Editorial Review

Effectively managing personnel--as well as one's own behavior--is an extraordinarily complex task that, not surprisingly, has been the subject of countless books touting what each claims is the true path to success. That said, Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton's Read more

Reviews (213)

Take work from your strengths
A fantastic book of weekness and strength, a human being is a mixture of weekness and strength equally and those among us who take work with thier strength come out successful regardless of the profession they are involve in, they can focus on thier strength rather than weakness, positive attitude regardless all the adversaries of a life. I learned a great deal out of this Marcus Buckingham book and I strongly recommend to the book lovers don't miss this one.

What a Novel Concept
By:Jeffrey W. Bennett, Founder of LayMentor and author of Under the Lontar Palm.
Ok~ but I think the Keirsey Temperment Test is more accurate - and cheaper.
This book has its good points. If anything, it helps you put into words what you wantfrom a supervisor, but it is not very accurate. The online test does not account for a difference between when 2 of their options are both exactly like you, or if they don't describe you at all. This messes up the results, and it did not describe me very well. I am not just in denial. I have taken a lot of personality type tests, like the Keirsey Temperment sorter and have a pretty good idea of my strengths. So, although this book is pretty good in making you understand the importance of incouraging your strengths, it still leaves you wondering about how you fit in to their terminology.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Career Planning (General)    6. Careers - General    7. Employee motivation    8. Management    9. Motivation (Psychology)    10. Motivational    11. Advice on careers & achieving success    12. Business & Economics / Management   

Reviews (31)

One more book to help corporate America
Oh my, one more motivational speaker, one more book about helping corporate America pad its pockets while its workers are supposed to ignore the core greed and put a smile on their faces and be Freds while the big shots benefit. Sorry, this just doesn't resonate with workers today who see their "profit centers" being sucked dry by the big home office and they are supposed to chin up and be a Fred regardless of the way the big boys (and ladies) are destroying the company they work for. Let's hope Fred is still practicing the Fred Factor when he shows up at WalMart or Dollar General looking for a job because his work has been outsourced, his branch consolidated or his job merged with three others.
I know the author and he lives his message
Lots of people learn good ideas about successful living and restate them for others, but not so many actually put them into practice in their own lives. Mark Sanborn lives his message. The Fred Factor is not just stories from an author. It is also life wisdom from a practitioner. Mark's personal and professional life, when viewed over two decades (as I have), are inspiring. He's the kind of guy you want living in your neighborhood and whose kids you want playing with your kids.
Simple and Powerful!
This was a great book on several levels.First, it was fun to read.I love the story of Fred.Second, it had some very powerful business concepts.What I love about them is that they aren't complicated or difficult to put to use.It really took me back to basics - the things I have to do to be successful with my clients.Third, Fred reminded me of things I need to do and confirmed many things that I always knew I should do. This book would be good for virtually anyone in any job - and shouldn't be read once, but at least once a year! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Christianity    6. Motivational    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Personal Guidance    9. Religious aspects    10. Social Conditions Of Labor    11. Success    12. Business & Economics / Motivational   

Features

• Abridged

Reviews (323)

stop reading the reviews and just buy it
The single most helpful book in changing the way I thought about myself and my goals.Buy it.

Recipe for Success
Napoleon Hill's gift to each of us who reads and rereads this astounding life recipe is priceless. I remain in awe of his rigour, insight and persistence. If you haven't read this book, buy it now, read it and read it again. Then do Hill's exercises exactly as he advises and the world will shift beneath your feet.

Great book.Cheap CD
Overly compressed burnt cd.Audio is slightly "tinny", because of over compression.CD and lack of packaging leave a bit to be desired. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business Life - Inspirational    2. Business/Economics    3. Motivational & Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Psychology    6. Advice on careers & achieving success    7. Popular psychology    8. Self-Help / Motivational   

Reviews (141)

Creating relationships instead of schmoozing
I found this book quite inspirational. Although I love spending time with people talking and getting to know them better, I've always been leery of the concept of "networking." It brings to mind a picture of an insincere jerk working the room, brown-nosing the people who can help him get ahead and ignoring everyone else.
Great Book. Great Ideas.
Keith Ferrazzi obviously understands the importance of career karma. He practices what he preaches and provides countless examples of ways to be an effective networker, build your personal brand, and expand your success. This book helps destroy many networking myths and teaches us that the one important rule in networking is to 'give' to the members of your network. Keith has built his own personal brand on his unique and innate relationship-building skills and he shares with us so many different ways to network, that every reader will be able to find the ones that are authentic for them.

