Economic-Life Books

Job security, care taking, blind loyalty, independence, and autocracy are OUT. Adaptability, responsibility, reciprocal loyalty, interdependence, and conflict are IN. Simply put, Morris Shechtman gives us "a clue" on how to successfully "play" today's radically changed corporate game. Just the title, "Working Without a Net", gave me the jitters. As each chapter, from "An Alternative to Working and Living In a Fantasy World" to "Doing the Right Thing," unfolds, entrenched ideas of "how things work" in the workplace are shattered, first by a values clarification test, (oh, yes, most of us have some very interesting value conflicts when it comes to the old career), and then a series of growth and success strategies, powerful exercises, and the revelation that paradigm shifts are necessary to assist in our surviving and thriving in our new "net-less" environment.

The rationale for the paradigm shifts?: an ever-changing global economy that increases competition, decreases profits and margins, and heightens the emphasis on human resources as the key to gaining the competitive edge. Far from advocating a cold-hearted Darwinian approach to business, "Working Without A Net" celebrates the capacity of people within an organization to resolve their differences, pursue corporate goals, and successfully met the challenges of today's high-risk business world. - Ted DeCorte, M.A.

A real eye opener to what is wrong with corporate life today. Both an education and motivation to start you on a path to improving both your professional and personal life through managing change. Will recommend this book to everyone I know.

SHECHTMAN IS A FUTURIST WHO GIVES REAL CLUES ABOUT THRIVING IN AN EVER MORE RISKY ECONOMY AND WORLD. A WELL ARTICULATED VALUE SYSTEM, SUBSTANTIAL SELF-INFORMATION, HIGH ACCOUNTABILITY AND A DESIRE FOR GREATER OPTIONS AND CHOICES ARE THE KEYS TO PERSONAL ,PROFESSIONAL AND FINANCIAL GROWTH AND SUCCESS. SHECHTMAN IS AN INTELLECTUAL AND INTUITIVE POWERHOUSE.

This book is an excellent read for anyone who wants to survive and thrive in the new economy. The world has become a much smaller and closer-knit group of companies and customers. Learning how to keep and get new customers and working relationships with other companies and co-workers is essential in this new economic environment that we are in. This book provides the tools and recommendations that will help anyone (from a CEO to the mail clerk) understand the new realities of business and what needs to happen to survive and thrive in the new economy.

An excellent guide for anyone that wants to succeed and climb the ladder of success.

Great book. I will be buying copies for all of the poeple that work for me. In this "high risk" environment, this is an excellent book to help you chart your course. It is also a good book to disucss with your managmenet team as to how you would like to interact and what you expect of them.

I have recently read The Writing World: Living the Literary Life, by Delma Luben and was very impressed. Much thought has gone into the research and layout of this book so that it could be easily understood. I would encourage it to be high school required reading. Her counsel is so encompassing it can be used not only for the novice writer, but the experienced penman.

Delma's insight into the fear of failure and it's negative power is unique and
wise. Also, I believe her advice regarding challenges and survival, if applied to everyday life, would help pave the way to self-acceptance in this real world so much more easily.

[...]
"This book contains information not found in any other book for writers, that I have read. It is a mother lode of help, ideas, facts, how to's, insights--vital information for any writer, family member, or teacher of writing. I've highlighted so many lines the whole book, every page,is now brightly colored. A keeper book--a true "ganga" for the price."

If you have a book inside you and have yet to begin to write, you must make this one one of the first you read. Lots of great stuff in this handy guide!

Delma's book is interesting and easy to read. I couldn't put it down until I had read it twice--there was so much to absorb. The inspirational poetry was quite apropos to the book's main theme which provides useful information and motivation to writers or hopefuls.

It was the extraordinary shove this procrastinator needed to start arranging 40 years of family research and photos into a family anecdotal history book. It will make me neither rich nor famous, but will end my obligation and provide my complete fulfillment.

Each chapter of this book presented yet another challenge for me but the one entitled "Late Great Literary Careers" was most encouraging to this late starter. I also appreciated the advice on the pitfalls of survival and not giving up. Delma's comprehensive book on writing will provide future inspiration to me when I need it most.

I am sure this book is a favorite of more sophisticated writers, but I would recommend it to anyone with a book close to his heart, dreaming of fulfillment but not knowing where to start.

