Economic-Life Books

At first I didn't know what to make of this book. It's a short book that has a jovial style. It presents topics in that almost too enthusiastic HR style that has an unceasingly positive tone, lots of too-clever acronyms, and recipe answers for any problem. That's what you expect though. This is an HR book after all.

What I like about this book is that it presents a totally new style which is the antitheses of books like 'Who moved my cheese?' This book is all about nurturing the talents and uniqueness of the individual. Balancing individual needs against those of the larger company but with the emphasis tilted more towards individualism.

This is the ideal book for engineers to use to convince their managers to be flexible and healthier work environment that will bring better productivity and happier employees.

The title of this book alone will catch your attention...and probably plant a seed in your mind that this is not a book you want to waste your time with. Weirdos? This sounds like a negative term, but it's actually not. Putzier, an experienced and respected human resources professional, consultant, and professional speaker, defines "weirdos" as people who are not like you. This assessment means that they are abnormal...if we assume that you are normal.

The first section of this book is devoted to presenting a foundation-setting perspective that the workplace is a microcosm of society. Society is in the process of change, moving through the four stages of Stifling, Tolerating, Accepting, and Rejoicing. This same progression occurs in the workplace, seen as The Age of the Organization Man, The Age of Diversity, The Age of the New Economy, and The Age of the Individual. Those of us who have watched the shifts in attitudes and relationships have observed the shift from conformity to expansion and inclusion, to an honoring of expertise and performance. Now, with varying degrees of comfort, we are moving jerkily into an honoring of individuality

In the second section, Putzier describes over thirty different people that could easily be categorized as "weird." Another descriptor might be "unique." The colorful pictures he paints will stir memories in the minds of the readers, reminding them of the unusual co-workers we have all encountered over the years. Putzier takes diversity to a whole new level. In his vignettes, our author observes that each of these people-and many more that we might call weird-have something significant to contribute. And they all have the potential to be high performers, though not always in the same way that mainstream employees are superior achievers.

The weirdos are presented in a way that catches your attention and may cause you to smile, shake your head, or roll your eyes. And human resource professionals will bob their heads, recognizing similar situations. But Putzier goes further. Each description is a accompanied by an analysis that includes perspective and advice that stimulates thinking and may influence some more appropriate responses to unusual behavior in the workplace.

The book continues with insights into high performers...an understanding of what makes weirdos tick and accomplish so much. Behavioral change maps guide the reader in valuable methodologies. This is a book that will introduce you to what the author calls "the new normal." Indeed, the workforce is changing and will be populated by more free agents...and regular employees who will certainly be recognized as individuals-in every sense of the word. Understand how weirdness is a positive and you'll change your perspective on the world of work.

So, what do you do when you're on a five hour red-eye flight and can't sleep? If you're me, you end up reading. And this flight was spent reading Weirdos in the Workplace - The New Normal... Thriving In The Age Of The Individual by John Putzier (FT-Prentice Hall). This is an interesting read on how to effective manage "weirdo" talent in today's workplace.

Chapter List: How Did We Get Here, and Where Are We Going?; Individuality from Soup to Nuts; What's IN with High Performers?; Tools and Techniques to Change Others, Organizations, and Yourself; Conclusions and Universal Truths; About the Author; Weirdisms; Index

Putzier's premise is that "as society goes, so goes the workplace". Today's society values the individual, and the highly talented individual is allowed to be as "weird" as they want because the value they deliver is needed. In the workplace, these people can contribute greatly to the organization, but they challenge the "normal" methods of management which have worked in the past. This book does a great job of explaining the traits that make up the "weird" individual, and how those traits need to be managed. With a little foresight and understanding, today's manager can effectively lead a department of these people and look like a miracle worker. Putzier considers himself a weirdo also, and his writing style is irreverent and fun to read.

If you think you might be a "weirdo", you need to read this to understand how the workplace is changing. And if you manage a group of "weirdos", you absolutely need to read this in order to maintain your sanity.