The Relationship Approach
I was in the middle of reading Keith's book and took it with me on a recent cruise vacation.I recognized the same book being read by a fellow traveler and introduced myself.We chatted about the book and our businesses and exchanged business cards.The presence of the book itself was the perfect introduction to our conversation!Fun, fabulous, and completely natural is how I would describe Keith Ferrazzi's approach to building a network as wide (and deep) as you want. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Life - Inspirational    5. Business networks    6. Business/Economics    7. Careers - General    8. Executive Management    9. Generosity    10. Interpersonal relations    11. Management - General    12. Motivational    13. Public relations    14. Success in business    15. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (4)

great tool for team and conference
I thought this book was extremely helpful with ideas on how to improve service and thereby improve business
The Fred Factor
We purchased "The Fred Factor" to use as part of an all day retreat in our department.During the earlier part of the day, we discussed the previous fiscal year results, our plans for the current year and then used questions on the book for discussion of what it would be like to be a "Fred" and work and live with people like him.All were requested to read the book before the day, and so it proved a helpful backdrop to the focus of our day.Our groups had some interesting perspectives...great tool for team building!

Nice review of the value of going the extra mail

Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Inspirational    3. Christianity    4. Christianity - Christian Life - Business    5. Inspirational - General    6. Motivational    7. Religion    8. Religious aspects    9. Success    10. Religion / Inspirational   

Editorial Review

Read more

Reviews (25)

Because you only get to go around once.
Although this book is listed as a Business Motivation book, it's really more than that. It's a book that is based on interviews with a couple of hundred business leaders. But some of these businesses are very small, a shelter for dope addicts for instance.
Why it's so hard to do what matters
Somewhere in the first quarter of "Built to Last" is a telling section on why it's so hard to do what really matters. Essentially, the lesson is that doing what's expected, what's convention, what goes with what you know already how to do, with what you don't love and with what brings only "bright shiny objects" won't get you to do what you love. People who do what they love and what they are committed to deeply, do great things. The same is true for companies.
Warmed over soup...
Little new here and feels too light and fluffy.Was disappointed after the pre-release hype.Suggest you save your money and read book review by Kerry Hannon in USA Today posted 9/18/06: "For most, success that's built to last starts with a portfolio of passions" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Leadership    6. Motivational    7. Personal Growth - Success    8. Success in business    9. Successful people    10. Advice on careers & achieving success    11. Business & Economics / Leadership   

Reviews (125)

Pretty Good
Yeah I was forced to read this by my boss...but it was quick and worthwhile.I am an experienced manager but I still picked up some valuable tips. This is worth while reading- short, to the point, and informative

Universally applicable!
This is one of my favorite books. It is geniusly simple, respectful and powerful. I was surprised to find out that I can easily apply the 3 principles in almost every relationship. So many people around deserve to be praised and taught a lesson and it is very important HOW you will do it because the final result can be very positive or just the opposite. It is a very valuable book which is very well written and is a fast read. I also highly recommend the other books from the One Minute Manager series because every book has a lot to offer and they will be especially helpful if you are in a business environment.

Timeless

Read more

Subjects:  1. Administration    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Life - Inspirational    5. Business/Economics    6. Management    7. Management - General    8. Business & Economics / General    9. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (18)

A great inspiration for any coach
I am a first year basketball coach and found this book very inspirational.It makes me want to work even harder than I have and set higher standards for myself.Pat Riley is an excellent motivator and role model.I like any coach who is willing to write about his major losses in his career as well as greatest triumphs.A must read for any coach.However, he needs to write a sequel since he won his new title this summer.Go Heat!

Doesn't make the playoffs.
Of the over fifty books on leadership/coaching that I've read, this is by far the least useful.There are anecdotes for basketball fans, but as far as useful ideas on success and leadership there are few.It is the most useless book I've read in the coaching/leadership field (even worse than Coach K's or Dean Smith's).

A Very Wise Man
You go Pat!!!! Testify!!! This man speaks the truth, ya dig? True like buttah in yo popcorn and just as salty. Diggety bing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Basketball - General    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Cooperativeness    5. Sports    6. Sports & Recreation    7. Teamwork (Sports)    8. Work groups    9. Advice on careers & achieving success    10. Fiction / Historical   

Reviews (57)

