Editorial Review

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Reviews (22)

Just what we needed!
This book hits the "heart" of what many managers miss in planning change initiatives.This helps us remember that change isn't all number and business decisions.It's the people.I was able to immediately apply some of the ideas and resteered a change initiative successfully. Now all of my supervisors are reading and learning.

Fundamentals for helping an organization undergo change successfully
This book is the textbook for how an organization can successfully lead with change.I have used the 8-step method with various organizations and successfully 'seen-felt-changed' for the better.

Best Change Management Book I've Read to Date
I'm now in a "Change Management" role with my work, and decided to read some texts on the subject to further my understanding of the topic.Of those books that I've read, this one has clearly been the most helpful.Kotter articulates the steps of change in a way that connected with me, and made it real with a number of relevant examples.It's not onerous to read (<200 pages) but equally isn't "lightweight."While I would never recommend reading only a single book on the topic,I would definitely recommend that this be one of the books you read!
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Leadership    6. Organizational Behavior    7. Organizational change    8. Structural Adjustment    9. Management & management techniques   

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   

Editorial Review

In the 1980s and again in the '90s, James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner published Read more

Reviews (47)

Excellent
It is up to date with all the necessary info to jump right into an organization and take charge!Well written.

great book
I bought the book for a class but I highly reccommend it to anyone aspiring to be a leader in their given profession.

Good motivational book
Leadership is to be an active process that gathers people to participate in a common vision.Leaders are to set a good example, take risks, encourage others, and never quit.Although the authors present their book as a new approach to leadership, they share nothing that is original.For instance, under "Model the Way," leaders are encouraged to follow the Biblical principle of Matthew 5:37- "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'" (NKJV), and of Ephesians 4:29- "Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (NLT)."In "Encourage the Heart," the authors appear to utilize B.F. Skinner's "operant conditioning" theory by suggesting leaders to provide rewards and congratulate people for work-related achievements."Enable Others to Act" is built on the principle of teamwork as found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27- "The human body has many parts, but the many parts make up only one body... each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it" (NLT).From a secular standpoint, the book offers good insight; however, from a Biblical leadership model, it falls short in certain areas.For example, the best leader to model is the one who models Christ- "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ" (1 Cor. 11:1 NKJV), while the attitude of a leader should be: "Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men" (NASB).Leadership should never be taken lightly, in fact the Bible says, "Let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment" (James 3:1). The real challenge for leaders is to exhibit Christ-likeness in the workplace by achieving success without succumbing to greed and resisting the temptation for power and prestige, while gathering workers to work as "one body." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Leadership    6. Leadership In Business    7. Business & Economics / Leadership    8. Management & management techniques   

Editorial Review

In the revised and updated edition of Read more

Reviews (35)

Not one of Womack's best works
I personally do a vast amount of reading with lean enterprise being of special interest. Womack has done some great work, but this is a "tough read" even for serious lean enthusiasts. I typically finish a book of this length within 2-3 days then re-read it and highlight. It literally took me 11 weeks because I was lulled to a point in which reading further would be of no benefit and would have to put it back on the shelf and revisit it days later. I realize that scholarly and business writing is not especially exciting as I am constantly reading and doing research but this one was tough even for me, an avid reader.

Common Sense isn't so Common
This book provides a very unique perspective on how to run a business.These methodologies can be applied to any industry, as the authors suggest.
LEAN as it expands
After reading "The machine that saved the world" (which I recommend reading before this one) from the same great authors, I got more and more interested in the LEAN concept. As described in this book, by 1996, LEAN became a way of thinking and operating, expanding around the world in several industries. Although this book gives a clear explanation of LEAN principles, it is still oriented into manufacturing. This book is not enough if you are willing to implement LEAN in your organization, but rather convinces you of applying it if you are still hesitating. Check out the latest book in this series "Lean Solutions: How Companies and Customers Can Create Value and Wealth Together". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Industrial efficiency    6. Management - General    7. Organization Development    8. Organizational effectiveness    9. Strategic Planning    10. Value added    11. Business & Economics / General   

Reviews (22)

a different definition of consistency
This entry in Ken Blanchard's One Minute Manager Library uses the narrative style that has for better or worse become standard in business literature to teach `situational leadership' in terms of flexibility, diagnosis, and partnering.
By Far My Favorite
This is by far my favorite Blanchard book. Situational Leadership is now MY leadership style!

Clear and simple book on situational leadership
I am a fan of the One Minute Manager series, having read "The One Minute Manager" and the "The One Minute Manager Meets the Monkey."This booktells the story of an "entrepreneur" who seeks advice from the One Minute Manager.In the process, it covers the basics of situational leadership in a concise, easy to read style.The text covers the four basic leadership styles -- directing, coaching, supporting, and delegating.It also discusses matching a leadership style appropriate for various development levels.Like the other One Manager Manager books, I see myself re-reading and referencing this text.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Leadership    6. Leadership In Business    7. Management    8. Management - General    9. Business & Economics / Leadership    10. Management & management techniques   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (59)

For making managers remember what really matters
This book is full of information of things that current managers have forgotten. Every new project is wanted done with less money, less time and with higher quality than old projects, putting a lot of pressure to the project team. Managers do things that they believe is good for the project but actually damages the project (and the company) at long term. I have seen many co-workers leave my company for issues like the ones described in this book. Managers and company owners: Please read it!!!

