Managing for People Who Hate Managing by Devora Zack - Book review

Managing for People Who Hate Managing

Be a Success By Being Yourself

By: Devora Zack

Published: August 27, 2012
Format: Paperback, 192 pages
ISBN-10: 1609945735
ISBN-13: 978-1609945732
Publisher Berrett-Koeler Publishers, Inc.











"Learning techniques to reverse your secret hatred of managing ban have a colossal impact on your work life - to infinity and beyond", writes award winning entrepreneur, CEO of Only Connect Consulting, and author of the entertaining and very results oriented book Managing for People Who Hate Managing: Be a Success By Being Yourself. The author describes how management is really about people, and offers the skills to incorporate the manager's own personality traits into their management style, resulting in more engaged employees and less frustrated managers.

Devora Zack understand that managers face unexpected challenges in their new roles and unexpected situations. The author shares the concept of understanding oneself as the key to effective management. Devora Zack guides managers to place themselves along a spectrum to determine if the individual is either a feeler or a thinker. With this insight in place, the author provides series of exercises and techniques to put this personal reflection into action. Devora Zack offers ideas for managers to adapt their approach to employees based on the feeler and thinker concept to create more meaningful engagement. The author expands this personality assessment premise, to include both introverted and extroverted managers, to ensure their success as well.

Devora Zack (photo left) recognizes that to manage others effectively, managers must be also fully understand and manager themselves. To connect with employees, and establish effective lines of communication, managers need to become more flexible in their approach to their staff. Managing their own attitudes and outlook goes far toward creating a climate of trust and respect.

Devora Zack presents strategies and techniques for guiding managers toward establishing their own strengths, personality, and best selves in their management style. The author covers the following aspects of the manager's worldview and flexibility:

* Why your hate it: Discovering your personal management style
* Who are you: Personal self assessment
* But I liked my real job: Adapting to the transition to manager
* Flex for success: Adapting your approach to employee personalities
* Lonely at the top: Managing former colleagues and peers
* Being bossy: Treating others as they want to be treated
* Don't cry in my office: Firing someone with less damage
* Charisma 'n' you: Being successful, effective, and happy

For me, the power of the book is how Devora Zack presents a very hands on survival guide for managers through a combination of wisdom and humor. The author offers a personality based approach to managing where a leader applies their own traits to their role. This alignment of feeling or thinking profiles helps a manager to be more flexible in communicating and connecting with staff members. The author presents enlightening case studies, as part of each chapter to further illustrate each concept in the real world.

Devora Zack demonstrates how personal self awareness, and understanding of the preferences of employees, creates a more effective workplace. To assist in the self assessment process, and to ensure that the key points of each chapter are fully understood, the author provides hands on work sheets and exercises for each major point.At the end of the book, the author also offers bibliography of other books for further study, to assist managers further deepen and improve their skills.

I highly recommend the engaging and very practical book Managing for People Who Hate Managing: Be a Success By Being Yourself by Devora Zack, to any reluctant or dissatisfied managers who may be starting to dislike their job, or who are already hating the position completely. This book will guide you on the journey to liking, and even loving your role as a successful and effective manager.

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The Leader's Climb by Bob Parsanko & Paul Heagen - Book review

The Leader's Climb

A Business Tale of Rising to the New Leadership Challenge

By: Bob Parsanko, Paul Heagen

Published: September 18, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 188 pages
ISBN-10: 1937134210
ISBN-13: 978-1937134211
Publisher: Bibliomotion











"Today in companies big and small, local and global, public and private, leaders at all levels say the same thing: business has become faster, more complicated, more uncertain, more disruptive, and more competitive", write personal coach and president and founder of Executive Insights, Bob Parsanko; and executive coach and president and founder of Defining Moments Consulting, Paul Heagen, in their engaging and insightful business fable The Leader's Climb: A Business Tale of Rising to the New Leadership Challenge. The authors share the story of of Adam, a CEO who faces a challenging responsibility for his company, and a sense of overconfidence in his ability to control events. Suffering a rock climbing accident, Adam is forced to face his mistakes through chance meetings with an unusual set of characters who share their wisdom with the recovering CEO.

