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The
CEO Refresher Reviewers
BEST BOOKS
The Best
Books
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
2001
The
Best Business Books
of All Time!
refresherbooks
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A
Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative
by Roger Von Oech
This is the 25th anniversary edition of the creativity classic by Dr. Roger
von Oech. The book has been stimulating creativity in millions of readers,
translated into eleven languages, and used in seminars around the world. Now
Roger von Oech's fully illustrated and updated volume is filled with even
more provocative puzzles, anecdotes, exercises, metaphors, cartoons, questions,
quotations, stories, and tips designed to systematically break through your
mental blocks and unlock your mind for creative thinking. This new edition
will attract an entire new generation of readers with updated and mind-stretching
material. |
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The
Game-Changer: How You Can Drive Revenue and Profit Growth with Innovation
by A.G. Lafley and Ram Charan
Over the
past seven years, Procter & Gamble has tripled profits; significantly improved
organic revenue growth, cash flow, and operating margins; and averaged earnings
per share growth of 12 percent. How? A. G. Lafley and his leadership team
have integrated innovation into everything P&G does and created new customers
and new markets. Through eye-opening stories A. G. Lafley and Ram Charan show
how P&G and companies such as Honeywell, Nokia, LEGO, GE, HP, and DuPont have
become game-changers. Innovation is not a separate, discrete activity but
the job of everyone in a leadership position and the integral, central driving
force for any business that wants to grow organically and succeed on a sustained
basis. |
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The Milkshake Moment: Overcoming Stupid Systems, Pointless
Policies and Muddled Management to Realize Real Growth
by Steven S. Little
The Milkshake Moment is that instant in
time when the 21st century “organizational person” realizes they are allowed
to do the right thing even though that may contradict the “systems” already
in place. Through this one potent illustration, Little lays groundwork for
the irrefutable proposition that “stupid systems, pointless policies, and
muddle management,” are the greatest barriers to any organization’s future
success. This one will "twist your head" and get you to re-think your "rules." Time to unleash the creativity of your people! (ed.) |
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Value Creation
by Ron Strauss and William Neal
The authors demonstrate a measurement system that allows the brand owner to
measure brand value and brand equity and diagnose a brand’s strengths and
weaknesses in the marketplace. Ron Strauss and Bill Neal each bring 35-plus
years of in-the-trenches marketing and marketing research observations and
experiences with some of the world’s leading companies. Their ideas and concepts
are new and powerful, and are sure to stimulate much thought and discussion
on the part of practitioners, academics and students. Best of all, Neal and
Strauss show the reader how to improve performance in a way that is understandable
and actionable. |
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Executive Stamina: How to Optimize Time, Energy, and Productivity to Achieve Peak Performance
by Marty Seldman and Joshua Seldman
In Executive Stamina, you'll find hundreds of tips and tools that will help you maximize your career
potential, while maintaining your health, staying in touch with your values,
and avoiding costly tradeoffs in your personal life. It starts by learning
how to align your career ambitions with your core values, commitments, current
priorities, and long-term goals. You'll learn to determine what is most important
to you, whether your schedule is actually aligned with your priorities, and
how to find your career sweet spot. It's an excellent resource. |
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The Breakthrough Imperative
by Mark Gottfredson and Steve Schaubert
Knowing what to do and in what sequence can be an overwhelming challenge. Nearly every CEO and general manager today is expected by his stakeholders to achieve new breakthroughs in performance. Despite the intensity of these pressures, despite the high expectations and short time frames, a number of CEOs and general managers turn in truly exceptional results. The managers who succeed do so because they have a firm handle on the fundamentals of their business. Where are they today? Where do they need to go? And how will they get there?