This book is a must read for anyone who has lived through being a high performer at work and been shafted at raise time for not being a "team player". Any HR manager, anyone in management and anyone in general in the workplace needs to read this book. Lots of new content and food for thought here, but also very cathartic for those dogged by corporate American "process" for "process sake".

John puts into very simple and powerful concepts, even corporate common sense, things that I have found myself muttering under my breath for years. John's concepts would engender a competitive and productive American workforce and a truly "free job market" where talent and skill are rewarded and the "pencil pushers" and "clock watchers" and bad managers are moved on. I long for the day.

Killer book, must read....buy it now.

I don't know if the author really talked to 101 successful entrepreneurs or not. I suspect not. Instead, this book might better be sub-titled 101 tips on financing a business.

There are people who simply have to run their own business. It's a lot easier to work for someone else, just show up on time, work reasonably hard, go home a little bit later than most prople and so on. Some of us have a very hard time doing that.

I've started several businesses over the years. Each one has been more successful than the one before. Experience has taught me several things. And I'm going to use that experience to comment on some of her 101 tips.

Tip #1 - Do a business plan. There are several software programs that are almost fill in the blank. Get one and fill in the blanks. Even if you never show this plan to anyone else, it will force you to think through your whole business.

Tip #7 - Start on a Shoestring. It is much easier to get money to expand a business than it is to get money to start from scratch.

Re a bunch of Tips on borrowing money - Don't. It has to be paid back. Unless you are very, very certain that you can pay it back in a very short time - DON'T!

Tip 46-48 - Yes, yes, a hundred times YES!. Live cheaply. Don't buy the big car, big house, whatever.

Tips 77-80 - Government Programs. Forget them, they aren't worth the time they take.

Tips on venture capital and going public. This is a basic business decision. Do you want to run a small business or create a public company that you can get out of?

This lady understands what she is writing about. But keep in mind that you are talking about your business, your ideas, your future. Read a book on business.
Get a business started.
Read a book on business.
If it works great. If it doesn't, get a job for a while, start another one in your part time using what you learned from the failure of the first one.
Read a book on business.
Switch to running your business full time.
Read a book on business.
Repeat as necessary.

This was a wonderful book. It covers the basics as far as the options one has when planning to start a small business. Do you draw from your savings? Do you tap on family and friends? Do you mortgage your home? Or do you visit a bank and beg for some money?

The simple truth of the matter is that there are no free lunches in this world. Starting a business is very similar to buying a car or a house. You can pay for it with cash savings. Or you can put up collateral and borrow the money you need to pay for it. SBA doesn't make bank loans - they guarantee some of them. So don't think the SBA is going to do much for you when it comes time to start your small business.

This book covers financing the startup and financing the proven venture. And it does it very well. I loved the part about how business plans will explain how much capital (money) your business needs AND CAN REPAY. This is why banks and other lenders or investors will want to see the business plan you put together for your business venture.

I also thought it was good that the author pointed out that lenders and investors rely somewhat heavily on your leadership ability when determining if your company is likely to succeed. Said another way, they will rate you as a leader when evaluating whether your business plan is good. Good plans get money. Poor ones don't.

Take a look at the Table of Contents for this book. You'll see that the book covers all the bases when it comes to financing your own business. Well done. 5 stars!

I can attest to the fact that author Jan Norman interviewed each of 101 different individuals quoted in this book in the course of researching and writing it.

Indeed, she talked to many more than that, just as she had for her other books in the series: "What No One Ever Tells You About Starting Your Own Business," "What No One Ever Tells You About Marketing Your Own Business" and the next one in the series which will be out in early 2006, "What No One Ever Tells You About Franchising."

The interviews were detailed, often grueling work and always time-consuming, but invaluable for readers. Each of the 101 persons interviewed for each of Jan's books has a unique story to tell, and her books have shared those stories with countless others.

