Reviews (1)

Author's Comment
This book summarizes current, practical knowledge about what it means to be an effective leader. Leadership implies three major thrusts: strategic thinking (leadership for what?), relationship building (leading whom?) and designing an action context (organizational design issues) all discussed in the text. Further, the book asserts that leaders who target Level Three (core values, assumptions, beliefs, and expectations or VABEs) can be more effective and powerful than those who, traditionally, target Level One (focus on behavior) and Level Two (conscious thinking). The book also introduces the notion of INFOCRACIES, or organizations that are increasingly being redesigned by the information systems within them and presents a framework for thinking about developing deeper influence. As the author, clearly I'm biased, AND I've found that this approach has worked very well with many clients and executive education programs. The book was intended as a dense summary for executive education audiences in short, week long seminars. If you have suggestions, I'm eager to hear. ... Read more

Book Description

Offering a unique balance of industry and academic experience, this unique author team presents the latest in financial theory while maintaining a strong real-world connection. Aiming to engage rather than intimidate, they offer a book that is reader-focused yet does not water down content. Their consistent approach focuses on value: what creates value, what destroys it, how value is measured, and how value and risk are related.Offers web-based Interactive Modules that provide extensions of the material presented in the book, such as Excel spreadsheets and Internet links. Bundles with the book Prentice Hall's Mastering Finance CD that includes video clips and other material to illustrate concepts. Features an earlier presentation of the cost of capital (to Chapter 9 from Chapter 12), preceding capital budgeting and cash flow estimation chapters. Provides all-new material on business valuation techniques.Perfect for the financial analyst, marketing manager, or information technology manager who wants an updated reference on financial topics. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

An excellent book for starters!!! Great job....Gallagher
This is an excellent book for those who want to delve into finance. It is equivalent to 2nd year material. Finance, most often offered in 3rd year here in Canada, requires knowledge of statistics (i.e. stats, econometrics...etc Intermediate level; 2nd year) when reviewing certain budgeting options; you won't need this for the book. Don't be dismaid, your not missing key information by using this 2nd year stuff (you get all of the math too at an easier to comprehend level).
The disk included with mine helps to build your financial knowledge through a website connection and with practice, but this is not mandatory and is designed for the hardcore finance junkies like myself.
It is only a 4-star because I want more challenging material, but being a 2nd year course I have to wait until 3rd year. ... Read more

Book Description

PRAISE FOR Modern Investment Management

"This powerful book brilliantly discovers the routes to superior investment results in the roots of economic theory. In the process, it combines elegance of presentation with the highest levels of lucidity. The authors offer lessons that neither the scholar nor the investor-in-action can afford to ignore."
––Peter Bernstein, bestselling author of Capital Ideas: The Improbable Origins of Modern Wall Street and Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk

"In Modern Investment Management: An Equilibrium Approach, Bob Litterman and his colleagues at Goldman Sachs Asset Management provide the reader with a gentle introduction to modern financial theory and a survey of their own monumental contributions to theory and practice. The role of the late Fischer Black is amply noted."
––Harry M. Markowitz, 1990 Nobel Prize Laureate in Economics

"This comprehensive guide to equilibrium investing is perhaps the finest demonstration of the relevance of financial theory to investment practice. Both the academy and industry owe a huge debt to this exceptionally talented team for reuniting their paths. Study this book carefully and keep it close at hand if you are serious about investing or teaching about it."
––Mark Kritzman, Managing Partner, Windham Capital Management Boston and Research Director, The Research Foundation of the Association for Investment Management and Research (AIMR)

"This book develops a powerful framework for making better investment decisions. The equilibrium approach frees you up to focus on what you know, without being blinded by what you don’t know."
––Andre Perold, Professor, Senior Associate Dean, Faculty Director
Harvard Business School

"An invaluable investment manual ably supported by the highest-quality financial theory, but well peppered with common sense. The fund manager and the institutional investor ignore this book at their peril. It will be a key reference book for our pension plan."
––David Morgan, Chief Executive, Coal Pension Trustees Services Ltd.

"This novel and ambitious book breaks new ground in demonstrating how modern investment theory can be refined and adapted to practice. The authors’ experience as investment professionals in a sophisticated institutional setting lends much credibility to their skillful blending of rigorous analysis, intuition, and real-world application."
––Robert F. Stambaugh, Ronald O. Perelman Professor of Finance
The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Oldschool
Nicely written from a journalistic perspective but rather old fashioned. Many mistakes and deliberate false claims in order to suit product interests of Goldman Sachs. Examples:

In the chapter on asset liability management there is always an analytical case for equities. However the only reason is that GS does not allow duration as a choice variable. Otherwise beta (in their formula) would become one and the optimal equity allocation is zero. Accidental? I doubt it.

They also claim to have found (earlier) a better method than Stambaugh on dealing with missing data. However either you publish or you shut up.