A solid look at the role of people in a company
This book takes a look at the role people, specifically creative people, play in a company.It offers various insights into management, the environment, and team "building".The second edition also adds a final section with eight new chapters with later insights.
Peopleware + Software = Qualityware
First of all let me thank people responsible for making this book.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Human Resources & Personnel Management    6. Management    7. Management - General    8. Organizational Behavior    9. Organizational effectiveness    10. Project management    11. Management & management techniques    12. Software engineering    13. Computer software   

Editorial Review

Because finding the ideal person for every workplace position has become an increasingly difficult task, the retention of top employees has become every manager's concern. Read more

Reviews (45)

An A-Z primer on keeping the best employees
Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans' LOVE 'EM OR LOSE 'EM: GETTING GOOD PEOPLE TO STAY pairs actor and teacher David Drummond's dramatic voice work with the account of how to keep the best employees in an A-Z guide employers can use to address employee concerns. Learn how these strategies work in actual business environments in a guide packed with real-world examples.

"Talent development DNA for every manager!"
Just completed "Love 'Em or Lose 'Em" by Beverly Kaye and Sharon Jordan-Evans. It is a fast read......two days on the bus riding into Downtown Houston.A little 90 minutes oftime for so many insights, and practical programming ideas for trainers and talent managers!
Valuable encouragement and advice for all working people
Any book that encourages people to treat each other as such is very valuable.In an age where people are frequently victims of globalization and corporate greed, it is important to remember the talent and the true contribution of the talented people that create the value of the American company. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Entrepreneurship    5. Human Resources & Personnel Management    6. Personnel And Human Resources Management    7. Personnel & human resources management   

Reviews (47)

Are you adding or destroying value ? - Find it out with The Balanced Score Card
The financial performance of an organization is essential for its success. Even non-profit organizations must deal in a sensible way with funds they receive.
Aligning four key business areas to your vision and strategy
This book has become a classic in the field of business management.The 'balanced scorecard' has surely been referenced enough to include it in the dictionary.Robert Kaplan is the Arthur Lowes Dickson Professor of Accounting at Harvard Business School.His co-author David Norton is the president of Renaissance Solutions, Inc.
Effective for top down planning
The balanced scorecard approach is a very effective tool for top-down planning initiatives. The method will ensure that any business unit initiative is cross-checked with the broader corporate goals.The book provides an easy-to-understand yet detailed how-to guide to strategy planning.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business/Economics    4. Corporate Planning    5. Entrepreneurship    6. Evaluation    7. Industrial Management    8. Industrial productivity    9. Management - General    10. Measurement    11. Organizational effectiveness    12. Strategic Planning    13. Budgeting & financial management    14. Business strategy   

Reviews (19)

Classic book that hasn't sold millions of copies over the years for nothing!
While I don't think "What Color is Your Parachute" is a perfect book, it is certainly an excellent starting point for anyone embarking on a career path. As a professional coach, I find that is particularly well-suited to young people starting out and older people making career transitions.
Starts good, crashes in the end.
Don't buy this book.I'll summarize it for you.Don't just send out resumes, go and talk to people at the organization you want to work for.Happiness is more important than money.This book gets really preachy, religious, and cheezy in the second half.It has no place in a career book and is in very bad taste.Some quotes from the book, "Your first mission here on Earth is ...to seek to stand hour by hour in the conscious presence of God, the One from whom your Mission is derived.""Your second Mission here on Earth is .. to do what you can, moment by moment, day by day, step by step, to make this world a better place, following the leading and guidance of God's Spirit within you and around you."Save your money, just watch televangelists on TV if you want your life controlled by God.

Annoying at best...
I had to buy this book for class and I tried to give it a shot and read it, but it was really annoying.A lot of what we needed to find a job, was discussed in my portfolio class and was common sense.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Career changes    3. Career-Changing    4. Career/Job    5. Careers - General    6. Careers - Job Hunting    7. Careers / Job Opportunities    8. Handbooks & Manuals    9. Job Finding    10. Job hunting    11. Vocational guidance    12. Advice on careers & achieving success   

Reviews (11)

Amazing
This book provides answers to unanswered questions and goes into subjects not covered in Fashion School. ;) I would sugest this book to any on in the fashion industry or still in school.It will help you grasp a better understanding of the when, why, and how things are done.

This is a great book for someone starting out
This book is ideal for someone coming into the industry with little to no knowledge. It provides a lot of tips to help one avoid re-inventing the wheel.

