Open-book

This is such a great book-i would reccomend it to anyone! It is uplifting and after reading it you'll want to read it over and over again!

This book is a definite "feel good" book that I have passed along. It's a book made of love. Many stories helped me to remind me of the power of Christ.

I laughed, I cried, and then I cried some more! All in a good feeling sort of way. I would recommend this book to anyone, no matter what their belief system is. It definitely will impact them in many different ways. There are memories that come flooding back as they relate to the stories told. It makes you want to make sure you take advantage of all that is good and positive that we miss day to day by being to caught up in ourselves! I loved the book.

In his first book on Open-Book Management (OBM), the author builds the case for why a change in management practice is necessary, and why OBM in particular uniquely best addresses the issues needed for successful management today. Once one has read that book and is either interested enough to want to learn more or sold to the point he or she wants to implement it, then this book is the perfect follow-up.

This book focuses on the details, and they say the devil is always in the details. You could say the authors first book dealt more with the "WHY" and this deals more with the "HOW", though there is some crossover. By drawing experiences (both good and bad) from 100 companies, the reader can benefit enormously by not having to deal with as much trial-and-error personally. I highly recommend this book to those who are likely to implement OBM.

I recently re-read Case's Open-Book Management: The Coming Business Revolution (1996) and then this book (1999). Both are even more important now than when originally published. In this volume, Case develops his key ideas in much greater depth while examining more than 100 companies which -- to varying extent -- have implemented open-book principles. Perhaps without intending to, some reviewers have incorrectly suggested that these principles have relevance only to publicly-traded companies. In fact, I think they can also be of substantial value to non-profits as well as to privately-owned companies. Consider the over-used phrase "taking ownership" in the context of assuming responsibility for helping to reduce costs by completing more and better work in less time or in the context of assuming responsibility for making certain that a customer's problem has been solved. Heaven knows, what Case advocates will increase "business literacy" among everyone involved in a given enterprise but it can and should accomplish more, much more.

For example, effective application of open-book principles will create a "transparent" organization. That is, one in which everyone is kept fully informed of what is most important to the success of that enterprise. Such knowledge includes but is by no means is limited to financial information which explains, for example, how much it costs to open the door each business day or how much money is spent on training, overtime, postage, shipping, etc. According to Case, "Really the only way for a company to boost performance consistently over the long terms is to have employees who work enthusiastically and effectively and who take responsibility for their own work. Good systems -- meaning good procedures and equipment -- are indispensable. But what makes the difference in the end is whether the employees doing the job think about doing it just a little bit better and care whether they do or don't." At a time when competition is more ferocious than ever before, "battles" will be won or lost within what Case characterizes as "the human dimension of business -- the wanting, the caring, the enthusiasm, the problem solving and initiative taking." Open-book principles offer a new approach to management, one which starts from scratch with a new set of assumptions "about how people in an organization work together." In this volume, citing countless real-world applications of those principles, Case explains HOW...and, of equal importance, WHY.

If possible, read Open-Book Management first. You may also wish to check out Kaplan and Norton's The Balanced Scorecard: Translating Strategy into Action and then its sequel, The Strategy-Focused Organization: How Balanced Scorecard Companies Thrive in the New Business Environment. Perhaps the Lone Ranger could prevail armed only with a silver bullet but the rest of us need a full arsenal of weapons. Many of them are provided by Case, Kaplan, and Norton.

One of the best books yet on Open Book Management. Full of practical advice for anyone trying to use Open Book Management in their business. As anyone involved in implementing OBM will tell you, you need all the help you can get. This book has given us a host of new ideas and lots of hands on stuff to help us to make OBM a reality in our business. We hope the next book isn't far away.

Long overdue "Chicken Soup" collection for teachers. Nearly 400 pages filled with dozens of heartwarming true stories from the "pages of teachers' memories" saturated with wonderful experiences. For anyone who is out there, making a difference everyday, or for those who admire the dedication of those who selflessly give to the millions of children whose lives they affect and forever change.

