Reviews (1)

No Chapter on Offshoring...
To be fair, though, the book does have chapters on office politics.Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Management - General    6. Organizational behavior    7. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management    8. Organizational theory & behaviour   

Reviews (34)

Helpful method to direct thinking patterns
All of Dr. de Bono's book are full of tips that make you think about thinking, some go into deep technicalities while other repeat variations-on-a-theme. This book is one of the best I've read on a coherent method to adopt as a group and to even impose on others so as to to have every thought and emotion in its proper and valid compartment.
De Bono will make you THINK
Every so often you read a book that is so obvious that you are amazed you did not see it before. For me, this is such a book. Yes, I could argue about the slow nature of the book, about the style or choice of phrase. However, the very simple idea (singular) at the core hit me like a billiard ball between the eyes at three paces.
Powerful tool - simply explained
Dr. de Bono's method is a simple and powerful one - by concentrating all thinking in one direction and making sure all competing views get attention, a very strong output can be achieved in the minimum timespan. I would recommend it to any team going through a problem solving exercise. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Life - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Entrepreneurship    6. General    7. Management - General    8. Thought and thinking    9. Business & Economics / Management    10. Creativity   

Editorial Review

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Features

• Audiobook

Reviews (633)

Life is to live...
I think deep thinking people tend to be unhappy because they're not living life.They're idealizing and rationalizing life.Some of the concepts here may be good, but reading this book will leave you feeling empty, even if you agree.It's better to spend the time living your life than reading these kinds of deep books.

Give this book as a present for anyone you care about
The more you read this book and go deeper into the principles of Covey the more you discover yourself and others. For many people reading Covey's book or listening to him speak literally changes their lives. This is a powerful and effective recipe for success indeed and highly recommended for people in training.
All Time Classic
This book is an exceptionally well thought, intellectual work. I admire Mr. Covey for his in-depth analysis of human relationships and the new concepts he introduced like emotional bank account, paradigm shift, and writing a family mission statement. I truly believe that it is extremely important for everyone to read this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Business/Professional    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Business Life - General    4. Motivational    5. Personal Growth - Happiness    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Self-Help    8. Unabridged Audio - Misc.Nonfiction    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help / Motivational    11. Business Life   

Reviews (1)

Good Stuff
I am using this textbook for an MBA course. I had already started the class when I ordered the book, but I received my book in enough time where I was not left behind. I appreciate the prompt service. Thanks:-) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Human Resources & Personnel Management    5. Organizational Behavior    6. Business & Economics / Organizational Behavior    7. Organizational theory & behaviour   

Editorial Review

David Maister, Charles Green, and Robert Galford--consultants on professional-service management and customer-relation issues--believe nobody can become successful as a business guru until they first gain the confidence of their clients. In Read more

Reviews (14)

Clear directions on creating trust
Being trusted by their clients separates successful advisors and consultants from the corporate consigliores. But how does a qualified advisor become trusted? Authors David H. Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford provide methods you can use to reach the inner circle. They break trust into its component parts and reassemble those pieces into a viable, practical model, complete with suggested conversations. That may sound a little robotic, but with practice, an advisor can make the transition from outside technician to habitu� of the inner sanctum. This readable book includes a useful appendix and a list of quick references. We recommend it to consultants and professional service providers. We trust you'll know what to do with it.

Trust is a process
How does a company create trust-based relationships with its clients?The authors utilize their experience to educate readers in the process of developing trust, specifically with each interaction between the company and the client.
Nobody says it better
Clients want to do business with professionals they know, like and trust. Nobody says it better than David Maister.As a marketing consultant to professional service firms, I always tell them this book is required reading. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business/Economics    5. Consulting    6. Leadership    7. Business & Economics / General    8. Management & management techniques   

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 (19)

