Books

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 8)

Average customer rating:

A Delightful Mystery
Smith is starting to Coast
Another Great Book
Series is still remarkable; characters endearing
Another Ma Ramatsche winner.

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 8)
Alexander Mccall Smith
Manufacturer: Pantheon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency)

ASIN: 0375422730
Release Date: 2007-04-17

Book Description

In the life of Precious Ramotswe–a woman duly proud of her fine traditional build–there is rarely a dull moment, and in the latest installment in the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series there is much happening on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road. Mma Ramotswe is experiencing staffing difficulties. First Mr. J.L.B. Mate-koni asks to be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as successfully as the number one lady detective can? Then she has a minor falling-out with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency, taking the 97 percent she received on her typing final from the Botswana Secretarial College with her.

Along the way, Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate a couple of tricky cases. Will she be able to explain an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi? And what about the missing office supplies at a local printing company? These are the types of questions that she is uniquely well suited to answer.

In the end, whatever happens, Mma Ramotswe knows she can count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world. And there is always her love for Botswana, a country of which she is justifiably proud.

Customer Reviews:

A Delightful Mystery.......2007-06-22

This new addition to "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" is a delightful tale about Precious Ramotswe and her beloved country, Botswana. Again in this story, she has several stange cases to solve. She also has problems with her staff, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency after a bit of a disagreement between them. And Mma Ramotswe's husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, a fine auto mechanic, wants a change, and asks to handle a case of an errant husband. Although the No. 1 lady detective fears that a man cannot solve the case as satifactorily as a woman could, she allows him to take it on. All ends happily over a cup of bush tea. I like the kindness of the characters, and their pleasant attitudes toward difficulties.

Smith is starting to Coast.......2007-06-21

I am a big fan of this series and got this latest installment as soon as I could. It is the weakest of the series. I think Smith got lazy. Sure, you love the characters, but the tales are simply not up to his previous installments, not nearly as layered or workmanlike. I am disappointed he chose to grind out a paycheck this time.

Another Great Book.......2007-06-14

I so enjoy Alexnder McCall Smith's books abot Mma Ramotsowe. I feel like I know her and all her cohorts. This is another great book in the series. It's a book that makes you feel as if all's right with the world. I traveled to Cameroon, Africa last year. His books prepared me for so much of what I saw and reading them refreshes my memory. Thank you, Mr. Smith

Series is still remarkable; characters endearing.......2007-06-12

For me there is no other author like Alexander McCall Smith. He can string words and thoughts together like no other and his characters are real and endearing (or infuriating as in the case of Charlie the apprentice). One of the subplots in Good Husband is Charlie's business venture as he sets off to start the No. 1 Ladies' Taxi Service in a revamped Mercedes from Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors.You might imagine how that turns out. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni tries his hand at detective work and Mma Makutsi decides she needs to leave the detective agency and find new employment in another field.

Along with the above circumstances, other challenges present themselves to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Mma Botumile, a most rude, arrogant, and unpleasant woman who believes her husband is being unfaithful to her; disappearing supplies from the print shop of Teenie; and three suspicious deaths at a hospital in Mochudi. Precious Ramotswe takes on the hospital deaths, Grace Makutsi the print shop thiefs, and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni follows the unfaithful husband.

These scenarios, along with more African lure, and a brief, but engaging visit with the orphanage home owner, Mma Potokwane, create another wonderful story that will stand the test of time. I have started reading this series to my elderly mother who is now almost blind from macro degeneration and can no longer read for herself. She thoroughly enjoys them.

Another winner for AMS.

Carolyn Rowe Hill

Another Ma Ramatsche winner........2007-06-12

Reading The Good Husband of Zebra Drive was sort of like getting a letter from relatives--I've read the whole series, and the characters all seem like people we've known for a long time. A recent trip to South Africa reinforced the cultural feeling. I much prefer this series to others by McCall Smith.

Leadership in Organizations (6th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Lots of great info...
Very Good
Good for everyone
Good Amazoner!
weLEAD Book Review ...

