web pages.

Bulky... comprehensive... a great workbook.

Great book!
This book may be long, but it is easy to get through. I loved it! I absolutely recommend it for resume writing. It took me only a week or two to read and come up with a resume I am proud of. I am also receiving compliments from prospective employers (one said it was "unique" and not boring like all the other resumes she sees).

Quite Simply...The Best!
I don't give five stars to just any book. They must richly deserve it. Like this one. This is unqualifyingly the best how-to-write-a-resume book out there and I've seen dozens of them. Ms. Whitcomb has a get-to-the-point writing style and offers hundreds of tips, suggestions and examples. Her book is very well organized and she writes with amazing clarity.

I was overwhelmed
I was overwhelmed,

This book is more of a resource book than a clear guide on how to quickly write a great resume. I found the volume of information overwhelming and it only served to frustrate me in that I did not know where to begin.

Trying to read the book from start to finish was a daunting task as it doesn't follow a logical series of steps to produce a great resume; it makes a great reference book but not a hand-holding guide.

I returned the book and purchased Robin Ryan's "Winning Resumes" (0471263656). This is an excellent, short book/instruction manual. Actually, I purchased both of her books; her cover letter book is "Winning Cover Letters" (047126348)

I purchased Ryan's books after I had sent 20 resume and cover letters and received nothing back except one rejection letter. After reading the books and following her step by step instructions I produced a much better set of material.

I have sent ten Cover letters and resumes since adopting her ideas and I've had three responses in just two weeks!!! I've had an interview with two of the companies and the third is still taking apps and will "get back with me".

Good luck in your search...

... Read more

Book Description

This well-respected text balances theory and processes with skill development. The authors are active researchers, lecturers, and communication consultants. They draw on their experiences to provide students with a clear introduction to the study of small group communication. Communication in Small Groups puts theory and research into practice. A primary objective is to discuss small group communication theory and research in a way that allows the reader to apply concepts and principles to the process of communication when working as a member of a team. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A Solid Introductionand Overview
I have used this textbook to teach Introduction to Small Group Communication for 10 years.It is a solid overview of key communication concepts, processes and skills in small group communication.I would disagree with the review written by dharting.The average undergraduate has no difficulty reading this book. It may not be in dharting's Top 10,000, but I suspect the bulk of this list is comic books.

Not on my top 10,000 list
This book starts well, and it's obvious that the authors had the initial intention of making this material accessible to the average student.Of the book's 11 chapters, the first several are easy to read; there are "case studies" following the first 10 chapters which illustrate ideas, generate questions, and give students some material to evaluate.Unfortunately, things take a downward turn toward the middle of the book, plummeting into a death spiral in the last few chapters.It felt as if the authors either got tired of translating complex ideas into easy-to-read language or simply ran out of time.The last few chapters are an uphill slog through heavy jargon - just when you're trying to gear up for the final exam.

From the beginning, they relied too heavily on lists, lists and more lists.There were over 100 "core communication skills" of various types strewn about in parcels of up to 20 at a time, and there was no master list to refer to.There are numerous additional lists (the 4 signs of this, the 8 kinds of that, etc.) which a teacher can plunder for exam material - much to the student's grief.Nowhere is there a list of the 14 ways to mutilate a textbook - I'll just have to experiment.

As for the writing style, it varies from friendly and chock full of real-life analogies to passages like this example from Chapter 11:"Differences in the characteristics of individuals are also a class of variables that complicate a unified communication-based theoretical explanation of group output (Gouran and Fisher 1984).Here, we again define the term individual rather expansively to include any demographic (e.g., gender, age, race), psychographic (e.g., belief, attitude, ego involvement), or sociographic (e.g., student, Mason, argumentative) factor that may impact group outcome."Yes, it's readable on the second or third try, but the chapter goes on and on.