The Writing World is a small book with a big message. The writing style is clear, crisp, to the point and generously sprinkled with quotations and poetry. Three groups of people may well believe this book was written with them in mind.
The first group, experienced writers, will identify with Delma and her experiences. They can glean ideas for their own success by examining what worked for her and what didn't. Delma recognizes that while writers tend to be loners, they benefit from getting to know other writers. Read this book and get to
know Delma.
For the second group, novice and aspiring writers, the book is a survey course. It outlines the process of writing, publishing and marketing, then puts meat on the outlined bones with how-tos and rationales. She doesn't neglect the art of maintainiing a satisfying life and good relationships while writing. She calls that surviving. Delma's book will help answer the question of why -- as well as why not -- to undertake or persist in a writing career.
The third group includes family and friends of writers. Reading this book will help them to understand what drives the writer(s) in their lives; to glimpse the forces at play in the writer's world.
I fit in the second and third groups and I plan to keep my copy of this book handy for whenever I need a refresher course.
The Writing World is a little book without a wasted word. Each word is worth its weight in insight. It could be titled, The Writing world - Aha!

"The Xs and Os of Success" is an easy read, but it's also a powerful read. This is an excellent book for all business leaders to keep close at hand.

A quick and easy read, "The Xs and Os of Success" is not only a window into Kruger's life as a successful basketball coach, it provides easy applicable lessons that are relevant not only in business but in everyday life.

After reading this book it's easy to see how Kruger has become one of the most successful change agents in college basketball history.

Whether you are basketball fan (or even if you're not), business professional or just someone looking for practical advice on life, I highly recommend this book.

I don't know the technical details of coaching a college basketball team, but it didn't matter. This book was an easy and interesting read for me. Most leadership books try too hard to be overly intellectual or too comedic in nature to explain simple concepts. Not this book... It's simple. It gets to the point and it does it in a way that makes you feel as though you are sitting with Coach Kruger, one-on-one, in his home learning it first-hand. I loved it.

The "One Final Lesson" chapter struck me the most.

- Book price is reasonable
- You can immediately implement Kruger and Allen's leadership strategies into your everyday life

Not only do you get the insights of one of the most successful coaches in the NCAA, but you get 40 leadership lessons for day-to-day. As leaders in any organization, we sometimes forget the "little things" that mean so much to our team members. Kruger's and Allen's 40 lessons provide a guide to remembering the "little things" that make the big picture success come together.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with one of the most successful coaches in college basketball and discover his trade secrets, this is the book for you. In 40 simple yet powerful lessons, you learn that winning doesn't happen by accident and that nice guys really do finish first. Best of all, Kruger's leadership principles are easily transferred to the world of business. I'm already using many of them in my own firm. Highly recommended for sports fans, business owners and anyone who wants to improve his or her performance in day-to-day life.

A very amusing story that explains how to be where you want to be, in the easiest and quickest way. The book helps readers see straight through chaos to appreciate the value of simplicity in their lives.

I prefer "Cheese Cake" (pun intended) but regardless, this book will tell you how to find it, have it, eat it, and keep it too.

William Cottringer's book is outstanding. It is very informative and helpful, but also a very entertaining story.

A very entertaining read!! I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in improving themselves, either personally or professionally.

There are over 15 credible book endorsers for this new "Cheese" book which takes the hunt for your cheese to a new level. A must read for anyone interested in self-improvement. It is also a humorous read for mental health professionals and business managers alike.

Someone in the office recommended this book, so we purchased one for everyone in the office and now discuss the chapters at our monthly staff meeting. It provides some thought provoking comments good for group discussion.

I first came across this book more than 10 years ago, when as a doctor I was asked to give a lecture on stress management. It was life-changing for me, both at work and in my leisure time, as well--because it taught me how to play again, and to allow myself to enjoy sports at the same time I was driven to excell.

I recommend this book all the time to colleagues, patients and students. And I'm now buying a copy for my teenaged daughter, a competitive athlete who is combatting burnout. These skills should be graduation requirements for every high school student.

This book made me realize that so many Americans take their work as the only thing they have in life to give of themselves. But they take for granted the most important aspect of life ... themselves and their loved ones. Read this book and you will realize that there is DEFINATELY a lot more to life than work. I enjoyed the book for that realization. I felt though that the suggestions were not as detailed as I would have liked and wished it had gone deeper into applying it to your everyday life. I guess the book is written to take you to the door, and you are the one that has to open it. I am recommending this book to friends. :)

This book changed my life when it first came out... I brought my toys to the office and started taking regular juggling breaks. Using some of the strategies in the book, I transformed myself and my team. Now, years later, I've found myself rediscovering the book, and sharing it with my new team -- although I'd incorporated many of the strategies into my work and home life, I'm re-applying some of the forgotten messages and strategies. This book is nothing short of life-changing. I also love the illustrations! The ONLY negative I have about the book is that I think the original larger format was a better package -- that edition had a very fun color road map / chapter listing on the inside covers that added a great deal to the look and feel of the book. (I was happy to find that the content had remained the same.) I recommend this book to team leaders as well as team members. DO THE EXERCISES!