Bob Parsanko (photo left) and Paul Heagen provide insights into leadership, and into the challenges faced by organizational leaders, through the medium of a narrative story. For the authors, climbing to achieve a leadership position is only part of the leader's journey. The critical test of a leader is meeting the often overwhelming array of problems and obstacles presented to leaders, so as to remain at the top. The story poses the metaphor of rock climbing as the career of the leader.

The overburdened and overconfident Adam climbs the rock face, only to discover he is not invincible when he suffers an accident. As with his stuck career as a CEO< Adam finds himself stuck from the accident as well. Through the advice and teachings of an unexpected array of people, Adam uncovers the wisdom to become unstuck, and to move forward and grow as a leader.

Paul Heagen (photo left) and Bob Parsanko present their principles for remaining in a leadership role, and for avoiding the pitfalls that await the unwary and hurried leaders. The authors, through the medium of the business parable, demonstrate how CEO Adam finds himself trying to go too fast, fighting too much, and forcing too many decisions. The inevitable result, as shown by the story of the rock climb, Adam finds himself stuck and unable to find a way to break free. To help guide Adam on his climb, characters in the story teach Adam the principles of awareness and slowing down, acceptance and embracing reality, and abundance by considering multiple options.

The authors show how listening carefully and openly to others helps a leader to understand the principles. Instead of fighting against adversity, Adam learns to lean into it for greater success. Adam finds that the standard practice of limiting the number of options results in bad decision making, and instead finds that multiplying his choices and possibilities leads to better outcomes. Through the sage advice of the story guides, Adam learns how to become unstuck from the rock and from the difficulties he faced as a CEO.

For me, the power of the book is how Bob Parsanko and Paul Heagen present their principles of leadership through a story format that illustrates their concepts in action. The pillars of leadership, and being stuck and overwhelmed, are given clarity in the narrative of Adam, the rock climbing CEO. Through the metaphor of being stuck in a rock climbing accident, the authors point out how the same concepts that get a climber unstuck work for a stuck leader.

The story provides the key elements of successful leadership, that overcome the challenge of remaining in leadership positions, and how these behaviors are so lacking in companies today. The authors present the basic ideas of meeting the myriad of leadership obstacles in a pleasurable and engaging way that underlines the importance of developing and utilizing those principles and skills.

I highly recommend the idea filled and realistic leadership skills development business parable The Leader's Climb: A Business Tale of Rising to the New Leadership Challenge by Paul Heagen and Bob Parsanko, to anyone seeking a very readable and enjoyable narrative that offers rich insights into leadership and overcoming the challenges faced by the today's leaders. This book offers timeless wisdom and a healthy does of common sense to develop skills for any leader.

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Exam Schools by Chester E. Finn, Jr. & Jessica A. Hockett - Book review

Exam Schools

Inside America's Most Selective Public High Schools

By: Chester E. Finn, Jr., Jessica A. Hockett

Published: September 16, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 264 pages
ISBN-10: 0691156670
ISBN-13: 978-0691156675
Publisher: Princeton University Press












"Selective public high schools that serve motivated kids and high achievers, many of them also very smart, have been a tiny but important part of the U.S. secondary-education landscape for generations", write president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Chester E. Finn; and educational consultant in differentiated instruction, Jessica A. Hockett, in their pioneering and visionary book Exam Schools: Inside America's Most Selective Public High Schools. The authors describe their examination of America's selective public high schools, and outline their goals, their operations, and their successes and failures.

Chester E. Finn, Jr. (photo left) and Jessica A. Hockett recognize that the emphasis in American education has been to raise the floor, but at the same time, neglected to raise the ceiling. For the authors, the selective exam schools represent an opportunity for America's best and brightest students to excel, and to achieve the background to become the leaders in innovation, business, government, and entrepreneurship. In this first ever overview of the schools dedicated to the highest performing students, the authors consider how these publicly funded institutions work and prepare their students. The authors consider the racial and socioeconomic background of the students, and consider the impact of these schools on public policy considerations.