Leadership in Organizations (6th Edition)
Gary A. Yukl
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0131494848

Book Description

The most comprehensive survey of major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in organizations with practical suggestions for improving skills. Balancing theory and research with applications, the book addresses controversies and differing viewpoints about leadership effectiveness with a focus on the question of what makes a person an effective leader. Covering charismatic and transformational leadership as well as influence processes, it asks readers to identify effective and ineffective behavior by managers and to suggest ways to handle the situation. The fourth edition of Leadership in Organizations has been revised to reflect the progress that has been made in understanding leadership since the first edition. It provides more guidelines and recommendations for improving effectiveness without prescribing how a manager must behave. And, it covers "hot" topics, such as charismatic and transformational leadership, influence processes, leading teams, and leading change. An essential reference on management and leadership for every professional manager.

Customer Reviews:

Lots of great info..........2007-05-08

...but reads like a VCR manual. This was required reading for a management course at my college. Whenever there was a way around reading, I took it. I'm certain that my fellow students felt similarly. Sorry Mr. Yukl.

Very Good.......2007-03-09

Your mailing speed was great but the description of posted on your web page did not give good descripotion about the book!

Good for everyone.......2006-03-04

I consider that this book was very helpful in the real life. It shows examples for all the theory that involves in each chapter. I am sure that professionals in organizations will learn very much from this reading.

Good Amazoner!.......2003-01-30

Didn't respond to email but did send the book and I'm very happy with the book! I would definitely recommend! Thank you!

weLEAD Book Review ..........2002-02-13

Yukl uses his expertise and credibility to write an outstanding book focusing on managerial leadership rather than social or parliamentary leadership. He attempts to include information on both the theory and practice of leadership in modern organizations. This valuable text also includes many recommendations and guidelines for improving the effectiveness of managers and leaders. The book includes a number of cases in an attempt to help the reader understand real world organizational problems and applications. This is a book that is primarily written and mostly reads like a college text book and is indeed used by a number of universities in their managerial or leadership programs. However, it is easy to read and does an excellent job of including the most informative and relative literature, studies and theories available today. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the study of organizational leadership, leading teams, leading change or studying follower-based approaches toward leadership.

Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great

Average customer rating:

Read the original first
Used it as a text in management class and office retreat
Great and Growing
Bringing disipline to the social sector
Must read for non-profits and churches

Good to Great and the Social Sectors: A Monograph to Accompany Good to Great
Jim Collins
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0977326403

Book Description

Jim Collins Answers the Social Sector with a Monograph to Accompany Good to Great. 30-50% of those who bought Good to Great work in the Social Sector.

This monograph is a response to questions raised by readers in the social sector. It is not a new book.
Jim Collins wants to avoid any confusion about the monograph being a book by limiting its distribution to online retailers.
Based on interviews and workshops with over 100 social sector leaders.

The difference between successful organizations is not between the business and the social sector, the difference is between good organizations and great ones.

Customer Reviews:

Read the original first.......2007-05-16

The monograph is valuable only when the 5 key business concepts are well understood before trying to extrapolate them to the non-profit world. I gave just the mono to my staff and they wound up asking all kinds of questions that the Good to Great book addresses well, albeit with for profit examples.

Used it as a text in management class and office retreat.......2007-05-15

I used the hardback Good to Great as a text for a class I taught. Then used the monograph for a staff retreat discussion (we are a university department). They both work well as a basis for discussion, analysis of your own organization, and personal challenge to explore organizational change. You don't have to totally agree with everything presented, but it makes for excellent reading and discussion. I used it for class in combination with "First Break All the Rules." Both are great discussion starters.

Great and Growing.......2007-05-14

This book is a cultural phenom. So many companies have adopted it as a way of trying to grow and become and stay great.

I have read it and sat through numerous retreats and discussions. After a few times you can see who you are on the bus with even before they open their mouths.

A great book to keep in your library.

Bringing disipline to the social sector.......2007-05-14

I was a fan of Jim Collins and have given away a number of copies of Good to Great to clients and friends where I thought his insights would be of value. His monograph on how the Good to Great framework can be applied in the social sector is even more unique. As a retired corporate executive who now provides help to a number of not-for-profit organizations, I have found his monograph to be superb way to encourage more discipline in a sector where it is truly needed.