The joy of teaching, summed up by testimonials of a few. There are not enough books to contain all of the wonder, the magic, the laughter and tears; the many precious gifts of this field of work. "Chicken Soup for the Teacher's Soul" makes a successful attempt at capturing the essence. Further volumes are certain to follow. This is a five star gem!*****

Teachers have always held a special place in my heart, from my first teachers in nursery school till the present day. This book is great for those who have had a special teacher in their lives, teachers who have been mentors and friends. Get this book, and even better, share it with that special teacher.

Heartwarming....the perfect gift for any teacher or yourself. You will be encouraged by these stories!

This incredible book of daily readings has enabled me to handle many difficult and confusing situations which I encounter at my place of work and elsewhere in life. The book provides clear and simple knowledge about ways to "change our minds" and become mindful of the place of balance within each of us. Highly recommended.

I've been reading this book over and over - year after year - for 5 years now. I start my day with it every morning and have given it to many women friends - who have also loved it. I highly recommend this for any woman who loves (and needs) a daily dose of mindfulness and inspiration.

This is an excellent daily reader for any woman wanting to become more spiritual-minded. I've used it for years! It will make a special gift for close friends.

Most kids love dinosaurs- well I know my 2 year old son does. . My son loves this book! Nice simple illustrations, good text with nice rhythm to the words. Flaps are pretty sturdy,stand up pretty well to the abuse. Nice little surprise ending to the story. Highly recommend this book for the preschooler.

My 2 1/2 year old loves this book. It is simple and fun

My son Steven is now seven years old. He has Down Syndrome. This is his favorite book and he knows it by heart. It brings him so much joy.

What do TQM, reengineering, empowerment, teaming, and even six sigma have in common? They all implement parts of open-book management. And that's the reason they all have spotty records- they were successful when they, accidentally, incorporated enough of the rest of open-book management.

The principle here is very simple- instead of your company or division relying on only the handful of minds at the top of the organization to improve the company, it treats all the employees as adults with brains and encourages everyone to work for the company's benefit. This also has the effect of reducing or eliminating office politics since everyone's pulling in the same direction.

How? Fortunately the process is pretty simple, though it needs to be tailored to each business. The pieces are:
1. Giving employees all relevant financial information,
2. Giving employees training to understand the financial information,
3. Giving employees appropriate responsibility for the numbers under their control, and
4. Giving employees appropriate stakes in the outcomes (through bonuses, stock, options, etc.).

When Open-Book Management was first in 1995, its subtitle suggested "The Coming Business Revolution." Well, that "revolution" has arrived and author John Case deserves much of the credit. In the Introduction, however, he makes it crystal clear that open-book management is NOT a panacea, is NOT a substitute for TQM or reengineering or any other operational overhaul, and is NOT a single system. In essence, open-book management helps companies to create a shared environment in which everyone understands that they are competing in a marketplace, trying to make money. But for whom? Frequently, effective ownership has been limited to relatively few people. In privately-held companies, usually to a single person and/or to a family. Presumably Case agrees with Al Ehrbar (author of EVA) that the traditional concept of "ownership" must be re-defined so that everyone involved in a given enterprise assumes personal responsibility for adding value. Hence the importance of recognition of peak performance but also the importance of financial incentives. "What's in it for me?" is a quite legitimate question. Given the increasingly greater impact of globalization, the information revolution, and what Case calls "entrepreneuralization", companies must find new and better ways to answer that question. For Case, each company needs a mission, a strategy. "But more than anything else it needs eager, willing employees, people who have a reason to care about their employer's prosperity and who know how to help it succeed."

Ultimately, the measurable value of open-book principles will be determined by several factors: The extent to which a company modifies them to accommodate its own circumstances; the extent to which employees in that company (top to bottom) commit to the program, once devised; and the extent to which everyone involved shares equitably (NOT equally) in the rewards.

Those who admire this book as much as I do will presumably want to read (if they have not already read) The Open-Book Field Book and The Open-Book Experience. These two books develop in much greater detail the material first introduced in Open-Book Management. Also, they provide an absolutely essential guide to deriving maximum benefit from John Case's wisdom and experience.