Jessica A. Hockett (photo left) and Chester E. Finn, Jr. understand the dilemma facing high achievement education. While enormous amounts of funding are spent on low achieving students, the exam schools are forced to turn away the top performing pupils. The authors are aware of problems and challenges facing exam schools, and also note there are many areas where the high performance schools could make improvements. At the same time, the authors note that the exam schools provide a leg up for highly intelligent and hard working students from lower income and racially diverse families.

The authors emphasize the critical role that selective schools play in the development of leaders who can strengthen America's future. The authors show how these selective schools work, and examine the 165 profiled schools on their admission policies, diversity, and how they select their teaching staff. the authors describe how the exam schools offer an alternative to the widely applied approach of addressing the worst producing schools and under-performing students. As a result of their comprehensive study, the authors make strong case for enhancing and increasing the role of selective schools as an integral part of public education policy.

For me, the power of the book is how Chester Finn and Jessica Hockett provide a complete overview of selective schools across the United States, and present a balanced analysis of their areas of strength, as well as where improvements can be made. The authors offer the first research based investigation of the exam schools, and sheds light on this important but relatively unknown area of secondary education. The selective schools, in the view of the authors, provide a crucial service to the students they teach, and to the overall quality of education in America.

The emphasis on selecting the best and brightest students, regardless of race and economic background, offers a high performance alternative to ever more costly private schools. The authors demonstrate how the exam schools can provide another potential blueprint for top performing education in the United States. and how the support for high standards and challenging the most intelligent students to become the leaders of tomorrow in innovations, the creative arts, the professions, business, and entrepreneurship.

I highly recommend the thought provoking and groundbreaking book Exam Schools: Inside America's Most Selective Public High Schools by Chester E. Finn, Jr. and Jessica A. Hockett, to anyone seeking a complete examination of an alternative approach to excellence in high school eduction. This book provides a road map to high achievement levels that stresses raising the standards bar at the top, as an addition to the usual focus on raising the bar at the bottom.

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New Sales. Simplified. by Mike Weinberg - Book review

New Sales. Simplified.

The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development

By: Mike Weinberg

Published: September 4, 2012
Format: Paperback, 220 pages
ISBN-10: 0814431771
ISBN-13: 978-0814431771
Publisher: AMACOM












"There is an oversupply of account managers and customers-service people filling sales roles, but precious few true sales hunters that can be counted on to consistently deliver new business. You can bring tremendous value to your business, your customers, and yourself by becoming proficient at bringing in new business", writes former sales executive and president of The New sales Coach, Mike Weinberg, in his straight talking and timeless idea packed book New Sales. Simplified. The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development. The author describes how to attract and close new customer sales, by connecting with and providing service for the needs of the buyers, and by offering real solutions to the customer's problems.

Mike Weinberg recognizes that new sales representatives, and established sales professionals as well, are experiencing real challenges in developing new business for themselves and the company. The author points out that despite the value offered by existing loyal customers, the company needs a continual influx of new customers and clients for sustainable growth. Unfortunately, as Rick Weinberg writes, the established sales methods are no longer effective with today's customers. The author shares a news sales approach, that is both simple to understand and execute, and is based on timeless wisdom that will motivate new and seasoned sales representatives.

Mike Weinberg (photo left) understands that today's economy is a challenging environment for sales representatives to maintain their quotas. To resolve that problem, Mike Weinberg offers a simple, yet effective sales system that finds qualified prospects, provides the resources and tools needed to approach the potential buyer, and for achieving a successful outcome that develops a new customer. Instead of doing things wrong, as so many new and even experienced sales representatives do, the author coaches sales professionals in how to perform the entire process from prospecting to the close the right way.

Mike Weinberg divides the new sales simple process into three readily understood and actionable steps. Those three parts include:

* Select target: identify the ideal prospect
* Create and deploy weapons: Using the telephone and other tools to tell a story
* Plan and execute the attack: Preparation, questions and listening

For me, the power of the book is how Mike Weinberg combines a straight forward and results oriented sales approach with the practical tools and techniques to achieve a successful outcome. The author provides an effective method for finding and developing new sales business. The concept of finding new customers has been downplayed in recent years, and has even been regarded as being almost automatic. Mike Weinberg shares an alternative to that passive strategy.