How to get the monkeys (work units) of others off your back
The monkey in this case is in reference to the phrase, "getting the monkey off your back." A monkey is a work unit that needs to be done, and the manager in question is someone who takes on the monkeys of his underlings. Instead of delegating the responsibility to people under him, he does the job. The consequence is that he is putting in a full day on Saturday while his underlings are out playing golf. Finally fed up with this situation, he decides to truly take charge and keep the monkeys where they belong.
How to delegate but not abdicate
Just as when parents allow a child to get a pet, then end up changing the hamster papers, walking the dog at midnight in a thunderstorm, and taking out the kitty litter; so do some managers spend all their time taking care of their employee's "monkeys". This book uses humor to teach managers the art of delegation, handing the monkeys back to their owners and giving them the responsibility of caring and feeding. But that is not all. Most managers will profit greatly by reading the techniques of monkey hand-off. This is especially true if you've ever been accused of micro-management. However some managers are great at the handing off the monkeys and then forget to followup on their condition. This book also talks about follow-up check-ups and insurance policies to make sure that monkeys are healthy. As employees become better and better monkey tenders, then less follow-up and insurance is needed. However a manager does need to continue periodic check-ups because he is ultimately responsible for the project.

Great Advise!
Great advise to new managers. I really could relate to the story. Both helpful and validating. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance    2. Business/Economics    3. Delegation of authority    4. Executives    5. Management - General    6. Time Management    7. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (7)

The learning book
"Organization Theory and Design" is a book every corporate member that has aspirations to better understand and contribute to his organization should own.
A Strong Guide in Organization Theory
This is a well-designed and comprehensive book in the area of organization theory. From introduction to the end, this book aims to teach the foundations of organization theory to readers. Readable and great information
Daft out did himself in this edition of his text. He includes book reviews and company profiles throughout each chapter to illustrate the theories he's describing. I read this for an MA course and found it easy to learn from. I'm even putting the information into practice at work! Not all textbooks are that helpful. *grin* ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Case studies    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Management - General    7. Organization    8. Organizational Behavior    9. Organizational sociology    10. Business & Economics / Organizational Behavior    11. Organizational theory & behaviour   

Reviews (18)

Interesting perspective on business
Having owned a manufacturing business for 15 years, I was always focused on growth. Recently sold the business, and now looking for next venture/opportunity.
Big bright stories about small great companies
Some companies intentionally stay small so that they can be the best at what they do. In the world of globalization, these companies oppose the trend toward unbridled growth. They want to be strong, local and contained. Magazine writer and author Bo Burlingham provides profiles, or "field reports," covering 14 "small giants" - companies whose hands-on leaders kept them small, involved in their communities and focused on quality. Burlingham sometimes takes you up close and personal with his characters, so you read about their divorces, kids, personal finances and how long they worked in the stock room, as well as about the history of their companies. This magazine-style level of personal detail makes it clear that his mission isn't to teach you how to run a small giant, but to explore the nature of locally rooted, passionately led, deliberately small companies. We find that the author's focus on unique privately held companies is very valuable for the leaders of small businesses, especially those who are deciding just how big they want their companies to become.

There Are No Formulas for Greatness But Many Paths
Bo Burlingham, the best reporter on small business working today,has provided us a valuable insight by looking deeply at what makes some small companies great -- and telling us why this is important.I first read this book in February and decided it was worth a second read so I put it on that stack of select books. I recently completed a careful second read.I found it to be a much better book than I anticipated.Most business books can be skimmed and the usually obvious 'lessons' cataloged quickly but "Small Giants" needs to be read carefully.The lessons readers take away will vary according to their interests and point of view.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Ethics    4. Business Organization    5. Business/Economics    6. Close corporations    7. Leadership    8. Management    9. Management - General    10. Private companies    11. Small Business - General    12. Small business    13. United States    14. Business & Economics / Small Business   

Reviews (14)

Of Limited Use to Defense Industry
While this book contains a great deal of useful information on team dynamics and tools, it does not cover the Integrated Process and Product Development (IPPD) framwork which is the basis of co-located Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).Due to this omission, its applicability to the defense industry is very limited.

Dog-earred, highlighted, and still going strong!
Like all good improvement tools, this guide for teams has evolved over the years. I began with the original, moved to Edition Two and now have Edition Three. Along with THE LEADER'S HANDBOOK, the TEAM HANDBOOK is probably the most useful and used book I own. Whether you are leading a project team, facilitating your own workgroup, or just want to be a better team member yourself, THIS is the tool you need. Every chapter is jammed pack with helpful tips, traps to avoid, notes and templates to help you be successful. Invest in this book, invest in YOURSELF!

