This book was so good that I am tempted to listen to it again. Mr. Pink talks about the importance of apply both a left- and right-brain approach to life and work in this "Conceptual Age". Mr. Pink does not discount left brain thinking; rather, he feels that we must use both sides to survive in this new age.
He discusses 6 attributes needed by 21st century workers to survive and prosper which include:
1. designing
2. story telling
3. empathy
4. big picture
5. play
6. meaning/purpose
At the end of each chapter, Mr. Pink provides resources and exercise to furter learn and apply what he covered.
I strongly recommend this book.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
"Good to Great" by Jim Collins
This is another fascinating book by Professor Jim Collins. Like "Built to Last" and "How the Mighty Fall", Mr. Collins lectures about the book rather than reading from it verbatim.
For reviews on this book, click here.
Mr. Collins is not only knowledgeable about this topic but has a passion to teach others. You can purchase the audiobook for under $35 which is a great deal to hear a Stanford professor lecture for several hours.
For reviews on this book, click here.
Mr. Collins is not only knowledgeable about this topic but has a passion to teach others. You can purchase the audiobook for under $35 which is a great deal to hear a Stanford professor lecture for several hours.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
"Mark's Story" by LaHaye and Jenkins
From the authors of the "Left Behind" series comes this 2nd work in the "Jesus Chonicles". Written in the same format and style of the "Left Behind" series, the authors bring to life the actual characters who witnessed the 3-year ministry of Jesus Christ. Like their first book "John's Story", this book chronicles the events and historical context surrounding the author.
Also, as in "John's Story", the complete gospel is read upon the conclusion of the story.
Of the two, I enjoyed "John's Story" more; nevertheless, I do recommend them both as they introduce actual characters as well as fictional ones. Research into these other characters makes for some interesting learning.
For more on this book, click here.
Also, as in "John's Story", the complete gospel is read upon the conclusion of the story.
Of the two, I enjoyed "John's Story" more; nevertheless, I do recommend them both as they introduce actual characters as well as fictional ones. Research into these other characters makes for some interesting learning.
For more on this book, click here.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
"Grant and Sherman: The Friendship that Won the Civil War"
This was a fascinating book that chronicled the close relationship between two Union generals in the Civil War: Ulysses S. Grant and William Tecumseh Sherman.
Both men trusted and wanted the best for each other. Both men had overcome personal demons in their respective lives to rise to prominent roles that greatly impacted the war's outcome.
After the Battle of Vicksburg, General Grant's superior, General McClernand, an ambitious politician turned military man, attempted to marginalize Grant's role in the Union victory. Grant, feeling despondent over taking on a less active role in the war, was about to resign. It was Sherman's personal plea to Grant coupled with his communications to his US Senator brother that prevented this resignation. The real acount of Grant's contributions had made their way up to President Lincoln.
After Sherman had negotiated peace terms with Confederate General Johnston, he was chastised by Union politicians for having granted too lenient of terms. There were even fears that Sherman planned to seize Washington DC with his huge and loyal Army. Grant knew that Sherman had no such plans and intervened to protect his friend's reputation and career.
For more on this book, click here.
Both men trusted and wanted the best for each other. Both men had overcome personal demons in their respective lives to rise to prominent roles that greatly impacted the war's outcome.
After the Battle of Vicksburg, General Grant's superior, General McClernand, an ambitious politician turned military man, attempted to marginalize Grant's role in the Union victory. Grant, feeling despondent over taking on a less active role in the war, was about to resign. It was Sherman's personal plea to Grant coupled with his communications to his US Senator brother that prevented this resignation. The real acount of Grant's contributions had made their way up to President Lincoln.
After Sherman had negotiated peace terms with Confederate General Johnston, he was chastised by Union politicians for having granted too lenient of terms. There were even fears that Sherman planned to seize Washington DC with his huge and loyal Army. Grant knew that Sherman had no such plans and intervened to protect his friend's reputation and career.
For more on this book, click here.
Monday, January 25, 2010
"Re-Imagine!" by Tom Peters
Mr. Peters has been a highly successful writer, consultant, and circuit speaker. The man professes to spend 200 nights per year on the road and is quite engaging. I found this book, read by author, however, as shallow and full of intellectual bravado. His style, laced with profanity, grew old. I had a difficult time slogging through the book almost quitting numerous times.
Twenty years ago, most in business hung on Mr. Peters' every word. Based upon this work, I suggest that Mr. Peters re-imagine his material, its delivery, and his message. It has grown stale.
I do not recommend spending 8 hours listening to Mr. Peter's "Re-Imagine!".
