Leader

One of the above "reviews" was accidently listed as a review and has given the book zero stars when in fact it is comments from the author. The book was fantastic.

I am in the process of establishing partnerships with our firm's suppliers and subcontractors so that we may improve the service that we provide to our customers. The first step in the process is to be sure that our suppliers and subcontractors understand the concept of partnering for a win-win agreement. "Getting Partnering Right" is by far the best explanation of what I am trying to accomplish that I have read.After an initial meeting, I ask our potential partner to read the book and to call me when he has read it.Without exception, all have stated that "Now I get it". In a follow-up interview it is very easy to tell if they really do "get it". So far I have purchsed 28 copies for distribution to potential partners and to some our own employees. In addition,some of our partners have purchased more copies for distribution within their own companies. Maybe this one should be rated 6 stars!!

This book presents the challenges, philosophies, and strengths of twelve leaders from around the world. The authors present these leaders in a way that allows the reader to understand their leadership characteristics, their visions, and what it is about them that makes people follow them. These leaders all have varied backgrounds but at the same time some common traits. This book is a great way to get to know these twelve leaders, and what makes them tick.

This book has done an excellent job of identifying 12 of the top leaders from all over the world and demonstrating why they are successful in today's complex environment. The eight attributes they all share provide real insight for their successes.

For nearly 16 years HJ argued for lower property taxes before proposition 13 became law in 1978; it was not a quick and easy task. Those who would work for any similar change may learn something from his story. From 1942 to 1991 about 25% of the Federal Defense budget was spent in California. This created a growing economy, even if it drained funds from the northeast states.

Since 1945 land prices and property taxes were booming in California. After his 1962 retirement, HJ began his involvement with the United Organization of Taxpayers. [A movement needs a cadre of dedicated workers.] It then affiliated with other organizations, and thousands of volunteers from all over the state. [The movement must be represented in all counties.] It is very important to have unity and loyalty to the group. [Fragmentation, petty quarrels, and demoralization should be avoided.] They experienced many defeats. [Expect to lose many battles before final victory.] Proposition 13 cut property taxes in half (p.9)! This set an example for the other states (p.10). It could never have been achieved without the Initiative & Referendum law in Calif. But an organization can pass around a petition and get tens of thousands of signatures. Even if it has no legal effect it will impress and scare elected officials. Calif. passed an initiative and referendum law in 1911, an extension to the right of petition. This allows the people to write a law and bypass corrupt state politicians. Without the right to petition, Proposition 13 would not have been passed.

Chapters One thru Seven tell of the work by this movement. 64,000 tax-exempt corporations and 18,000 charitable trusts paid no property taxes. Most of them were set up to get a tax break! Towns would raise assessments one year, then the tax rate the next (p.28). The enormous increases in property taxes priced young couples out of the market. And older people had lowered incomes.

Chapter 8 is his autobiography. He was born and raised in Utah. His father was a carpenter who studied law and became a judge. HJ studied law at the University of Utah by day and worked at a mill by night. He taught boxing in college, and fought as a professional. HJ also played semipro baseball for a copper mill (p.209). He had a varied and interesting life as a newspaper publisher, and then as a manufacturer. Pages 256-7 tell of his legal experiences with the patent on radio push-button tuning; they lost out to big corporations due to high level political decisions. He was part of the group that ran an ad for a Congressional candidate - they decided on "the guy in the sailor suit" (p.263).

Chapter Nine lists his political ideas. He advocates elimination all property taxes, and using income taxes (ability to pay), sales taxes (with some exemptions), and "other forms of taxes". HJ would encourage more public participation in the public business of government. He recommends limiting the size of government to limit the power of politicians. Public schools should be overhauled to create a better product. HJ wants more personal savings to replace the Social Security system. He also wants the US to have the most powerful military in the world, but doesn't want foreign entanglements.

In this book, Howard Jarvis tells his story. Mainly, the book deals with the victorious anti-tax movement in California in the beginning of 70's, but Mr. Jarvis also shares much more of his rich life experience with us. Among other, we'll learn how Mr. Jarvis successfully fought the trade unions' sabotage during WWII. The different subjects are in approppriate proportions and presented in a very interesting style. Even though I'm rather ignorant and uninterested of US inner politics, I found the book really fascinating.

I have just one advice to the readers of this book. The idea of forcing the hated clique of parasite politicians and civil servants on their knees might seem very attractive to you. However, I read lately that both Howard Jarvis and Paul Gann got killed under mysterious circumstances shortly after their triumph with the tax proposal. I don't know if it's true or not, but my advice would still be to avoid confronting governments openly. (Read "How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World" by Harry Browne to learn more about this subject.)

I like the book because it was very interesting for me. It reminded me of my parents who work in the fields. How they come home hungry, tire and dirty. When my family and I came here we didn't had anything any family who could help us out. My family suffered a lot. When I was reading the book I got into it because the same reason I felt like there were talking about my family. In the end it got more interesting because Jessie talk about her life how she helped Cesar Chavez. I think they did a lot for all Mexicans people. I enjoyed reading the book.