In its place, Mike Weinberg offers an integrated, yet very easy to understand and apply system, that will add new business to the order books, while keeping sales professionals engaged in the process. The author bolsters his timeless wisdom with humor and interesting anecdotes that illustrate the concepts in action in real world sales situations.

I highly recommend the very hands on and results oriented book New Sales. Simplified. The Essential Handbook for Prospecting and New Business Development by Mike Weinberg, to any new or experienced sales representatives, and to any sales managers and leaders who are seeking a workable and effective process for developing new customers. This book offers a back to basics strategy that will find qualified prospects and transform them into satisfied customers.

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Marketing in the Round by Gini Dietrich & Geoff Livingston - Book review

Marketing in the Round: How to Develop an Integrated Marketing Campaign in the Digital Era

By: Gini Dietrich, Geoff Livingston

Published: April 23, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 224 pages
ISBN-10: 0789749173
ISBN-13: 978-0789749178
Publisher: Que Publishing












"Companies and agencies have struggled to integrate traditional and social media and to measure results beyond increased awareness and positive sentiment", write marketing and public relations consultant, and founder and CEO of Arment Dietrich, Gini Dietrich; and marketing and social media strategist, and bestselling author, Geoff Livingston, in their comprehensive and groundbreaking book Marketing in the Round: How to Develop an Integrated Marketing Campaign in the Digital Era. The authors describe the concept of developing and implementing a fully integrated marketing strategy that combines traditional marketing tactics with the effective deployment of social media campaigns.

Gini Dietrich (photo left) and Geoff Livingston recognize that a marketing strategy based on the exclusion of either traditional marketing tactics or the use of social media is an incomplete approach. The authors break down the silos that exist for brands and for customers alike that artificially separate social media from traditional media channels.

The authors provide an overarching strategic approach to marketing that transcends both organizational silos and the false divide between traditional and new media marketing. The book offers a complete and fully integrated approach for providing a unified and consistent marketing and brand message to customers. At the same time, the authors break down the message to targeted audiences to fit the needs of those customers; and how to measure the results and effectiveness of the strategy in meaningful terms.

Geoff Livingston (photo left) and Gini Dietrich understand that the choice of media channels, whether traditional or social media, is not the real issue. The real challenge is to achieve positive and profitable results for the brand. To meet this challenge, the authors propose the concept of an integrated marketing strategy that forgets the misleading premise of either one channel or the other. As a more effective alternative, the authors recommend an all channel approach to marketing, where the audience receives the message in different formats of their choice. The breaking down of silos and myths surrounding the various marketing format is the first step, and with that barricade broken through, real connection with the customer can begin in earnest.

The authors divide the book into three overall sections, with each subsection devoted to real world focused tactics and techniques. The three basic parts of the book are as follows:

* Understand the marketing round and develop your strategy
* Four marketing round approaches
* Measurement, refinement, and improvement

For me, the power of the book is how Gini Dietrich and Geoff Livingston combine a strong theoretical framework for developing an integrated marketing strategy, with the practical and hands on tactics for making that overall strategy an effective reality. The authors dispense with the usual defenses of either social media on the one hand, and traditional marketing on the other, and combine them into an integrated and holistic marketing message. What is intriguing is why this silo and separation of marketing strategies ever developed in the first place, and the authors do a fine job of ending that false dichotomy.

The authors wisely create a series of four different approaches to the tactics utilized by a brand for marketing and connecting with customers. This useful concept offers the marketer flexibility that is not always seen in books of this type. The authors recognize as well that marketing through any media channels is more than simply awareness or a feel good result. Instead, the authors recommend a complete measurement and evaluation program for the brand to determine real effectiveness in bottom line terms.

I highly recommend the insightful and very results oriented book Marketing in the Round: How to Develop an Integrated Marketing Campaign in the Digital Era by Gini Dietrich and Geoff Livingston to any business leaders, entrepreneurs, marketers and branders who are seeking an integrated and holistic approach to developing a comprehensive marketing strategy. This book is a manifesto to tear down those silo walls and bring an overall and complete marketing strategy into effect for your brands.