Waste of time for serious quants

The definitive equilibrium investing title
My highest commendations to the asset management team at Goldman Sachs. They have come together and created a highly comprehensive tome that covers all the bases within the realm of modern investment theory. Their solid equilibrium approach is applied to all areas, from traditional investments to alternative asset classes, from institutional funds to private wealth, using analysis and real world applications. Incredibly thorough, extremely recommended. ... Read more

Amazon.com

To listen to its proponents, network (or multilevel) marketing is the greatest thing since sliced bread: top performers earn $1 million a month, reside in alluring places like Aspen and Kauai, and still find quality time to happily raise children and lovingly cement spousal relationships. Contending that those who fail to make it that far are ill prepared for the initial challenges they face, Mark Yarnell and Rene Reid Yarnell--married network marketers who are among the industry's leaders, as well as members of a University of Illinois faculty that teaches the only college-certified course on the subject in the U.S.--have written Your First Year in Network Marketing: Overcome Your Fears, Experience Success, and Achieve Your Dreams! to convey both advice and inspiration to newcomers. Peppered with personal anecdotes that bring their recommendations to life, the two offer logical strategies for overcoming rookie obstacles and kick starting a career. Individual chapters explore issues such as battling rejection, avoiding depression, handling prospects, supervising recruits, and managing time. Each concludes with a comprehensive summary, but save it for later reference and don't skip the preceding narrative, or you risk missing the book's considerable motivational component. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Reviews (48)

If you like this book, you'll love Rene's newest release
Doug Weed was right - this is the bible of network marketing for new networkers. It has really been a helpful support to me and so many others I know. I have read and reread it several times and feel it essential for first year networkers.

But if you like this book, you'll love Rene's newest book for your prospects. It is called The New Entrepreneurs: Making a Living - Making a Life in Network Marketing. It does all the work for you to help anyone looking at network marketing overcome their resistance and seriously consider the industry without prejudice. Check it out. It's a book you'll find hard not to read in one sitting. And, although it is a business book, the stories are from the heart. I highly recommend The New Entrepreneurs as a means of building your network marketing business and Your First Year in Network Marketing once you've joined as a training tool. This will spare you the grief by teaching you what to do and, as important, what not to do.

Good, but a bit too generic
I hate to be the only person to NOT give this book 5 stars, but I don't think it deserves it.
The Yarnell's (now divorced) are probably the most successful spousal team in network marketing, and reading their lessons is important to each of us. Some of the gems in the book revolve around the distributor, as they become more successful, to remember that network marketing is a *simple* business, and should be presented *simply* less you alienate your prospects who would think - "I can't do that."
And the sections on the pitfalls and negatives that come your way your first year are great reminders of what you went through, or what to expect.

My problem is that the book, to appeal to as wide an audience as possible, is far too generic. They recommend against hotel meeting room presentations; well, my company isn't set up for this. They recommend against the uplines doing the work for their frontlines. Great advice we all need to heed, but my business is run almost 100% over the internet, that's just not applicable.

A good, good book I wish I'd read 13 years ago (it wasn't out then, of course), but which I feel is too vanilla. Regardless, I still recommend it to my downline when they join.

Network Marketing is the wave of the future
There is no doubt that home based businesses are exploding and network marketing is right at the top of that explosion. Network Marketing has gained acceptance and respectablity. It is the best low risk, low cost high return business available today.

Mark Yarnell shows how to earn a high income in this business. My only complaint is the title, it is not just for newbies or your first year. As a veteran in this industry, I found some things I never knew before and was reminded of some things I forgot.

Great book by Mr. Yarnell.

MLM Works!
This book is Excellent. The people that don't believe that Network Marketing will work have set in their mind "limiting beliefs", like the (Wayne) gentleman who gave this book 1 star. Most likely he didn't read the book.

Think and Grow Rich: "You become what you think about," Remember it!

People all over the world have made Network Marketing their "home". It's the best way to earn a living, while giving you the most freedom. This book is a great source of information and it will help any beginner to succeed. There is of course work involved, but join a company that has a great up-line, working w/ the best and getting the best training and support and you will achieve extra-ordinary results.

The reason why most people fail in MLM companies is because of the lack of training. If you got a J.O.B and the boss said; "Okay there is your desk, get to work" and provided no training, how long would you stay there?

I would recommend working for a nutrition company. Why? For three reasons: 1) because you will earn a great amount of money. 2) You will improve your health and 3) you will help others improve their lives. Some of my customers would say, "Those are expensive vitamins" and I would say, compared to what? Heart disease, Strokes, Cancer, or Diabetes? I would say you are getting a bargain.

All vitamins are not created equal. If you trust the regular store to your nutritional needs. I would consider going to the Veterinarian for your health care.

Information fro the informed
Excellent book for the new network marketer, Yarnell speaks from experience. Pay special attention to the detailed steps the authors recommend to avoid the pitfalls encountered in your first year, especially chapters on rejection and depression.
I could'nt imagine going through my first year without this book as a guide, EXCELLENT! ... Read more

Book Description

Updated with increased focus on the effects of globalization, this concise nine-chapter text presents the timeless principles of information systems. ... Read more

Book Description

In what has become a bible for the business world, the successful CEO of Herman Miller, Inc., explores how executives and managers can learn the leadership skills that build a better, more profitable organization. ... Read more

Reviews (21)

Send Out Your Resume
I thought that Leadership is an Art was an excellent book. It was concise and a very easy read. Through his example of the Herman Miller Co. DePree showed how an employer can, by sharing in potential and utilizing employee creativity, benefit the company as a whole. It is leadership that can help individuals reach their potential. DePree brought up and interesting type of leadership called roving leadership. These are the leaders that are there when we need them. This book reminds us that as a leader, it is important to be an enabler of others. After all, if those you lead are not successful and do not reach their potential, you as a leader are not successful either. Read this book and you will seriously consider sending your resume to the Herman Miller Co.

Excellent Quick Read
Max Depree does a great job of fulfilling the purpose for which he wrote "Leadership is an Art". His how-to, self help book is grounded on a solid foundation of leadership philosophy. Everyone should read this book, for there is not a person alive who will do anything other than benefit from it at work or in their everyday lives. I highly recommend it.