If this is the required text for a Small Group Communication course you're planning to attend, you might want to take another look at your schedule. ... Read more

Book Description

One of the oldest myths in business is that every customer is a valuablecustomer. Even now, many businesses don’t realize that some of their customersare deeply unprofitable, and that simply doing business with them is costingthem money.Often the top 20 percent of customers generate almost all of acompany’s profit, while the bottom 20 percent are actually destroying value.

The cutting-edge companies featured in Killer Customers, in industriesranging from retail to manufacturing to financial services, are taking afundamentally new look at how they treat their best and worst customers. Moreimportantly, they are re-conceiving their companies as portfolios of customers.

For corporate leaders, business managers, or small business owners, KillerCustomers offers a breakthrough plan to delight their best customers anddrive consistently superior results. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Historian and journalist Daniel Gross has produced a collection of profiles of corporate high-achievers that is exceptionally informative, extremely entertaining, and endlessly inspiring. In Forbes Greatest Business Stories of All Time, Gross examines 20 pioneering risk-takers who refused to compromise and were ultimately rewarded for their efforts. From the richest man in America during Revolutionary times (Robert Morris) toits richest man today (Bill Gates), the book tracks industrialists, corporate kings, financiers, and visionaries, including J. P. Morgan, Walt Disney, Ray Kroc, and Mary Kay Ash in a manner that shows why all are worth studying. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

An index for further reads...
The distinct brown box arrived and I tore open the packaging! I had eagerly awaited the arrival of this book and I wasted no time in diving into the pages.
I started typing an illustrative review of what I thought about each "chapter", but I think that I will cut away the fluff and just let you know what I thought.

Out of the 20 businesses that the book profiles, I thought that on the most part 13 of them were just plain boring. I tried to read the book in one shot but found myself falling asleep as I trudged through the pages. A better way to read the book, I discovered, was to read it chapter by chapter, on different days and at different times.

You will gain insights into the different companies, which will enable you to appear insightful when participating in conversations, unfortunately your knowledge will be rather skin deep as the book does not probe very far beneath the surface.

The book enabled me to sort through the stories, pick the best ones, and now I will go out and buy other books which are about those companies or people that interested me, (such as David Ogilvy). I also found that the book made great use of language and I was always equipped with a pen, writing down and looking up numerous words.

Well written stories on people who have inspired the Future
A great book about the people who made a real difference in shaping the present that we live in and influencing the future as it will become.

From Robert Morris to Bill Gates; the books takes you on a promonade into their kingdoms. Explaining to the reader many valuable information about each "tycoon's" personality, enterprise, industry, and the general business environment in his particular era.

I personally enjoyed the chapters on David Ogilvy, Ray Croc, Sam Walton, Walt Disney, Joseph Wilson, Henry Ford and Harley Davidson.

The book portrays many successful personalities and companies that will be of interest to people in varying specializations within Business.

An enjoyable read and a good reference.

Also read "Lessons from the Top" and "Radical Marketing"

Insightful Summaries
I found the stories in the book very interesting. They covered a a wide spectrum of industries and spanned over a long time frame. The stories clearly illustrated the most important business figures of the particular time and industry.

However, I thought the stories were lacking in detail to make it truly a great read. After reading the book, I felt that I was introduced to the great figures in business. But to know them better, I have to read another book.

For example, I knew something about Henry Ford before reading the book. In the story about Henry Ford, I found it superficial. However, in other stories that I was not familiar with the protagonist, like McGowan, I found the story illuminating. I never knew the telecommunications business could be so interesting.

As such, I recommend this book to people who wants to know some of the greatest people in business. But to those who want to find out about the secrets to their success, the answer will lie in other more detailed books.

They Really Are
Each chapter offers a profile of a major contributor to the evolution of American business history, beginning with one of my ancestors, Robert Morris (America's "first real businessman"), and concluding with Bill Gates ("Microsoft's cofounder and guiding spirit"). In between, Gross and his associates also examine other great leaders such as McCormick, Rockefeller, Morgan, Ford, Merrill, Sarnoff, Disney, Johnson, Ogilvy, Kroc, Wilson, Ash, Walton, and McGowan as well as major corporations such as American Express, Intel, Harley-Davidson, and Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. The reader is told, "This book is about heroes" and it really is.

