Book Description

The Office Clutter Cure If you're surrounded by piles and stacks of paper, haven't seen the top of your desk in years, or you're afraid to even look into your file cabinets, this is the book for you! It takes a hard (but hilarious) look at the state of our offices and cubicles, and serves up at least two dozen convincing reasons to clear all that clutter out (vividly details all the obvious and hidden ways office clutter is hurting us.) Then it outlines the cure, including how to deal with those big bad backlogs of paper, how to reclaim your desk, how to make better use of briefcases, how to halt the flow of clutter into your office.

192 pages; 186 illustrations. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

very motivating
This is classic Aslett -- it will have you pitching half the papers on your desk in no time. Aslett has some good ideas on how to begin to conquer the clutter of accumulated paper, and ideas that can be used in discrete time increments. Of all the clutter / office organization books I've read, his are the only ones that actually make me eager to get to work.

Two reasons I gave this book four stars rather than five, are (1) because of Aslett's gratuitous name-dropping & boasting (when my coimpany was cleaning AT&T, when I was consulting with the top executives of IBM, when I was making one of my many TV appearances with Regis & Kahie Lee . . . ); and (2) because Aslett seems to consider himself an expert on all things rather than sticking to what he knows best. Of course, I've read most of his books, and there is some redundancy, as if they're just regurgitations of former material. If you haven't read his other books, you might not have this perception. Nonetheless, every time I read one of his books I can manage to throw out several boxes of stuff, and after reading this, my office at work no longer has any hidden stacks of papers waiting to be dealt with.

Offices and Classrooms
I don't work in an office. I work in a classroom. However, I found that much of what is said in this book applies to me.

I teach science, and have worked in 2 different schools where I inherited the previous teacher's mess. In the first one, I applied many of Aslett's principles without even realizing it. There was so much junk that I couldn't even work. I did almost no labs my first year because I couldn't find anything!

At my new school, started by organizing. Recently, I read this book and was inspired. I went through my storage area and threw out every broken piece of equipment. I also snuck out a few pieces of equipment that I knew I would never use.

It has been a wonderful feeling. I now have room to have a sort of "office" in my storage room. I can find equipment quickly, making me more likely to do labs, and I have created room for the equipment I plan to order that I will use.

I see no obvious connection, but I now get my work done a lot faster. I write a lot of my own material. Before I did my decluttering I was working until midnight or later. Now I'm going home for supper, and coming back and working only a few more hours.

His book is not so big on specifics. That is why I did not give it a fifth star. A few more specific ideas on organizing papers and the clutter I'm required to have would have helped. Overall, however, he covers the general principles of clutter removal and organization, he is inspiring, and, most important, this book is a help.

Honestly, this book made me a better teacher!

This book decluttered my mind
When I was the secretary and the executive assistant, I was the best and most organized person any boss could want. When I became the boss, I became buried in meetings, interruptions, customer service and problems, no one to delegate to, and fear of losing something important. In the past 7 years I have bought many "organizational" books - some I even bought twice because they never got through to me (didn't even impress me enough to remember I had bought them before!) to help me tackle the piles of paper. I pretty much shuffled stacks around until I bought Don's book. I started reading it yesterday, and after being out sick for one week, I went in today (Saturday) and in 4 hours, cleaned out 3 years of paper. I didn't just clean - I got rid of. I looked at everything with new eyes. Don has a way of putting all that paper into clear perspective - you can look at paper and see if it should go or stay. It was incredible. Now my mind is decluttered too - just like he said. I would recommend this to anyone who has a lot of paper (and facts) to deal with. His common-sense approach helps you make it your own - there's nothing to learn - he just puts it all in perspective so you can know how YOU want to deal with it. I've never written a review before - but couldn't wait to write this one. I hope this helps some other person tackle their paper. I accomplished more today than I can remember in one day - and know this will help me stay organized and cut back on the 70 hr weeks I normally put in. My employees respect me, but I always felt out of control with all that paper staring me (and everyone else) in the face. Now my office looks like I am in control! Thanks, Don!

Good for small offices
I received an autographed copy of this book from Don Aslett a couple years ago after writing to him in praise of his "Clutter" series of books. So huzzah to Don! :-) I found this book, like his others, to be entertaining and eye opening. The only reason for four stars is that it seems geared toward a smaller office, where the decision to pitch files and streamline may be handled a little more easily. I think more space might have been devoted to how to deal with "bureaucratic" offices such as mine, where useless stuff must be "archived" with the okay of the higher ups. So much stuff I would love to pitch in the trash can, but can't, due to red tape. So someone who has full control of what stays, what goes, might glean more useful advise from this. I particularly enjoyed his office "types" list...Homefront Hannah, etc. I think everyone can identify with these.

This book got me a big raise!!!
After Don Aslett's books, 'Clutter's Last Stand" and "Not for Packrats Only" changed my life at home, I decided to buy this book to see if it could help me at the office. Although I often worked overtime, it took forever to get anything done. I had no time for lunch so I was always tired. Filing cabinets full of old folders, a desk cluttered with reams of paper, family pictures, inkless pens, an outdated computer, a floor crowded with boxes of ancient files and boxes of supplies hindered me every time I tried to start a project, interview a client, or take a phone message. After spending a whole afternoon looking for an important document, I was so stressed that I thought of quitting. Fortunately, I went home and read Don's book instead. What a revelation! I thought that maybe this book would help me learn how to organize all that stuff. Instead, Don offered a more common sense approach. He suggested that if I got rid of most of it, the rest of the stuff would almost organize itself. With that in mind, I spent a whole weekend shoveling and bailing myself out of a 13 year accumulation of stuff. As I worked, I referred to Don's book. With subtle humor and gentle compassion for the average office clutterer, Don guided me with suggestions and techniques for "finding the gold" and getting rid of the rest. On Monday morning, I sat down in my clean and organized office and started on my first task. By noon, I had accomplished so much, that I was able to take an hour for lunch with my friends. By the end of the day, all my tasks were completed - and it had all seemed so easy! My boss started to notice that I was getting things done and began giving me more and better tasks. Since I no longer needed to work overtime, my stress-level decreased and I had lots of energy. After a few months of being dejunked and organized, I received a nice commendation - AND A BIG RAISE- with time to enjoy spending the money. Everyone thinks that I'm working harder - but I'm just working smarter. I also cleaned and organized my nine-year old son's "office" at home. He doesn't complain as much about his homework and is bringing home great report cards.

It's great to be in control again of my office, my home, my life. Everything seems so sunny and rosy now. In Don's book, as well as in my book, the simple (dejunked) life is the better life. Don, keep on writing, and I'll keep on buying your books. Thanks for everything. ... Read more

Book Description

"This valuable guide made an immediately favorable impression on me--I recommend it." --Letitia Baldridge

Business communications expert Mary Mitchell gives business people and job seekers everything they need to make the right first impression, whether in person--at job interviews, sales calls, or social gatherings--or via letter, fax, or e-mail. Based on Mitchell's popular corporate seminars which have been attended by employees of Arthur Young, Ritz Carlton Hotels, Merck, and other top firms, The First Five Minutes.