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Hug
Your People: Hire, Inspire and Recognize Your Employees to Achieve Remarkable
Results
by Jack Mitchell
"Giving great personalized customer service has always been the foremost goal
in my family, but one thing we never lose sight of is that you can't possibly
deliver great service if you don't treat your own associates right." So says
Jack Mitchell, CEO of his family's astoundingly successful chain of clothing
stores. In Hug Your People, he shares his secrets for creating happy
employees, secrets as simple as they are revolutionary. (Thanks Jack!) |
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How
To Talk To Customers Create a Great Impression Every Time with MAGIC
by Diane Berenbaum
and Tom Larkin
Every once in a while, we as consumers have a truly wonderful experience as
a customer of a company. These interactions leave us feeling so positive about
our purchase, our relationships with the company, and ourselves that we say,
“The experience was magic!” From LL Bean to American Century Investments to
Nordstrom there are a select few organizations—some that you have heard of
and some that you haven't—that serve their customers at world-class levels
day in and day out. How to Talk to Customers outlines how world-class companies Make A Great Impression on the Customer
every time with every customer. Just as important, the book shows how these
wonderfully positive instances of customer contact create the key to long-term
success: customer and employee loyalty. |
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The
IT Value Stack: The Boardroom Guide to It Leadership
by Ade McCormack
Successful IT value realisation is a cloudy subject. This in part contributes
to the overall dissatisfaction many organisations have with IT. This book
tackles the subject of IT value realisation head on. Most importantly it provides
a model to help CIOs and business leaders maximize the return on their IT
investment. This book is based on the author’s IT Value Stack methodology,
which helps business leaders take control of their IT investment. Boardroom-bound
CIOs will also find this book of value. As will those that advise on strategic
business-IT matters. |
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Back
of the Napkin: Solving Problems and Selling Ideas with Pictures
by Dan Roam
Used properly, a simple drawing on a humble napkin is more powerful than Excel
or PowerPoint. It can help crystallize ideas, think outside the box, and communicate
in a way that people simply "get". Dan Roam argues that everyone
is born with a talent for visual thinking, even those who swear they can't
draw. The Back Of The Napkin proves that thinking with pictures can help anyone
discover and develop new ideas, solve problems in unexpected ways, and dramatically
improve their ability to share their insights. This book will help readers
literally see the world in a new way. |
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Ask
for It: How Women Can Use the Power of Negotiation to Get What They Really
Want
by Linda Babcock
and Sara Laschever
Ask for It explains why it’s essential to ask (men do it all the time) and
teaches you how to ask effectively, in ways that feel comfortable to you as
a woman. Whether you currently avoid negotiating like the plague or consider
yourself hard-charging and fearless, Babcock and Laschever’s compelling stories
of real women will help you recognize how much more you deserve. |
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Pearls,
Politics, & Power: How Women Can Win and Lead
by Madeleine
M. Kunin
Pearls, Politics, and Power is a call to action for new political engagement
and leadership from the women of America. Informed by conversations with elected
women leaders from all levels, former three-term Vermont Governor and Ambassador
to Switzerland Madeleine M. Kunin asks: What difference do women make? What
is the worst part of politics, and what is the best part? What inspired these
women to run, and how did they prepare themselves for public life? |
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The
Expert's Edge: Become the Go-To Authority People Turn to Every Time
by Ken Lizotte
An action-ready program of proven success strategies, this easy-to-follow
game plan can turn any level of entrepreneur into the must-have expert that
prospects and media seek out before all others. You raise your profile, expand
demand for your services, and increase your profits. Just follow the “Five
Pillars of Thoughtleading”: publish articles and books; speak regularly to
groups and companies;. inspire with “fresh” thinking; attract ongoing media
attention; and leverage the Internet creatively. |
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What
To Do When You Become The Boss
by Bob Selden
This is
an exceptional handbook for the new manager. It's comprehensive - covering
leading and managing, managing your team, managing upwards and sideways, managing
your meetings and managing yourself. It's an extremely valuable off-the-shelf
personal management development training course, with very relevant case studies
and actionable insights all based on the most contemporary and sound leadership
values and principles. A very unique and engaging feature is the opportunity
to use the book according to your preferred approach to learning. Selden has
"put it all together" in one of the best management handbooks I
have ever read. This should be required reading for all new managers and a
required "refresher" for everyone else. |
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Outsmart
the MBA Clones: The Alternative Guide to Competitive Strategy, Marketing,
and Branding
by Dan Herman
Dr. Dan Herman is breaking new ground and old saws with his book, Outsmart
the MBA Clones. The book cracks the secret of companies that have been immensely