Using the most effective strategies and devices of a storyteller, the authors examine biographical information within an historical context, sustaining interest with anecdotes while providing insights as to the causes and effects of each subject's accomplishments. For Morris, essentially the economic survival of thirteen colonies during their struggle for independence. For McCormick, the industrialization of agriculture. For Rockefeller, the creation and development of the modern corporation. For Morgan, saving a nation's financial system. For Ford, mass-producing affordable personal transportation. For Merrill, broadening the base of stock ownership to include those, among others, for whom the Ford Motor Company manufactured automobiles. Each of the other "heroes" discussed made equally important contributions.

A brief review such as this can only suggest (albeit inadequately) the wealth of information to be found in Greatest Business Stories of All Time. The prose has snap, crackle, and pop. The focus is crystal clear. The lessons to be learned from the careers examined are of incalculable value. Although this book will be of interest to almost anyone, it will have special importance for school, college, and university students who may sometimes wonder if there are any "secrets to success." The answer is yes. The specifics are to be found in the lives of those who are discussed in Greatest Business Stories of All Time.

Top notch for anyone interested in business or success
A top notch read for anyone interested in business and the makings of successful entrepreneurs. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

CEO Logic is a great resource for clearer thinking about bus
CEO LOGIC is a great resource for executives looking to improve how they think through both the day-to-day challenges of running a business and the "big picture" issues of how to stay competitive. Most useful is Johnson's emphasis on systematic, clear, and focused thinking about the true purpose of a company's resources--a mental discipline he calls "CEO Logic." This discipline allows one to stay focused on the key elements that make a business successful--not just while making major decisions about core competencies and competitive edge, but in improving everyday support operations as well (e.g. cash management, management development, or banking relationships). The book works at several levels: as a sort of primer of business fundamentals for those new to management; as a challenge to a more sophisticated, integrated approach to management for those increasing their scope of responsibility; and as a diagnostic tool for experienced CEOs and managers looking to improve results in particular aspects of their businesses (acquisitions, turnarounds, leadership, business operations planning, etc.). Readers will appreciate the book's "user-friendly" format, which features real-world stories, self-assessment tools, and concise, to-the-point writing.

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR CEOs AND MANAGERS AT ALL LEVELS
CEO LOGIC is a great resource for executives looking to improve how they think through both the day-to-day challenges of running a business and the "big picture" issues of how to stay competitive. Most useful is Johnson's emphasis on systematic, clear, and focused thinking about the true purpose of a company's resources--a mental discipline he calls "CEO Logic." This discipline allows one to stay focused on the key elements that make a business successful--not just while making major decisions about core competencies and competitive edge, but in improving everyday support operations as well (e.g. cash management, management development, or banking relationships). The book works at several levels: as a sort of primer of business fundamentals for those new to management; as a challenge to a more sophisticated, integrated approach to management for those increasing their scope of responsibility; and as a diagnostic tool for experienced CEOs and managers looking to improve results in particular aspects of their businesses (acquisitions, turnarounds, leadership, business operations planning, etc.). Readers will appreciate the book's "user-friendly" format, which features real-world stories, self-assessment tools, and concise, to-the-point writing.

The REAL DEAL!! A Guide for becoming a "Level 5" manager
As the back cover of this book says, go ahead, read those other books by high-profile celebrity CEOs to get motivated. Then read this book to see HOW it is done. I say, skip the celebrity CEO du jour books, and go straight to this 5-star book for "Level 5" people.

This is a clear, consise, and exceptionally well proofread and published book (not one error in this book - as opposed to Moore's Crossing the Chasm - a terrible proofreading job). C. Ray Johnson cuts to the chase as to just what and how an effective CEO does and conducts him/herself, and in so doing convinces the reader quickly that anyone has the capacity to do pursue the principles of CEO logic if they really have the will and desire.