Must read for non-profits and churches.......2007-05-07

This is the first book that I have been able to put my hands on that deals directly with helping non-profits and churches step up in their organizational approach to excellence. It helps guide directors and pastors from being "fire fighters" to reaching the goals and visions that they set out to do.

Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything

Average customer rating:

Social networking is a reaility - now how to use it.
Difficult Prose Stands in the Way
Pamphlet rather than analysis but still worth
Loved the first half
Tapscott hits and homer

Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything
Don Tapscott , and Anthony D. Williams
Manufacturer: Portfolio Hardcover
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1591841380

Book Description

In just the last few years, traditional collaboration—in a meeting room, a conference call, even a convention center—has been superseded by collaborations on an astronomical scale.

Today, encyclopedias, jetliners, operating systems, mutual funds, and many other items are being created by teams numbering in the thousands or even millions. While some leaders fear the heaving growth of these massive online communities, Wikinomics proves this fear is folly. Smart firms can harness collective capability and genius to spur innovation, growth, and success.

A brilliant guide to one of the most profound changes of our time, Wikinomics challenges our most deeply-rooted assumptions about business and will prove indispensable to anyone who wants to understand competitiveness in the twenty-first century.

Based on a $9 million research project led by bestselling author Don Tapscott, Wikinomics shows how masses of people can participate in the economy like never before. They are creating TV news stories, sequencing the human genome, remixing their favorite music, designing software, finding a cure for disease, editing school texts, inventing new cosmetics, or even building motorcycles. You'll read about:
• Rob McEwen, the Goldcorp, Inc. CEO who used open source tactics and an online competition to save his company and breathe new life into an old-fashioned industry.
• Flickr, Second Life, YouTube, and other thriving online communities that transcend social networking to pioneer a new form of collaborative production.
• Mature companies like Procter & Gamble that cultivate nimble, trust-based relationships with external collaborators to form vibrant business ecosystems.

An important look into the future, Wikinomics will be your road map for doing business in the twenty-first century.

Customer Reviews:

Social networking is a reaility - now how to use it........2007-06-05

I recently read a book called, Wikonomics - how mass colaboration changes everything by Don Tapscott and Anthony Williams. It is a book about the social networking and collaborative sites that are becoming very popular. I found the book highly interesting since I try to follow trends and try to figure out what opportunities are available in which trends.

Wikonomics points out that many times traditional business is afraid of open source projects like Linux and Wikopedia but others see a corneacopia of participation and economy. The thesis behind the book is that the collaborative social networking type sites actually increase business opportunity and do not take away business opportunity.

The book had a number of possible subtitles including:

Edit This Book!
The Dividends of Collective Genius
We the People
Business (The Remix)
The new World of Collaborative Anarchy
Please Register to Participate
The Power of Us
Creating a New page in Business History
Unleashing Our Collective Genuis
This Book is a Stub
Harnessing the Power of Your Peers
(Your Input Needed Here)
Peer-Powered Prfit in Life, Business, and Individual Choice
The Peer Advantage: Myth or Magic?
Peer Producing the Future

The subtitles describe what the phenomenon is.

The book talks about the 4 principles of Wikonomics including being open. This flies in the face of some businesses which often try to keep their secrets to themselves.

Peering: most organizations have a higher archaric set up and the nature of Wikis is they are based on peer.

Sharing: again a conventional western society says, keep it to yourself.

Acting Globally: Wikies are a great way to get global knowledge working together.

It is a good book and a fairly quick read; fairly inspirational; however, I am still not sure what to do with it. Thinking...

Difficult Prose Stands in the Way.......2007-06-03

For me, a review for a book like this one is very difficult to write. The reason is that I agree passionately with much of what Tapscott and Williams have to say. I do believe that we are headed for a more collaborative "wiki-world" and that everyone needs to consider how to adapt to prosper in this new world. Unfortunately, this book is just frustrating to read.