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The Connected Company by Dave Gray with Thomas Vander Wal - Book review

The Connected Company

By: Dave Gray, Thomas Vander Wal

Published: September 18, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 304 pages
ISBN-10: 144931905X
ISBN-13: 978-1449319052
Publisher: O'Reilly Media











"Customers are connecting, forming networked communities that allow them to rapidly share information and self-organize into powerful interest groups. Companies will have to be more responsive to customer needs and demands if they want to survive", write SVP Strategy, Dachis Group management consultant, Dave Gray; and Principal, InfoCloud Solutions, Thomas Vander Wal, in their visionary blueprint for the new business reality oriented book The Connected Company. The authors describe how customers have increased their power over the marketplace, how companies must understand that new power relationship, and share strategies for connecting with customers and thriving in the new wired world.

Dave Gray (photo left) and Thomas Vander Wal recognize that customers are utilizing the disruptive technologies of the internet and mobile, and forming networked information sharing communities faster than companies can cope with the changes. The authors point out that in the service economy, customers and their needs are part of the design process. With the ever increasing complexity of services, and the necessity of close interaction with customers, companies must overcome their tendency to move away from customers. To meet this challenge, companies must create, develop and enrich sustainable connections with their increasingly empowered customer base. The authors provide the solution of making the structural changes that transform an organization into a connected company, and offer the strategy for building an operating this emerging business model.

Thomas Vander Wal (photo left) and Dave Gray understand that their visionary connected company has a purpose. The authors share the important insight that a company cannot act as a machine, but is really a living, learning organism. The connected company learns through seeking and acting upon customer feedback, and with constant experimentation and the trying of new approaches.

The connected company works through what the authors describe as a pod based system they call a holarchy. The complex structure of this connected company formation is semi-autonomous, and able to respond quickly through their close connectedness with customers. At the same time, the pod structured company requires connected support platform systems to provide interaction, feedback, and resources. Through these multifaceted and interconnected platforms and pods, a company is able to learn and grow organically. The authors also describe the challenges and opportunities for leadership within the connected company structure.

The authors divide the book into five overarching sections to ensure that the reader understands the main pillars of the connected company format. The five sections are as follows:

* Why change?
* What is a connected company?
* How does a connected company work?
* How do you lead a connected company?
* How do you get there from here?

For me, the power of the book is how Dave Gray and Thomas Vander Wal combine a strong theoretical framework of the connected company, with the practical strategies for developing and maintaining a vibrant, learning, and growing company. the authors present their case for the integration of a customer focus into the fresh connected company system. The new structure forms an interactive feedback mechanism with the new empowered customer. Instead of being disrupted by the customer, the connected company leverages and utilizes that connected customer community to offer more services that the customer wants.

The authors present a series of strategies and techniques for transforming a company from the previous business model, to the connected company model. They also offer a fresh leadership model for working with this fresh business approach. The authors also describe some of the challenges that face leadership, and how to avoid the potential pitfalls.

I highly recommend the insightful and landmark book The Connected Company by Dave Gray and Thomas Vander Wal, to any business leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs who are seeking a fresh approach to creating a responsive and customer focused company that welcomes feedback and input from the empowered customer base. This book will transform your organization to meet the challenges of the new technological realities.

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Improving Profitiability Through Green Manufacturing by David R. Hills & J. Barry DuVall - Book review

Improving Profitability Through Green Manufacturing

Creating a Profitable and Environmentally Compliant Manufacturing Facility

By: David R. Hillis, Ph.D., J. Barry DuVall, Ph.D.

Published: September 19, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 248 pages
ISBN-10: 1118111257
ISBN-10: 1118111257
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.