Johnson's incredibly clear early chapters lay out the effective CEO melds business understanding with personal principles. From there he goes through each aspect of key business functions and uses his CEO Logic approach for the right direction in each. His chapter on turnaround management is great.

Another very important note, this book and Jim Collins' Good to Great compliment each other. Collins makes the key point early on that companies that go from good to great are rarely run by celebrity big-ego CEOs brought in from the outside, but are instead run by generally quiet, unassuming people who are nevertheless deeply rooted in their convictions and desire to be great and have a winning team working with them. This is what Collins refers to as a "Level 5" leader.

You can think of Johnson's book as a primer on how a Level 5 leader conducts business and takes on leadership. Buy both books! You'll be glad you did. And, while you are at it, leave the self-aggrandizing celcb CEO books on the shelf ;-)

A Solid Effort!
C. Ray Johnson analyzes the thought processes used by successful CEOs and breaks them down into a simple, step-by-step formula anyone can practice. Focusing on the fundamentals, this book is an excellent overview for any manager eyeing advancement, and can help average managers become extraordinary managers. Use it to help you identify the simple decisions that underlie the complex particulars of any given business situation. The organization of the book makes it easy to find information relating to specific disciplines, yet it flows smoothly if you want to read it cover to cover. This is not an academic book, but a practical one, which the author developed based upon 25 years of lessons learned while managing diverse public and private companies with annual revenues ranging from $5 million to $500 million. We at getAbstract recommend this book to managers at any level, especially those who are working hard toward a promotion.

Making sense in quick time
If your looking for the way things need to be done or get done then this book gives you some meat to chew on. It doesn't burden you down with tough concepts, its mostly things you go, 'Duh, why didn't I think of that.' Which is good so you can get on with implementing the ideas in short order. I recommend this to those who need to understand what managment should be, and what your tasking in an organization can be. ... Read more

Book Description

In just two steps, "300 Best Jobs without a Four-Year Degree" helps the non-college grad quickly and easily narrow their career options and learn more about jobs of interest. Step One: Readers browse a variety of "best jobs" lists. Step Two: Readers learn more about the jobs of interest by looking up their descriptions. Features more than 50 "best jobs" lists, including best pay, fastest growth, most openings, best part-time, best for self-employment, and more. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A superb guide for non-college degree job-seekers
Collaboratively written by Michael Farr and LaVerne L. Ludden, with additional assistance by Laurence Shatkin, 300 Best Jobs Without A Four-Year Degree is an impressive and thoroughly "user friendly" 449-page compendium of useful lists, statistics, and thorough descriptions of exciting and satisfying jobs, none of which require a college degree. The basics of the trade for everything from advertising sale agents to welding machine operators are presented in a completely reader-friendly format, along with data drawn from government information about the overall makeup of the people who are drawn to each career path. 300 Best Jobs Without A Four-Year Degree is highly recommended as a superb guide for non-college degree job-seekers and otherwise cash-poor students. ... Read more

Book Description

The Exceptional Presenter provides a formula that will enable the reader to develop a presentation style that is ORGANIZED, PASSIONATE, ENGAGING and NATURAL.

It is a must-have book because the cost of having less than exceptional presentation skills is more than you can afford.This easy-to-read, practical, no-nonsense presentation handbook can help you showcase your message.Tim Koegel's formula has worked for the most senior professionals in government, business, the media and education.If the formula works for them, it can work for you!

Learn how to: Incorporate the presentation characteristics of the world's top presenters.

Develop a delivery style that exudes confidence.

Structure clear, concise and compelling presentations and proposals.

Understand the impact of verbal and non-verbal communication.

Be "Quick On Your Feet" while conducting Q&A.

Practice so that your skills will not fail under pressure.

The Exceptional Presenter gives the reader a disciplined approach to improving.The book provides presentation preparation forms, practice charts, assessment and observation forms.It is a quick read and a quick reference.

You will want to keep this book with you. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Exceptional Presenter is Exceptional
This is an excellent book especially for people that are new to public speaking. It helps allay the fears with humor and simple, easy-to-follow instructions. I would recommend this book to anyone who might have a presentation to make and is a little nervous or unsure of how they will do.