Wikinomics suffers from a common malady among these "cheerleading for the future"-type books; namely, that what they take 300 pages to say could have been more easily and better said in about 60 pages. To keep things going for the requisite length, the prose is padded with myriad examples and anecdotes--some interesting, some less so. Every chapter is a variation on the same theme and, despite their catchy slogans for each chapter, did not need a full chapter's development as all roads here lead to the same destination.

Additionally, Tapscott and Williams are not powerful prose stylists. I read this book with a group of other people and the most common responses I heard were "dense" and "tough to get through." And I agree that it can be a real slog to get through some parts of this book. Another result, I think, of spending way too much time to get to too few points.

Which is really too bad. Tapscott and Williams have some powerful things to say but, though they are being propped up right now by their zeroing in on an important cultural target, I feel the importance of their message is ultimately going to be lost in time because of the prose. Still, they have opened up a big can of ideas which will hopefully find continued development.

Pamphlet rather than analysis but still worth.......2007-05-19

This is a pamphlet rather than a serious analysis of pros and cons (you will not come across many cons being discussed in this book), and the authors make great effort to "invent" a new jargon that has no other apparent use but to show off. In many ways this book seems to be as much about the authors as it is about the collaborative economy.

Also does not show any real business model, i.e. how to make the "wikinomics" work to actually earn some money - the "economics" part simply points out that collaboration is feasible and if one does it right it could (or should) save money.

Mostly well written (apart from the jargon bit), but goes a bit over the top in promoting the idea (and the authors) with quite a few examples either exaggerated or not discussed fully. Definitely could use more of critical thinking. For those that want more in depth and level headed approach to the same subject, I would recommend Yochai Benkler and The Wealth of Networks.

Despite my criticisms, I am glad I read it. But it is more of an airport lounge type of reading than a serious analytical work.

Loved the first half.......2007-05-15

I love the first half of the book..but the second is not as inspiring.

Biotechnology is discussed in the second half. Needed more cases/examples on this subject.The author starts the book with insight on genesis of collaboration, its impact on profit as well as non-profit organizations.

Overall a good book for wiki inquisitive mind.

Tapscott hits and homer.......2007-05-14

Wikinomics identifies many, if not most, of the essential characteristics of the emerging business models of the Internet. Early instances are observed and generalized to define emerging business models that will prevail over the next decade or two. The level of disruption to existing business is not explored enough other than to indicate that those who do not adapt will be left behind. Evidence of the intelligent real time enterprise has been growing over the last few years. Wikinomics is one of the first books to describe the "how" this model will evolve.

Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Field Guide for Leaders, Managers, and Facilitators

Average customer rating:

got it for work
Everything you need
A Practical Business Book!
A must for a team leader.
Something to study, then execute

Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team: A Field Guide for Leaders, Managers, and Facilitators
Patrick M. Lencioni
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0787976377

Book Description

In the years following the publication of Patrick Lencioni’s best-seller The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, fans have been clamoring for more information on how to implement the ideas outlined in the book. In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Lencioni offers more specific, practical guidance for overcoming the Five Dysfunctions—using tools, exercises, assessments, and real-world examples. He examines questions that all teams must ask themselves: Are we really a team? How are we currently performing? Are we prepared to invest the time and energy required to be a great team? Written concisely and to the point, this guide gives leaders, line managers, and consultants alike the tools they need to get their teams up and running quickly and effectively.

Download Description

"In the years following the publication of Patrick Lencioni’s best-seller The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, fans have been clamoring for more information on how to implement the ideas outlined in the book. In Overcoming the Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Lencioni offers more specific, practical guidance for overcoming the Five Dysfunctions—using tools, exercises, assessments, and real-world examples. He examines questions that all teams must ask themselves: Are we really a team? How are we currently performing? Are we prepared to invest the time and energy required to be a great team? Written concisely and to the point, this guide gives leaders, line managers, and consultants alike the tools they need to get their teams up and running quickly and effectively. "

Customer Reviews:

got it for work.......2007-06-27

Leaders are using it in team development and finding it helpful. Good as an HR Professional to guide the manager in how to develop the team.