Gives practical tips on cultural customs, body language, and cross-dressing customs.
* Uses realistic scenarios and sample dialogues to show readers what to do and what not to do in every type of first-meeting business situation.
* Explains and simplifies the new and changing rules of conduct in today's global business environment.

MARY MITCHELL (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is President of Uncommon Courtesies, a firm specializing in teaching business people better communication and relationships through improved social skills. She writes a syndicated column called "Ms. Demeanor" for King features, is the Prodigy online modern manners expert, and is the author of The Idiot's Guide to Etiquette. JOHN CORR (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) is a writer with the Philadelphia Inquirer. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Stating the Obvious
As a job coach, I read many of these business self-help books.It seems we're in this period of endless repackaging of the same material.The information in this book can be found in many others...no doubt one thatthe average businessperson would already have in their library. Might makea useful graduation gift for someone you know.

Nothing New Here
It's not a bad book.Well written and easy to read.But it's all been said before in other books and other places.You'd be better off spending yor money elsewhere.

Going on a job interview? Read this book first!
Take it from a Wharton grad and fourth generation Wall Streeter - the First Five Minutes is a must-read. Invaluable for both the recent graduate and the "old pro".

A Great Book!
I found this book to be very useful as a college student who will be looking for a job in the business world in the next few years.I found that the author presents the information in a very easy-to-read format,enabling the book to serve as a quick reference guide to various business(and social) settings as needed.I plan to keep the book on the bookshelfin my college dorm room, and I recommend that all do the same! The book isa solid 5-stars and I hope the author chooses to write another book in thenear future!

Less then 1 star
This book was a waste of time & money with nothing new or even interesting. It contains information that JHS student would know ... Read more

Book Description

Create a new sense of yourself in your organization, a new direction in your life, and a new understanding of your adversaries with this highly practical guide for resolving conflicts, miscommunications, and misunderstandings at work. Two veteran professionals show you how conflicts-and the process of resolving them-can offer extraordinary opportunities for personal growth, deeper and more satisfying relationships, and enhanced morale.

... Read more

Reviews (4)

Resolving Conflicts at Work: A Complete Guide for Everyone o
Offers suggestions for transforming conflict into opportunities for positive change and improving workplace relationships. Maps out eight paths for sharpening conflict resolution skills and gives detailed directions on how to understand the culture of conflict, search beneath the surface for hidden meaning, solve problems creatively, and negotiate collaboratively. Cloke has been director of the Center for Dispute Resolution for some 20 years. Goldsmith is an organizational consultant and mediator, facilitator, and trainer in conflict resolution.

The spirituality of conflict
I like this book. Ken Cloke is good in general on the topic of transformative mediation, and this volume -- co-written with Joan Goldsmith -- does a fine job of offering transformative-mediation-based insights to the actual parties to conflict. (This isn't a guide for mediators; it's a guide for "conflictees.")

Cloke and Goldsmith offer what they call eight "paths" toward transformation. I won't detail them here since you can read about them yourself with Amazon's nifty new "Look Inside" feature; what they have in common is that they offer the reader ways to think about and to approach conflict that may help to turn it into an opportunity for transformation. The background setting is officially the "workplace," but the guidance is easily generalizable to other contexts.

Then, too, some readers may think the whole field of nonviolent/transformative conflict resolution is full of feelgood warmfuzziness, suitable only for tender-minded Joe and Jane Sensitive utopian escapists. But these authors repeatedly insist -- rightly, in my opinion -- that resolving conflicts is a _much_ more active process than avoiding them, much more demanding of real courage and tough-mindedness. (And they don't present their approach as a solution to _every_ conflict.)

The most important thing to know is that Cloke and Goldsmith treat conflict as a spiritual opportunity. They stop short of maintaining that conflicts are actually _provided_ to us in order to promote our spiritual growth; for that, the reader is referred to Mark Rosen's excellent and delightful _Thank You for Being Such a Pain_, which takes as its premise that difficulties are given to us by Providence. But Cloke and Goldsmith do the next best thing and offer lots of helpful advice on how to _treat_ conflicts as opportunities; as such, their book stands well on its own merits, and in my own view works even better as something of a companion to Rosen's.

A good book, then, well worth reading for its insights on workplace conflict and on conflict generally, on the opportunities conflict presents and how to take advantage of it as a means for personal transformation. And I personally recommend that readers who believe in a providential God take a look at Rosen's book too.

This book (and Cloke's work generally, along with some of the other conflict resolution/mediation literature) might also be of interest to another class of reader: libertarians and classical liberals who want to see people empowered to manage their own problems without government intervention.

I'm sometimes surprised at how little my fellow libs have to say about alternative dispute resolution; you'd think we freedom-lovin' folks would be all over this field by now, and yet too many of us seem to be satisfied with airy references to "defense agencies" and the threat of force as the first, last, and only disincentive to aggression. It doesn't seem to occur to many of our most public voices that personal transformation -- what my generation used to call "raising consciousness" -- is the (only) key to avoiding many conflicts in the first place.

At any rate Cloke and Goldsmith's book is a pretty good place to start for the libertarian reader interested in conflict resolution. (William Ury's _The Third Side_ is another nice companion volume, devoted precisely to the question of how people might possibly -- and do -- manage to resolve conflicts without the help of a centralized State.) If you liked Mary Ruwart's _Healing Our World_ (which see), you'll probably like this stuff too; Ruwart has a fine sense of the spirituality of liberty.

(On the other hand, followers of Ayn Rand will probably _hate_ this stuff. And now that I think about it, one of the most damning criticisms I could make of Rand's ethics, and her philosophy generally, is that it tends to strip people of _precisely_ those spiritual virtues that make peaceful conflict resolution possible.)