Also recommended: A book that is not at all one of the many books in competition with "Leadership is an Art" that you should go on to read is Norman Thomas Remick's "West Point: Thomas Jefferson: Character Leadership Education" for an education on the philosophical foundations of Max Depree's "Leadership is an Art" that everyone can understand.

Art of Leadership, New lessons on each raeding of this book
One of those books that needs to be read many times. For each time you read it you learn something new. Take the author's advice and keep a pencil next to you, and use the double spaced lines and extra margin room to take notes. Truly a joy to read. Takes leadership and to where it belongs an art form, for each one of us how we get to the end is a bit different. In his introduction DePree suggests that you not only read this book but that you finish it. By finishing it he means understand and apply what you have learned from this book, notice he wants you to learn, not necessarily to be taught.
I truly believe that is why DePree wrote this book. He wrote it so that others could learn about leadership. To him leadership is indeed an art because leadership centers on people and relationships therefore it is difficult to define. When people look at a piece of art (painting, sculpture, or what have you) we all see something a little bit different than the person standing next to us. True we may all see the same piece of art but to each one of us it means something a little different, the colors, structure, the symbolism they all speak to us in different ways. Leadership is indeed that, there are a few cornerstones of leadership but the application of those cornerstones is the art of leadership.

Not my cup of tea
Max Depree basic theme is that although there are leadership principles to be learned, there is a certain mysticism about leadership that is more tribal than scientific and more a weaving of relationships than a amassing of leadership.

Depree talks about diversity, issues of the heart and spirit, integration, being vulnerable and empowerment, but he does so as a business man who realizes that the purpose of a business is to make a profit. Depree discovered that by taking care of his employees, and making them owners in the process he can achieve greater employee loyalty, more creativity, and hence, greater prophets. The danger is that non-businessman (i.e., politicians and pastors) will take these noble ideas and abdicate their leadership.

OK, so you don't have to cut throats to succeed in business
Max Depree hit a home run with this small, but persuasive book. His basic theme is that although there are leadership principles to be learned, there is a certain mysticism about leadership that is more tribal than scientific and more a weaving of relationships than a amassing of leadership.

Depree talks about diversity, issues of the heart and spirit, integration, being vulnerable and empowerment, but he does so as a business man who realizes that the purpose of a business is to make a profit. Depree discovered that by taking care of his employees, and making them owners in the process he can achieve greater employee loyalty, more creativity, and hence, greater profits. The danger is that non-businessman (i.e., politicians and pastors) will take these noble ideas and abdicate their leadership. ... Read more

Book Description

Father of modern management, social commentator, and preeminent business philosopher, Peter F. Drucker has been analyzing economics and society for more than sixty years. Now for readers everywhere who are concerned with the ways that management practices and principles affect the performance of the organization, the individual, and society, there is The Essential Drucker -- an invaluable compilation of management essentials from the works of a management legend.

Containing twenty-six selections, The Essential Drucker covers the basic principles and concerns of management and its problems, challenges, and opportunities, giving managers, executives, and professionals the tools to perform the tasks that the economy and society of tomorrow will demand of them.

Reviews (20)

Drucker is a BRAND
How do you value a 60 years work condensed into a book? a 92 year old Guru in a book?

This is the condensation of: The New Realities (1988), Management, Tasks, Responsibilities, Practices (1974), Managing for the Future (1992), Management Challenges for the 21st Century (1999), Management in a Time of Great Change (1995), The Practice of Management (1954), The Frontiers of Management (1986), Innovation and Entrepreneurship (1985), The Effective Executive (1966), and Post-Capitalist Society (1993).

I have to admid one thing: THIS IS MY FIRST DRUCKER BOOK ;-).

For those like me who postpone the will to read DRUCKER as confution of where to start, start from here, and follow the other area of your interest.

This is a holistic approach of management from THE MAN himself. And i would not grade less than anything best possible.

If you already had druckers book, this is a good review of the past and reinforce back his view on management.

He has interesting view on the internet ;-).
Either you are a Drucker New Comers, or Druker Veteran, this book is for you.

Back to the Future!
Recently, I read JACK by GE's Jack Welch. In it, he praises Drucker as one of the best management minds ever. High praise from the person most consider to be THE best CEO America has ever produced. This collection of the best of Drucker's writings is amazing in its clarity, depth, and breadth. To consider that many were written years ago but remain SO current in today's globalized world is truly amazing.

I found myself unable to resist highlighting with my magic marker this passage or that passage. This book is extremely readable and would make a wonderful gift to your favorite manager or to that manager you would like to see develop. My copy, only a few weeks old, is already "dog-earred" from repeatedly going back to read and re-read Drucker's wonderful insights, inspirations, and chastisements.

You will be really sorry if you do not get this book for yourself. You, your work team, and your organization need/deserve it. Invest in a resource that really will have a meaningful return for you.

Very good introduction to Drucker
This is a good book if you are just introducing yourself to Peter Drucker. The author makes several wise selections in the excerpts he chooses especially the section on entrepreneurial strategies from Drucker's 1985 book Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Good book - bad method
Don't buy the digital version. After reading a couple of chapters I could no longer access the digital book. Calling Adobe wasn't much help. Won't buy a digital copy until I'm sure it doesn't expire.