Humorous and Informative
Whenever I must speak in front of a group, I refer to this book during my preperation. It contains vital information that is presented in a clear, concise format. Highly recommend this book.

Check out his website at www.presentationacademy.com
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Fantastic book -- I can't recommend it higher! Opened up many techniques that are essential to a successful career.

Check out his website -- great information -- check out www.presentationacademy.com!
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A Real Career and Business Booster
Tim Keogel has done an excellent job with his book. The Exceptional Presenter is the ideal book for busy presenters who need a thorough grounding in the art and science of presentation skills. The ability to give a great presentation can be a tremendous career booster and The Exceptional Presenter will help you finetune those skills.

A must have for all communicators ...
Ok, I am not a big fan of how-to self-help books, especially when it comes to public speaking tips. Most get lost in the weeds with information overload, impractical advice, or instructions so basic that you end up skipping whole chapters. Not The Exceptional Presenter. It gets right to the point, gives just the right amount of guidance, and then allows you to apply it to your own style and occasion. And it is not too serious, either. A lot of humor to keep the pages turning. You can read this in one night, but you will be re-reading it for years as you prepare for presentations. Exceptional Presenter has the right balance of techinques, case studies, helpful insights, and worksheets. The best new presentation/public speaking book on the market right now -- and written by someone who trains professionals for a living. Highly recommend it. ... Read more

Book Description

Five diagnostic tests, and eight model Civil Service Exams arepresented with answers and explanations for all questions. Detailed subjectreview sections prepare civil service applicants for positions as stenographer,typist, clerical, and general office machine operators. Valuable test-takingtips are offered to help applicants do their best on these highly competitiveexams. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

a must-have for the clerical civil service exam!!
I purchased this book 3 weeks prior to taking the civil service clerical exam. I read the book and did all the practice exams. When I went to take the test, I knew what to expect and had confidence in my ability to do well. 50% of all people who take the test fail. Although the test is difficult, you owe it to yourself to be fully prepared before going in. This book is a excellent way to do that. The actual civil service clerical exam is divided into two sections: Clerical Abilities and Verbal Abilities. I thought that the Verbal Abilities test was harder than the examples in the book, but the Clerical Abilities test would be close to impossible without the information in this book. I can't imagine why anyone would go to all the trouble of taking this exam without preparing for it in advance. My advice: Buy the book and STUDY it before you go!! ... Read more

Book Description

Here is detailed and practical advice on interpreting the body language of fellow workers, superiors, and clients in various settings relating to business, management, and sales. A person's often unconscious gestures, facial expression, and body posture are frequent indicators of sincerity, uncertainty about details, evasiveness, and other things that aren't expressed verbally. Understanding body language is vital in influencing business associates, closing sales, and virtually all other activities related to business. Barron's Business Success Series offer career-minded men and women practical methods for success along with sound advice that applies to all levels of management in the business and corporate world. ... Read more

Book Description

Management, 3rd edition by Chuck Williams presents management theory and applications in an entertaining and engaging narrative not commonly found in textbooks. Williams? unique organization and features focuses on the critical theories and combines them with detailed examples that draw the reader into the reading and clearly show their implications for managers and organizations. Drawing from his experience as an award winning educator, Williams includes innovative features that help readers understand how all the different concepts come together and how they will be personally relevant. The text's unique organization focuses on how managers "make things happen' in modern organizations, exploring the role and impact of management on individuals and organizations. Instructors and readers praised the first two editions for its innovative approaches and tools that make management both relevant and interesting--the third edition continues and improves upon this foundation of innovation. ... Read more

Book Description

In the follow-up to her bestselling How to Think Like a CEO, #1 executive coach Debra Benton's work with top-level executives from AT&T, Colgate, Pepsi, Mobil Oil, N abisco, and American Express, and her interviews with 100 CEOs worldwide reveal:

• 10 "rules of the game" for managers
• Rules CEOs apply for everyday success
• Managerial pointers for readers on how to apply each rule in their professional lives

Reviews (7)

Where is the beef?
I did get one soundbite that I hope I can use in my life from this book, "Be yourself, unless you're a jerk". However, I got so tired of: be nice, have integrity, be an example, on page after page I was only able to make it through half of the book. All of that is important, but they covered that quite well in kindergarten. If you pick it up to read on the plane bring a backup book; you will need it.