Everything you need.......2007-04-05

I have recommended Patrick Lencioni's works to several clients and have used his models in individual leadership coaching sessions with good results. My interest in the Leader's Guide is that the jump from individual leadership coaching to group learning requires a level of structure and activities that will keep a diverse group engaged. This book answers that need even to the point of presenting a framework for multiple meetings and an agenda and activities for each.

I have recommended the Five Dysfunctions to a client, and whether they decide they can do the work themselves or use me to facilitate, this Field Guide will provide important structure and activities. Working on team growth and development is a natural next step to nurturing individual growth and development. As leaders answer the question "who am I and who do I want to be?", the next step that the Five Dysfunctions effectively outlines is "who are WE and who do WE want to be?". Lencioni's pyramid from trust to results is a powerful model to drive team development work, and the Field Guide is an effective tool to guide that work.

Tom Nugent
Grosse Pointe MI

A Practical Business Book!.......2007-02-06

I am tired of 'great' business books that do not easily translate to the corporate world. The good news is that "Overcoming.." changes that. It's a wonderful guide for just about any level of management. I purchased another one in the line as soon as I finished this one. You will not be disappointed.

A must for a team leader........2007-01-27

Valuable for every team member to hear (or read), understand and prctice.

Something to study, then execute.......2007-01-15

I read this book since I was tired of weekly meetings at work going on and on, with the whole point of the meeting being to end it quickly. The book walked me through the people I meet with, the best part noticing the different characteristics over and over in various coworkers. I enjoyed the angle of telling the story, having little point and little distraction to the true meaning. During the read, I started jotting down notes and clips, soon it turned into developing an entire meeting around the triangle presented in the book.

I have to say that principles can be applied at almost any workplace meeting at any level if you want to focus on productivity rather than simple observations and statements. On the other hand, if you want a quick adn productive meeting, do the entire meeting standing up!

Average customer rating:

Wow - thoughtful AND useful
Amazing!!
Still the definitive work on Change
Envision, introduce, sustain change. or die.
Not about leadership attributes, about change process

Leading Change
John P. Kotter
Manufacturer: Harvard Business School Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

ASIN: 0875847471

Book Description

In Leading Change, John Kotter examines the efforts of more than 100 companies to remake themselves into better competitors. He identifies the most common mistakes leaders and managers make in attempting to create change and offers an eight-step process to overcome the obstacles and carry out the firm's agenda: establishing a greater sense of urgency, creating the guiding coalition, developing a vision and strategy, communicating the change vision, empowering others to act, creating short-term wins, consolidating gains and producing even more change, and institutionalizing new approaches in the future. This highly personal book reveals what John Kotter has seen, heard, experienced, and concluded in 25 years of working with companies to create lasting transformation.

Customer Reviews:

Wow - thoughtful AND useful.......2007-06-28

Kotter's book is a roadmap of how to introduce a culture change effectively into an organization. Similar to "Good to Great" (Jim Collins), the book is much better organized and thorough.

Amazing!!.......2007-06-26

Have no further words to describe how increrable John Kotter brings in a easy way a subject so complex and important now-a-days. Indeed, it is recommend for all leaders who wants to take right decisions during turbulent times.

Still the definitive work on Change.......2007-06-13

I have been working in the change arena for the last 15 years and Kotter's book on Leading Change is still the definitive work. Based on his seminal 1994 HBR article "Leading Change: Why Transformations efforts fail" this is the best down-to-earth guide for both consultants and managers leading change. It has good practical examples and straightforward arguments - no psychological mumbo jumbo.

Envision, introduce, sustain change. or die........2007-05-09

Kotter gives us here a valuable handbook on how to visualize, introduce, and sustain change in an organization. Here are a few quotes:
"Handling new initiatives quickly is not an essential component of success in relatively stable or cartel-like environments. The problem for us today is that stability is no longer the norm. And most experts agree that over the next few decades the business environment will become only more volatile."
"Useful change tends to be associated with a multistep process that creates power and motivation sufficient to overwhelm all the sources of inertia."