Good Aid to Help You in Finding Your Ideal Career
In my humble opinion, Dan Miller has written a valuable tool to help you better understand yourself and transition into a better career.Some reviewers see the book as just another "cut and paste" title.Yes, there is some of that in the book, but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of things we have previously heard but forgot.Also, there is some new interesting information included in the book, particulary the ample number of websites you can access to help you along in your transition.
Know Yourself and Seek Self Improvement
By:Jeffrey W. Bennett, Author of Under the Lontar Palm and founder of LayMentor
Sharing this book with everyone!
This book is great for two audiences:1- those currently looking for a job/career change 2- anyone who wants to live more intentionally.It's full of great questions to get you thinking and full of very specific job search hints.I bought two copies.I read one and gave one as a gift. As I was barely finishing my copy, I had a conversation with someone who needed it so I gave it to him.Now I need to order at least two more!A great catalyst for life change/re-focusing! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Career development    6. Christian Life    7. Christianity - Christian Life - General    8. Job Finding    9. Job enrichment    10. Job satisfaction    11. Motivational    12. Personal Growth - Success   

Reviews (3)

Attitude does make the difference
This book was very informative and easy to read.John Maxwell wrote in a language that is very to easy to understand and kept it very interesting and to the point.I recommend this book to everyone that would like to succeed in their personal and professional life.

makes you and breaks you
there is not need to get a rocket science degree to understand the magic of your attitude, keeps it high under all the circumstances no matter what and build necessary skills for the development of your own career, attitude alone cannot help you to reach the top step of a ladder but it would be plus if you have it with other skills, skills are important to take you the place you are dream about. It is a good book if you can pick up one or two good things out of it and implement them in your life, you will see the big difference between the Difference Maker and the Difference Taker. The rest is history.

Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude
This is a concise and straightforward read on how your attitude -- when blended with competence and other key qualities -- can be a "game breaker" in your favor in life.Maxwell is a motivational caffeine pill and this book reinforces what we sense is true anyway. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Attitude (Psychology)    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Life - General    5. Business Life - Inspirational    6. Business/Economics    7. Leadership    8. Leadership In Business    9. Personal Growth - Success    10. Success    11. Business & Economics / Leadership   

Reviews (4)

No Spark in this book...
After watching one of their performances, I wanted to read this book to find out more about Cirque du Soleil but this book left me frustrated.
How much of The Spark is contrived?
I picked up this book at my library and as I read through it, found myself excited and inspired - at first.Then doubts began to creep in.Why was the narrator addressed as Frank (this was supposedly a first-person account by a sports agent named Frank Castle) when, on the book's coverit says "Created by Lyn Heward and written by John U. Bacon"?According to the inside-back cover of the dust jacket, Heward is "the former President and COO of Cirque du Soleil's Creative Content Division and is currently acting as executive producer for a variety of special projects."Bacon, is (same dust jacket inside-back cover) a veteran journalist and public speaker who's "won numerous writing awards and is the author of three books."Apparently this is his experience.But because this book chooses to give him a phony name, from here on in "Frank Castle" will be in quotation marks for your protection.
Great for managers in any type of business

Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Inspirational    3. Circus    4. Creative ability    5. Creativity    6. Imagination    7. Leadership    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Self-Help    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Business & Management   

Reviews (26)

Great advice for business and for everyday life
My husband wants to start his own business.He has the skill to perform the service, but he has a mental block with getting started.This book is the ignition he needs.

Chuck Norris called this book PHENOMENAL...He's Right
One of the best books i've ever read.The author presents hundreds of Solomon's Proverbs covering 15 topics.The chapters on diligence, conflict and adversity, and partnering have been life-changing for me.And his chapter on deferred hope gives the most enlightening revelation on why relationships fall apart that I have ever heard.Thankfully he also shows Solomon's answers for restoring broken relationships.Reading the chapters on the booby traps to success and the number one cause of financial loss helped me to understand why some of my past efforts had failed so miserably.I only wish I had found this book 20 years ago.I too wish that Scott would have covered all 46 categories of Proverbs, but doing so would have probably resulted in a thousand page book.I'm a Christian, so I really loved his last chapter, but unlike the reviewer before me, Scott said right at the beginning of the book that the laws of life revealedin Proverbs can be used by Christian and non-Christian alike to achieve many of Solomon's promised outcomes.I 'll be giving out lots of copies of this book this Christmas.I can't think of a better gift to give to those I care about most.