No startling revelations
This book is dull and does not unravel anything that the average person who can rise to the top cannot derive on its own - if you are just graduating from college, this may seem appropriate, if you've been around in the business world - seek other material. One reading suggestion, which is light and very simple, but a good reminder of what's required is the book by Lencioni: " The 5 temptations of a CEO" - worth an hour while waiting at the airport between flights.

Management Theory Lite
The book presents itself as a semi-scholarly work, synthesizing interviews with 100 CEOs into a meaninful set of commandats for those that want to act like the big boss. On an academic level, this is fraught with peril - How do we know these are the right CEOs, and do they really articulate what makes them succeed?

Business books have a history of weak scholarship (think In Search of Excellence) but still can contain great ideas.

The 10 less than profound results:
1 - Be Yourself, Unless You're a Jerk
2 - See Around Corners
3 - Make Dust or Eat Dust
4 - Make the Big Play
5 - Keep Good Company
6 - Be the Number One Fund Raiser and Protecter
7 - Act Like a CEO When You Don't Feel Like It
8 - Evangelize the World
9 - Go Big or Go Home
10 - Cut Through the Junk

All this is good advice, but did you need to ask 100 CEOs to come up with it?

Ultimately, the book resides in my restroom. It's good for a couple minutes a day of reminding me what I should be doing, but nothing that requires hours of in depth study. It's a light read, but not really the blueprint to the executive suite.

Can one person really be this smart?
"How to Act Like a CEO" captures the strategic business savvy of Corporate stars! Like everything else written by D.A Benton, this book provides us with insight into the minds of industry leaders. I have yet to read a book by any other author that even remotely compares to this treasured information. Bravo, Ms. Benton...you have done it again!

CEO's: Walking the talk and talking the walk
In How to Act Like a CEO, Debra Benton interviews CEO's from a broad range of industries, and then sets out the common elements that brought their power and success. In ten chapters - reflecting the ten rules for getting to the top - she intersperses her own assessment of how those success secrets work. Included are insights, advice and quotes from CEO's on everything from integrity to the CEO as number one salesman for the company.

Although the title suggests that "acting" is a CEO focus, and the book includes a chapter full of advice on just that, much broader leadership territory is covered. The chapter on integrity - "Be Yourself, Unless You're a Jerk" - is the first chapter and also the most compelling. You can act like a CEO, but the act will collapse without the continous practice of the highest integrity.

As leadership books go, How to Act Like a CEO comes down heavily on the side of long hard work in every aspect of your career. You must work at getting better every day. You must be passionate about your career. You must act like a leader and be of good cheer - even when you don't feel like it. This is a demanding book!

Fortunately, some of the ten rules - "Cut Through the Junk" and "Keep Good Company" - call for maintaining a healthy balance between work and play, and delegating effectively to take the pressure off. The CEO's interviewed come across as somewhat harried, but insisting on having fun, looking for opportunities, and emerging as the heroes of of any crisis - with many a war story to tell.

How to Act Like a CEO is an energizing work. It tells you how hard it is, but then gets you to see how you can meet the challenges that you think you can't. It belongs on the bookshelves of leaders everywhere. ... Read more

Book Description

It's not all in the delivery. Here's expert guidance on how to write a dynamic speech. Splashy slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contact are fine and well. But if a speech is rambling, illogical, or just plain boring, the impact will be lost.

Now everyone can learn to give powerful, on-target speeches that capture an audience's attention and drive home a message. The key is not just in the delivery techniques, but in tapping into the power of language.