Cal Poly student review, Brian Leininger
This book was well written and easy to understand.It gave a lot of information that would be useful for anyone attempting to use teams for projects. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Workplace Culture    6. Business & Management   

Editorial Review

In a global economy, it is crucial for business peopleto be sensitive to cultural differences. And although the best reason for doing so may be ethical, it's great for business as well! This is an invaluable book for "doing well while doing good" in your intercultural relations, covering the protocols of appointments, business entertaining, greetings, forms of address, gestures, dress, and gifts in 60 of the nations you're most likely to be doing business. Some interesting excerpts:Read more

Reviews (27)

Avoiding the cultural faux pas...
Today's business world is such that you are very likely to have working relationships with global business partners.And you *should* know that "when in Rome, do as the Romans do".But what exactly is that?Terry Morrison and Wayne A Conaway bridge some of that information gap with the book Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands.This is one of those books that could help you close a big deal (or avoid killing one).
A resource for me
Written for the international business traveler, this book was a great resource for me as characters in the Marketplace novels came from around the world. For my fans who keep asking me for "the protocol:" hey, start here and you tell me.

Dissapointing!
60 countries, and the only country in the entire continent of Africa the authors wrote about was Egypt? C'mon. While the authors do, in a similar compilation published after this one, include South Africa (the only other country in Africa included) and a few other countries, it is still a disgrace that books and compilations such as this one ignore the importance of proper business ettiqute in countries such as Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, and Tanzinia and do nothing more than perpetuate falsehoods, myths and fears about doing business in the aforementioned African countries and many others. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Etiquette    5. Business communication    6. Business/Economics    7. Corporate culture    8. Etiquette    9. International - General    10. International Business    11. Business negotiation   

Reviews (4)

Where can I find a learning organization?
Since I read this book 15 years ago, the idea of the learning organization has embedded itself in my brain and not let go. I've been on a search to find or create the learning organization ever since. I've never been sure that it really exists in practice, so it's good to see that the revised edition adds the reflections of some successful practitioners, demonstrating that learning organizations have emerged, even if they are almost as rare as they were before the first edition of Senge's book was published.
A Must-Read for Business and Life
I read many business books-this is the best I've read in years, maybe ever. Now I know why so many other business books, methods and cultures leave me feeling empty. The insight in Fifth Discipline aligns with my mental models and suggests a path for achieving great things, rather than for getting promoted or making a buck.
A must read for any manager/leader
This book is a must read for anyone interested in improving the way their organization or department functions.The The Fifth Discipline shows how to review and improve systems.It is also teaches how develop Shared Visions within an organization and create long term goals.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business Communication - General    4. Business Organization    5. Business/Economics    6. Leadership    7. Management - General    8. Business & Economics / Business Communication   

Reviews (65)

I'd rather be nice.
I would much rather be considered nice and earn my way through this world the way I am.Being myself in the business arena has worked well for me thus far, and I don't care if the trend is to deviate from feminity.I think we should respect everyone, and not propegate the evolution of a sexless society.All in all, I would much rather be a nice person and have people like me than be a b%tch with a nice office.People remember you by how you made them feel, not by how much money or power you had.

Ever wonder how you appear to others?
This book was amazing!It really made me see how I appeared to others.Some thing that I have been doing that I thought helped me has most likely been why I haven't been more successful.What an eye opener!

Loved it!
Excellent book for business women. I am using all the techniquees, it works!
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Subjects:  1. Achievement motivation in wome    2. Achievement motivation in women    3. Business / Economics / Finance    4. Business Life - General    5. General    6. Personal Growth - Success    7. Psychology    8. Self-Help    9. Self-actualization (Psychology    10. Self-actualization (Psychology)    11. Success    12. Women    13. Women & Business    14. Business & Economics / Careers    15. Business ethics   

Reviews (11)