Text-to-speech disabled
Do not order the Microsoft Reader version if you plan to use the text to speech function, which is disabled for this title. ... Read more

Book Description

This strategic HR text is organized into two sections.The first section, Chapters 1-7, examines the context of strategic HR and develops a framework and conceptual model for the practice of strategic HR.The second section, Chapters 8-14, examines the actual practice and implementation of strategic HR through a discussion of strategic issues that need to be addressed while developing specific programs and policies related to the traditional functional areas of HR (staffing, training, performance management, etc.). The integrative framework that requires linkage between, consistency among these functional HR activities, and the approach toward writing about these traditional functional areas from a strategic perspective distinguish the text from what is currently on the market. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

This is a great book
This is a great book for start up and existing construction companies alike. It explains many aspects of the business and how things should be done to ensure profitability and longevity. It has helped my company tremendously.

Jim Paulin
Rubicon Construction
Lincoln Park, MI ... Read more

Book Description

OWN YOUR OWN CORPORATION reveals how private citizens can take advantage of incorporating themselves and their business to save thousands of dollars in taxes and protect themselves against financial disaster. ... Read more

Reviews (24)

OWN YOUR OWN CORPORATION by GARRETT SUTTON
As a owner of various companies, I look for books that will provide insight on limiting liabilities while maximizing profits. The author has suceeded with this book because it's written with a straight forward approach that breaks down difficult corporate terms into terms that anyone can understand. This was achieved by showing examples of certain situations and unknown facts that can happen to any individual or company.

I really like how the book explains all aspects of different types of corporations to establish depending on each individuals goal to keep their company private or go public. At the same time, the book teaches you various ways to protect your personal assets from your business assets. Just this section alone will eventually save you thousands in personal asset protection.

Most importantly, I've read hundreds of books about corporations, asset protection, public or private, etc. with the majority being very boring with fancy terms that's hard to understand. This book was so enjoyable with simple terms and exciting case situations, I read the entire book without putting it down. I'm now re-reading it and underlining many facts that will be shared with my corporate paid professionals on various situations that my company needs to be protected against. I had no idea but thanks to your book, I do now.

Finally, This book is a "MUST" read for anyone starting a corporation and a "MANDATORY" read for any owner of an existing corporation.

Thanks to the author, Garrett Sutton, I'm now working smarter, counting more net profit and sleeping comfortably in my personally protected home.

Excellent book for those in the B-Quadrant (or want to be)
Having a business without being incorporated is like driving a car without insurance. I was confused about corporations, which kind and didn't want to go to a "expert" untill I understood how the process works. This book did just that.

Groovy Corporate Info
Easy to read. I formed a C corporation with Mr. Sutton's firm after reading this book. They took care of all that legal mumbo jumbo so I could focus on building my business.

I was trapped in big corporations for 20 years - this book helped me understand how to get started...and the "right way" to protect my assets as an entrepreneur.

I only have time to read 2-3 business books a year. I'm glad this was one of them.

Definitely NOT for the layperson
I learned nothing from the book. I was even more confused after I read it. There were no documents to show how to fill out any information. I don't recommend forming your own corporation by yourself. I wanted to take the easy way out, but realized I would've made a mistake. Instead, I took a seminar and I accomplished a lot more and got more than enough information to set one up. Of course, it costs a lot more to do so. However, it is the best alternative. Reading this book almost discouraged me from moving forward. I do recommend reading RICH DAD POOR DAD. It was an easy read,offered a great understanding of developing rich habits, but not very informative on real estate investing.

Good book by sutton, here are some more.
This book by Sutton is right in tune with the Rich Dad Series and stands head and shoulders above other books on the bookracks right now.

If you liked this one then you should also read Loopholes, another book in the Richdad Advisor series, Form A Corporation and Launch a Business in Any State by J.W. Dicks and How to Form a S-Corporation by Robert Cooke. ... Read more

Amazon.com

What are the most important things in your life? Do they get as much care, emphasis, and time as you'd like to give them? Far from the traditional "be-more-efficient" time-management book with shortcut techniques, First Things First shows you how to look at your use of time totally differently.Using this book will help you create balance between your personal and professional responsibilities by putting first things first and acting on them. Covey teaches an organizing process that helps you categorize tasks so you focus on what is important, not merely what is urgent. First you divide tasks into these quadrants:

1. Important and Urgent (crises, deadline-driven projects)
2. Important, Not Urgent (preparation, prevention, planning, relationships)
3. Urgent, Not Important (interruptions, many pressing matters)
4. Not Urgent, Not Important (trivia, time wasters)

Most people spend most of their time in quadrants 1 and 3, while quadrant 2 is where quality happens. "Doing more things faster is no substitute for doing the right things," says Covey. He points you toward the real human needs--"to live, to love, to learn, to leave a legacy"--and how to balance your time to achieve a meaningful life, not just get things done. --Joan Price ... Read more

Reviews (51)

An unexpected life-changer
I have to get a couple of things out of the way right now to make you understand why this book has been so important to me (and could be to you as well). First, I am definitely someone who shuns most self-help tomes--I think most of them are crutches for weak people too lazy to get their acts together or too clueless to embrace a little common sense. Second, my prior experiences with the Covey cult were less than satisfying, as I had a boss (now departed) who talked the Covey talk but did not (I now see) truly walk the walk. This book differs from the _7 Habits_ texts in that it really deals with taking the general Covey concepts ("principle-centered living") and giving them a practical sheen--in this case by applying them to time management. Learning to divide my activities between "urgent" and "important," planning my life around certain "roles" that I have to fill, and composing a "mission statement" (a much more realistic and helpful version of year 2000 New Year's resolutions for me)--these were the concepts that have really helped me organize my life as efficiently as possible (and I was already pretty organized). I highly recommend buying the book and then following up by getting a Franklin Covey planner, where you can take the lessons from the book and start building your time and life around them. I have loaned the book to several friends and students (I teach high school) and all of them have benefitted from it in some way or another. Buying _First Things First_ will be one of the best things you can do for yourself.