Not about leadership attributes, about change process.......2006-10-24

When I first read this book, I had just emerged from a painful and failed change effort that I was leading. I quickly was able to say to myself, "But of course, now I know why I failed in this effort: Not enough communication, not enough internal support, to big of an initial project, just to name a few". I really wish that I had read this book first. It would have reduced the pain and frustration that I went through. Would the change effort have been successful? I do not think so but I also would not have been attempting to lead the charge into oblivian.

I feel that if you are trying to create change in a community, you a foolish not to read this book. If you follow the well researched and documented eight steps necessary to lead change, you will have a much higher success rate. A must read for those of us who are change agents.

Good to Great CD: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't

Average customer rating:

Must read
a corporate must read
Indeed a very valuable book
Excellent book
Good to Great Book Order

Good to Great CD: Why Some Companies Make the Leap...And Others Don't
Jim Collins
Manufacturer: HarperAudio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 0060794410
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

Five years ago, Jim Collins asked the question, "Can a good company become a great company and if so, how?" In Good to Great Collins, the author of Built to Last, concludes that it is possible, but finds there are no silver bullets. Collins and his team of researchers began their quest by sorting through a list of 1,435 companies, looking for those that made substantial improvements in their performance over time. They finally settled on 11--including Fannie Mae, Gillette, Walgreens, and Wells Fargo--and discovered common traits that challenged many of the conventional notions of corporate success. Making the transition from good to great doesn't require a high-profile CEO, the latest technology, innovative change management, or even a fine-tuned business strategy. At the heart of those rare and truly great companies was a corporate culture that rigorously found and promoted disciplined people to think and act in a disciplined manner. Peppered with dozens of stories and examples from the great and not so great, the book offers a well-reasoned road map to excellence that any organization would do well to consider. Like Built to Last, Good to Great is one of those books that managers and CEOs will be reading and rereading for years to come. --Harry C. Edwards

Book Description

Built To Last, the defining management study of the nineties, showed how great companies triumph over time and how long-term sustained performance can be engineered into the DNA of an enterprise from the very beginning.

But what about companies that are not born with great DNA? How can good companies, mediocre companies, even bad companies achieve enduring greatness? Are there those that convert long-term mediocrity or worse into long-term superiority? If so, what are the distinguishing characteristics that cause a company to go from good to great?

Over five years, Jim Collins and his research team have analyzed the histories of 28 companies, discovering why some companies make the leap and others don't. The findings include:

Level 5 Leadership: A surprising style, required for greatness.
The Hedgehog Concept: Finding your three circles, to transcend the curse of competence.
A Culture of Discipline: The alchemy of great results.
Technology Accelerators: How good-to-great companies think differently about technology.
The Flywheel and the Doom Loop: Why those who do frequent restructuring fail to make the leap.

Customer Reviews:

Must read.......2007-06-19

Great book. A must read for everyone.....not only the CEOs. Gives you evidence based characteristics of good to great companies and people who turned them around.

a corporate must read .......2007-06-18

I bought this book as a wife of a corporate executive with the intention of at least sounding like I was knowledgeable in the corporate world. I am happy to say after reading it; I can definitely hold my own. Even for the inexperienced, this is a very easy book to understand and gain knowledge. I especially like how he compares and gives examples so you really gain a thorough depiction of his data. It makes it that much easier to recall when the area under discussion arises-- as it has several times after reading the book.

Indeed a very valuable book.......2007-06-15

I must admitt that I was a bit skeptical when I first bought this book, but I was pleasantly surprised when I began reading it. Only two years out of college, my mind still thinks like a student and I was very pleased to see that this book is written very much in a way that a student likes to read a book. Every chapter begins by building a foundation to the material that will be introduced in the chapter, then the main topic of the chapter is clearly explained with the main ideas of each chapter highlighted in text boxes throughout the chapter, and finally there is a summary of the key takeaways at the end of each chapter. The book itself is very well structured, as it follows a very logical progression from one idea to the next, and ends with a summary chapter as well as a comparison chapter between GOOD TO GREAT and BUILT TO LAST.

I found many topics in GOOD TO GREAT extremely helpful, namely the concept of the "Level 5 Leader" and that of "getting the right people on the bus and the wrong people off the bus first." I will truly try to continue my career adhering to these two concepts. The only reason why I found myself unable to rate this book a 5-star book is because upon finishing the book I found myself thinking that it was a bit unrealistic to perform every single item outlined in the book simultaneously, which according to Mr. Collins is the only way that you can achieve sustained great results in the long run.