NOT worth the money
"The Richest Man Who Ever Lived" by Steven K. Scott, I thought, would be a good buy.It was the farthest thing from a good buy.The premise of this book is imparting the wisdom of King Solomon to the masses by way of the Bible's book of Proverbs.That is at least how the book is marketed.Here are my problems with this book.First, there were plenty of good things in the book up to a point (page 244) when he states that he had divided up the book of Proverbs into 46 categories.And then proceeds to tell us that he has only presented 15 of these categories.In other words, he published an incomplete book.And it does little good to tell people, "think of the incredible insights that await you."Hey, Stevie Unwonder, I bought the book to get YOUR insights, not go through the thing myself.I probably should have done that to begin with, because I would have saved myself a lot of money.Second, he doesn't even use the Jewish bible, the Tanakh, for his source, but rather relies on the most perverted form of the Bible, the King James Version, not to mention other xian-dogma-infested version...Revised Standard, New American Standard, New International Version.NO!You MUST go to the original Hebrew for a correct understanding.And if you don't know Hebrew, the Orthodox Union publishes the entire Tanakh in Hebrew and English translation UNTOUCHED.These other so-called translations have had things altered that aren't in the original, so the sourcing isn't even correct.Third, he gets to the point where he says that the only way to honor G-d is by becoming a xian.In other words, he basically says that none of the things he has presented in his book will work unless you are a xian first.And then he gets to sounding like a crazed southern-baptist preacher during a summer-time tent revival.Talking about how Jesus said that, and how Jesus said this.I didn't buy the book to hear what Jesus said.I could care less what he supposedly said.I bought the book to read about Solomon.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Study - Old Testament    2. Business & Economics    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Life - Inspirational    5. Finance    6. Personal Finance    7. Personal Finance - General    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Personal Guidance    10. Psychological aspects    11. Self-actualization (Psychology)    12. Success    13. Wealth    14. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (14)

Feast for the Soul...and your business
Dr Cloud serves up a delish and varied plate in his most recent offering toward healthy living. This book is highly readable, yet worthy of slow savoring as opposed to a quick snack.
Integrity: The Courage to Meet the Demands of Relity
For those in business, ministry, and anyone with a relationship, this book is a must read. The principles that are learned will change your life, I just thought I knew what integrity was, now I see the areas I need to improve in my life so that my relationships will be so much better. An excellent book!

Generalized overview with little new insight
I agree completely with the Becksted review (I also noted that it was helpful, but I meant it would have been helpful had I read it before I bought the CD).
Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Ethics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Character    5. Ethics & Moral Philosophy    6. Integrity    7. Leadership    8. Personal Growth - Success    9. Personal Guidance    10. Self-Help    11. Business & Economics / Management    12. Christian Interest    13. Christian life & practice    14. Religion / Christian Life   

Reviews (119)

This Works!
This book should be read by everyone on the planet - it is the tool to assist in bringing about the "mind-shift" for our next leap in evolution.
Routine
This book really doesn't add a lot to the literature available regarding success and creative thought, etc.It's not a bad read, just nothing really new.The author seems to be a good guy though, and is enthusiastic about his subject.

Worth reading
Joe got it across to me in one sentence: "I believe our planet is what was described in an original Star Trek episode called "Shore Leave."..."they [Kirk, Spock et al] are on a planet that reads their thoughts and creates what they think about." Now, if you're not familiar with the concept that your internal world creates your external world, that's an 'out there' idea... Yes, parts of the book are redundant... and I'm not into all the spiritual stuff... but that's okay, because the concepts are simple and simply explained. Not to mention uplifting and inspiring. I love it. I've read it twice in a year now, and enjoyed it both times. Thanks Joe! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Applied Psychology    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Personal Growth - Success    5. Psychology    6. Spiritual    7. Success    8. Advice on careers & achieving success    9. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (2)

Another Winner by Brian Tracy!
Brian Tracy continues to amaze me! In this new book, Brian Tracy encompasses 2000 years of wisdom and makes it available in only 110 pages! Simple, brief and to the point. Power packed.
Commonsense advice. Mighty thin volume.
Brian Tracy has produced another great headline (Eat that Frog!) on which to hang 21 simple, straightforward pieces of advice, but as with his other books this motivational speaker has produced a very thin volume - just 117 pages. Brevity can be a good thing, sure, but at some point you wonder: "where's the beef?" I found myself nodding in agreement at the advice - there's nothing wrong with any of it - but next day I found it hard to remember much of what it said: a case of easy in/easy out. Tracy may be an excellent speaker, but as a writer he doesn't engage the brain sufficiently. There was nothing really new, provocative or profound here. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Success in business    7. Secretarial & office skills   

Reviews (12)

An Average read
The Rules of Work provides regular advice to would be managers/bosses however in my opinion it is not a fundamental read. It's basically a "How to" book with simple ideas. The reader will find that most rules are quite obvious.