Communication 383 requirement
Resolving conflicts has always been a difficult procedure for the human nature whether it be in our personal lives or on the job. Kenneth Cloke and Joan Goldsmith offer intuitive and practical applications in this resolution in their book "Resolving Conflicts at Work: A complete Guide For Everyone on the Job". These two were very diverse in their thinking and research when compiling different tactics to overcoming conflict. In the introduction, "Eight Paths from Impasse to Transformation", Cloke and Goldsmith overview eight paths available in making steps toward resolution. The first path is to "Understand the Culture and Context of the Conflict". Through this path, an individual needs to understand the culture of an organization. Understanding the culture allows knowledge of values, behaviors, language and much more. According to this book, participating in conflict is much more beneficial when an individual understands a culture's language of conflict. This chapter also describes conflict as war, opportunity, or journey. War is based on victory, opportunity shows our opponent could help us, and journey lets both parties win by collaborating and finding solutions within each other. Basically, this path tries to teach the reader how to learn from conflict. Some tips on how to learn from conflict are recognizing conflict/change as positive, putting yourself in the other person's place, being honest, and creating common ground. Path 2 says to "Listen with Your Heart". This chapter describes effective ways of listening and speaking. Depending on the situation, one can listen actively, passively, openly, sympathetically, or whatever seems fitting. One should also set the state for listening. This way distractions are lessened and communication will not get distorted. Speakers can take certain steps to draw out information that will resolve conflict. To be effective, a speaker can find a listener's expectations by being respectful and empathetic while putting the listener at ease. Listening with your heart emphasizes reciprocal feedback to attain higher communication. To "Embrace and Acknowledge Emotions" is the third path. Our family life develops how we react and feel about certain situations. On this path we are asked to search our emotions for pent-up feelings or unneeded anger. Releasing the negativity allows us to react more honestly and take off the masks we wear everyday. Different ways of apologizing are offered as well. Of course, every situation is different, so are the steps of saying "I'm sorry". The next path is a deeper exploration of path three. Path four is to "Search Beneath the Surface for Hidden Meaning". Every person has an Iceberg of Conflict. Emotions are left under the surface to fester instead of being brought in the open to deal with. The most important concepts in probing the iceberg is empathy and taking responsibility. By finding hidden meanings, we are able to be honest and sincere when trying to collaborate and finding common ground through conflict. Path Five allows an individual to "Separate What Matters from What's in the Way". If one cane step out of the position and look at the conflict from an outside perspective, the situation becomes less personal. This way positions, interests, people problems, differences, etc. become separate and makes it easier to resolve. Another way to resolve conflicts is to "Learn from Difficult Behaviors" on the sixth path. Instead of identifying the problem, the origin of the problem should be found. Finding a reason for a difficult behavior helps in the strategy of working with it. When figuring out why a person takes on a difficult behavior, one can take the steps in changing or working with that behavior to benefit the organization or relationship. Path Seven may offer a more practical and involved solution to conflict. To "Solve Problems Creatively and Negotiate Collaboratively", organizations can change attitudes to positive outcomes. This chapter offers steps in creative problem solving and negotiation styles. The negotiation process offers steps to take before, during, and after the problem solving factors. Cloke and Goldsmith emphasize that a positive outcome depends upon a willingness to engage in committed action. The last path says to "Explore Resistance and Mediate Before you Litigate". First, one needs to find why there is resistance to communicate and solve differences. Also, mediation is defined and is explained why it works. This process of shifting the purpose finds common ground to reach the much needed closure. Overall, this book is effective and practical. It offers many different approaches to resolving conflict. Every situation is different and needs a separate way of solving. The only questions one might ask is, How vulnerable do I want to be in the workplace? or, How personal do I want my relationships to be with my co-workers? Some of these resolution tactics require a person to open up as if speaking with a best friend. But, if one is willing to do whatever it takes to reach a resolutions, this book in the one to read and get advice.

Resolving Conflicts at Work, A Complete Guide for Everyone..
I review a great deal of material relating to organizational, management and general human resource development in my role as an O.D. and training manager. Most of what I see is pre-digested and re-packaged common sense, masquerading as the newest thing that will save, drastically improve, maximize and strengthen 'your profits and your people'. In other words, I am not easily impressed.

This book is an exception. Unresolved conflict is at the bottom of many organizational and personal ills. This practical, well researched book is both honest and refreshing - in particular for its courage in naming and addressing the impact of the 'un-namable'at work, the "F" word, i.e. feelings.

What I especially appreciate about the book is the emphasis placed on exploring personal responsibility, one's own context and emotional landscape. If as Eleanor Roosevelt stated, no one can make you inferior without your permission, no one can make you a victim in conflict either.

Without resorting to jargon or pat solutions, this book covers the important steps needed to work through and ultimately resolve conflicts. There are comprehensive chapters that discuss: listening from the heart, being vulnerable in expressing needs, managing emotions - including anger, dealing with difficult behaviours, problem solving, and negotiating.

There are great questions and exercises throughout the book to help you to uncover what lies beneath a particular conflict. The book maintains an upbeat, positive tone that conveys hope and encourages optimism. I particularly like the perspective of seeing conflict as an opportunity to grow in learning and understanding.

On the other hand, nothing is ever perfect and what is missing is a bibliography. In addition, I would have appreciated a focused discussion on dealing with issues of power and authority in work conflicts. Many employees are reluctant to risk confronting their bosses for fear of losing their jobs. Power differences are a tragically mismanaged issue in many dysfunctional workplaces.

Nevertheless this is an excellent resource for anyone who had ever had a conflict at work or at home - in other words, all of us! ... Read more

Book Description

A Book in the University of Michigan Business School Series You can build it. You can use it. You'll prosper if you do. Discover a step-by-step program for tapping the hidden resources in your business, professional, and personal networks: your social capital. Here, an expert on building connections shows how building rich social capital produces higher pay, faster promotions, better jobs, breakthrough ideas, new business opportunities, and profitable companies.You'll learn how to develop your own social capital and use it to attain your personal and professional goals and, in the process, enhance your own health and emotional well-being. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

The real scoop on "networking"
There are numerous books on "networking," with titles like "how to work a room." The theme is to get lots of names of people that you can call when you want to sell them something.

Wayne Baker is a respected researcher of social networks. This book gives a step-by-step method of analyzing one's own social networks and through them, learning more about oneself. These social networks are not groups of people that you socialize with, but rather the core people that make up your life, your family, your co-workers and others.

Having diverse social networks is a good indicator of many metrics of success and happiness. People with diverse social networks make more money, get promoted faster, ... they even get fewer colds. But how diverse is your social network? How can you improve it? This book shows how to figure it out and teaches about social networks while doing it.

In like a lion out like a lamb
After an interesting and thoughtful start in Chapter 1 - I found the rest of this work to be very light and not very useful.
I read several other books in an effort to hone my corporate political skills in addition to this one, including 'NetWorlding' and 'PeopleSmart' before finding one that had the depth and subject treatment I was looking for. Check out 'The Secret Handshake' by Kathleen Kelley Reardon, Ph.D.
that's my take - loopster - Chicago

"Potential" Means "You Ain't Done It Yet"
This volume is one in the University of Michigan Business School Management Series. As Baker explains in the Executive Summary, "This book guides you through the process of evaluating, building, and using social capital." With precision and eloquence, Baker focuses on HOW to take full advantage of what he calls "hidden resources" in both personal and business networks. For example, in ideas, leads, business opportunities, financial capital, power and influence, emotional support, even goodwill, trust, and cooperation. Social capital consists of who you know, who knows you, and shared opportunities for you and them to derive mutual benefit. "The goal of building social capital as an organizational competence is the same as building it as an individual competence -- to increase the ability to achieve goals, fulfill missions, and make positive contributions to the world." Throughout the book's five chapters, Baker answers questions such as these:

• What is social capital?

• Why can it be so important to you?

• How to measure and evaluate your social capital?

• What are the most effective strategies for building entrepreneurial networks? (Baker suggests 30.)

• How to derive greatest benefit from your own social capital?

• How to build social capital as a competence within your organization?

If you seek answers to questions such as these, this book is "must reading."

Finding out what we don't know, we don't know.
For over fifty years, I have tied my shoes the same way. Then last month while getting a shoeshine, the shoeshiner told me that I didn't have to double them in order to keep my shoelaces tied. He told me that if I tied my laces by looping the lace under, rather than over the loop, I would tie a "square knot" that would hold. Every sailor knows how to tie a square knot but it took fifty years for this knowledge to get to me.

Just like tying your shoes correctly, there are many principles in life that we don't know, we don't know. For example, we have all heard the sayings, "It's not what you know but who you know that achieves success" and "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" but most of us still believe in the myth of individualism. We embrace this myth and go about our lives believing that it is solely up to us to achieve success---without depending on the help of others to get what we want. Yet, as hard as we try, we can't seem to get it done alone.