successful for many years, are adored by their customers, and yet are not
imitated by competitors. This position, coined "Unfair Advantage" by Dr. Herman,
provides companies with their own private monopoly. This is a must read for anyone who thinks strategically about their business, and it will "twist your head" to see strategy, marketing and branding in a new and refreshing light. Excellent work Dan! |
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Myself
and Other More Important Matters
by Charles
Handy
The author of The Age of Unreason, The Empty Raincoat, and The Elephant and
the Flea shares more of his bestselling brand of wisdom concerning the big
choices we have to make in life. The well-known business guru draws on the lessons of his own life to help
us map out the main stages of our lives, and shows us how to navigate through
the tough decisions we have to make at every phase. He gives us his personal
thoughts on life's big questions and turning points, mining his own experience
to tell us what he's learned along the way. This is a very interesting and enjoyable read. |
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The
Open Brand: The When Push Comes to Pull in a Web-Made World
by Kelly Mooney
and Nita Rollins
Push marketing tactics have been superseded by new forms of influence. These
include the creating, sharing and influencing behaviors of an online population
no longer content merely to consume, and the potent pairing of digital notoriety
and network effects, which has given rise to the icitizenry. The authors illuminate
a new business imperative - to open up to consumer involvement in a brand's
messages and offerings. The essential consumer experiences are On-demand,
Personal, Engaging, and Networked experiences, representing the chief values
of the web-made world. (Wow! ed.) |
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Moose
on the Table: A Novel Approach to Communications @ Work
by Jim Clemmer
Failed communications are crippling workplaces across the globe – sapping
energy from staff and weakening entire organizations. Jim Clemmer calls this
breakdown the Moose-on-the-Table. Just like dysfunctional families, many teams
find it easier to avoid tough conversations. But rarely do problems get better
when left unaddressed. Rather, the moose grow larger, breed, and increase
the size of the herd. How many moose are lurking in your organization? How
do you know? What are you doing to reduce the moose? Great work Jim! (ed.) |
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The
Source of Leadership: Eight Drivers of the High-impact Leader
by David M. Traversi
David Traversi identifies and instructs how
to develop eight personal drivers, energies deep within - presence, clarity
(of thought, emotion, and behavior), openness, intention, personal responsibility,
intuition, creativity, and connected communication - each of which drives
several of the traits and functions of the effective leader. The leader who
develops these personal energies will achieve maximum effectiveness as a leader,
as well as a deep sense of contentment and fulfillment as a person. With the
burgeoning trend toward seeking a deeper grounding personally as a means of
performing better professionally, The Source of Leadership is the early
"defining voice" of this new trend in the leadership area. |
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EPIC
Change: How to Lead Change in the Global Age
by Timothy
R. Clark
Dr. Timothy R. Clark unveils the "Power Curve of Change" framework and EPIC
system for change management (Evaluate, Prepare, Implement, Consolidate) for
leaders who are charged to lead high-stakes change initiatives in their organizations.
Epic Change presents a strategic-level road map, along with tactical level
tools, for the every-day needs of leaders who must respond to all types of
adaptive challenge to remain competitive. It represents a comprehensive, research-based
program for leaders who want to develop the indispensable competency of leading
change in a permanently and profoundly different age. |
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What
the Customer Wants You to Know: How Everybody Needs to Think Differently About
Sales
by Ram Charan
This book defines a new approach to selling — which Charan calls value creation
selling. It will enable you to:
gain a deeper knowledge of your customer’s problems; understand how your customer’s
company really makes decisions; help your customer improve margins and drive
revenue growth; connect sales with other key functions such as finance and
manufacturing; come up with new customized offerings; make price much less
of an issue. VCS differentiates you from the competition, paving the way to
better pricing, better margins, and higher revenue growth, built on win-win
relationships that deepen over time. All good stuff! (ed.) |
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Speak
to Win: How to Present with Power in Any Situation
by Brian Tracy
The ability to speak with confidence and deliver winning presentations can
accelerate your career, earn people’s great respect, and enable you to achieve
your greatest -- even most impossible-seeming goals. But what many people
don't realize is that anyone can learn to be a great speaker, just as easily
as they can learn to drive a car or ride a bike! As one of the world’s premier
speakers and personal success experts, Brian Tracy is the ideal instructor.
Brimming with unbeatable strategies for winning people over every time, Tracy
lets readers in on his most powerful presentation secrets in this indispensable
handbook. |
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Kaizen
and the Art of Creative Thinking - The Scientific Thinking Mechanism
by Shigeo Shingo
Once again Dr. Shigeo Shingo will amaze you. Along with Taiichi Ohno, Dr.