Twenty years ago, most in business hung on Mr. Peters' every word. Based upon this work, I suggest that Mr. Peters re-imagine his material, its delivery, and his message. It has grown stale.
I do not recommend spending 8 hours listening to Mr. Peter's "Re-Imagine!".
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
"April, 1865" by Jay Winik
This was one of the best history books to which I have ever been exposed. Actually, I purchased the audio version which was Professor Jay Winik lecturing about the book. It was about 13 hours of listening but it was extremely riveting; so much so that I have already listened to it twice. I plan to hear it again soon.
Professor Winik is not only very knowledgeable on the topic but conveys a real sense of depicting the events and political and social climates as they were in 1865.
He shares some poignant moments such as President Lincoln's visit to Richmond after its fall and how he befriended slaves imploring them not to bow down in worship to him. Lincoln went on to see General Pickett's wife who came to the door with her infant son. Lincoln promised Pickett's wife that he would pardon the General for he did not want to the child grow up without a father.
Further, Professor Winik shared how General Robert E. Lee expressed that he had surrendered just as much "to Abraham Lincoln's goodness" as he did to General Grant's army.
Finally, Professor Winik describes how President Lincoln upon completing his 2nd Inaugural speech of "with malice tward none, charity to all...." bowed down, kissed the Bible on the podium, and softly uttered "so help me, God".
Professor Winik is not only very knowledgeable on the topic but conveys a real sense of depicting the events and political and social climates as they were in 1865.
He shares some poignant moments such as President Lincoln's visit to Richmond after its fall and how he befriended slaves imploring them not to bow down in worship to him. Lincoln went on to see General Pickett's wife who came to the door with her infant son. Lincoln promised Pickett's wife that he would pardon the General for he did not want to the child grow up without a father.
Further, Professor Winik shared how General Robert E. Lee expressed that he had surrendered just as much "to Abraham Lincoln's goodness" as he did to General Grant's army.
Finally, Professor Winik describes how President Lincoln upon completing his 2nd Inaugural speech of "with malice tward none, charity to all...." bowed down, kissed the Bible on the podium, and softly uttered "so help me, God".
Sunday, January 3, 2010
"Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?" by Lewis V. Gerstner, Jr.
Don't let the title turn you away. This is a very insightful business book on how a seasoned, mature, and experienced executive helped to turn IBM away from the precipice and returned it to profitability. This book was enjoyable and well worth time investment.
My biggest takeaway from this book, as a middle manager, is to hire those who have a passion about what they do, not just someone looking to draw a paycheck. Those who have that passion will commit the time and effort to assist your organization to achieve excellent results because they love what they do.
Below is the publisher's summary.
In 1990, IBM had its most profitable year ever. By 1993, the company was on a watch list for extinction, victimized by its own lumbering size, an insular corporate culture, and the PC era IBM had itself helped invent.
Enter Lou Gerstner. The presumption was that Gerstner had joined IBM to preside over its continued dissolution into a confederation of autonomous business units, effectively eliminating the corporation that had invented many of the industry's most important technologies. Instead, Gerstner took hold of the company, making the bold decision to keep it together, defiantly announcing, "The last thing IBM needs right now is a vision."
Told in Lou Gerstner's own words, this is a story of an extraordinary turnaround, a case study in managing a crisis, and a thoughtful reflection on the computer industry and the principles of leadership. Summing up his historic business achievement, Gerstner recounts high-level meetings, explains the no-turning-back decisions that had to be made, and offers his hard-won conclusions about the essence of what makes a great company run.
My biggest takeaway from this book, as a middle manager, is to hire those who have a passion about what they do, not just someone looking to draw a paycheck. Those who have that passion will commit the time and effort to assist your organization to achieve excellent results because they love what they do.
Below is the publisher's summary.
In 1990, IBM had its most profitable year ever. By 1993, the company was on a watch list for extinction, victimized by its own lumbering size, an insular corporate culture, and the PC era IBM had itself helped invent.
Enter Lou Gerstner. The presumption was that Gerstner had joined IBM to preside over its continued dissolution into a confederation of autonomous business units, effectively eliminating the corporation that had invented many of the industry's most important technologies. Instead, Gerstner took hold of the company, making the bold decision to keep it together, defiantly announcing, "The last thing IBM needs right now is a vision."
Told in Lou Gerstner's own words, this is a story of an extraordinary turnaround, a case study in managing a crisis, and a thoughtful reflection on the computer industry and the principles of leadership. Summing up his historic business achievement, Gerstner recounts high-level meetings, explains the no-turning-back decisions that had to be made, and offers his hard-won conclusions about the essence of what makes a great company run.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