This new book explains that it's not just what you know (but that plus who you know) that determines your success in life. The book proves that the myth of individualism keeps us from using our personal and business networks to gain the resources we need to excel in life.

Through reading Dr. Baker's new book (based upon principles like the "small-world principle" and the "law of reciprocity"), I found out about things I didn't know existed and how to use them to improve my life. This new book could be as important to my personal development as the social and time management principles I learned about when reading Dr. Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" several years ago. ... Read more

Book Description

In Transforming Work, Boverie and Kroth draw from their original research and experience in the field to show executives and HR professionals how to create inspiring, employee-friendly work environments in order to recruit, develop, and retain talent. They also show employees how to discover and develop passion for their work, transforming themselves and the organization in the process. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Valuable insights into the congruency of passion and the wor
This book is one of a series on New Perspectives in Organizational Learning, Performance, and Change. The series is designed to showcase current theory and practice in human resources and organizational development. While there are practitioners on the editorial board, this looks like more of an academic series. I'd describe this publication as one for professionals, but a volume that individuals can benefit from, as well.

The focus of this book is passionate work. This concept will be difficult for many readers, since passion is emotion and emotion and work are usually considered incongruent. The authors point out, early in the book, that "Passion is at the root of creative genius, personal transformation, and notable events. Passion is emotional energy; it stimulates life and energizes individuals to work toward goals. ...New products, new ideas, creative ways to deliver services, inventions, an scientific discoveries are produced because someone or some organization is passionate."OK. Passion seems to be consistent with what we're striving to accomplish in employment organizations today.

How might we approach this? The authors explain that they've done some research that connects learning with passion. Put the concepts together and you get meaningfulness, and there are a lot of people looking for opportunities to feel a greater sense of meaning in what they do. Readers will be guided through an interesting study into passion, what it is, how it fits, and what to do with it. Individuals will gain, but trainers and organizational development professionals will find it most thought-provoking and stimulating.

The book is organized into eight chapters: Introduction to Passion and Work, The Foundations of Passionate Work, Passion Transformation Process and Cycle, Occupational Intimacy, The Discovering Process, The Designing Process, The Developing Process, and Transforming Work---the five keys to achieving trust, commitment, and passion in the workplace. An index will help you find your way back to those things you want to work with again. A number of exercises are included to stimulate your thinking and help you gain some sense of measurement in the emergence of passion in your personal and corporate life.

The book may seem a bit pricey for only a couple hundred pages, but there is a lot packed into those pages. The book is set mostly in 11 point type, so find a nice quiet place with good light to absorb all the authors have to share.

If you enjoy it can you call it work?
They say work is the hardest way to earn money. Michael Kroth and Patricia Boverie have zeroed in what we need to easy up the hard. "Transforming Work" for me hit the core of what is needed in all aspects of life --passion. This is not just a business book, I found myself connecting the dots with the rest of my life. While TW is a bit pricy try, living a life with unconnected dots.

Tom Payne
Author
A Company of One: The Power of Independence in the Workplace ... Read more

Book Description

"A witty, literate and, most of all, convincing reflection…[Ackoff] shines an often bright light into corners where problems hide, showing the manager how to understand the consequences of his own behavior; identify real, rather than supposed, elements of problems; perceive another’s aims; determine what is controllable; and deal with other nettlesome factors." —Inc. The Art of Problem Solving Russ Ackoff—author, consultant, and teacher extraordinaire. During his long career, he has shown thousands of managers, architects, engineers, attorneys, advertising people, software developers, and scientists the way to more creative, artful problem solving. This new paper edition of The Art of Problem Solving is perhaps the best example of Ackoff in action. Step by step, this practical guide shows you how to develop an understanding of the art of creative thinking and the design of creative solutions. Using "Ackoff’s Fables"—humorous yet eminently practical parables, based on real problems by real managers—you’ll see why solving a problem seldom solves the problem, but why approaching it from a new, unorthodox angle often does. The result is vintage Ackoff—controversial, funny, and always on target. If you like to dig beyond simple solutions—to imaginative solutions that work—this book is for you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Invisible Advantage, by Jonathan Low and Pam Cohen Kalafut, is a thoughtful analysis of the value of intangible assets in today's corporate world with solid recommendations for turning them into a competitive edge. Low and Kalafut, who have undertaken several major research projects on this topic and presented their results at forums worldwide, say a dozen nonmaterial resources in particular have played a significant role in business success since the days of Ford and GM. The 12--which they identify as leadership, strategy execution, communication and transparency, brand equity, reputation, alliances and networks, technology and processes, human capital, workplace organization and culture, innovation, intellectual capital, and adaptability--"don't show on a balance sheet or an income statement," they write, "yet they are manageable and usually quantifiable drivers of corporate-value creation." After offering some historical perspective and a look at their methodology, the pair explain how each of these factors works in the real world today and show how highfliers like Dell and McDonald's have managed to capitalize on them "quickly and quietly, before competitors or anyone else caught on to what they were doing." Practical advice such as "five key steps" for managing intangibles elevates this from an interesting academic exercise to a more pragmatic how-to. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Stating the obvious on not a very novel topic
The book is basically about how capital markets value intangibles and also how intangibles influence the company performance in general. The authors have conducted an apparently detailed research and worked out a Value Creation Index on which, they show, intangibles have a significant impact. From this proof, they move on to list 12 intangibles which are important (at present time) for company performance. They then conclude that a major challenge for today's companies is to work out a method to MANAGE those intangibles which are CRITICAL to the industry that the company is working in.

The idea is good. However, it is NOT NEW at all. Banking training companies, like Euromoney Training have been showing in their 'Bank Credit Analysis' classes for the last 14 years the importance of Non-Financial Analysis in evaluating creditworthiness of a company. They have been pointing out ever since that non-financial analysis is far more important than financial analysis (but should be carried out jointly) in understanding potential company performance. Also, there are various books published in late 1980s and early 1990s which elaborated on that point. So you see, the idea of valuing 'non-financial' intangible factors has been around for quite a while. We can only say, regarding this book, that it provides further evidence to a well-known argument. That's all.

When it comes to other points and 12 areas, i.e. the importance of branding and brands, human capital, property rights (intellectual capital), strategy execution, innovation, networking and alliances etc., there is also ample literature on the importance and detailing of these issues. We have known these factors for at least 15-20 years in their coming. So, if the book is pointing to the increasing incidence of these occurences, we can only agree with the authors. However, the discovery of these developments date back to much earlier times and the points are already "obvious" for the students of "doing business in modern times".

So, I would reccommend the book if you are a novice to the field. However, if you have a more than slight familiarity with the changing conditions of doing business in the last 10 years, the book is certainly NOT for you. It is just an ecclectic effort on a very familiar subject.