This series of books published by Upstart, a division of Dearborn Publishing, finds its greatest value in the very diversity of the experiences represented by the 101 individuals in each book. For the reader, it is an opportunity not to read some self-anointed "expert" author's solitary opinion, but instead read the real-life experiences of 101 people who have been there and done that.

Each book is a compilation of 101 mistakes and/or successes that others learned from, and that readers can learn from vicariously, then apply to their own entrepreneurial efforts.

The author deserves credit for interviewing all these entrepreneurs and conveying their stories and lessons learned in a clear style. Nonetheless, I found little of value here. I'm not sure exactly why. In part it's because I had heard most of it before. But in a more fundamental way the notion of relying on the advice of successful practitioners carries with it a positive bias that proves less than helpful to struggling entrepreneurs. Her former venture capitalist who founds a financial services company, for instance, has a huge advantage in financial expertise and contacts over most of us. So it's not surprising that his new venture succeeds in raising money.

What many entrepreneurs need, in contrast, is advice on how to overcome their very difficult circumstances, including personal shortcomings and destitution. So actually lessons learned from accounts of semi-competent entrepreneurs' failures to obtain financing could prove more realistic and valuable. Most of us are semi-competent at best! And of course entrepreneurs starting up innovative tech product ventures face an altogether more challenging and even forbidding set of obstacles to raising money than those launching a new flower shop or bookkeeping service. The simpler a challenge your business represents, the more helpful this book manages to be.

I found this book randomly in my local public library and have found it very useful. This book isn't the normal rah-rah millionaire junk that you can find in a thousand other books (despite the title). It is full of highly applicable strategys for organizing and implementing your life goals.

If you are lost, confused, unsure about where you are, what your purpose is, you will close the book with a passion about your self worth, a clear mantra to start and end every day with. You will succeed, buying this book you are already succeeding, you are already achieving your goals.
At times you feel that you are just re-reading the same paragraph, the same lines over and over again.. and then it dawns on you that your entire attitude is so much more confident and inspired.
I set out with the attitude that this book was going to be drawn all over, pages highlighted, words scribbled. It is now the first goal I have achieved recently that I am trully empowered by.
It is not going to give you the format for your business. There are no forms that outline a perfect path to business success, but it forces you to ask yourself hard questions over and over and determine what you think of your self worth.

Whether your business is going to be a plastic manufacturer or a herbal remedist,.. you will understand yourself and where you are going with better clarity.

If you are interested to update your business skills or read real business experience which is supported by real business theory. This book is great... Do not look at the name of the book... it is not a book of how to become millionaries in 6 months... this is a great update about business... and it great for entrepreneurs also...

This is a great book. It is crammed with information for people who want to become millionaires. This book is completely straight talking. Dobbins and Pettman make use of motivational quotes at the end of each section and the book is organized much like a college textbook.
The first chapter is on creativity and the second is on goals. These chapters are riveting. In these first two chapters, the authors borrow from Brian Tracy's Maximum Acheivement and 21 Absoluley Unbreakable laws of money. They tell you where you are going if you are a typical (English) person and where you will go if you get on the right track and cut down on TV, drinking, what they call "Idiot Radio" and start feeding your mind THE BEST stuff possible.
The remaining chapters talk about marketing, time management, sales,leadership, sales and negotiating.
This book definitely give you the intitial building blocks you need to pursue wealth. Like I said it is straight talking and the authors, as professors and businessmen are well qualified to write.
This book is up there for people who desire to be rich. I couldnt put it down. FIVE STARS!

I am a coach that specializes in helping people implement their Big Ideas. Many of my clients are college student's whose parents want to help them 'decide what they want to be when they grow up'.

I was given a copy of this book to review by the authors, and before I even had a chance to read it, I gave away my copy to the young college senior that was interviewing my daughter for college admission.