Shingo co-developed TPS (LEAN) with his deep understanding of how to improve
the overall process of production. Dr. Shingo reveals how he taught Toyota
and other Japanese companies the art of identifying and solving problems.
Many companies in the West are trying to emulate Lean but few can do it. Why
not? Possibly, because we in the West do not recognize, develop and support
the creative potential of every worker in solving problems. Toyota makes all
employees problem solvers. Dr. Shingo gives you the tools to do it. Fascinating book (ed.) |
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One
Foot out the Door: How to Combat the Psychological Recession That's Alienating
Employees and Hurting American Business
by Judith M. Bardwick
As many as two-thirds of our employees are either actively looking for new
jobs or merely going through the motions at their current jobs. This phenomenon,
identified by renowned author Judith M. Bardwick as "the psychological recession,"
can have a devastating effect on a company’s financial health. Using hard numbers and current
studies that prove the direct connection between a company’s financial performance
and its employees’ commitment, this book is a wake-up call to organizations
desperately needing to restore the broken spirits at the heart of their companies,
and enhance their bottom lines. |
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Meatball Sundae: Is Your Marketing out of Sync?
by Seth Godin
Meatball Sundae has the absolute worst book cover I have ever seen however, content rules and Seth never fails to enlighten and poke you into the new era of marketing. It's the definitive guide to the fourteen trends no marketer
can afford to ignore. It explains what to do about the increasing power of
stories, not facts; about shorter and shorter attention spans; and about the
new math that says five thousand people who want to hear your message are
more valuable than five million who don’t. (Please read that last sentence again!) Godin doesn’t pretend
that it’s easy to get your products, marketing messages, and internal systems
in sync. But he’ll convince you that it’s worth the effort. |
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Something
Really New: Three Simple Steps to Creating Truly Innovative Products
by Denis J. Hauptly
From an electronic hotel kiosk that provides return airline boarding passes
for guests, to something as mundane as the evolution of the toaster, the book
provides entertaining, illuminating examples that show how to determine what
customer needs aren’t being met, using simple methods to arrive at revolutionary
conclusions. For example, "What is a product really used for?" The question
may seem elementary, but the right answer is far from obvious. This and other
key questions demonstrate how readers can move beyond mere market research
to get to the root of real innovation. |
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Integrity:
Do You Have It by Dennis Aubuchon
reviewed by Steven G. Lauck
Dennis Aubuchon has written a book that sets the definition standard for integrity: Integrity, Do You Have It? The book not only provides a definition
of Integrity and how to spot it or the lack of it, it provides a guide to
live with more Integrity. I highly recommend this book and I see it as a start
to the real-world understanding of Integrity. It is up to those who choose
to digest this book to go forth and apply the standard. |
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Launching
a Leadership Revolution: Mastering the Five Levels of Influence
by Chris Brady and Orrin Woodward
Utilizing an abundance of historical examples, the authors have developed
a unique 5-step plan that charts a course for creating and maintaining strong
leadership in any organization.The plan guides the reader through the "Five
Levels of Influence": Learning - a leader must be able to learn from anyone;
Performing - perservere through failure to find success; Leading - extend your
ability by expanding your team; Developing Leaders - learn to trust your people; Develop Leaders who Develop Leaders - create a legacy. This book is full
of prescriptive advice, quotes and anecdotes that illustrate their principles. |
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Human
Sigma: Creating
Value at the Employee - Customer Encounter
by John H.