Making the Business Case for Intangibles
Invisible Advantage is an excellent resource on how the capital markets value intangible factors and their impact on the bottom line. The authors clearly describe 12 measures-ranging from leadership and reputation to talent and innovation-which contribute to opinion makers' and market movers' investment decisions. Low's and Kalafut's research on how nonfinancial factors are taken into account by buy-side and sell-side analysts is revolutionary and finally answers the age-old question of which factors are most important in how companies are valued and perceived. In these uncertain times, the authors' hierarchy of intangibles provides a welcome roadmap for CEOs and other top officers looking to understand what to prioritize- customer know-how, technological prowess, intellectual property, or talent? Because market capitalization and reputation are often influenced by factors other than the bottom line, this book is extraordinarily useful in making the business case for communicating the invisible equity often hidden within corporations. This is a book that matters. ... Read more

Book Description

“Amazing . . . a gem of a book that uses only the strength of the human voice to tell an American story -- sometimes dark, always fascinating.”
-- USA Today

“The accounts are wonderfully revealing, with gritty and almost shockingly honest detail. For all their variety, they weave a cohesive, passion-filled story of what people bring to their work. It's an addictive read.”
-- Harvard Business Review's Best Business Books of 2000

“Keen, disturbing, and deeply felt . . . the stories in Gig deliver a more rousing political wallop than those in Working . . . remarkable and strangely moving.”
-- Susan Faludi, The Village Voice

“I love this book! It's surprising and entertaining and makes the world seem like a bigger and more interesting place. Gig manages to document everyday life and give pure narrative pleasure at the same time. One feels proud to live in the same country as the people in this book.”
-- Ira Glass, host of This American Life

“A fascinating compilation of what the American workforce has to say about itself.”
-- George Plimpton

“Eye-opening . . . more revealing than any theories a sociologist could concoct.”
-- The Industry Standard

“Entertaining, sobering, validating . . . Ordinary people discuss their jobs with extraordinary candor.”
-- US Weekly

“In the age of advanced spin, this book accomplishes a very rare thing. It actually lets workers speak for themselves. . . . The result makes for a fascinating read.”
-- Andrew Ross,

director, American Studies Program at New York University

“Emotional and eye-opening, each compelling description offers insight about the job itself and, more important, an intimate view of a single human life.”
-- Austin Chronicle

“An engaging, humorous, revealing, and refreshingly human look at the bizarre, life-threatening, and delightfully humdrum exploits of everyone from sports heroes to sex workers.”
-- Douglas Rushkoff, author of Coercion, Ecstasy Club, and Media Virus


... Read more

Reviews (17)

Kaleidoscope to blurr
A hundred and twenty-five Americans tell us about their jobs, in a few pages each, in a frank, open way. Young, old, rich, poor, lowly or powerful, happy or frustrated, they are all there, with their successes, failures, doubts, dreams, and comical anecdotes. It is very entertaining, hilarious sometimes, always informative, and can be read in one or two sittings --yes, you read one piece, and want to read more --, or very slowly, a few pieces at the time. I particularly recommend this book to non-Americans (as most of them simply don't realise how hard Americans work), to young people (who get little information about what working is really like), to those who want to change jobs (its full of ideas, and just hearing about what others do is inspiring), and to those who have stopped working, who can grin, sit back and relax...
4 stars and not 5, because once you have finished the book the bright kaleidoscope of voices fades to a dull blurr and you are left with nothing but a reminiscent smile. A book to buy (definetly) and pass on for someone else to enjoy.

Learn From the Pain Of Others
What makes this book a good product of social science is that it captured people in every kind of job and stayed true to their character; all of the "um, like" and honesty is unedited and it's just like being there to watch the interviews.

It's as cheerful as the positive Wal-Mart greeter and crude as the cleaner-uppers for homocides, who talk about having to change the mattress someone had died in and finding the body had begun to rot, infesting the entire bed with maggots. Whether they're escorts, porn stars, strippers, a transvestite prostitute or web mistress, these people provide personal reflection of their lives and provide an excellent study. Before you decide what kind of occupation you want to go into, read Gig!

Great look at American work ethic
'Gig' isn't a book to read cover-to-cover, but rather one to be cherry-picked and enjoyed in small doses. The real stars of the book are the interviewers and editors who have done a wonderful job tracking down a diverse group of people, then coaxing the stories out of them. You, the reader, are presented with what appears to be a monologue, but you can be sure that these texts are actually pieced-together answers from some very skillful questioning.

What really struck me was the juxtaposition between those people who would appear to have a lot going for them but have just been mailing it in vs. those people who have everything going against them, but see the glass not simply as half full, but overflowing.

An example of the latter: Janice Lejeune - a merchandise handler. Born deaf. Legally blind through a condition called Usher's Syndrome. Recently divorced. Kids grown and moved out. And you think you've faced challenges?

On the surface, it would be very easy for this woman to give up and simply rue her fate. Yet, she finds value and self-worth in work. She sees herself as an example of what blind/deaf people can do. It's about the most inspirational thing I've ever read. I have chills recounting her story even as I write this.

'Gig' has that type of effect - I really didn't expect a book with such power. These tales will stick with you.

Fantastic and in depth, although not a page turner
Briefly, this book conducts about 100 interviews with people with different jobs that truly run the gamut. UPS worker to mega-producer. Porn star to funeral home director.

I'd say about one in every seven is absolutely fascinating and eye-opening. 5 in 7 are just good reading and then one in seven drags. If you're interested in the fabric that makes up amercian society, you'll love this book at much as I did. Some of the interviews are just shocking, like the UPS guy who gives better service to the companies with the best porn in the bathroom.

Also, each interview is about 5-7 pages, so if you're someone who is pressed for time, it's easy to pick up and put down quickly.

Overall, a great read.

Americans defined by their work
It's too bad it took so long for someone to put together another book like Studs Terkel's "Working." "Gig" is a collection of interviews with over 120 Americans who talk about their jobs. The questions are removed, so you end up with 3- and 4-page monologues. It's an effective technique, letting each person describe their working life in their own words.

The editors retained the references to sex and a lot of swearing, which is good. That's how people talk, so you might as well leave it in. The degree of honesty isn't reflected in the tone of the interviews, however --- the people might feel free to swear, but they don't feel free to complain about bosses, insecurity about layoffs, being stuck in dead-end jobs, bad pay, poor career choices, illegal business practices, or annoying co-workers. All of these topics get *some* coveage, but only enough to remind you how rare they are. Frankly, I think the book is too positive, with far too many people saying they love their jobs and couldn't be happier.

You should read it for yourself and see if you get the same reaction. It's a very easy book to read; every interview is over before it can get boring. Everyone has a unique story to tell. The range of professions is wide, giving you a broad spectrum of people to listen to. ... Read more

Book Description

You're about to roll out a major new product. Or present a hot idea before a large group that includes your boss, his boss and her boss.Or meet with the new CEO of a competing company about your dream job.

You're smart.You're successful.You're prepared.You're also wishing there was something you could do to stack the deck in your favor.

There is.

The first completely accessible and practical guide to getting ahead in business using intuition and other alternative techniques, The Executive Mystic shows how the power of astrological predictions, tarot-card readings, colors, herbs and stones can provide the highly coveted edge you need to succeed in today's hypercompetitive marketplace.

Looking to win new business?Enhance creativity?Present yourself more confidently?In this provocative new book, Barrie Dolnick, a highly profiled consultant to corporations and individuals in finance, banking, marketing, law and film, provides simple yet effective exercises to help identify your natural psychic abilities, along with occasion-specific tips, techniques and tools for success in nearly every business situation.