I love the Socratic tone of the book. By asking great questions in a fun format, the book leads kids to know themselves, to get clear on who they are and what they want out of life, from a deep, value driven place.

It was kind of like reading a comic book, but one that helps you get somewhere. Just fun, so you don't realize the great work you're doing until you get to the end.

I would give this to every kid I care about.

My grandson was in the process of graduating from high school; he didn't know what he wanted to do. I ordered two copies of Where's the Map? One copy I retained for myself; the other copy, I gave to my grandson. My grandson tells me Where's the Map? gave him focus and direction in planning his future. He is now excelling in college,

I gave this book "Where's the Map" to our 16 year old granddaughter. In her own words, "I have been very excited and stimulated to have a book as well organized, interesting, creative, "not boring" and a excellent guide." She decided that she will work through "Where's the Map" as she completes her high school education. She explained that this Map has already motivated her to be thinking about her choices in life.

Hello,
Imagine my surprise, when the book I bought to see if I wanted to gift it, ended up spurring me to finish my Doctorate. I'm 61 years old and I bought this book to read and see if I want to give it to graduates I know. I was pleased to have some real `aha!' moments about myself.
I am thrilled with how thorough, clear and to the point the authors are about such an important area of our lives.
I've been through a lot to sort out my mishmash of a career. Meyer's Briggs, Johnson O'Connor, Barbara Sher's book REFUSE TO CHOOSE, and I even did a portion of a Master's degree in Applied Psychology at the University of Santa Monca on getting clear about a career. I think anything that helps young people gain clarity sooner is a blessing. And this book is that.
The authors, by their expansive view of choices and range of values, feelings, wants and desires, give permission to readers to look at all areas and feel free to differ from the norm. It's laid out in an easy to use format, which appeals to youth.
It worked for me and I think you will be very pleased too.

Dame Nancy Rothwell has written a fantastic book which is *probably* the "only organized" blueprint for scientists at all levels.

Whether you're an undergraduate/postgraduate student, teacher or researcher, this is the one book out there that prescribes an agreebale path to follow in order to achieve success in the field of science. She covers everything up until and beyond patenting your research work. Brilliant!

If you are a scientist, get this book before your next new shirt.

The book is good for students who want to be scientists. It mentions many details to be take care of during the process of study.

It analyzed both the technical and non-technical aspects of today's research life. the advice is practical and helpful.

I felt lucky to have found a book like this.

This book is the top 5% of its category. Dr Rothwell's many years observation and experience in scientific research environment definitely will light up all the younger mind. Read this book before you enter your graduate school!

This is the one to read. I even gave it to my husband to read. Easy to read. I read it in 2 hours. This book gave me the reasons people act the way they do. Then it gave me a way to talk to those kinds of people.

A good light read on personality typing within the work world.
Once you figure out what type you are, you can figure out where you are welcome.The book has testing and is a composite read on basic personality theory.

I initially bought this book for my husband, who was having a difficult time at work with his boss. My husband has huge praises for the book and now that I have finished reading it, I've come to understand why. Arthur and Dayle have managed to consolidate and present strategies on how to deal with difficult people in a handy and easy-to-read book. Even if you don't find time to read, you can easily read some pages on the way to work in the train. A questionaire helps you to identify what type of person you are, and explains the different personality types, helping you to see why yome people react in certain ways. You will realise eventually why you seem to always clash with a certain personality group. This book gives you tips on how you can handle 'difficult' people and helps you to have a clearer picture of yourself. For all you know you may be the S.O.P. (Source Of Pain) that others are experiencing!!

I picked up this book because of the title and price. Excellent source of support for managing projects with cross functional teams. I am planning on buying for the team as a team building session. Quick and easy to read with helps tremendously....