And I can't believe I just wrote a positive review of a self-help book. Trust me on how helpful this book can be.

I JUST CAN SAY "WHAT A BOOK"
First, let me say that i'm a mexican citizen so please do not be so hard about my english, any way i'll try to do my best. i like to be an honest human being, so about "FIRST THINGS FIRST" it was a gift i got from a friend in San Antonio tx., and even knowing that i have not ended the book yet because my job, in the first chapters i had readed i have found many ideas to increase my succes as well as my productivity in the office, but the most important thing i have found is the real meaning of the word "share" and this is because i'm starting to learn that i do have to have time for my family as well as for my profession i do not know whats going to happen when i finish of read this "CLEVER WAY TO SHARE THE MEANING OF LIFE" but i'm sure that at the end there is only going to be one word to "STEPHEN R. COVEY"............THANKS A LOT ARTURO ARMENTA V.

If you've read '7 Habits' you don't need to read this
While the information in this book is still relevant and helpful, it's basically a rehash of much of the information covered in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Some of the ideas about mission statements and priorites are discussed more thoroughly and there is more specific information on time management like handling the "big rocks" in your week, but overall it seemed like a review. If you haven't read '7 Habits,' then it's a very useful approach to time management and setting the priorities in you life.

Another great book by Dr. Covey
This book makes a great addition to The 7 Habits. First Things First is as the title indicates a book about time management. But more than that, about people management. It's about social skills and so much more.

Whether you like Covey or not, this book will impact your life. A highly recommended book to succeed in the new millenium.

Inspiritional and practical
USA Today said that Stephen Covey is the hottest self-improvement consultant to hit U.S. business since Dale Carnegie and I agree. Covey is the best.

In First Things First, Covey discloses powerful time management techniques. What makes this book different from typical time management books and programs is that Covey shows you how to see the whole picture rather than tiny fragments of our lives.

Before reading and applying the techniques in First Things First, I would always lament

"I have too much to do---and not enough time to do it."
"I can't balance my personal life with my business life."
"There is too little of me and too much to do."
"I don't feel in controlof my life."
"Why do I feel so empty all the time."

What you won't find in this book is another daytimer program or another clock. Covey explains why it is more important to know where you are heading instead of how fast you are going. You won't find the old theory of working harder, faster, smarter and more, more, more. It's about effectiveness, not efficiency. And most importantly, it really works.

Thank you Dr. Covey! ... Read more

Book Description

A new edition of the book that took the art of coaching to new heights. Since COACHING FOR PERFORMANCE was first published over a decade ago, John Whitmore has lead the way with this best-selling classic that has sold more than 200,000 copies worldwide. Translated into a dozen languages and considered a ‘must-read' by such international leaders as Coca-Cola, this is the definitive guide to mastering the skills needed to help people unlock their potential and maximize their performance. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Difficult leap from tennis to business
I used this book for a class on coaching and developing employees. There were eleven people in the class that read the book and each was very disappointed. The overall conclusion was that the author should stick to sports, as the attempt to link the priciples to business was too far of a stretch. We will not be using this book again.

Packed with Knowledge!
We immediately liked John Whitmore's book on coaching for one simple reason: It admits right off that a coterie of charlatans have passed off their bogus "consulting" approaches as business coaching, thereby diminishing the credibility of the practice. But Whitmore does more than recognize the problem: He sets the record straight by providing a true definition, a working history and a psychological explanation of real coaching, which evolved out of sports performance enhancement. Capping off this overview is a comprehensive guide to practical coaching practices, complete with techniques that readers can adopt in their own careers. We from getAbstract highly recommend this book to all business managers, human resource professionals and, of course, coaches.

Great overview of coaching
Highly recommend this book. The author clearly explains coaching and how its correct use can impact both your organization and your success as a manager. He gives plenty of facts and outlines for use. A must buy!

Also suggest a well-received book that espouses coaching and leadership skills and responsibility in a unique and easily read way. My company uses it for leader development/training. It's called ""The Leader's Guide: 15 Essential Skills.""

Coaching for Managers
'Coaching for Performance' offers insight into the techniques of successful coaching, covering well the subjects of motivation, performance, and goals. At times, however, it seems as though the author is talking down to the reader; perhaps that is just the 'accent' of a British nobleman. The writing also seems a bit like 'teacher talking' instead of heartfelt sharing of life's experience. Nonetheless, the material is precise and compelling. The text covers the coach/coachee relationship quite extensively and is an excellent resource for managers and formal coaches of the 'mentor' variety. Scant coverage is given to the particular coaching needs of working groups or teams.

This was a very informative book.
The book was a pleasure to read and informative. It links how coaching for success in sports corresponds with coaching in business. It was a very intersting approach. I recommend the book highly. ... Read more

Book Description

VALUE STREAM MANAGEMENT FOR THE LEAN OFFICE: 8 Steps to Planning Mapping, and Sustaining Lean Improvements in Administrative Areas

Don Tapping and Tom Shuker

Administrative functions represent up to 80 percent of the cost of doing business. Eliminating costly waste from administrative and office functions is a great way to increase your profit margin and a vital part of creating a total lean enterprise.

Tapping and Shuker take their Value Stream Management Storyboard and apply its 8-step process in the context of case studies in order processing, customer service, and other administrative office applications of lean. This text will provide you with a complete system for lean implementation in the office.