For anyone looking to get ahead in businessfrom senior-level execs to temps, middle managers to freelancersThe Executive Mystic provides the psychic scoop on how (and when) to:

prepare for a difficult meeting or a hard sellattract opportunity and increase profitabilityinitiate new projects and close dealsscore a new job or promotioncreate a more productive work environmentassemble a effective staff or teamnegotiate more skillfullyprotect yourself from office politicsdeflect negativity, maximize quality and get resultsWith its easy-to-follow instructions for using astrology, graphology and other executive oracles, The Executive Mystic elevates personal empowerment to a psychic plateau. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great Business Book For The New Age Reader
This is a good book for the "New Age" reader. If you are new to mysticism, read this book with an OPEN mind. For those of you that are familiar with mysticism and psychic ability, I think this will be an enjoyable book to read. Although the author considers this a 'business' book, this book focuses mainly on psychic ability and how to put it to work for you in the business environment. I find many of Barrie Dolnick's suggestions useful and have come to realize that more people in business may be practicing psychic power tools than you would think.

Incredible, enlightening and encouraging.
This is a terrific book. I find that I keep it in my briefcase as a primer. I have applied the tools and they have worked like a charm; no pun intended. Really an excellent tool for applying psychic energies into the workplace.

Unintentional hilarity
First of all, don't be fooled: This book has nothing whatsoever to do with the much-ballyhooed search for "corporate soul." For a few pages, New York consultant Barrie Dolnick's advice seems very much in line with that of other self-help authors who urge you to be more assertive, dress sharp, and think positive. Sound advice. But she quickly veers off into the realm of the ridiculous; "The Executive Mystic" -- bizarrely, from one of America's leading business publishers -- is practically a survey course of paranormal nuttiness, all aimed at helping corporate ladder-climbers use their "psychic power" to plan more effective meetings, make better hiring decisions, and build more productive teams. Dolnick assures us that the unseen world has much to offer the aspiring junior executive: "There are modern mystics among us," she writes, citing the "keen psychic power" of Bill Gates and Bill Clinton.

Throughout the book, Dolnick cheerily insists that her aims are serious: "this *is* a business book," she writes, "and I'm not going to demand that you meditate." But you'd be better off meditating -- nearly everything else that she recommends borders on the insane. In her catalog of the absurd, Dolnick uses every faddish pseudoscience from graphology to witchcraft to feng shui to astrology, laced with random smatterings of American Indian and eastern philosophies. There's advice here on how to choose the perfect crystals and how to create a "psychic mirror" to ward off curses that people might put on you. There's pure superstition: "I try to avoid doing business when I see a horseshoe hung for bad luck (gap side down)." There are pages and pages of advice on which fabrics and colors to wear for different psychic purposes (avoid polyester and orange), and somehow it all has something to do with your seven "power centers," which get clogged and have to be "cleared" by rubbing them with sea salt.

There are warnings that bad people get what's coming to them: "note Michael Milken's battle with prostate cancer."! And she tells the scary story of a "highly competitive female broadcasting executive" with "a reputation for having no heart" whose child was born with a heart condition. "Coincidence?" Dolnick writes. "Maybe, but not likely." With disarming informality, Dolnick explains how to build a "negativity deflector" ("Wear red or silk undershirts for protection"); how to "conjure" a parking space (send a "clear psychic message"); and how to make an audience "calm, relaxed, and reasonable" (sprinkle some lavender around a room). She advises that you stay away from "dolls, pins, and chicken bones." One priceless passage discusses "our psychic heritage," which is apparently influenced by not only our ancestors but by our past lives -- "if you choose to believe in reincarnation." Get that? If you don't choose to believe, then it's not true.

No book like this would be complete without a few look-ahead stock tips, so there's a section on "executive oracles" -- tarot cards, a favorite book, the "I Ching," playing cards. "Can an oracle be wrong?" she asks. "Yes. Not often, but yes." Those sound like betting odds. And you can trust Dolnick: "One of my talents is in astrology and tarot reading," she writes. "I can recall seeing a layoff in one client's future, and then helping to prevent it." Then there *wasn't* a layoff, right? Some talent.

It's almost unimaginable that someone could be smart and capable enough to reach the executive ranks and then fall for this superstitious hooey. There'll be some, though, and they'll be easy enough to detect: They're the ones trying to be unobtrusive while rubbing sea salt on their foreheads, brandishing smoldering "smudge sticks" made of sage, and muttering incantations while carefully placing crystals about the office. And their red silk undershirts will be peeking out. ... Read more

Book Description

The political strategists who directed the Clinton campaign's War Room reveal the lessons and secrets from their hard-fought battles -- and how to use these highly effective strategies for success in business and everyday life.

James Carville and Paul Begala have waged political war all across America and on three continents. They've won some of the most spectacular political victories of the twentieth century and lost a few campaigns too. Along the way, they've learned a few lessons. Some sound simple, like "Never Quit," some comic, like "Kiss Ass," and some are more complicated and nuanced, like "Strategy Ain't Tactics." But each lesson contains tried-and-true wisdom, illustrated with colorful stories from long political experience:

• Find out how Carville's mother used a bass boat to "frame the debate" in
selling encyclopedias.
• Learn the War Room tricks for sharpening your message and delivering theperfect sound bite.
• Discover what success secret Hillary Rodham Clinton and Tom DeLay share.
• And much more.

Whether you are a senior executive or a secretary, a political junkie or the president of the United States, the rules to live by can be found in Buck Up, Suck Up...and Come Back When You Foul Up. ... Read more

Reviews (60)

The Winner's Handbook!
This extremely fast moving and entertaining book (you will laugh out loud) will energize your approach towards achieving your own life goals by helping you develop a game plan. It is loaded with terrific anecdotes and lessons from real-life political and business situations which serve to illustrate how others have endured extreme hardships and overcome them to acheive great accomplishments. Paul Begala and James Carville bring razor-like clarity to the importance of focusing on the big picture, aligning daily actions towards the end-game and developing strategies and tactics to overcome the inevitable travails along the way. There are very many take-away jewels in this book and if you take the time to read it - it just may make a difference in your life. I highly recommend it to anyone who has a dream and needs a roadmap to show them the way.

Entertaining & Useful...
From the masters of doing what it takes to win... I may not (okay, I don't) agree with their politics, or even the way they present themselves in defense of the indefensible, but I bought the book anyway. Actually, I got it at one of those wholesale clubs, and so it really did not set me back much. "Buck Up, Suck Up..." is a small book, ... there is still enough good information to make it worthwhile, and it will only cost you an evening to read it.

I judge a business book by the number of pages that eventually contain yellow highlighter... This one is mostly white, but there are a few tid-bits that make up. Interestingly enough, Newt Gingrich is one of the three celebrity quotes on the back cover, Bill Clinton and the ubiquitous Tom Peters are the others. Newt is also quoted within the book, and his lesson is well worth the price of entry.

With regards to advice one would do well to heed Carville and Begala's pithy instruction manual. These guys understand the need to proactively "frame the debate" on your own terms, and above all else, stay on topic... (remember, "it's the economy, stupid"?)

So, even though I give the book three stars, there are some worthwhile lessons... dig them out and then donate the book to your favorite used book store and you'll never have to look at James' bald head ever again!