Review by Murray Levine "Ethics in Everyday Life" The Jewish Spectator 1987

Judaism did not develop a specific economic theory or system. Instead, writes Meir Tamari, "It proposes a moral-religious framework within which the theory or system must operate." The framework is that there is a divine economy that posits that the earth is the Lord's and man has an allotted share. It follows that we have the obligation to conserve and preserve our share. "Halacha is the practical means of applying to daily life concepts of God's ownership of material goods, man's stewardship of these goods, and God's active participation in man's economic success."

It is seldom that one finds such a wealth of material simply written by a scholar utilizing authentic Jewish sources still relevant in a single volume. Tamari writes comprehensively and expertly on Judaism's economics in the Halacha and in Jewish life.

Meir Tamari, also the author of _The Challenge of Wealth_ and _Al Chet: Sins in the Marketplace_, here provides an excellent overview of Jewish ethics and economic life. Dr. Tamari presents a solid case that Judaism regards economic activity as legitimate and honorable, and at the same time dispels common antisemitic myths about Jews and money.

Beginning with a broad discussion of the limitations Judaism places on economic activity, Dr. Tamari then provides a short survey of Jewish economic history and a selection of responsa on economic disputes. He then devotes several chapters to such topics as tzedakah and taxation, clearly and cogently summarizing what Halakha says about each. The resulting volume will be of great value to anyone who wants to know what Judaism says about economic practice.

It will, however, be less helpful to those who want to learn something about economics -- though it should be added at once that (a) teaching economic principles was not Dr. Tamari's purpose in this volume and (b) at any rate his "sins" in this regard are at least no worse than those of standard mainstream economics textbooks. Still, a sounder economic approach would surely have made the exposition clearer on other topics.

Dr. Tamari is probably just bending over backwards to keep his discussion of Judaism free from commitment to any particular view of economics, while acknowledging that Judaism tends to favor the free market. Unfortunately he therefore sometimes writes that a "society" is free to allocate "its" resources by whatever "market mechanism" it wishes, from the free market to central planning -- ignoring both the economic fact that central planning is not a "market mechanism" at all, and the ethical fact that a State-run economy cannot help but violate the very principles of justice and righteousness that Dr. Tamari otherwise presents so well. In fact, these principles themselves would rule out communism and socialism completely; the institution of private property, together with its corollary prohibitions on theft and fraud, should have committed Judaism to free-market economics, properly understood.

The underlying difficulty here seems lie with Dr. Tamari's conception of what a free market _is_. I say this because he is constantly remarking that Judaism allows certain "distortions" of the free market, when in fact most of the "distortions" he cites are not distortions at all -- or at least need not be, depending how they are encouraged or enforced. (If I am not mistaken, Dr. Tamari studied at the London School of Economics, not exactly a hotbed of free-market thought. The fact that he recognizes an important role for the free market _at all_ is therefore highly commendable.)

All of which means only that Dr. Tamari is one of many people who could profit from a closer reading of Ludwig von Mises and other economists of the Austrian school -- at least to get clear what does and does not constitute a "distortion" of the free market (and in particular to get clear that Jewish religious/ethical observances do not constitute such "distortions"). This fact does not in any way tell against his fine presentation of Judaism's "take" on economics, but it does occasionally distort his presentation of important economic principles.

Dr. Tamari's book was an inspiring and illuminating read for me. My interests were both in (1)"jewish tradition and law", as relevant to question's of community economics and (2) in a better understanding of the traditional jewish view on social justice and ethics, as that interplays with economics. I was not looking for any sort of introduction to "economic theory" or even "jewish economic theory" (see the Ryan review).

As a practicing Jew I learned some additional historical and traditional detail of which I was unaware, relating to economic issues of Jews individually and as communities. I found the discussion of Jewish economics relevant to issues in my own modern life, issues with which I have been actively dealing.

I also learned (as was my original intention) relevant to my own professional interest in "social justice" (health care justice in particular, as it happens). I am sure this book will be valued by activists in environmental and social justice issues, who are for any reason interested in the basis in religious traditions for confronting such issues (or interested just in the jewish basis for some reason).