"Now many believe that manufacturing in the United States is too cost both in dollars and harm to the environment. This is not true. There are ways to make manufacturing sustainable and profitable while meeting environmental obligations and requirements", write independent manufacturing consultant David R. Hillis, Ph.D.; and Professor in the Department of Technology Systems at East Carolina University, J. Barry DuVall, Ph.D., in their complete systems approach based book Improving Profitability Through Green Manufacturing: Creating a Profitable and Environmentally Compliant Manufacturing Facility. The authors describe how profits don't have to be sacrificed to environmental sustainability, or that care for the environment doesn't have to be reduced for profits, and provide real proven techniques that demonstrate how profitability and the environment can work together effectively.

David R. Hillis and J. Barry DuVall understand that manufacturing plants can be highly profitable while complying with or exceeding the environmental standards set by local, state, and federal governments. For the authors, there is no contradiction between profit generation and good environmental stewardship. Instead, the authors provide strong evidence that care for the environment and profits work well together. The authors open the book with a complete explanation of why a holistic approach that considers profitability while sustaining the environment are really a single and unified goal. The authors present a comprehensive overview of the unity of profits and environmental sustainability,a and not as a contradiction at all.

J. Barry DuVall and David R. Hillis recognize the most appropriate format for establishing a comprehensive manufacturing process, where both profits and the environment are considered, is through the entire system. As a result, the authors offer a complete explanation of the concepts of profits and green manufacturing. The next portion of the book is devoted to the practical strategies and techniques for establishing and maintaining a profitable manufacturing system that meets or exceeds all environmental standards and regulations.

The authors divide the book into sections that focus on the various aspects of green manufacturing as a comprehensive and fully integated system:

* Manufacturing: Product life cycles, waste, and regeneration
* Building a decision making process
* Environmental regulations, standards, and profitability
* Case studies: The principles in real world manufacturing settings
* Overview of tools used to improve manufacturing operations
* The facility: The plant, location, and sustainable design
* Applying the profitable and compliant process chart

For me, the power of the book is how David R. Hillis and J. Barry DuVall combine a strong theoretical reasoning and framework for profitable green manufacturing, with the proven and practical strategies for developing a profitable process that is also environmentally compliant. The authors make a tremendous case that profitability and environmental sustainability are not mutually exclusive goals. The authors demonstrate clearly that the two goals are not only compatible but are also symbiotic in their approach. The authors provide a series of illustrative case studies that show the principles at work in real world manufacturing plants.

The authors present a clear step by step blueprint for create and maintain a profitable manufacturing process with an integral environmental component. The holistic and systemic approach to green manufacturing is convincing and will change the way that business and government agencies view the sustainability of a manufacturing process.

I highly recommend the holistic and knowledge building book Improving Profitability Through Green Manufacturing: Creating a Profitable and Environmentally Compliant Manufacturing Facility by David R. Hillis, Ph.D. and J. Barry DuVall, Ph.D., to any business leaders, manufacturers, design specialists, building and plant builders, public policy makers, environmental groups, practicing engineers, engineering and manufacturing students, elected officials, and anyone interested in green manufacturing who are seeking a clear and concise road map to establishing and maintaining a complete system that is profitable and environmentally sustainable. This book will change your mind forever about profit and the environment as green manufacturing works for both goals.

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National Geographic Space Atlas: Mapping the Universe and Beyond by James Trefil - Book review

Space Atlas

Mapping the Universe and Beyond

By: James Trefil, Ph.D.

Published: November 6, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 336 pages
ISBN-10: 1426209711
ISBN-13: 978-1426209710
Publisher: National Geographic Books













"Space Atlas is a visual guide to the universe,starting with our own solar system and reaching out to the farthest galaxies and the mysteries of multiple universes", writes Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University, James Trefil, Ph.D., in his comprehensive and beautifully illustrated book Space Atlas: Mapping the Universe and Beyond. The author describes and explains the planets, stars, and galaxies; as well as more exotic objects and concepts including black holes, string theory, and the idea of the multiverse, in non-technical and engaging language.