Prepared by an award-winning writer, this authoritative speech-writing guide covers every essential element of a great speech, including outlining and organizing, beginning with a bang, making use of action verbs and vivid nouns, and handling questions from the audience. Plus, the book includes excerpts from some of history's most memorable speeches--eloquent words to contemplate and emulate. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

An Excellent Resource for Speakers
Richard Dowis spends no time lamenting this lost art. Instead he focuses his energy on its resurrection.

Dowis's background in journalism and public relations provided the foundation for his writing a remarkably readable book. His conversational style serves as a model for the language you would want to hear -- and use -- in a speech. Frequent headings and an especially legible font also contribute to the book's readability.

In _The Lost Art of the Great Speech_, Dowis addresses every conceivable aspect of this topic -- from deciding whether to accept a speaking engagement to "leveraging" a speech by converting it to one or more publishable articles. The book takes a holistic approach to speech writing. Chapters follow the process of speech preparation, including delivery as well as crafting. In addition, Dowis discusses topics such as how to write a speech to be delivered by someone else and how to introduce a speaker.

Each chapter includes pertinent excerpts from actual speeches, many taken from the business world, and also includes a full speech or a substantial excerpt of a speech by a well-known person. Many of these speeches have historical significance. Having asserted that "reading and listening to speeches is one of the keys to learning how to write and deliver them," Dowis supplies us with many examples to study.

Dowis devotes several chapters to rhetorical devices that can lift a speech from the respectable to the eloquent. To illustrate how rhetoric can immortalize a concept, he compares several versions of an idea that appeared in speeches by famous Americans.

In addition to a detailed index, _The Lost Art of the Great Speech_ includes two helpful appendices: An Editing Checklist for Speech Writers and Resources for Speakers and Speech Writers.

_The Lost Art of the Great Speech_ is a valuable resource for anyone who might have the opportunity to address a group of people. Although it does not include study questions or practice exercises, it would be an excellent book for a class of high school or college students as well as for adults who are studying independently.

This is a terrific book!
Although this book was written for business folk, it serves as a tremendous text for high school students. The suggestions are clear, the models exemplary, and the writing concise. Also, the texts of speeches that end nearly every chapter are well-chosen. AND there's a handy appendix listing resources for speakers and writers.

A Must Read
For those of you who don't like text book reads but need the information, this is the book for you. This book gives useful information and useful hints on speech writing and speech giving. It is the best of Speech Communication classes and everyday ideas for the beginner in public speaking and the expert speech writer.

Highly Recommended!
Before you open your mouth again, open this book. Author Richard Dowis issues a call to oratory greatness in the form of a personal memoir and a professional manual. Citing great contemporary and historical speeches, the book exemplifies some of Dowis' best advice and is more comprehensive than the title indicates. It is a communications guide, ranging from workaday necessities, such as correct word usage, to the "secrets of the pros," incorporating ideas from acknowledged masters. Writing and delivering outstanding speeches is still a pathway to advancement, because good speechwriters and speakers are always in short supply, but this advice reaches beyond speeches and applies to every form of written and oral communication. We [...] recommend that you give a close read to this useful book so that you'll be fully prepared the next time someone asks you to "say a few words."

Great help
The most comprehensive book on giving speeches I've come across. Very easy to read and grasp just what helps you. ... Read more

Book Description

In The Secret Handshake, top corporate consultant and USC management professor Kathleen Reardon explores and reveals the hidden rules on the ins and outs of corporate politics that you won’t find outlined in any employee handbook.
Based on hundreds of candid interviews with executives at Fortune 500 companies who have achieved their goals and joined the inner circle, The Secret Handshake lays bare the unstated conventions that govern and shape corporate hierarchies. Taking readers inside boardrooms to learn firsthand how the top decision-makers view and assess the employees under them, it offers invaluable advice on such career-building tactics and skills as getting noticed, networking, persuading others, knowing which battles to fight, and mastering the art of the quid pro quo. For all those who aspire to be part of the decision-making body of their organization, The Secret Handshake is the ultimate intelligence report on whom to trust and whom to watch out for, how to manage the inevitable conflicts that will arise, and how to read between the corporate lines.
... Read more

Reviews (19)

Good Book. Nasty Subject
I've noticed a wide variation of reviews, with most of the negative reviewers unable to separate the book and the subject. Office politics IS a distasteful activity...it wastes time and prevents many skilled workers from getting the rewards they deserve.