There must be a lot of people wondering today what the connections are between economic life (both national structure and in personal everyday economics) and a traditional ethical stance of any persuasion. They will find this book interesting.

Review by Michael Novak who holds the George Frederick Jewett Chair at the American Enterprise Institute. New York Times

"Since these intellectual foundations are now the inheritance of all of us, this hand book will be invaluable for teachers of business ethics today, of whatever religious or humanistic framework, for it serves as an intelligent guide to the longest sustained (and concrete) tradition in thinking about commercial activities in the Western world. Mr. Tamari helps us know ourselves a little better."

Money and spirituality, most of us think that this phrase is an oxymoron. Many of us have been taught that you either take a job where the money is good or you follow your heart to the work that feeds your soul. There is no middle ground.

Just as we gain our core values about spirituality during our early years, we also learn about money in the same way. We see the way that our parents and grandparent talk (or don't talk) about money, how financial issues are solved in the family, and even how gender relates to differential responsibilities in these areas. Then, without even thinking about it, we react according to those values and rules.

The Woman's Book of Money and Spiritual Vision states that making money and living your passion are completely compatible. The only thing really stopping us from having success in both areas is our lack of awareness when it comes to our values and motivations. Simply put, we become our own worst enemy when we continue to keep beliefs that no longer suit our particular situation.

I agree, I believe that The Woman's Book of Money and Spiritual Vision brings up a very good point. In order to understand our spiritual purpose we have to dig deep within. Why wouldn't we do so with all of our beliefs?

I think it's fabulous when women can learn to use spiritual practice to overcome any 'fear of money' or eroneous belief they are worth less. Equating finance and spirituality is finally getting the attention it deserves. Nice job. I'd also recommend this free article on the subject for women business owners[.........]

Among other things, the Money-History timeline as presented in William's book was amazing in showing my my spiritual connection to money throughout my life. I would have never considered putting the two together, nor weaving them together on purpose as she so suggests. This book was very instrumental in changing my perspective on the relationship of finance to spirituality. More importantly, it showed me how to do this. A very interesting read!

Not only does this wonderful book offer worksheets and practical instruction for using our money, it delves into the motivations behind our financial behavior. It is incredibly eye-opening and at the same time really useful in generating an entirely new attitude about money. I particularly enjoyed the exercises in connecting your financial situation with your spiritual beliefs. This book very much helped me to change my once-negative attitude towards money and finances, and further motivated me to financially support my dreams I once thought I could not afford to. This is a great book for any woman interested in expanding or exploring their relationship to money.

First I want to say God is good. This book was right on time for me, I want to really thank the authors and say continue to work it girl!!! This book has changed my life, and I want to say, everyone who has not read it, stop what your doing right now and go purchase it. This book is a page turner, and has motivated me to continue to work girl!!!

Authors Lorraine Morris Cole and Pamela M. McBride did a fantastic job. Work It Girl is an amazing book. I really thought that I had fulfilled my dreams, but then I read this book and realized that this is only the beginning. Work It Girl, taught me to dream bigger and reach higher. The sky's the limit. It showed examples and gave a step-by-step detailed road map to making my dreams come true. It's positive and enlightening and most of all, encouraging. It made me stop and think about all the choices I make and gave me a better understanding of how I can take them to the next level. Thanks Lorraine and Pamela, I'm on my way.

I read through this book rather quickly, but then I went back and did the real work, which is a life assessment and a guide to making your dreams work for you. No one ever asked me what I was willing to sacrifice to make my dreams happen, but this book did. No one had ever given me a step by step process from taking my dreams from the potential phase to the making it happen phase, but this book did. If you are in need of directon or just want in on some of the secrets of successful people this is the book for you. I am now ready to start writing my first novel, 2 children under the age of 5 years old and a husband are my assets now, not impediments from my goal. I now have a plan to make it work and my only job is to work the plan. Thank you ladies and I will Work It.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel for Black women, trying to achieve professional success? Have you ever wanted a road map or an outline to highlight the things needed to acquire and advance a career? Every mountain can be climbed, but you must have the right attitude and the proper tools. WORK IT, GIRL! THE BLACK WOMAN'S GUIDE TO PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS gives you that attitude and those tools. Black women will realize and accept that with proper planning, they to have the fortitude and the presence to succeed in any arena.