Excellent book.......2007-06-14

This book was so good I bought 18 copies for our executive and senior management team - conveyed many important messages generally supported by research rather than an individuals theory or belief - and will assist companies looking to improve their performance

Good to Great Book Order.......2007-06-08

Great transaction. Paid for overnight delivery and as promised they were here the next day!

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children

Average customer rating:

going from corporate executive to do gooder champion
A dream realized will inspire many
Anyone Can Make a Difference!!!
Life-Changing Read of Hope, Inspiration and Amazing Change for the World's Children
Leaving Microsoft to Change the World

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World: An Entrepreneur's Odyssey to Educate the World's Children
John Wood
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 006112107X
Release Date: 2006-08-29

Book Description

John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work--not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s--but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."

See how John Wood came to start Room to Read and write Leaving Microsoft to Change the World in this video clip: high bandwidth or low bandwidth

Instead of being the antidote to the rat race, that trip convinced John Wood to divert the boundless energy he was devoting to Microsoft into a cause that desperately needed to be addressed. While visiting a remote Nepalese school, Wood learned that the students had few books in their library. When he offered to run a book drive to provide the school with books, his idea was met with polite skepticism. After all, no matter how well-intentioned, why would a successful software executive take valuable time out of his life and gather books for an impoverished school?

But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read-an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship-ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World chronicles John Wood's struggle to find a meaningful outlet for his managerial talents and entrepreneurial zeal. For every high-achiever who has ever wondered what life might be like giving back, Wood offers a vivid, emotional, and absorbing tale of how to take the lessons learned at a hard-charging company like Microsoft and apply them to one of the world's most pressing problems: the lack of basic literacy.

Book Description

John Wood discovered his passion, his greatest success, and his life's work—not at business school or leading Microsoft's charge into Asia in the 1990s—but on a soul-searching trip to the Himalayas. Wood felt trapped between an all-consuming career and a desire to do something lasting and significant. Stressed from the demands of his job, he took a vacation trekking in Nepal because a friend had told him, "If you get high enough in the mountains, you can't hear Steve Ballmer yelling at you anymore."

But John Wood did return to that school and with thousands of books bundled on the back of a yak. And at that moment, Wood made the decision to walk away from Microsoft and create Room to Read—an organization that has donated more than 1.2 million books, established more than 2,600 libraries and 200 schools, and sent 1,700 girls to school on scholarship—ultimately touching the lives of 875,000 children with the lifelong gift of education.

Customer Reviews:

going from corporate executive to do gooder champion.......2007-06-05

This is a good book to understand risk that is inspired by passion. this guy had everything to lose and so much to gain and he did it. Kudos to him and kudos for a well written book.

A dream realized will inspire many.......2007-04-28

I know many people who are passionate about a cause but lost when it comes to what to do next. Wood had the business background to take his passion and turn it into a well-oiled non-profit machine that does tremendous good while appearing to opperate without the ego and bureaucracy that keeps many NPs from accomplishing their altruistic goals.

Wood not only built on his initial idea, but inspires others to turn their passions into action in very practical terms.

I'm a life coach and work with many clients who want to create a more meaningful life through meaningful work. But they are stopped for many reasons, not the least of which is fear they won't be able to survive financially. Because Wood knew life at both ends of the financial spetrum, perhaps it was easier for him to realize how little he could live with. In any case, his book is an inspiration to anyone wanting to follow their dream.

Anyone Can Make a Difference!!!.......2007-04-10

This book reminds us that we can all make a difference. John's candid and entertaining personality. His book is a written account of one man's journey from corporate bureaucracy to making a phenomenal change in people's lives.
Dennis J. Schleicher
Author of an explosive and controversial memoir; Forbidden Love with a Married Man; E-Mail Diaries

Life-Changing Read of Hope, Inspiration and Amazing Change for the World's Children.......2007-04-09

John Wood's book is by far one of the most inspirational books I have ever read and I have felt compelled to tell everyone I know about it. John instills hope and inspiration that anything is possible when your heart is in the right place, you follow your gut/dreams, seek out/focus on solutions and dream big. You will laugh, cry and be moved to action when reading John's book. What John is doing along with his team at Room to Read by providing empowering solutions for children around the world to rise above poverty is remarkable!!