How can you lose?
Share their politics? Doesn't really matter. These guys wrote the book on campaigning and risk taking...and this is it!

A terrific combination of humor and practical advice, I would recommend this book just as a casual read. But it's more than that.

BEST ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUR MONEY
Boy, am I glad that I bought this book at the Memphis airport bookstore, just before my nine (yes 9!)- hour flight to Budapest. What a great read. The time just flew by -- no pun intended.

Everyone knows James Carville and Paul Begala were the strategic brains behind Clinton-Gore winning the 1992 and 1996 presidential elections for the Democratic Party. What this book reveals is how very many times each of them had failed long before their names became synonymous with winning in politics. For the record: Carville has won more political campaigns than anyone else in history.

Now, Carville and Begala tell all about winning and losing in both politics and also in life in their best selling, "Buck Up, Suck Up .... And Come Back When You Foul [sic] Up". The reason I had just written, " ... Foul [sic] Up" is that no doubt, judging by their gritty, direct and adult entertaining writing (and speaking) style, the last three letters of the last four-letter word in the book's title had to be changed by their publisher from -uck to -oul!

The Introduction sets the tone and refreshingly humble approach to writing a book on how to succeed by intelligently bustin' your [rear] in a highly competitive world: "We aren't attempting to rewrite Machiavelli or Sun-tzu; no one will be studying this book five hundred years from now. But we do hope that we can give you practical, applicable strategies that will help you close a deal, land an account, get a raise, earn a promotion, win an election. And, most of all, beat your competition."

Using specific examples from the lives and political campaigns of Bill and Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, both senior and junior George Bushes, and Newt Gingrich, Carville and Begala explain exactly why each of them succeeded and failed in politics and life. That's a tall order but they did it ... and did it well with good humor and with even-handed respect, even when it may not have been warranted.

Perhaps most important, the book clearly and emphatically defines objectives, strategy and tactics for winning, within its twelve chapters having titles such as: "Rule 1: Don't Quit. Don't Ever Quit;" " Rule 2: Kiss Ass;" and " Rule 3: Kick Ass." In their concluding chapter, "Rule 12: Know What To Do When You Win," Carville and Begala use Steven Spielberg's "Schindler's List" to explain how risk taking is vital for success. At the box office, Spielberg had scored big, winning with his Hollywood blockbusters such as "Jaws," the Indiana Jones series, and sci-fi "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "E.T."

Then Spielberg took the riskiest plunge of his life by making the film, "Schindler's List." This brought him intense criticism from both the political left and also the right. Carville and Begala's point is that after someone succeeds because of taking risks, to keep going they must keep taking bigger risks to keep succeeding. That's what you do when you win.

To top it all off, the authors conclude with a recipe called "Paul Begala's Boy's French Toast" that used to be named "Daddy's French Toast" at the Carville-Matalin household. Both the Carville-Matalins and Begalas believe in celebrating with their kids on Sunday mornings by eating this special breakfast. And so ends a terrifically useful and entertaining book.

Prophetic Town Meeting Upon the Boston Common 2003
Between Carville & Hightower, the only Clinton who owes America right now might be William J., himself, since he may well be the only person to be able to have the moral authority to remind us just how much has been stolen of the conditions, programs, and advantages his administration tried to install, before he drifted off into the sunset, presumably to fight AIDS and to play golf, neither of which "aids" America all that much. For such a self professed patriot, it begins to look like he, himself, needs to take another ride or two upon that merry go round he stepped down from so graciously, and take the son, Billy, like the father, to the woodshed for having stolen the best of what America has produced in a long time. Few others are in a position to do that delicate job, but in having beaten the father, he may have to also beat the son. No other candidates appear to have the stomach for it. It's a star wars rooted design, and Mr. Clinton should be on the front line rather than lounging around like Jaba the Hut. Carville may have been more prophetic than he ever knew in his early bird production of this vision, and the dilemma of America from earlier times. But then, he is a veteran, and most veterans view the world differently from newbies. In this case, right may be might, or, it will continue to be wrong. ... Read more

Book Description

To live with change, to optimize change, you need principles that don't change. I cannot fully describe the respect and reverence I have for every person who has contributed a story, for their willingness to share their inward struggles to live by universal and self-evident principles. -- Stephen R. Covey

Featuring the Author

In the ten years since its publication, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People has become a worldwide phenomenon, with more than twelve million readers in thirty-two languages. The principles it teaches are more relevant than ever in today's uncertain world.

Living The 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration captures the essence of people's real-life experiences, applying proven principles to help them solve their problems and overcome challenges. In this uplifting and riveting collection of stories, listeners will find wonderful examples of hope and encouragement as they are touched by the words of real people and their experiences of change -- change that got them through difficult times; change that solved family crises; change that mended broken relationships; change that turned their businesses around; change that influenced entire communities.

The listener's understanding is enhanced by the personal commentary and added insights of Dr. Stephen R. Covey, as he explains how the application of his principles aided each situation. Whether you have read his previous works or not, these touching and powerful stories will enthrall and inspire you with an energizing recognition of your own freedom, potential, and power. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

It's not enough to know, you must also do...
I like this book. It is very inspiritional. It's sort of like Chicken Soup for the Soul or like an Millionaire Next Door for inspirition and attitude. It tells stories of people who have done it---used the 7 Habits and gotten incredible results.1 star reviewers don't like it because it takes all of the wind out of their claims against Covey and his philosophy.I particularly enjoyed the story on page 57, "I can choose my life." Very, very powerful.7 Habits should be your first book to read. You can then add this one either as a companion to while reading 7 Habits or after you get through the 7 Habits.I also recommend Principle Centered Leadership.

7 Habits in action!
I hesitated to buy this book. After reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, I thought that Dr. Covey had said all that he needed or could say. Boy was I wrong?

In living the 7 habits, Dr. Covey brings the 7 Habits to life. This book touched my heart and my soul. It made me dust of my old copy of 7 Habits and read it again along with this volume. It made the 7 Habits work like never before and created more balance and happiness inmy life.

If you are not touched agter reading this book, then you had better check your vitamin dosage. It is powerful.

Not enought to learn, you must LIVE the 7 Habits
What I liked about this book is that it includes many inspiring stories, but even better, goes even deeper into the 7 habits than the original book did and in a different way.

This book should be read in addition to, not in place of The 7 Habits. It is not the "same book on a different cover." It is an expanded version of The 7 Habits.

Gives Real Meaning to the Original Book
You can compare this book to the laboratory portion of a class, that brings the textbook to life. As a follow up to his original 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (the textbook), Covey uses Living the 7 Habits (the lab) to let people tell how they applied the 7 habits at work and in their personal lives, and describe the results.

The result? Far more interesting than the original book. You will enjoy reading these intensely personal and often dramatic stories, and you will reinforce what you learned with the first book.

Covey does a fine job of elaborating, as good teachers do, on the points made by the contributors.

A multitude of examples of successful applications
When I first read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" I recognized its value but was not highly enough motivated to incorporate it into my daily life. Then with the passage of time and particularly after reading Covey's "Principle-Centered Leadership" I came back to it. Yet there was still something holding me back. The missing something was "Living the 7 Habits: Stories of Courage and Inspiration" with its multitude of examples of successful application in real world situations. I needed the encouragement of others to tell me "Hey this is how I applied it; it worked for me; you can do it, too." You need to read all three books because there is a multiplier effect - the three together are greater than their simple sum.