Mr. Godin Rides Again! A Triumph for those Marching to a Different Drummer!
From the remarkable book structuring (the "chapters" are organized in alphabetical order) to the intriguingly insightful commentary, Seth Godin has once again created a work of excellence. The book is an easy read, but at the same time leaves the mind reeling with thoughts of "Oh my, I need to fix that, or do that, or change that." I found the chapter on "Clean Fire Trucks" particularly interesting, as I had just 2 months earlier finished an innovation article on "Retiring the Fire Trucks" -- which deals with the same concept of preventing fires and not letting them start in the first place! (As such, you can then have time to clean the fire trucks, or as I put it, to retire them altogether!). His rants are compelling yet at the same time hilarious (hilarious in the sense of all the silly things we do as a people that we really shouldn't be doing). Take for example his rant on "Wrappers" and how the method of packaging both the tangible and intangible create an aura around the product that determines how the product is perceived, received, and applied. One might say, "It's the WRAPPER, stupid."
Godin does it again - excellent book if you want to change
Dont know what to say. Love what this guy has to say and his unique view in business. In this book its great since it is written in small article like chapters on all topics business and it really makes you think. Each chapter covers a different topic, not in any particular order and you can read one, two or read it like a book. But however you read it its worth the price of admission. Godin has a great way of challenging the status quo and getting you to look at things you didnt think of. It has so many interesting topics that I cant pick one but good stuff for sure.

I Am A Big Fan of Seth Godin: "Small Is the New Big"
I think I have read most of the books that Seth Godin has written over the past several years. Seth is not always original, but I find him consistently provocative. He may say something I already know, but say it in a way that causes me to think about the familiar in a new way. Or, he may present me with an idea I had not been aware of, and encourage me to consider what that new idea has to do with me and my ever-changing world.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Common sense    5. General    6. Leadership    7. Management +    8. Management - General    9. Simplicity    10. Success in business    11. Business & Economics / Marketing / General   

Reviews (45)

SirWired
Last night at our Investors Group meeting we listened to the speaker explain the basics of the plan in the book.Before I bought it I wanted to read the reviews.Yours was very good, except that I wish you would read the book and then come back and tell us what you think.I haven't bought it yet.
Awesome..definitely "outside the box" material
I could NOT put this book down. If you seriously want a financial plan that has ALL the benefits, then embrace this book.

This will change the way you think about finances!
This book blew me away with the concepts and idea's.It has completely changed how I will approach my mortgage and other retirement savings in the future.The concepts at a high level make a lot of sense.Getting down to the details on how to put all of these concepts together becomes more difficult.I recommend this book to everyone.I really enjoyed it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Consumer Finance    3. Finance, Personal    4. Financial security    5. General    6. Investments    7. Personal Finance    8. Personal Finance - Financial Planning    9. Personal Finance - Investing    10. Personal Finance - Money Management    11. United States    12. Business & Economics / General    13. Business ethics   

Reviews (4)

Organizational Behavior
This text book does an adequate job of looking at the topic of Organizational Behavior. For someone that has been in business for several years, there is not a lot of new information, good review and some common sense stuff.

Must read book
For me this book had a great value. I used it on a college course after having faced the experience of being working on an IT company for 8 months. Actually I would say this book doesn't say anything anyone could not come up with; but I think that's as phylosofy is, common things we are used to, but that hardly we note to be able to do something about. I think this book is being very useful for me even after almost 3 years of be working, I think it helps you understand most of those frustrating situations we have to face daily on a company, allowing us to feel better on our work enviroment, be better partners on work, and make our work a little more productive. Definitly I recommend this book.

Common sense in a bound volume
This book discusses a topic that is a grab bag of different disciplines and has nice illustrations but i dont know if it is worth close to $100. Anyone who has significant work history intuitively knows a bulk of the material in this book. The book could be condensed to include the hard data and scientific findings and leave out much of the intuitively obvious commentary. This book is no worse than scores of similar textbooks on 'soft'topics but with the way prices are going many students are captive buyers,forced to buy textbooks at the teacher's request for perhaps questions used in the book for grading purposes while the general info can readily be found in college libraries. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Career/Job    5. Human Resources & Personnel Management    6. Organizational Behavior    7. Organizational Behavior In Business    8. Business & Economics / Human Resources & Personnel Management    9. Management & management techniques   

Reviews (13)

Great Conflict Resolution Lessons
In particular, the lessons you can learn about identifying and resolving conflicts are absolutely priceless.This and Corporate Canaries are MUST buys if you are a manager in any sort of capacity!