Worthwhile Words on the World of Work
If you are looking for some good insights and perspectives from an experienced business manager about how to use the unwritten and unspoken rules of your workplace to your advantage, then you should read this book.Templar's 100 rules cover the gamut from what to wear and how to act to get noticed, to developing a career game plan.If you have never worked in an office environment, this book will help prepare you for what you will likely experience.If you have spent any time in an office environment, you will find many familiar situations to which you can relate.
A lot of Basic Information
There are things in life and business that are caught, not taught.At least there used to be. Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - General    4. Business Life - Inspirational    5. Business/Economics    6. Development - General    7. Executives    8. Management    9. Motivational    10. Personal Growth - Success    11. Success in business    12. Advice on careers & achieving success    13. Business & Economics / General    14. Business & Management   

Reviews (38)

A Take-Away Told in a Clever Story
I picked up this book at the recommendation that the moral of this book would do me some good -- and it did. The key take-away is woven through a clever story of this short book.I picked it up at the bookstore and read through it in a few hours.It isrecommended for those looking for a reminder to see what's in front of them now (i.e. Don't forget to smell the flowers).However, it is NOT recommended for those looking for an eye-opening revelation.
Annoying
I received this item in calendar form from a friend who is into inspirational messages. I am generally not opposed to inspirational messages, but this one gets me. I tear a page off each day to humor her, but don't dare to let her know that the book gets on my nerves.
The Present : The Secret to Enjoying Your Work And Life, Now!
I found "The Present: The Secret to Enjoying Your Work And Life, Now!" to be a pleasant, easy read. The messages in the book were pretty clear early on (don't want to spoil it for those who haven't read the book), and are good to keep in mind, especially when you might "hit some bumps in the road of life." I'm sure I'll refer back to "The Present : The Secret to Enjoying Your Work And Life, Now!" whenever I need a reminder of what really are the important things in life.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business Life - Inspirational    3. Fiction    4. Happiness    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Success    7. Fiction / General   

Reviews (10)

Absolute LIFE-SAVER for the over-worked
My career had reached a point where I felt like I was running on an ever-increasing treadmill: the harder I ran, the more it would speed up. I was spending 16 hrs/day at the office, miserable, perpetually stressed...
May be a lifesaver!
Just what I needed in the nick of time. As with all useful popular psychology books, its efficacy is in the reader making an effort to follow through with a plan, and Morgenstern inspires me to do just that. I especially appreciated her quickstart program. Saving the procrastination-potential reading until I've got a handle on some of my clutter--in both time and space! Speaking of which, being as visual as I am, I especially appreciated her sketch/analogy representing the inside of a (my) closet as it aligns with the inside of a (my) calendar! They look the same. If I can organize my closet in space, I can organize my calendar in time!

Very Helpful, Very Real
This is a great book.It is an easy read, (even fun), and unlike all of the other organization books I've read, I feel like Ms. Morgenstern has actually been in the workplace.Her ideas are practical and realistic.I came away with real strategies that really work. I highly recommend it for anyone who feels they are missing the "organization gene".
Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - Inspirational    4. Business/Economics    5. Office Automation And Management    6. Office Management    7. Time Management    8. Business & Economics / General   

Editorial Review

In nearly two decades as chairman of the board, Alan "Ace" Greenberg has successfully guided Bear Stearns & Co. through the financial marketplace's dizzying highs and sickening lows. His management philosophy, often credited to "advisor and mentor" Haimchinkel Malintz Anaynikal, was articulated over the years in a series of witty and revealing memoranda. Grouped by era and prefaced briefly by the author in Read more

Reviews (11)

Another former employee review
I see that a few of us formers have reviewed this book or the soft cover version. It was just last week that I was told of the book, and as one of the many who received some of the memos I found myself reminded of the important things in business ;) A real person should answer the phone - and before the 2nd ring! Don't waste electricity, paperclips or rubber bands. Don't go nuts purchasing things you don't really need in up times. Two head can purchase equipment at better prices than 1 head. The importance of catching mistakes, owning up to them, and not hiding things in the drawers. You don't have to do something just because others are doing it. You'll find great employees in downtimes. And... how determination is so much more important then some letters after your name (unless you're a DR of course). Great reminders... for all. Thanks for the memories and lessons.

Ahhhh...Corporate America!
As I was sifting through dust-ridden literature in my library, I came across this legendary book.I too am a former employee of Bear Stearns and remember meeting Mr. Greenberg during my frequent visits to the trading floor.
You may actually get the point of this book
Yes, this book is repetitive, but that is what makes it so great.Ace Greenberg repeats the same message over and over again.He emphasizes, cut costs, hire people during the downtimes, forget about strategy development and he does so with humor.The employees at Bear were fortunate to have such clear communication from the top.