I was very tired of work, when I found that book. The title made me curious. Actually I wanted to leave my job, but while reading I realised, that it was not only the job, it was me. I would have the same troubles everywhere. I now try to make some changes in my life and will see how it works.

Julie Jansen gives solid advice on how to get a work life you like. I love her self-assessment exercises - they can help everyone.

Just got off a cross-country trip, where I started/finished this week.It's a great "plane book".

In all honesty, wish I had read this some years back at a time when I had a very difficult boss.

It's an easy read with some good, practical suggestions.

There is also a self-assessment component, something I usually dislike, but here I really got into it and found the "results" sometimes surprising (to me).

Even if you don't hate your boss/job, I think it's an interesting read. Also a perfect gift for those friends who are constantly whining about their bosses!

I rate it a 4 out of 5 because, at least for me, it got a bit wordy at the end. If you start skim-reading toward the end, it's a def 5!

I left the corporate world several years ago to escape drudgery
and daily bickering with employees. Now I hold my client's hands instead of my employees!

Ms. Jansen's no nonsense approach to dealing with difficult individuals really resonates with me. Whether you answer to a Board of Directors, or to Yourself, read this book! She asks you to examine YOUR behavior as well. Bravo Julie!!!!

Keep your sense of humor, remain optimistic, breathe & get this book for your or your company's library!!!

Chris Cold Spring NY

I was a big fan of Julie Jansen's after reading her first book, "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This." In fact, reading that book at an important juncture in my life helped successfully propel me forward to go back to school for my MFA and to reignite my passion for writing. So I just had to read "You Want Me to Work with Who?" when it came out. There is a real longevity value to this book. It's not trendy or too "today." I think the advice given will apply ten years from now, and I also think it can be applied to a lot of different situations (not just "the office" - in fact, I thought about how helpful this book can be for everything from going back for an MBA or joining the PTO - situations that attract very different personalities!) What I love most about Julie's books are that there is a depth to them. The experience is not just about reading words, but you have the opportunity to do exercises that let you look inside yourself and how the concepts she writes about apply to you and your situations - while giving realistic advice about what to do.

This is an excellent resource for anyone who is trying to sucessfully navigate the professional environment. The book provides straightforward guidance and handy tips for how to handle those challenging personality types. Wish I had this book years when I started working!

A very well-written book. It is a short book that keeps you engossed from page one. It illustrates the most important requirements of success in business - vision, the spirit of adventure and taking risks supported by good strategy. The book also shows how risk-takers are ridiculed first and then admired, helped and followed later. The trust and respect they enjoy is well-earned and well-deserved. More importantly, they inpire change and teamwork in the workforce.

Zenobia serves as a wonderful metaphor for the state of a lot of corporations, and demonstrates how perseverance and pluck can combine to enable one to overcome many of the common corporate struggles.

Moira, new to Zenobia, must navigate her way through a quagmire of bureaucracy in her quest to find Room 133A. Along the way, she encounters all manner of difficult people committed to standing in the way of her goal (not unlike normal daily life in many corporations).

The tactics Moira uses to reach her goal are practical; the methods she uses to employ them are inspirational.

Zenobia serves as a great reminder that regardless of how bad you might perceive your company to be, real leaders can emerge from anywhere within, and with the right attitude, can change things for the better.

A great read!

I've had the good fortune to hear Matt Emmens talk about the lessons he's learned as a leader in many companies and most recently as CEO of Shire Pharmaceuticals. He's distilled his wisdom & experience into a magical fable of what it is like to see business through new eyes, and how the traditions & emotions that harden some companies into places they never meant to be can be overcome by leadership that dares to try what is obvious & necessary, whatever resistance may stand in the way. It would be a great book to give to new hires to encourage them to tell the truth about what they see to management. It is an equally great book for senior leaders to think about what they would need to cultivate "beginner's mind" in what they do, and as a result to lead better and more fully. Beautifully illustrated, lovingly written & a pleasure on the whole.

This book should reside on everyone's shelf in the corporate world and is a stunningly illustrated fable in terms of how business can often become mired in "No's" instead of "Yes's" and how one brave woman overcomes and triumphs. Fantastic read.

The reviews are right on. This is a compelling and entertaining business fable. Most people will probably recognize a bit of themselves or their company in this book. Zenobia is a refreshing change from those books that look like a good idea but you can only stand to read the first two chapters. It's a quick read and an exciting tale, which makes it accessible to everyone. And the messages about taking risks and embracing change stick with you. Moira's tale is even more memorable because of the beautiful language and fabulous illustrations that accompany it. Getting to Room 133A was truly a welcome and worthwhile adventure!