This is an outstanding portrayal of an amazing woman, why have we never heard of her before? Soto does an outstanding job of tracing Jessie's life and realistically tracing her accomplishments and triumphs as well as her set backs and disappointments. How can anyone do so much in so little time? We always hear of Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, yet this woman has never come into view. Now we can read all about her, thanks to Soto. This will be a best seller for sure. I think it is written for school age students but as an adult I marveled at its quality. Soto gives her the respect she deserves.

Gleaves Whitney's John Engler: The Man, The Leader & The Legacy is a superb book about one of the nation's most important governors in the last half-century. The book is must reading for those that wish to understand either the rise of the modern conservative movement or the attributes and sacrifices necessary for true political leadership.

The author, a long-time Engler speechwriter, interviewed over 150 individuals who had been a part of John Engler's life. The Engler story is told through their words, with narrative provided by the author. Make no mistake: this book is not a hagiography. While the book contains many glowing comments about Engler, it is also presents the viewpoints of Engler's adversaries. The Governor is accused of "lacking soul" by a liberal adversary (and she was not referring to his lyrical ability), heavily criticized by ostensible allies (such as the GOP Chairwoman), and painted as a thug by legislators from both parties. If you are looking for a warm and fuzzy story, you will not find it here.

What you will find is a remarkable account of a farm kid from Beal City, Michigan (a suburb of Mt. Pleasant) who never lost an election, despite the long odds against him (He knocked off 2 incumbent state reps, an incumbent senator, and an incumbent governor). You will also be treated to an account of how Engler took the reigns of high-tax, union-dominated Michigan and completely altered its character.

Engler defied the conventional wisdom in 1991 when he cut off tens of thousands of able-bodies welfare recipients from the public dole. Liberals predicted riots and rampant homelesness. Not only did Michigan avoid the aforementioned problems, but served as a laboratory of democracy for the welfare reform debate that was to shape the 1990's. Welfare reform seems so obvious, almost inevitable, today, but in 1991, welfare was thought untouchable. Engler was villified for his stand, but eventually won the debate because of the soundness of his ideas and the iron of his backbone.

Whitney's book also explores the role of Engler on the national scene. Besides Engler's role in the welfare debate, Whitney examines his experience in the 1996 Presidential campaign (he was almost chosen Vice-President) and Engler's most bitter political moment--McCain's victory over Bush in the Michigan Republican Primary.

I enjoyed the book, and hope you enjoy this rather novel approach to political biography. The author regards his work as the first draft of history. Let us thank the author for leaving so little to revise in subsequent drafts.

(Full disclosure: I am a friend of Gleaves Whitney, and I worked for Governor Engler 1997-99)

People who believe that public education, despite its woes, can be made to reform should read Gleaves Whitney's rich new documentary biography of Michigan's three-term Governor John Engler. Whitney provides street-level political evidence--personal testimonials, inaugural addresses, newspaper stories, op-eds, policy studies, and myriad interviews--that shows how a determined, clever, and duly elected leader can bring about long-term change. Readers can savor Engler's shrewd call, early in his tenure, to eliminate an inequitable state property tax that funded schools, his insistence on rigorous student testing as a guide to effective policy, his championing of charter schools and other choices for families condemned to failing schools. Engler achieved his successes against the demonizing tactics of the Michigan Education Association and other opponents who, interviewed here, seem chagrined at their failure and naivete. Whitney covers many more topics in this authorized yet evenhanded biography--welfare reform, the Governor's family life, economic boom, the three elections--but the thread of renewed educational opportunity runs throughout. The book is a valuable resource, giving a multifaceted view of the man who made Michigan a leadership state for education reform.

Mr. Jones describes the work experiences I've encountered as if he were in the same company. His easy to read book gets right to the point, offers ways to articulate concerns and entertains the reader at the same time.

I look forward to using this as a frame of reference prior to voicing my concerns and sharing this well written book with potential leaders in my workplace.

Many books do a great job at describing unproductive manager-employee relationships and current mainstream managerial techniques and their negative effects on employee growth and happiness. However, this book not only describes the situation, it actually gives the reader practical advise on how to work toward a solution.

William Jones provided me with the words I needed to effectively define and communicate my ideas and feelings about my job and work environment to co-workers and office leaders. With the framework he provided, I was able to look at my job with a critical eye, evaluate what I saw and initiate ongoing dialog with my managers in a language that they understand.

Before reading the book, I was close to quitting and moving on to another job where I probably would have encountered some of the same problems. Instead of running away from the problem and feeling like a quitter, this book empowered me to stay and make things better. It helped me begin my journey to an improved work environment!