The Fashion Designer Survival Guide
my friend, for whose birthday i purchased this book, is delighted and learning so much needed info. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Career/Job    4. Careers - General    5. Careers - Other Specific Fields    6. Entrepreneurship    7. Fashion    8. Fashion designers    9. Fashion merchandising    10. Management    11. New Business Enterprises    12. Business & Economics / General    13. Fashion & beauty industries    14. Fashion design    15. Small businesses & self-employed   

Reviews (258)

12k a year to 450k a year in 1yr!
Awaken the Giant is an amazing book and a great first step. Read it and then take the next step and go to Unleash the Power within Seminar. If it wasnt for Tony's Books and Audio program, I would have either been in jail or be dead! I went from not caring about anyone but me, to wanting to serve everyone and having a beautiful family with 2 little angels. I went from making 1-2k a month to 100k in my first year and then 450k the next 10 months. Read this book, then when you are ready, either but the get the edge cd's or go to his UPW seminar. It will change your life forever!

Chapters 8, 9 and 10 are worth the book
Communicating convincingly and with passion.
What Is Your Intention?
I really enjoy the people who like to dismiss certain others who have made a life helping other people. It's easy to sit on the sidelines and say, "Oh, yeah, that guy, that guy just wants to make money..." Of course, the guy wants to make money, but I also believe that you can make moneyand do what is yours to do; if that is giving seminars, and making infomercials, or writing books, then so be it!
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Subjects:  1. Entrepreneurship    2. General    3. Motivational    4. Psychological aspects    5. Psychology    6. Self-Help    7. Success    8. Management & management techniques    9. Popular psychology    10. Self-Help / General   

Reviews (18)

Mrs. Mortgage Broker
I decided to review the library's copy before I bought it and I could not get enough info out of it!I found myself taking notes and almost writing in the library's copy!I rushed and bought the book.Now it's covered in pink and yellow highlighter.I feel like I'm back in college preparing for an exam -- except this time, my studying is going to directly contribute to my bank account!Truly valuable!

Get More Referrals Now
I found this book to be very educational to anyone in the sales industry.I used most of the techniques and found them beneficial to the growth of my business.I found the material easy to read and straight to the point.

Interesting Ideas
Overall an interesting read. Makes you think out of the box. This book gave me more ideas to make my business grow. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business / Economics / Finance    3. Business referrals    4. Career/Job    5. Customer Service    6. Marketing - General    7. Sales    8. Sales & Selling - General    9. Sales & Selling - Techniques    10. Business & Economics / General    11. Sales & marketing   

Reviews (123)

Best business book (of many) I've read for startups!
I'm a bit of a business book junkie, and this one is my favorite so far.It's up there on top with 7 Habits and Guerrilla Marketing.I've recommended it to several friends and family members since reading it cover to cover like a novel this weekend.If there was ONE single book I'd recommend to any startup business entrepreneur, it would be this one.
Inspirational, funny and smart
What a great read this book is! It can be read just for the fun of understanding Kawasaki's personality, his open approach to business, or it can be read as a primer of how to really start that business. Obviously the man's words are well field-tested and there are many practical suggestions that really cut to the bone and make you stop and rethink a strategy.
Practical advice from the master
It's very apparent from all the other reviews that this is an excellent book, both in style and substance. I have to agree.
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Subjects:  1. Business & Economics    2. Business/Economics    3. Entrepreneurship    4. Investments & Securities - General    5. New Business Enterprises    6. Small Business Management    7. Small Business/Entrepreneurship    8. Business & Economics / Small Business   

Editorial Review

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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 (134)

Great Audio CD, thanks DR. JOSEPH MURPHY

In response to "B.A. Wilkins - Deadly Advice" Critique
It doesn't sound like the people you list as reasons "not" to read this book, actually read "this" book. There is a big difference, in my opinion, of putting positive affirmations in your mind, versus a witch doctor. And quite honestly, it seems the positive affirmations could and should be used in "conjuction" with medical care. Does it say anywhere in the book to forego medical care, because you will most definitely be healed? No where. So in my opinion, one has to have a "sound" mind, and not view the book as a "cure all" for all the ills in life, but rather a positive way to "enhance" your life. It is just plain stupid to to avoid getting medical care, when you have a terminal illness, or any other illness for that matter. But according to what I gather from the book, you CAN use positive affirmations, and "believe" that you are getting well, to help keep yourself in a positive state, rather than filling your head with negative thinking that you will never get well. Studies aside from this book have PROVEN that a healthy and positive attitude and mental outlook, have done wonders for recovering patients, along with their medical care. Your review did not address any of those people that read this book, because the two examples of people you list, it is apparent they didn't read the book either, (not sure what compelled you to post here?) therefore you are not qualified, in my opinion, to critique this book, as they were using apparently some form of faith healing from a televangelist, did they prescribe drinking snakes blood, too? Anyway, this book in no way says to forgo medical treatment if you are sick, and those that do, probably won't be addressing their medical problem. Can the positive affirmations and power of suggestion help you through your medical crisis? I imagine it can, (studies prove it can) in addition to proper medical treatment. Anyway, you might want to actually read the book, instead of making comments of what happened to "so and so" who didn't even read it or apply it, including yourself.

You MUST get this book
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind is an amazing book.
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Subjects:  1. Careers - General    2. General    3. Psychology    4. Self-Help    5. Mind, body, spirit: disciplines & techniques    6. Popular psychology    7. Self-Help / General   

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