James Trefil recognizes the awe and wonder of the stars, planets, and the entire universe. With profuse illustrations and over ninety pages of richly detailed star maps, the author guides the reader through the solar system, across the Milky Way, and beyond to other galaxies and to the edge of the known universe. James Trefil shares insightful information about the planets, stars, and galaxies and how they fit into the grand form of the universe. Each chapter begins with an orientation of the topic through four star charts that display the night skies, in full color, from our vantage point here on Earth. Each chapter devoted to a specific planet, within the solar system, contains a detailed map of the planet's surface.

James Trefil (photo left) offers a complete guided tour of all of the solar system planets, their moons, and such features as the asteroid belt, the Kuiper Belt, and the Oort cloud. The author combines his own background in physics, which adds tremendously to the forces at work across the universe, to the geographical and cartography aspects of the various worlds, stars, and other exotic space objects. From the big bang to an explanation of dark matter to the many remaining mysteries of space, the author shares his knowledge clearly and concisely for the reader.

The author divides the space atlas into three overarching chapters, plus an epilogue. Those sections are as follows:

8 the Solar System: Formation, planets, moons, and other objects
* The Galaxy: The Milky Way and other galaxies
* The Universe: Cosmology, structure, and its birth and death
* The Mysteries: Topics include string theory and multiverse possibility

Included in the book are the following enhancement features:

* 50 space maps, including 47 never before published
* 80 images from outer space
* 57 diagrams of key theories
* 278 fascinating statistics
* 300+ pages of up to date space information

For me, the power of the book is how James Trefil combines clear and succinct information about space with illustrative maps, star charts, and photographs that enhance that information. The author is a physicist, and his knowledge in that field enriches the understanding of the subject matter. At the back of the book are several detailed appendixes that provide additional data to supplement the material in the main book.

An added feature of the space atlas is the engaging foreword written by Apollo astronaut Buzz Aldrin. Overall, this is an extraordinary book, packed with the latest knowledge, informative and detailed maps, stunning photographs, and very useful charts. This is precisely the type of superior atlas that is expected from National Geographic; and they deliver on that promise with this deluxe edition.

I highly recommend the valuable and endlessly fascinating book Space Atlas: Mapping the Universe and Beyond by James Trefil, to anyone with an interest in space, the universe, or science in general. This book, with its lavish illustrations is a tremendous addition to the subjects of astronomy, physics, geography, and science in general.

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Street Freak: A Memoir of Money and Madness by Jared Dillian - Book review

Street Freak

A Memoir of Money and Madness

By Jared Dillian

Published: September 11, 2012
Format: Trade Paperback, 368 pages
ISBN-10: 1439181276
ISBN-13: 978-1439181270
Publisher: Touchstone










"If you're a trader, it is important to exercise the illusion of control,because the reality is that you're not in control of anything", writes former trader for Lehman Brothers, and founder of the daily market report The Daily Dirtmap, Jared Dillian in his eye opening and deeply personal book Street Freak: A Memoir of Money and Madness. The author describes his career as a trader at the now defunct Lehman Brothers, rising from rookie associate to head Exchange-Traded Fund (ETF) trader. That transition from former military, working class person to trader who handled trillions of dollars in value, is only one part of the author's story.

Jared Dillian shares a story that goes far beyond the peaks and valleys of his Wall Street trading career. The author delves into the serious issue of his bipolar and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Neither condition was diagnosed, and both were heightened and covered up by Jered Dillian's manic trading activity. The author takes the reader on a roller coaster ride through the trading floors of Lehman Brothers, where he made and lost millions of dollars, all while attempting to maintain his sanity. Jared Dillian was battling his personal demons in a world where his psychological and medical conditions were valued for the results they created for the company.

Jared Dillian (photo left) recognized that his career and his life were spiraling out of control. Faced with the possibility that he lacked what he considered the necessary skills of a successful trader, the author felt his world collapsing around him. A failed attempt at suicide, and a growing sense that he was going mad, found Jared Dillian mired at rock bottom. In the end, the author arrives at the realization that more than his own emotional challenges, the trading environment was an unhealthy one for him. In a flash of insight and self awareness, Jared Dillian considers the trading desk world to be insane.