Fleming and Jim Asplund
The groundbreaking methodology
Six Sigma changed the face of manufacturing quality. Now, HumanSigma is poised
to do the same for sales and service. It incorporates cutting-edge
research in the neurosciences and behavioral economics — including brain imaging
research into customer’s emotional connections to the companies they love
— with proven techniques for improving workforce performance and revenues
generated from existing customers. This practical handbook appeals to senior
leaders and line managers alike who are looking for a way to dramatically
increase productivity, retain high value customers, and enhance organizational
performance. |
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It's Not About the Coffee: Leadership Principles from a Life
at Starbucks
by Howard Behar
Howard Behar, former President of Starbucks International, has written a most sincere and concise manifesto of leadership for this age. You will enjoy this little book and I'm sure you will relate to the stories of leading and learning of how Starbucks has become such an incredible institution in our world today. It is about the coffee, and it is about creative leadership, important principles and values. The one contribution that most inspires is Yes as the most powerful word in the world. "Yes is freeing and inspiring. It means permission. It means possibility. Saying yes makes you feel good." Thank you Howard - you've done great work! |
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The Innovative Leader: How to Inspire Your Team and Drive Creativity
by Paul Sloane
How can you transform your people from cubicle dwellers into innovation warriors? How can you turn your complacent organization into a powerhouse of invention and entrepreneurial achievement? How can you replace a culture of comfortable incremental progress into one of hungry adventure? Paul Sloane is a recognized expert on innovation, lateral thinking and leadership, and his book is an adventure. It's about two hundred pages of "bite-sized chunks" that will twist your head to see what is possible. So, do as the author suggests and "start biting and start the revolution." Thanks Paul! (ed.) |
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Negotiation Genius: How to Overcome Obstacles and Achieve Brilliant Results
at the Bargaining Table and Beyond
by Deepak Malhotra and Max Bazerman
Whether you’ve “seen it all” or are just starting out, Negotiation Genius will dramatically improve your negotiating skills and confidence. Drawing
on decades of behavioral research plus the experience of thousands of business
clients, the authors take the mystery out of preparing for and executing negotiations—whether
they involve multimillion-dollar deals or improving your next salary offer.
It gives you detailed strategies that work in the
real world even when the other side is hostile, unethical, or more powerful.
When you finish it, you will already have an action plan for your next negotiation.
You will know what to do and why. |
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The Engine of America: The Keys to Small Business Success From Entrepreneurs Who Have Made It
by Hector V. Barreto
Former administrator of the Small Business Administration Hector Barreto and veteran journalist Bob Wagman reveal the winning business strategies of CEOs from 50 companies. For all those starting or growing their own small business, the wisdom, experience, and counsel of these successful leaders provides inspirational and thoughtful advice on making it as an entrepreneur.
Some of those sharing their stories have grown their businesses from the most humble of beginnings into corporate giants. Others may not be instantly recognizable, but what they have in common is success. |
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How
to Become a Marketing Superstar:
Unexpected Rules That Ring the Cash Register
by Jeffrey Fox
Jeffrey Fox has written many excellent books and his “How to Become a Marketing Superstar” is one of my all time favourites. This is a quick study that every CEO should read before every single marketing presentation from this day forward. And if you’re in marketing making those presentations, you should read it weekly and then once again before you present anything to your CEO, especially if she’s read it lately. |
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Keeper
of The Flame:
How to Inspire Others on the Cusp of Change
by Mike Lipkin
The author says it all: "In the New Normal, it's not good enough just
being excellent. Excellence merely gives you the right to play. On the Cusp-of-Change,
you have to be Brilliant. You have to be A Keeper of The Flame: Someone who
goes first; Someone with a heightened awareness of her impact on others; someone
who is her own best coach; someone in total sync with her environment; Someone
embedded with the authority of both competence and character; Someone who
inspires others to be their Personal Best; Someone like you. Someone like
the person you will become. Or Someone like the person you need to rediscover."
Please allow yourself to be inspired! (ed.) |
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Focus
on the Good Stuff:
The Power of Appreciation
by Mike
Robbins
Focus on the Good Stuff shows you how you can dramatically enhance
the quality of your life and relationships by focusing on what you’re grateful
for, who you appreciate, and all the good stuff around you. The book is
filled with action items, ideas, and practices that help you bring more appreciation
into your life, thus giving you a deep sense of peace, satisfaction, and gratitude.
The above link will take you to the first chapter of the book. |
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There
Is No Box
by Steve Coats
and Tom Heuer
There is No Box describes the internal attributes that were most consistent
among those who went out on a limb and stepped up to find imaginative, innovative,
even groundbreaking growth opportunities. Rather than providing another look
at the tasks or activities that you must do to produce change, this book focuses
on what you must have, in order to let go of your self-imposed box of limitations
and discover, produce and lead growth. There is No Box clarifies those
attributes that you must have in order to do what it takes to change and grow
your piece of the world. |
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Microtrends:
The Small Forces Behind Tomorrow's Big Changes
by Mark Penn and E. Kinney Zalesne
Mark Penn shows readers how to identify the microtrends that can transform a
business enterprise, tip an election, spark a movement, or change your life.