Highlights include:

· Comprehensive case studies that highlight the applications of lean in an office environment
· A thorough overview of basic lean concepts
· Methods for identifying the administrative activities that need improvement
· The 8-step process for removing waste and reorganizing workflow for cost effective, efficient workflow
· Guidelines and checklists to help direct and maintain lean improvements ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great Lean Office Workbook!
This book conveys the essence of how a Lean Office can be achieve. It does a superb job of introducing the concepts and provides practical approaches to solving administrative work flow problems utilizing Lean tools. Highly Recommended, best one out there!

What a welcome addition to the world of lean!
This book is such a welcome addition to my book shelf. I tried so hard last year to try to translate manufacturing value stream mapping to the transactional world and found it very difficult. This book simplifies the approach incredibly. There are some typos in the book as well as one figure that is missing some icons. The bad part about the book is that it does seem to spend a lot of time saying the same thing over and over and over again while skipping over some very important VSM concepts like dealing with multiple flows, etc. You need to have a good background in VSM and lean in order to absorb this book easily. I appreciate the fact though that the authors try to demonstrate the tools on three or four examples throughout the book, but why not put in a few other case studies all the way through???!!! I hate having just one complete case study like in the book Learning to See. Not all situations are the same so having several examples can be very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether youre a novice entrepreneur or a seasoned pro, The Small Business Bible is a comprehensive, easy-to-read, A-to-Z library of everything you might need to know. Not only does it teach new entrepreneurs what works and what doesnt—giving them scores of tips, hints, insider information, and secrets of success—its also a reliable, valuable, and insightful resource for established business owners who want to help their businesses continue to grow and succeed. The book covers all aspects of small business operations and strategies, and includes straightforward information on almost every topic. Plus, youll find secrets of great entrepreneurs, a wealth of online resources, real-life success stories, and cutting-edge strategies that work. ... Read more

Reviews (38)

Insightful!
Donald T. Phillips has written a solid and engaging book. It has been hailed by critics and leaders in business, sports, and every other arena as a common sense masterpiece of historical and character analysis. The book is divided into key lessons, each representing an aspect of President Abraham Lincoln's leadership style, as revealed through his words and actions. A beautifully written intimate history, the book shows Lincoln in action. The discussion reveals clearly how any leader can apply Lincoln's timeless principles about communication, character, endeavor, and people. We [...] recommend this book to anyone interested in leadership, Lincoln, or history.

Solid Leadership History of Lincoln During the Civil War
This book purports to be about business leadership, and if you find it helpful for that purpose, good for you. The author clearly did. The genesis of this book project was an epiphany for the author while taking a management seminar and reading a history of Lincoln during the war years. He realized that the principles in the seminar were all ones that Lincoln employed.

Each chapter explores one broad principle, and then lists subprinciples at the end of the chapter. These subprinciples will feel like leadership or management axioms to most. Few of the chapters have any reference to the management literature or to modern day management situations.

But I found that okay. Whenever I read about Lincoln, I notice things about his leadership and management style that interest me, but I have never seen a book that focused on that element until this one. I thought it was useful to have a history that emphasizes just that slant. I think you will, too, unless Lincoln is someone you don't care for.

The first chapter was especially interesting to me, because it talked about Lincoln's inclination to visit the scene and find out what was going on. There's a very interesting chart that shows how many days a month he was traveling during the war. The author makes a connection to Management by Wandering Around from In Search of Excellence that works.

Everyone will have their favorite part of the book. The sections are divided into things about people, character, endeavor, and communication. I found the communications sections to be unusually good. As outstanding as Lincoln was in many areas, he was probably a better communicator than just about anything else. There is a chapter on public speaking, another on influencing people through storytelling, and one on getting your vision across. These are as timely today as they were in Lincoln's day.

I think that this is the significant aspect of the book for us today: What was important then, that we still resonate to as important today? Whatever themes strike you that way are probably telling you something very fundamental about people and human organizations. Pay attention!

One of the chapters that meant a lot to me personally focused on how Lincoln handled unjust criticism. He often ignored it, but other times he challenged it when it was harmful to the nation not to. The abuse heaped on Lincoln and his wife make today's TV headlines about politicians seem like nursery rhymes by comparison. We can all benefit from thinking about his experiences and how he handled them in this regard.

The book's main weakness is that it makes Lincoln a little too perfect. He had a lot of weaknesses, as we all do. For example, I think a good case could be made for him not being a good judge of people considering the bad results he got from so many generals until he linked up with Grant.

Anyone with an interest in Lincoln will like this book. If you also find leadership lessons you can use, that's a wonderful bonus!

Be sure to banish you stalled thinking about the need to communicate thoroughly and often. This book is a great stallbuster in that area.

Fantastic Study of a Phenomenal Leader
If you want a stimulating and thoroughly researched leadership primer for leaders at all levels, then do not miss this gem of a book by Donald Phillips. The only drawback to reading this book was that I was limited to five stars in reviewing it-it deserved much more.

Donald Phillips wrote one of the best leadership books I have ever read. He skillfully blended many effective historical references (letters, speeches, vignettes, and anecdotes) with modern management and leadership theories to create an easy-to-read performance and character analysis of one of the very best leaders our country has ever known.

This remarkable book could (and should) serve as a "wake-up call" for the many self-proclaimed leaders in all walks of life who fail to understand the adage, "Leadership is action, not position." Some of the book's timeless leadership themes demonstrated and often perfected by Lincoln included:

*Leaders foster trust and build effective relationships with subordinates.