"Living the 7 Habits: The Courage to Change" is a collection of personal statements in four broad contexts: individual, family, community and education, and workplace. This synopsis is about the person who was appointed change agent of a major company that, with an annual growth rate of 40%, was one of the fastest growing companies in the world. " My goal was to create an organization of fifteen thousand exceptional businesspeople. We assumed that everyone wanted to be an entrepreneur within the company, and we gave them credit for having the brains and initiative to do it. My mission was to change the culture within what is essentially a virtual company. Our corporation had more territorial rivalries than the Middle East. Information was hoarded. Communication was disjointed. Trust and synergy were virtually nonexistent. Suddenly, the competition was all over us, undercutting our prices and courting our customers. One of my directives was to make the company more competitive and to learn faster than our competition. My job was to help create among the company's widely scattered population a sense of shared purpose (Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind). After recruiting the best, brightest, and most highly motivated people, we gently immersed them in the realities of our business, presenting them with information on profit margins, the marketplace, and the influences impacting the decisions of their customers (Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood). They were also introduced to a specially designed 7 Habits course to provide them with foundational principles and context for the other materials. There were only three rules: Take care of yourself. Take care of each other. Take care of this place. It wasn't long before mission statements began appearing on cubicle walls, and the conversations among employees were marked by references to making deposits into Emotional Bank Accounts. It was an experience of self-discovery for many people. They realized that the company valued them. I had spouses come to me after their husbands or wives had been to a session and say, 'This changed my life because it changed our family.'"

Not all the stories relate specific actions against a specific habit. This is a synopsis of a story by a person from Indian stock whose grandfather was cheated out of 160 acres of oil-rich land. "It was only after he died, when we were going through his papers and correspondence, that I realized what a phenomenal man my simple, unassuming grandfather actually was. The Washington my grandmother referred to was actually Washington, D.C. In his papers, we found letters from governors, senators, U.S. representatives. Some congratulated him on his fiftieth wedding anniversary; others thanked him for his help with legislation issues and for his community service. I sat there thinking, "Did they know the same man I did?" He had no eloquence, no wealth, not even his own home. Yet here were famous, powerful people corresponding with him. I realized that his life had been lived not to acquire things for himself, but to help other people. He had lived a life of integrity, honesty, and dedication to family and community all the while toiling in relative obscurity and humility. Once, before he died, he told me that there are two reward systems: people who will be rewarded here and people who will be rewarded later. 'These are not the same people,' he said. He continued, 'For all that you don't see in a reward system now, you will see some other time.' We debated long and hard what to do about the situation. Should we sue him to take back the land? Should we let it alone? Shouldn't he have to pay for his wrong doings? In the end, we knew. We knew what he would do. He would let it alone and allow the taxpayer to reap whatever rewards his behavior would cause him to reap, whether here or later. My grandfather might not have been able to leave us 160 acres of oil-rich land in Oklahoma but he left us something far more important. His insistence on humility, on compassion, on spending his life trying to help those around him with no thought of reward or praise is now our family legacy. He has changed generations of people with the help he gave. Can you put a dollar-and-cents value on that? I say absolutely not. We now have a value I try to instill in my own family to continue the legacy started by the Choctaw preacher who never owned his own home."

I think there is a maturity continuum. It is as though most other books address the nuts and bolts of doing business well - and of course that is important - and then we discover that there is something more to business than just that. Then we are ready for Stephen Covey. ... Read more

Reviews (14)

A fantastic work on turning your passion into profit!
What a surprise! I stumbled across this one and devoured it. Reiman closed his ad agency and opened the first ideation, where his only product his ideas---which he sells for $450,000 each! This is truly a mind expanding work. I particularly loved the concept of being sure I get paid--and paid well---for what I create. I've helped several people become millionaires, but lost money in the process because I didn't honor my own ideas. Reiman doesn't make that mistake. His excitement for living, his boldness for thinking out of the box, is contagious and refreshing. This is a guy who is truly a creative genius. Had I known about him when I wrote my book on P.T. Barnum, "There's a Customer Born Every Minute," I would have included Joey Reiman in it. That's a high compliment and this book is terrific. It's one of the few I'll re-read.

Some great ideas in midst of ego-centric anecdotes
Where's the editor when you need one?

This book could have been organized better. Like... major transitions buried deep in paragraphs. Were the sub-heads put there for decoration? The egotistical patty-pat-pat's could have been edited out more. And, where's the meat?

The concept of the book is great, the author is experienced, but the book falls somewhat flat.

This book is like Doug Hall's "Jump Start Your Brain" but minus a lot of its content.

Still, there are some great ideas here. You should buy this book for its references and a few of its ideas. It's an easy read -- and that reflects it's lightness on detail.

One thing I thought was important is the concept of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on the 3 areas of creativity: the expert, the domain, the judges.

Most books discuss how to improve the individual -- the expert. But there are 2 other important areas. The domain is the marketplace... with its competitors, etc. This would be the source of ideas and demand for ideas. The judges are the rewarders of new ideas. In some cases this might be the users who will purchase your product. In other cases it might be the companies that purchase your ideas. They provide value and rewards to the idea generator. We must evaluate and improve all three of these areas. Or, select those areas were there's a good match of all three.

Thankfully, Csikszentmihalyi's books are referenced and discussed. This book also discusses other references as well.

After reading the book I believe the author is a sincere and knowledgeable person. But I believe the purpose of this book was to sell his idea-generating company. Given that off-the-mark main direction, it is no wonder there were so many self-congradulatory anecdotes. The purpose of the book should be to explain his major techniques, and the by-product, or secondary objective, should be to sell his company.

Overall recommendation: buy it to fill out your creativity library. Otherwise, there are better books on this subject.

John Dunbar

Forget the book, just engage Brighthouse
Reiman is a terrific visionary, but this is an absolutely mediocre book with little in terms of substance. The material is indeed scattered. The earlier review by John Dunbar is spot on with charges that a) the book is badly organized; b) the book is edited very poorly.

The mismash arises from the fact that the book draws on unrelated areas as wide as organizational psychology in a creative firm, patent law(?), vignettes of the author's experiences, references to other people's ideas, and even (literally) food that is good for your brain(?)

The problem is that insight is lacking in the book. All the vignettes lack the 'so what' factor. He basically writes: this happens, and then it was a success. But he omits the thinking why it was a success. A typical example follows: "...Young and Tender chicken TV commercial... client wants to drive home brand-name ... idea that came up was - take a dozen 11 mth old babies and make them dance to funky chicken. Nothing is more young and tender than adorable babies". Sure I agree, but there is never an attempt to bridge that extra gap to the insightful stuff...

The only decent themes (and noted by other reviewers too) that this book actually carries through are:
1) That ideas are valuable, and one should charge as much as possible. Interestingly, this is a self-justifying comment, and the tone of the whole book is certainly very 'self-congratulatory'.
2) His reference to Csikszentmihalyi's triangle and that "C showed us that creativity is inseparable from domain."

At the end of the day, why not just read "Flow" and "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain". Save the pennies and engage Brighthouse instead.