The story is everything
For books like this to work, they have to have both an engaging storyline and real-world characters.This book has both, and I found myself re-learning a lot about dealing with change, managing difficult people, and understanding how different types of people have different styles of working.The group discussion questions in the back are particularly useful.I will probably suggest that my whole department get copies and read it together.There are some on my team who need a little coaching, and this is a very non-threatening way to deal with difficult issues.Great job!

Lessons from the Hive
Charles Decker is vice president of an electronic publishing company, does work with business publishing initiatives, and has coauthored Beans: Four Principles for Running a Business in Good Times or Bad.Lessons from the Hive is about a fictionalized organization that is reinventing itself and was created to teach positive ways of viewing changes in an organization, how to deal with fears of the unknown, the importance of trust, and how to deal with conflicting interpersonal relationships. It is of the business-fable genre that uses a week-in the-life approach for five players in an organization including a recently installed CEO, a newly hired employee, and a seasoned director of marketing with personal struggles at home and at work. The junior change agent uses mantras many people call clich�s such as Happiness is a choice; Inspire yourself, others will follow; Vanity is not a team sport; Enthusiasm will take you 90 percent of the way; and Change your thinking, change your life. This book can be used in classrooms and in businesses. Many people learn better by stories and examples than by other methods. This is a brief but powerful message. There are questions at the back of the book to assist reflection about each chapter. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Consolidation and merger of co    5. Consolidation and merger of corporations    6. Management    7. Management - General    8. Mergers & Acquisitions    9. Organizational Behavior    10. Organizational change    11. Business & Economics / Management    12. Business & Management   

Reviews (9)

Best Self-Help Book EVER!!
I have read a lot of self-help books, and none of them have ever broken things down into small enough steps so you could actually DO what they're encouraging you to do!! It's like the self-help of Self-Help books. So besides having a lot of GREAT and innovative ideas, it's also very practical as well.

Essential "Energy Management" Manifesto
As opposed to simple time management, this book covers the much-neglected dimension of energy management, arguing that it's more effective to focus on structuring your energy to optimize your productivity and your experience. To do this, the four dimensions of energy are covered (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), and exercises and scorecards are provided to help you gauge yourself in these areas.
Ideas worthy of incorporating into your life
In the realm of self-help and self-renewal books, I would describe myself as curious but skeptical.So often authors don't deliver on their promises and claims.Despite its self-helpish title, I think this book provides a fresh look at personal renewal and practical solutions that are carefully described in the lives of the people they talk about.It's written to address overworked executives, but it applies to anyone whose life is OUT OF BALANCE. You may not relate to the stories of the executive life, but the tools are thoughtful and invaluable.Using rituals is an old idea, but in the context of managing energy, it takes on greater significance.I finished the book with a sense of joy that I could accomplish so much more than I thought just by managing my energy better.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business Life - Health/Stress    3. Business/Economics    4. Management - General    5. Personal Growth - Success    6. Psychological aspects    7. Psychology    8. Stress Management    9. Success    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (15)

A sound and practical coaching method
Tom Crane goes to the true essence of coaching. He developed a comprehensive coaching method to transform knowledge into performance and action into results. A must read not only for coaches, but also for managers and leaders.

Coaching for Results
This book gets to the "heart" of the matter - pun intended. "Coaching," according to author Thomas G. Crane, "is a healthy, positive, and enabling process that develops the capacity of people to solve today's business problems." Bingo! Crane focuses on what coaches can achieve focusing their coaching on three principles: building a foundation of trust, learning together, and forwarding the action (and the self) forward. This what Crane calls transformational coaching. Consider it to be the art and the practice of helping others learn about their strengths, their weaknesses, and their opportunities for development. Tightly written and with ample diagrams and charts, this book is a treasure chest of ideas of executive coaches and an easy to follow guide for all managers who desire to coach for results. Don't simply read "The Heart of Coaching," practice its principles and you will help those you coach grow and develop.

Life Changing Skills
As a senior manager with a major international manufacturing entity, I am continually educating my superiors, peers and subordinates about the value of developing exceptional coaching skills.After extensive research, The Heart of Coaching was the written vehicle we chose to develop these skills within our organization.