*Leaders are persuasive vice coercive; coercive dictatorships violate the basic rights of individuals.
*Leaders build leaders, not followers, though vision, patience, and persistence for long-term effectiveness vice short-term gains or conveniences.
*A leader who constantly maintains his honesty and integrity, and shows compassion and mercy, will inspire all around him or her to loyalty and great achievements.

Phillips, in his preface, perfectly described the book's value to the leaders of today and tomorrow...

"Since leadership principles are usually expressed rather abstractly, there is a great need for simple, concrete illustrations. Tangible examples make the difference; people relate to them. That's what the study of Lincoln gives us - tangible examples from a widely recognized great leader. Therein lies the basic premise of this book. I hope that present and future leaders in all walks of life will be enlightened (as I was) by the remarkable leadership genius of Abraham Lincoln and then will use that knowledge to improve their own skills."

A Short Education On Leadership
A great book for learning to deal with people. After you finish reading about Lincoln's executive strategies in "Lincoln On Leadership", I suggest you go on to read the plain-talking practical anecdotes on human relations in Dale Carnegie's "How To Win Friends", and learn the philosophical basics of leadership in Norman Thomas Remick's plain-talking book "West Point: Character Leadership Education: Thomas Jefferson", to make the reading experience of Donald T. Phillips' "Lincoln On Leadership" even more useful and enlightening than it is unto itself. It's a short education on leadership.

A Winning Combination
Donald Phillips does an excellent job using history to teach leadership lessons. You can tell he has done his homework on his research;his bibliography contains over 40 books and the notes about the individual chpaters are very thorough in documenting where his material came from. Phillips' research provides the reader with a number of interesting stories about a great leader. In addition, the points of emphasis at the end of each chapter remind the reader of important lessons learned from each chapter. Highly recommended. ... Read more

Book Description

Purchasing is the culmination of discussions with top purchasing executives developed through an initiative known as the Global Procurement and Supply Chain Benchmarking Initiative at Michigan State University. The authors' experiences combine to create a managerial perspective of the core tasks and challenges required to effectively manage the purchasing function. This text is unique in that it is the first purchasing textbook to employ a truly strategic perspective. While prior books have dealt with many components of buying materials, the authors have sought to identify the contributions that purchasing can make to corporate and business strategies, through the development of integrated procurement and sourcing strategies. The book contains twenty cases that have been developed and used in the classroom. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Great reference work
If you want one book explaining state-of-the-art thinking in procurement, this is the one. It has chapters on every important topic. It's not a book I would choose to read from beginning to end to learn about purchasing (unless I were a University student) but it's a good starting point for looking deeper into many topics.

Very good vision
One of the best of its type - good mix of strategic and tactical. could have been shorter ... Read more

Book Description

For busy fundraisers, writing letters of appeal can be confusing and laborious. Now, a guide from the nation's premier letter-writing tutor--direct mail expert Mal Warwick--shows fundraisers what makes the best letters work. Whether its general advice about the most effective mail strategies, or specific advice for those interested in the details of a direct mail campaign, Warwick keeps fundraisers on track when he reminds: "You're writing for results--not a Pulitzer Prize."

In How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters, Warwick's step-by-step model for writing a successful appeal walks you through the critical stages; his topics range from laying the groundwork for a prosperous campaign all the way through to the importance of thanking donors. Supported by an extensive collection of model letters, Warwick's no-nonsense, jargon-free work has helped thousands of fundraisers achieve results.

... Read more

Reviews (6)

Every Non-Profit Should Have This Book
Fundraising is a very specialized area of copywriting and marketing. Unlike the more common direct mail letter wherein you are selling a product or service, fundraising often offers nothing more to the receipient than a chance to feel good about doing good.

As a consequence, fundraising letters for charities and oher non-profits literally have their own rules that vary from the traditional approach to direct mail. Warwick is the recognized master of this field and is a legend in fundraising circles.

Every charitiable organization and non-profit group should have this book on their shelf, or have a copywriter available to them that does. And even if you aren't going to apply the principles in the book to fundraising, its still a great guide to writing effective marketing copy.

The best book of its kind ...
There are many many books and courses on how to write a funding proposal but few out there on how to write and develop your organization's annual campaign. Fortunately Mal Warwick's is the only book you'll ever need. Thorough, loaded with examples, not only of solicitation letters but follow up and thank you letters as well -- if you're a development professional this is one book you must have on your shelf. Using Mal Warwick's books and website, along with a great deal of marketing reading, I successfully redesigned my organization's membership campaign - raising our overall donations by 33% the first year and an additional 25% the second year.
While geared to annual campaigns/individual donors, this book will also aid you in writing foundation proposals - particularly to those smaller foundations that may merely require a letter proposal. Mal takes the best of both worlds - marketing and nonprofit management - and gives you a guide that the development professional will refer to daily. With the thousands of foundations in the United States, not every one is a Kellogg or a Kresge or a Pew and this book is an invaluable aid to getting your proposal read. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED (as are all Mal Marwick's books).

A Good Primer on Fundraising Letters
I found this book to be a great primer on writing fundraising letters. This book is written in simple enough language that beginners will be able to follow along, yet is detailed enough that even accomplished fundraisers will benefit from a throurough review of this guide.

When I wrote "25 Fundraising Secrets - Raise More Money, Guaranteed," I included a chapter on how to make follow-up phone calls after mailing out fundraising letters. When I am asked by readers how to write those fundraising letters, I direct them to this informative book by Mal Warwick.