In today's world, small groups can have the biggest impact. Penn identifies
more than seventy microtrends in religion, leisure, politics, and family life that
are changing the way we live. It's fascinating reading with insights on every page. |
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Tales
of People Who Get It
by Avil Beckford
Tales of People Who Get It is based on the ideas, actions and beliefs
that were uncovered in interviews of 34 successful individuals from Canada,
the United States, Sweden, Switzerland, Jamaica and South Africa. It is a
practical, interesting and instructive guide of actual experiences in overcoming
difficult challenges and achieving success. Avil Beckford identifies several common
qualities in the stories and presents them as her 'ItnessPoints" - a
wonderful concept. Do you have it? Read this book and you just might 'get it!'
(ed.) |
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The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success:
A Practical Guide to the Fulfillment of Your Dreams
by Deepak Chopra
Seven chapters and seven laws. Deepak Chopra explains the laws of pure potentiality, giving, karma, least effort, intention and desire, detachment, and dharma and includes suggestions on how to apply these fundamental, natural principles if one is truly searching for purpose and a satisfying life. Timeless wisdom and serenity. (ed.) |
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Work Like You're Showing Off: The Joy, Jazz, and Kick of Being Better Tomorrow Than You Were Today
by Joe Calloway
After twenty-six years of studying and working with top performers, Calloway shares the key factors for creating success without pulling any punches. Work Like You're Showing Off advises you to stop talking and start doing. Be focused, productive, and above all else, intentional in your pursuit of happiness. Showoffs go "all in" and call everyone else's bluff with the confidence that their capability and productivity will speak for itself. In the author's words, "Let's be too much. I'm in. How about you?" This book will inspire. (ed.) |
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People Savvy: For Sales Professionals
by Gregory Stebbins, Ed.D.
This is quite an incredible guide to earning customer trust and creating lifelong relationships. In the words of the author, "When customers experience you as someone who has their best interests at heart, they will come to trust and rely on you as a valuable ally in their career." People Savvy is most mindful, well researched and full of proven 'street-wise' techniques to be 'of service.' The author has very generously made the full first chapter available to viewers. Click through the text link above for a most enlightening adventure. This is a very good book! (ed.) |
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Better Ethics NOW: Avoid The Ethics Disaster You Never Saw Coming (Second Edition) by Christopher Bauer, Ph.D.
reviewed by Steven G. Lauck
Better Ethics NOW is intended as a brief introductory book aimed at the multitude of readers who really need to know about ethics but want a brief and practical business book rather than a long-winded, theoretical, or philosophical one. To accomplish this, it takes a conversational tone and maintains a primary focus on essential and easily applied ideas and tools that the reader can put to use immediately. It uniquely addresses what we can all do as individuals to reduce our risk for ethics problems, no matter how unintentional those problems might be. |
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The Voice of Authority
10 Communication Strategies Every Leader Needs to Know
by Dianna Booher
Dianna Booher has written over 40 books and this one in my opinion, is her best ever. She is a renowned expert in communications and has put it all together in a focused, insightful, "head twisting", candid and practical guide to getting it 'right.' Is it correct? Is it complete? Is it clear? Is it purposefully unclear? Are you credible? Does your communication make you look competent? This book is an excellent guide to applying the most effective communications strategies. |
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None of your Business
by Philip Bryer
Johnson soon found out that the corporate world involved too many things that
didn't have anything to do with work at all. Things like company 'fun days',
outward bound team-building events, psychometric testing, diversity audits,
motivational tools and other associated bulls**t. None of your Business is a comic novel which features a rich succession of incompetents, bullies,
oddballs and idiots who lead to Johnson becoming increasingly unhinged and
reckless. As disillusion takes a grip, Johnson's thoughts turn to revenge.