Imagine this... a small church in the country that has been singing the SAME SONGS for 10 years. Imagine that the pianist is in her 60's and unfamiliar with much contemporary worship. Imagine that there is no one to lead the singings. Now imagine that a 24 year old girl is asked to help lead worship with her guitar and singing. Enter a multitude of problems. Obviously, the first thing I want to do is teach some new songs, but how? I want to submit to the Pastor, but still have some say in the selection of songs and styles. This was MY scenario and I had never led worship before. I had many ideas, but no idea how to make them work, and saw more obstacles than possibilities. I ordered 2 books by this author hoping he could help, and he did. I could not believe the number of problems that he addressed, or how graciously he dealt with them. He had already handled scenarios that I couldn't have imagined had I tried. I read the book every chance I had, then read it again. Over 3 years time, I have implemented MANY of the ideas presented here. Now our church knows hundreds of songs, and has sung styles from Spanish and Jewish to African worship with hand drums. The people don't look bored and they sing their hearts out! It has just been a completely awesome transformation and I do owe a great deal of credit to Mr. Kraeuter - if you ever read this review, let me say, "Thank you so much".

An invaluable reference for Worship Leaders and pastors. Tom lays things out in a clear and concise way and leaves you with gems that you can take with you to your church. A must have.

Our company recently hosted a presentation from David Peterson, one of the authors of Leader as Coach. His audience was a small group of HR managers and Training consultants. He provided us with a no nonsense, credible approach to coaching managers and leaders. The title of his presentation was quite true to that title, providing us with a clear vision of the state of the art and insights into the state of the practice.

David and Mary Dee's book, Leader as Coach, is the foundation for one of the clearest and most well-reasoned approaches to Coaching I have seen after a decade in this business. But don't stop with this book. Go on from here to Personnel Decisions International's Development FIRST and Supervisor's Handbook

This book has been both inspirational and motivational for me. I love the quotes and have used them when sending memos to people involved in my Masters active research project. The few colorful pictures are beautiful and representative of reaching high for the stars. The texture of the paper used is similar to a magazine's. I almost felt I was reading one, which felt more like leisure reading. The book is short, easy to read, and to the point. I've taken much of the advise while I've engaged as a leader in my project. I've made efforts to become a better listener, give positive feedback, inspire people to take risks, and built a bond of trust. I learned that I have to model the good habits I'd like others to practice. The strategies suggested are a must for people in the business world and adminstrators or leaders in education. The book is practical for anyone who assumes a leadership role and does not know how to begin the process. Thumbs up!

A couple days ago I was explaining the "Gordon model" to a coleague (we're both managers who work for a chain of restaurants). As we conversed, two of our new cooks, who were arguing about something, came to me to vent their frustrations. I'm sure they expected for me to decide which one of them was right about the situation and then take sides. Instead, using the No-Lose problem-solving techniques I learned from the book (finding solutions so that both parties get their needs met), I facilitated a session in which the cooks found a mutually satisfying solution to their problem. All I did is mediate, made sure they listened to one another. My coleague was amazed, noticing the gradual change in attitude and body language - the lowered resistence - as they both realized they could solve their problem in a way that was beneficial to both of them. Later in the day my colegue noticed the same two cooks who had been arguing earlier helping one another and making jokes as they worked through the evening rush.

I came into Amazon to order a copy of L.E.T. as a gift for my coleague when I saw there was an opportunity to pay back Dr. Gordon by reviewing the book. So, here's my pitch: There are management theories aplenty out there. But the fundamental truth is nothing will ever get done well if communication between people isn't smooth and effective. What I've managed to do, thanks to what I learned from L.E.T., is to fuse my team together and to create synergy. And, as the team has become more self-sufficient, that frees me up to do what I'm good at rather than always having to waste time fixing problems for them.

The techiques that Dr. Gordon teaches, I-Messages, Active Listening, etc., are tools that transcend workplace usufulness; they are techniques that help us in any kind of relationship, be they professional, personal or familial.

In short, BUY THIS BOOK!

I read the book in 1990, attended a seminar, and put the communication skills into practice in my work life and my personal life. Dr. Gordon does a great job of showing how to use "I-messages" and active listening to communicate effectively and to get folks to solve their own problems. There's even a good section on effective meetings.

Our company has made L.E.T. one of the foundation elements of supervisor training.

I enjoyed reading this book on leadership. As a young educator beginning to journey into the area of leadership, I found Dr. DeSpain's book to be very helpful. It caused me to reflect upon my own thoughts and experiences. I had to think about the kinds of leaders that had impressed me and the qualities that they demonstrated. I've come to realize to be a truly effective leader one must lead as a servant. This book discusses the characteristics of a true servant leader with real life stories to reflect upon. This book is a true must read for anyone interested in being an effective leader.

My name is Yancy Poorman, I am presently finishing my doctoral work through the University of Missouri, Columbia, in the Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis program. In preparation for this program I was most fortunate to have experienced the wisdom and enthusiasm of Dr. B.C. DeSpain first hand. As an instructor he diligently pursued servanthood in the leadership position. His intelligence becomes immediately evident in this work, much like his teaching. If you or someone you know is in or seeking a leadership position, or possibly you wish to assist someone currently in such a position; this is the book for you! A quick and easy read has never been so profound of the leadership role for successful change. After you experience this literary work on effective leadership you will be highly impressed. Though I am not sure, I believe Dr. DeSpain can be contacted for professional seminars and speaking engagements covering his very insightful views on serving those you wish to lead. It was so refreshing to be a part of someone actually practicing what they preach and finding it successful!