Never Wrote a Fundraising letter before
This was an excellent book! I was able to put together not just a letter, but a fundraising package. The instructions are complete and the examples are wonderful reference tools. I am new to the Fundraising industry and this is a book that I am now purchasing for my library. It also covers thank you's. I would highly recommend this book to someone who has never wrote a fundraising letter before or even for the experienced letter writer!!

My top recommendation for fundraisers
In my seminar on nonprofit communications I strongly recommend several titles, chosen from the dozens on my shelves. Mal Warwick's How to Write Successful Fundraising Letters tops the list. It is pretty much a model, I think, for good how-to books: it is well organized, comprehensive (in ways you'd never anticipate), filled with case studies and annotated examples, brief, to the point, practical, and extraordinarily reader-friendly. I wrote fund-raising letters before I read Mal's book; some letters worked, some didn't. After I read his book, I never wrote an unprofitable letter again. You will not regret buying this book: it removes the veils from so many mysteries of successful direct mail fundraising. ... Read more

Book Description

Projects have been around since ancient times. Noah built the ark, Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa, Jonas Salk developed the polio vaccine – all projects. Why then, is the topic of project management suddenly of such great interest today? The answer is simple. The audience has changed and the stakes are higher.

Successful businesses and organizations create projects that produce desired results in established timeframes with assigned resources. As a result, businesses are increasingly driven to find individuals who can excel in this project-oriented environment. And that's where this guide comes into play.

Reading Project Management For Dummies could help a diverse group of people, some of which include the following:

• Senior managers and junior assistants (the senior managers of tomorrow)
• Experienced project managers and people who've never been on a project team
• People who've had significant project management training and people who've had none
• People who've had years of real-world business and government experience and people who've just entered the workforce

By reading this guide, you'll gain insight into beginning a project, supporting it throughout its life, and bringing it to a successful closure. You'll discover how to manage the uncertainties surrounding a project, and uncover the definitions to the most common project management terms. And you'll figure out how to handle some of the more common project management situations you'll encounter, from dealing with the people involved to organizing the mountains of paperwork.

While most businesses are looking for ways to get a better handle on their projects, what no one is saying is that the majority of people who become project managers aren't doing so by choice. Instead, project management is often an unexpected but required progression in their chosen career paths. Think of this guide as a friend or comfortable resource that has more to share each time you crack it open as you experience new situations in which you can apply the knowledge. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Covers the basics
This book covers the basics of project management but does not include the "how to" tools to be "the reference guide" for project managers. Perhaps to be a project manager you can't be a dummy.

Great introduction to project management
A solid book that introduces many tools and techniques central to project management. If you have to manage projects in addition to doing your "real work" this book is for you. If you're a project manager by profession, you should be past this book by now.

Too Basic
Individuals with any experience in running a project, whether it is a small focused job or a large-scale product development effort, will find subject treatises too fundamental. The chapters lack the in-depth coverage and focus as the apparent goal is to present a broad-based overview of basic concepts in the field of project management.

Here is a guideline to use in deciding whether or not to purchase this book:
How comfortable are you with using the Microsoft Project software?
If you are very comfortable with MS Project, I recommend that you try "A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge" instead.
If you have never used MS Project and/or have no idea what it does, then you should probably buy this book.

Manage your projects wisely
The author details all of the processes, reporting requirements, and pitfalls that go into managing projects intelligently. A great primer on the subject.

Useful and Enjoyable
Stan is an excellent trainer (I have attended 2 of his courses), and it turns out he is a good writer, too! He presents PM concepts and tools in an easy-to-understand way with great real-life examples. As a new PM, I have found this book to be a great reference as well as good "flip-through" reading. ... Read more

Book Description

A new paradigm in facility management

A unique, just-in-time resource from profession leader Eric Teicholz, Facility Design and ManagementHandbook empowers you to make your facility state of the art. Packed with tips from U.S. and international case studies from government, health care, retail, finance, manufacturing, and academia, this guide gives you access to the productivity tools, technologies, and stratagems that have revolutionized the field in the last five years, helping you to:
Find the best, most cost-effective solutions for issues from “greenness” and sustainability to disaster recovery and technology integration
Use new tools for space and asset allocation, project management, process coordination, and systems integration
Improve accuracy in financial forecasting, budgeting, architectural and interior design planning, and market research
Create cost-effective “smart” buildings with state-of-the art security, energy management, lighting strategies, and maintenance efficiency
Discover innovative solutions for human resources needs
Integrate the Internet into your management program
Automate nearly all your tasks for major productivity gains
Apply benchmarking standards and other measurements that demonstrate and assure facility management productivity

Accompanying time-saving, efficiency-boosting CD-ROM is loaded with sample documents—from budgets, schedules, plans to cost-benefit analyses, checklists, forms and audits; standards for communications and database, integration, building and construction, CAD conventions; Web links and other resources. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Excellent FM handbook for 2001 and beyond
A very comprehensive manual (31 chapters, over 500 pages) for any level of facilty management professional. Each chapter is written by practicing professionals and "expert" consultants. Given that the field of FM covers so many areas, it is useful to have many different perspectives from professionals in the field formed into one big book. Chapters are grouped into phases of FM disciplines, i.e, planning, design, management, technology. There are high level topics such as Strategic Facility Planning, Sustainable Design, Portfolio Management and Business Transformation. Also very detailed, nuts & bolts for topics such as Financial Management for FM's, Energy Management, System Implementation for CMMS (Maintenance systems, Benchmarking, Condition Assessment, and case studies for CAFM technology. Brief chapter summaries are provided to assist reader with content coverage. There are lots of graphics/figures which help readability of this thick book, as well as a CD with websites and templates for RFP's, standards and process related functions. ... Read more