(A very entertaining read. ed.) |
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Business As Unusual
My Entrepreneurial Journey, Profits with Principles
by
Anita Roddick
Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, is one of the most outspoken, controversial, provocative and inspiring entrepreneurs of modern times. She was more than slightly ahead of her time in creating an ethical business and challenging the industry status quo at every turn. Her journey was not without many major challenges and her stories of how she navigated through troubled waters are absolutely fascinating. Roddick's passion and principles will inspire - and she exemplifies vision, integrity, courage and humanity in business. |
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Radical
Careering:
100 Truths to Jumpstart Your Job, Your Career, and Your Life
by Sally Hogshead
Do you have a career worth loving? Sally Hogshead redefines "Careering"
as taking action to become the most powerful, valuable and fulfilled version
of yourself and Radical Careering will definitely inspire you to kick your career
into high gear. It's an extremely entertaining, engaging, energizing and edgy
handbook that reaches in, twists your head, gives you a swift kick in the
pants and inspires you to create your no-compromises future. This is
a most unique and exceptional book, enjoy! (ed.) |
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Watch
This, Listen Up, Click Here:
Inside the $300 Billion Business Behind the Media You Constantly Consume
by David Verklin
and Bernice Kanner
The billion-dollar advertising and marketing industry is undergoing phenomenal
changes. In Watch This, Listen Up, Click Here, Verklin
and Kanner expose the inner workings of the media, marketing, and advertising
industries. Readers will learn why their favorite shows get cancelled, why
Oprah gives away cars, and how money, people, politics, and new technologies
are transforming TV, the Internet, radio, magazines, and other media people
consume every day. |
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Brazen
Careerist: The New Rules for Success
by Penelope
Trunk
It's okay to move back in with your parents. And it's okay to work at a string
of menial jobs or even take off to Asia for a year. Why? Because eventually
these seeming detours will lead not only to a great career but a great life
as well. Penelope Trunk gives anything but standard advice to help the new
workforce succeed on their own terms in any industry. Trunk asserts that
a take-charge attitude and fresh perspective are the only ways to make it
in today's job market. These 45 tips will get you thinking bigger, acting
bolder, and blazing trails you never thought possible. This is one of the
best of the year! (ed.) |
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401 Proven Ways to Retain Your Best Employees
by Gregory P. Smith
International business consultant and author Gregory P. Smith is making
waves as one of the nation's top employee retention experts. His new book
provides practical solutions to promote high employee retention in your workplace. 401 Proven Ways to Retain Your Best Employees provides a wealth of
information, tips, advice, and case studies that allow for quick reference
and practical application. |
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Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins:
How to Use Your Own Stories
to Communicate With Power and Impact
by Annette Simmons
People float in an ocean of data and disconnected facts that can often overwhelm them with choices. A meaningful story can feel like a life preserver that tethers you to something safe and important - at the very least, to a trace of humanity. Filled with enlightening anecdotes, this practical guide gives
readers the tools they need to persuade, inspire, and influence others through
the power of story. This is an exceptional work, and one of the best of the year! |
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60-Minute
Strategic Plan by John E. Johnson and Anne Marie Smith
reviewed
by Steven G. Lauck, PMP
60 Minute Strategic Plan is a great business book! As the back cover
states "…. an innovative planning and problem solving system." It is 147
pages that engage both the logical left-brain and the creative right brain
to develop and implement a workable strategic plan. I
can see the flexibility of using this workbook to tackle most, if not all,
business issues in any department of any size company. |
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Hidden
in Plain Sight:
How to Find and Execute Your Company's Next Big Growth Strategy
by Erich
Joachimsthaler
This is a most mindful work! The author presents a "demand-first innovation
and growth methodology that begins with an understanding of the day-to-day
behaviours and unmet needs of customers. It's an "outside-in"
approach to identify untapped customer needs and then develop sweet-spot
solutions to satisfy them. Get this one on your agenda fast to discover
the growth opportunities that are right in front of you. (ed.) |
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Master
Scheduling
by John F. Proud
Building on the four cornerstones of a manufacturing business - customers,
products, resources, and suppliers - by the unifying power of vision and
competence, you will learn that master scheduling is a competency like engineering,
financial management, and logistics. Another step on the journey to business
excellence from Oliver Wight International (ed.) |
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Customer
Service Made Easy
by Paul Levesque
This excellent book is an instructional manual for creating a customer-focused
culture in any business - and becoming a 'flashpoint business' - the place
that's always jumping with turbocharged workers and lines of delighted customers,