John Maxwell published a great leadership book called "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership". It has benefited many and continues to do so through the years.

This book, takes the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership and shows how people in history lived them or did not live them. It is real practical.

You might want to read John Maxwell's book before this one.

This was an excellant book that dove deeper into John Maxwell's classic, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. It's presented similar to John's 21 Laws where each chapter is broken down into an individual Law, but James Garlow gives specific examples of how Great Leaders in History have succeeded by following these laws or have failed because they abused the laws of leadership. John Garlow's writing is clear and to the point and this book is definately worth the price. Your learning from a leader who has been following and studing with John Maxwell personally for the past fifteen years! This book is a MUST READ for anyone who wants to become a better leader/CEO, build an organization, and understand John Maxwell's 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership more in depth. BUY IT TODAY! You can't afford not to.

I've listened to some videos of John C. Maxwell's "Laws of Leadership" series a few years ago and now I bought this book based on it. It's a great way to mix history with Christian leadership and as a college history major, I found this book useful! I will be looking into John C. Maxwell's book series soon.

I am a leadership trainer and give over 200 programs per year. My leadership library is extensive and varied. Most of the new leadership books are just "love song" books - they are saying the same thing in a different way. In this book, the messages are the same, but the writing methodology is fresh and different.

James has accomplished an intriguing and "page turner" leadership lessons book by including detailed historic examples of each of Maxwell's 21!

Mattimore gives us a readable overview of both theory and technique. Breezy style, not bogged down in rhetoric and faddish tricks as other management books often are. He explores the techniques used by proven creative-types, famous and not-so-famous. The results count, and his examples and personal experiences prove the methodologies. Readers of similar books may have seen or heard some of the stories elsewhere, but there's enough new to keep your interest. I have used his techniques and they do work for idea generation. He supplies enough, so that with a little practice, you can get started

As a colleague of Brian's, I'm always looking for things to criticize. But in Mattimore's case, I must say that I can't find fault with his work. This is a superb book, and my suggestion to you is buy and enjoy it. This is truly one of the better books on the market.

I admit, I'm a technogeek, and I wondered if a book over a decade old could really teach me anything new about business creativity.

If the book is Bryan W. Mattimore's 99% Inspiration: Tips, Tales & Techniques for Liberating Your Business Creativity, the answer to my question is yes, it can teach me something. A lot, in fact.

Bryan Mattimore is a creativity consultant. While to me "creativity consulting" conjures images of brainstorming software and "creativity" web sites, Mattimore writes primarily about low-tech creativity-boosting techniques.

My second-favorite technique is called "The Gray Box" and involves having your group ask yes or no questions about the contents of a box until they determine what's in it. What actually was in Mattimore's box might surprise you, after you read the questions and responses.

Mattimore's Idea Hooks (R) concept is nothing short of remarkable (and my favorite technique, by the way). He has developed a way to actually look at the idea "hooks" that led to great inventions and discoveries. This alone was worth the price of the book, which I actually just checked out of the library but intend to buy.

The third technique I really like involves cutting-and-pasting, something I'm very familiar with as a writer. Except this is the kind I did as a kid, not the kind I'm used to now. In the book, marketing execs cut out magazine pictures and compared their product to their favorite things. Sounds kind of hokey here, but in the book, it's fascinating.

I'm a creative person by nature, but 99% Inspiration really helped me think more creatively. Especially if "inspiration" doesn't come easily to you, take a look at 99% Inspiration.

Bryan Mattimore presented processes that have fueled my consulting practice. I find myself flipping through all my downturned pages whenever I need creative thoughts or whenever I need a creative approach to almost any situation. This is simply a great reference book.

It is a book that answer many questions you have when starting as an adviser. It really help you understand the basic concepts and allows you to move on.

Definetely a plus....

Steve Gresham provides keen insight into the past, present and future of successful financial advisors. His extensive industry experience is clearly in play with his newest book, which should be included as a recommended read for anyone looking to move their financial services career forward. Entertaining, informative and inspiring is the bottom line for "Advisor for Life".

A well-written excellent read for all advisors who want to grow and succeed in the financial advisory business.

Any financial advisor who doesn't take advantage of Steve's insights puts him/herself at a disadvantage.
Steve writes based on unparalleled industry knowledge, the ability to anticipate future trends, and a solid dose of reality from extensive dealings with financial advisors. He is able to keep an audience spellbound and now translates much of that insight into a handbook that will guide those advisors who want to be ahead of the curve, deliver service that keeps clients coming back for more, and bring their friends along without being asked. I have worked in the financial services field for over 15 years and Steve's book is a 'must have' for the successful advisor of the future.