Leaving Microsoft to Change the World.......2007-04-06

Inspirational, insightful, funny. Answers the age old question, "But I'm just one person; can I really make a difference?"

Human Side of Organizations, The (9th Edition)

Average customer rating:

Good Service
Exceeded Expectations

Human Side of Organizations, The (9th Edition)
Michael Drafke
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0131183842

Book Description

"The Human Side of Organizations" delivers complete, up-to-date, practical information on how people behave in organizations presented in a readable, easy to understand form. The vital information can be used to understand managers, peers or workers. If you work, you need this information to thrive and survive. FOCUS BOXES/Reality Checks - Bring the work world as it really is into every chapter./Question of Ethics - Presents ethical questions related to the particular chapters' material./A Global Glance - A look at an international aspect of a chapters' concepts./FYI - A new focus box for the 9e./Presents useful hints readers can apply in their daily lives. Anyone who wishes to better understand managers, peers, or workers can benefit from this book as it covers the vital skills needed to survive and thrive in an organization.

Customer Reviews:

Good Service.......2007-02-24

Received Book in about 2 weeks after purchase. Book was in excellent condition. Good Service.

Exceeded Expectations.......2005-09-30

My textbook came sooner than expected and it was in great condition! The savings were unbelievable and I actually recommended using this seller to everyone in my class.

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change

Average customer rating:

Managing Transitions by William Bridges
Great ~
Good Book
Worth it
enjoyed

Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change
William Bridges
Manufacturer: Perseus Books Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Managing Change and Transition

ASIN: 0738208248
Release Date: 2003-05-27

Book Description

From the most trusted voice on transition, a revised edition of the classic practical guide to dealing with the human side of organizational change.

The business world is a place of constant change, with stories of corporate mergers, layoffs, bankruptcy, and restructuring hitting the news every day. Yet as veteran consultant William Bridges maintains, the situational changes are not as difficult for companies to make as the psychological transitions. In the best-selling Managing Transitions, Bridges provides a clear understanding of what change does to employees and what employees in transition can do to an organization.

Directed at managers and employees in today's corporations, Bridges shows how to minimize the distress and disruptions caused by change. Managing Transitions addresses the fact that it is people who have to carry out the change. When the book was originally published a decade ago, Bridges was the first to provide any real sense of the emotional impact of change and what can be done to keep it from disrupting the entire organization. With new information and commentary on layoffs, corporate suspicion, and the increasing tumult in the business world, Managing Transitions remains the definitive guide to dealing with change.

Customer Reviews:

Managing Transitions by William Bridges.......2007-05-13

This book is great! I was/am dealing with some pretty significant transitions -- the sudden death of my 21 year-old daughter, and a major division re-org at an S&P 500 company. Several months earlier, my VP had mentioned the book and suggested that all of his direct reports to read it. I did and it really hit home.

The author does an excellent job of describing the emotional and organizational impact of change and the mechanics of the process we use to get through it. We use the same basic process to deal with all change -- personal and professional -- and it has been very helpful to understand how it works. There is also a section in the book about the life cycle of an organization and that was illuminating. The book provided some tools to help me make critical decisions.

I bought six copies of the book and have given them out to friends and co-workers.

Great ~.......2007-05-07

This was a great book and well needed. If your your in or responsible for transitions. This is for you - an eye opener to some great ideas and the author takes the reader to both sides of the good and bad involving the transitional process and how it should be done. Great insight!

Good Book.......2007-03-02

The book was in good shape and I received it in a timely manner.

Worth it.......2007-02-15

This was recommended reading text for OD grad course. I found it very helpful as evolving coaching practitioner. Happy to keep it and use as reference often.

enjoyed.......2006-03-01

I enjoyed reading this book. It was written in a concise manner and still managed to explore the details of negotiation.

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