where employee and customer excitement catch fire and fuel each other. This
is a must read for anyone who wants to go beyond lip service to customer
service to make it real! Great work Paul! (ed.) |
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The
Innkeeper Tales
Modern-Day Canterbury Tales to Entertain, Enlighten & Empower
by John
L. Herman Jr.
This collection of stories is told by business travelers whiling away a
long day, stranded at The Abacrombie by an early spring blizzard. With Herman
(the real-life Abacrombie owner) keeping the food and conversations going,
each traveler tells a story drawn from his own life. This is a very engaging
and entertaining read. Perhaps a visit to Baltimore is in order to contribute
to the conversation. (ed.) |
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Visionaries
The 20th Century's 100 Most Important Inspirational Leaders
by Satish
Kumar and Freddie Whitefield
Visionaries brings together the lives and works of a hundred great
men and women who offer inspiration, hope, and healing. Their influence
helped bring to an end colonialism and imperialism, apartheid, and authoritarian
regimes, and they also helped foster the resurgence of an ecological, holistic,
and spiritual vision that increasingly resonates in the world today. Fascinating
and inspiring! (ed.) |
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Executive
Intelligence: What All Great Leaders Have
by Justin
Menkes
Executive Intelligence is indeed a breakthrough in the science of leadership,
identifying the critical-thinking skills and the rigor of the thinking process
common to the most successful leaders in business. Menkes argues that what
star leaders do is not magic, and their accomplishments are made possible
by specific, identifiable skills that can be measured - and learned. He
provides an excellent and very useful summary of the specific individual
skills that comprise Executive Intelligence in terms of tasks, people, and
oneself. This is one of the best books of the year! |
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The
Definitive Drucker
by Elizabeth
Haas Edersheim
For sixteen months before his death, Elizabeth Haas Edersheim was given
unprecedented access to Peter Drucker, widely regarded as the father of
modern management. At Drucker's request, Edersheim, a respected management
thinker in her own right, spoke with him about the development of modern
business throughout his life-and how it continues to grow and change at
an ever-increasing rate.This is a celebration of this extraordinary man
and his life's work, as well as a unique opportunity to learn from Drucker's
final business lessons how to strategize, compete, and triumph in any market. |
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The
Woman Road Warrior: A Woman's Guide to Business Travel
by Kathleen
Ameche
Kathleen Ameche debunks travel myths and demonstrates concrete ways to solve
every kind of on-the-road challenge. She presents practical and time-tested-yet
up-to-the-minute-tips for today's business professionals: Travelers of all
levels of experience, from the new college graduate to the veteran road
warrior, will benefit. The Woman Road Warrior shows you how to be at your
most productive while staying sane, healthy, and in control on the road. |
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Happy
Hour is 9 to 5: Learn How to Love Your Job, Create a Great Business
and Kick Butt at Work
by Chief
Happiness Officer Alexander Kjerulf
This book is about happiness at work. About loving your job - or finding
one you can love. Because today, happiness at work is no longer a luxury
- it's essential. People are discovering, that when they love their jobs,
they are more productive, creative and motivated. They're also happier in
life. Similarly, happy companies find they are more efficient, innovative
and make more money than their unhappy competitors. (This one will challenge
you to greatness! ed.) |
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Measure
What Matters
Reconnecting Marketing To Business Goals
by Laura
Patterson
Laura Patterson, co-founder of VisionEdge Marketing presents a comprehensive
metrics framework that marketing professionals and company executives can
use to ensure marketing is tightly connected to business goals, and provides
an approach marketers can employ to demonstrate marketing’s contribution. |
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The
No Asshole Rule:
Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
by Robert
I. Sutton
The author builds on the ideas he first set forth in his landmark Harvard
Business Review essay of the same name to show managers how hiring mean-spirited
employees--no matter how talented or qualified--can be a costly mistake.
This outstanding book includes a self test - signs that your inner-jerk
is rearing its ugly head, the calculaton of the annual costs of one asshole,
the dirty dozen asshole actions, and how to enforce the no asshole rule.
This is a must read for anyone who has had to endure assholes at work, which
I'm sure is just about everyone. (ed.) |
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Becoming
a Service Icon in 90 Minutes a Month
by Jeff Mowatt
Jeff Mowatt gets to the
core of customer service - the organization's underlying service and sales
culture and provides a roadmap for improvement. This is an entertaining
and most valuable guide for anyone in the 'business' of service. (ed.) |
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The
Flip Side:
Break Free of the Behaviors That Hold You Back
by Flip Flippen
This is an incredibly personal, moving and inspiring book. You are guaranteed
to be guided to have a good look in the mirror and see the attitudes and
behaviours that keep you from attaining real success - the top "killer
constraints" that most of us are confronted with everyday. And there's
good news, in the very practical approach presented to conquer your constraints.
This one will twist your head and that's a good thing. (ed.) |
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