WORK IT, GIRL! acknowledges the hundreds of 'reasons' that keep us stuck where we are, but it also forces us(women) to take a good look at the reality or lack thereof surrounding the myths about women and career choices. Yes, we all have limitations, but should we allow those constraints to stifle our ambitions or abort our progress? If you are the least bit doubtful about your potential as a woman, WORK IT, GIRL! will help dispel negative assumptions and show you that positive options do exist. As the authors share their passion, they share stories about the experiences of unstoppable sisters who found the strength to climb, and who appreciated the effort it took to ascend. There are practical step by step instructions and several written exercises to help us stay the course. This book is a giant step toward mental preparation for a rewarding climb.

WORK IT, GIRL! was born from a thwarted effort to publish a story about the success, the 'striving gene', of Black women. McBride and Cole's give colorful views of women in all walks of life, to inspire and challenge readers. The heart of this book is about making conscious and deliberate choices, about accepting that our life's work doesn't just enrich and fulfill us, but makes a difference to others. McBride and Cole offer the challenge for Black women to dream, big dreams and use their inner force to make it happen. They take readers from a mindset, to a mantra, to a mission, to a ministry. Are you ready?

Reviewed by aNN
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

This book is best book on time management I ever read. I'm sure I squeezed out an extra half hour each workday with these principles.

This book by Michael Le Boeuf has been very valuable to me in my career and life. I first read it when I was in my early twenties and I have been applying the principles to my life ever since.

The bottom line is that this book is filled with ideas and techniques to make you more effective. It also talks about attitudes that lead to success and uses powerful analogies and stories to drive home important points.

This book is well-organized and it gets to the point quickly. If you are busy person who needs good advise and would like to use your time more effectively, look no further.

This book is more then a time efficiency book but a how to book on managing all aspects of the office from scheduling and pructing meetings to effective communications. This is good starting and improving your SOHO (small office / home office) operations. It starts off each chapter discussing popular beliefs. I loved the chapter on "work tapes". People have different beliefs about work from being "good for you" to "the harder you work the more successful you are". The truth regarding discipline. The difference between being efficient and effective. Doing the right job (efficacy); doing the job right
(effective). Handing disruptions; papers; goal planning; the right way to use a TO DO list. The only problem is the material is dated to 1979. (Before email, teleconferencing and Intenet) My copy had a printing error on page 267 the publisher missed printed the pages and started over with page 33. Missed "efficient Communications") This continued for about 40 pages before picking up with last chapter of the book. Even though dated and with this defect I enjoyed the book. It's an easy read and I highly recommended it.

At a rather strange time in my life in 1985, I only owned two books, one which I bought using my own money (Robert Allen's early 1980's edition of "Nothing Down"), the other this book. This is a better book, although Allen's isn't bad either, especially for its time.

Although written in 1979 when Leboeuf was still a young whippersnapper in Louisiana, this book is still an excellent, common sensical work that is easy to understand and follow. Everyone from Tony Robbins to Covey and others have also put their own spin on much of what is covered here; it's not rocket science. But Leboeuf's folksy, down to earth, and warm prose is disarming and supportive. This is probably because unlike a lot of other "professional" self-help gurus, LeBeouf was actually a teacher and spends more time actually doing this stuff than writing books and selling DVD's about it.

I wrote down short term, medium term, and long term goals for myself back when I was 18 using this book. Twenty years later, I have accomplished most of them. And I owe it to this book, which got me off to a good start.