But--as the author herself notes, it is here to stay, so either arm yourself or be robbed.

I have read a number of office politics/OB books. What sets Reardon's book apart from the others is the following:

--Self-evaluation tests...of your workplace and your personal style. Knowing yourself is the first step to optomizing yourself.
--Relevant anecdotes...Reardon is an academic, and academic politics is really the second worst out there (the military is the worst). Furthermore, her experience as a consultant means she sees more politics in a year than most of us will see in a career.
--She covers all aspects of the game. When to fight, when to give in, how to make up, how to build bridges, how to recognize barriers.

This is a good overview of a nasty, brutish subject. Was it useful? Ask me in five years, when I'll have either made it or not.

Practical, emperically based and thoughtful.
There are several negative reviews posted for this book with which I would beg to differ.

I found the book to be well written - it's an easy and quick read - with a good balance of analysis and allegory.

This is a difficult subject that has been used and abused my many opportunists. It is very clear from the text that the author has plenty of experience in business politics - something that is rare. This is not just another trendy 'business communications' treatment of the topic. This is NOT a workbook - it is NOT a step-by-step book, it is NOT a 'list' book (7 habits?), it is NOT a 'success' book. This is a practical treatment of a complex topic by an expert in the field.

As I read this book I was able to relate my experiences and see them in a different light - I was able to understand how I could have handled situations differently and perhaps better - not just once, but throughout the book.

We've all heard of 'dysfunctional families', there are also 'dysfunctional offices' and this book will help you identify if you are part of one.

For me this was a very worthwhile book, I will read it again and recommend it to friends.
That's my take - loopster - Chicago, IL

disappointed
these methods are common sense-- it is a total waste of time and money.

A Chance To Enhance Airport Intelligence
Not slim pickings, Kathleen Reardon's book is not as simple a read as the airport reads that I call 'the food books'--books about cheese and fish that you can barrel through before you even take out your boarding pass. While these books are fast and entertaining and make you feel great while you are reading them, let's face it, few readers take the time to consider how to implement the principles into their own real-world challenges. Reardon's book provides a validated base of knowledge with field-tested strategies that can help you maneuver life's political communications, which, when it comes right down to it, includes just about every communication including navigating your way to and through the airport.

Kathleen Reardon is an expert who has translated reams of real-world data, along with her decades of expert knowledge regarding effective communication, into a readable, knowledge-packed book. Given that, it is amazing that it is not encyclopedic.

It does take more time to get through this one than the airport fast food books. Still this book is remarkably understandable and a relatively simple read given all of the knowledge upon which it rests. Rather than implying that reading the book is enough to go forward in the world to implement the principles and strategies, the book provides a framework that readers can apply, with thought and consideration, to their real world political communication challenges. In reality, that includes just about every communication challenge we face--even navigating our way out of the house and through airport lines.

While airport reads have provided us with the illusion that knowledge and inspiration can be attained in a nanosecond, this book confirms that it is a bit more complex and that with a valid knowledge base and the time to assimilate it into your own world challenges, you can inspire yourself to communicate effectively in any arena.

If enough frequent flyers and the people who work to help those frequent flyers navigate the airports read this book and turn it into action, we may see the emotional intelligence and intellectual smarts improve on all runways of life.

A Decent Book on a Very Critical Career Development Skill
Kathleen Kelly's book is extremely well written with practical advice on how to achieve recognition within business and political circles that matter. While some of the suggestions appear to be commonsensical, one will be amazed to learn that most of have failed to implement any of these suggestions for achieving the Secret Handshake. ... Read more