Case shows, with many examples from open book companies, that companies' performance really takes off (or pulls out of jeopardy) when they organize to: 1. Give all their financial information to all employees; 2. Teach employees to understand it; and 3. Give employees a financial stake in how the company performs. In summary, experience shows that employees at open book companies act like owners. Case shows exactly how to do it. Give this book to your boss!

I recently purchased this book for my daughter, also a mother, for her 30th birthday. The book, like all the other "Chicken Soup" books, is filled with writings that will make you smile, bring a tear to your eye, and cause you to reflect upon your own childhood memories of what you either had or perhaps, for whatever reason, did not have in a mother. If you are a mother, yourself, you will relate to the overwhelming love you feel for your children. You will realize how precious and wonderful they are and always will be throughout all the years to come. The book will make you want to hug them... just one more time while they are still yours to hold.

There is something contained in this book for everyone, and written in the typical fashion of pervious books of this nature, each page is a joy to read and incredibly inspiring and heart-warming. For those who have daughters who are also mothers, this book will rekindle that special bond that, every now and then, one takes for granted once they "take wings and leave the nest" to conquer the world on their own. The book speaks of silent thoughts we often neglect to put into words to the children we love so very much. It is a beautiful book!

Another wonderful chicken soup book!!! Full of beautiful heart warming stories and quotes. I enjoyed this book as much as any other of the Chicken Soup books (which is quite a bit). I love the sad, happy, joyful and beautiful stories. Is this book only for mothers though? The answer is definitely no! Dads, grandmas, grandpas, sisters, brothers, anyone whose ever raised and cared for a life younger than them should read this book.

The eloquent script that spills from it's engrossing pages enthralled my very being. A definite must read for the common man interested in learning more about all things prayerful. Truly a universal book of prayer that will make a wonderful holiday gift.

The elequint script that spills from it's engrosing pages enthralled my very being. A definate must read for the common man interested in learning more about all things prayerful. Truly a universal book of prayer that will make a wonderful holiday gift.

This book teaches you how you can overcome negative or bad things that happened and that makes you feel down or depressed. It shows that most of the time, when something happens, it can lead to a much better opportunity. So many inspiring examples are given and shows you how uplifting it can be reading about famous people that went through struggles before they became famous. Success-street is not easy-street! It is a highly recommended book, definetly worthwhile reading, especially when things don't look they are going your way.

Having been fired from a job which I loved (an editor) for writing about the TRUTH - I found that this book enabled me to redefine who I was and where I was going. Consequently, I just finished my first novel - a passion that has been a lifelong dream.

As a big hockey fan, and a goaltender, this was just required reading. Yet, it turned out to be more. This well written, quick read was a gas to enjoy and quote. I will be glad to read others by George Plimpton, and I'm already on the hunt for PAPER LION.
I guess thats my ringing endorcement. If I'm looking to read a book on football, the author must be wonderful. Quick, funny, well written, and vastly enjoyable, you wont regret buying this book, no matter what the price.

This book was a real joy to read. It was a pleasure to take in George's unique observations as he bravely went where no non-athlete has been before, between the pipes to guard the goal of the famed Boston Bruins.

What makes this book so special is George's lack of prejudice and his ability to tell a story complete with the smells, sights, thoughts, feelings and emotions of being completely overwhelmed by a situation that he has absolutely no control over.

His story-telling is succinct and yet descriptive enough so that the reader feels like s/he is in the room with George, as he talks with players, coaches, hockey wives, fans, etc.

Throughout the book, it amused me to picture George holding a conversation these hockey players - his Ivy-league mesmerisms and accent remarkable proof that he is a stranger in this crowd.

It is impressive that Plimpton is not judgmental in his analysis of this much maligned sport. He has a splendid time in his experiences, and I had an equally splendid time reading his book. Don't worry that this book was published in the 80s, as this is a timeless storytelling achievement.

This has to be George Plimpton's best book. I've read this book and could not put it down. If you are a hockey fan, or a George Plimpton fan I highly recommend this book.