The culture of Lehman Brothers encouraged socio-pathic and manic behavior. The result of that culture norm was not one that worked in favor of the company over the long term. Lehman Brothers, with its culture of paranoia and dysfunction went bankrupt. When the stock market melted down in 2008, the culture of the company was ill suited to respond to the challenge. Not understanding or even considering its own flaws, the organization blamed outside forces. In the end, Jared realized that as world of Lehman Brothers was collapsing, that he could live a normal life again.

For me, the power of the book is how Jared Dillian shares his personal story openly and without flinching on the the often painful details. Along with his own journey, the author offers a rare glimpse inside the rough and tumble trading desk world, with all of its dysfunction and excitement on full display. Jared Dillian recreates the hectic and manic world, of the last era of Lehman Brothers, through the eyes of a person whose personality and emotional makeup were strangely suited to the overall company culture.

At the same time, however, those same personal attributes led to the author's complete emotional breakdown. In a world where the structure was unsustainable, and the endgame was the complete failure of the Lehman Brothers company, anyone could be destroyed emotionally by it. The author tells his own story, of an average person in an insane world, and how he regained his own normal life.

I highly recommend the tumultuous and riveting book Street Freak: A Memoir of Money and Madness by Jared Dillian, to anyone seeking a clear eyed view of Wall Street in its grittiest and most morally and ethically bankrupt form. The book is a real page turner, that reads like an adventure novel, but the events portrayed in this story are very real and affect people's lives.

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Change-friendly Leadership by Rodger Dean Duncan - Book review

Change-Friendly Leadership

How to Transform Good Intentions into Great Performance

By: Rodger Dean Duncan, Ph.D.

Published: September 18, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 304 pages
ISBN-10: 0985213507
ISBN-10: 0985213507
Publisher; Maxwell Stone Publishing












"Change really is a big deal. Work hard to accommodate people's feelings - their heads, hearts, and hopes - and your change effort can be one of the success stories", writes leadership and organizational change expert, and founder and CEO of Duncan Worldwide, Rodger Dean Duncan, Ph.D., in his visionary and wisdom filled book Change-Friendly Leadership: How to Transform Good Intentions into Great Performance. The author describes how change is an integral component of the modern world, and provides his people focused approach to transforming change from a time of stress to one of organizational engagement and competitive advantage.

Rodger Dean Duncan recognizes that change is not only inevitable for any organization, but also that constant change is the new normal for all of society. The author provides evidence that change management has moved far beyond just one more management skill. Instead, the author places the ability to manage change successfully in the ranks of crucial leadership abilities. Rodger Dean Duncan shares the concept, that engaging the feelings of the people in the organization, is the essential part of the change process.

Regardless of the organization or its industry, the idea of change is stressful. The author offers the important insight that the stress of he change is what creates the resistance to change; and not the actual change itself. To engage the people who feel this stress, Rodger Dean Duncan presents a process that focuses on the real human dynamics involved in the change.

Rodger Dean Duncan (photo left) understands that the human element of change is central to the change success. The author also recognizes that those very real feelings and emotions are all too often not taken into account by the leaders of the change. To help facilitate change through engagement of the people involved, and for considering their their hopes and fears, the author presents his Four T's strategy for change:

* Think-friendly: Being curious, asking questions, challenging assumptions
* Talk-friendly: Opening dialogue and really listening to others
* Trust-friendly: Earning trust and extending trust to others
* Team-friendly: Establishing genuine collaboration

With this overall framework in place, Rodger Dean Duncan shares his seven steps for change-friendly leadership. Those seven steps are as follow:

* Validate the journey: Make a sold case for change
* Scan for speed bumps: Understanding and handling resistance
* Chart the course: Earn everyone's commitment
* Build a coalition: Bond people together for synergy
* Ford the streams: Understanding emotions and the company culture
* Stay on message: Provide open and honest communication
* Mind the gap: Keep on course so the goal becomes reality

For me, the power of the book is how Rodger Dean Duncan combines a strong theoretical framework for understanding the human dynamics of change, with the practical strategies and techniques for facilitating successful change. The author establishes the crucial leadership attribute of understanding and facilitating successful organizational change management. Rodger Dean Duncan moves beyond the standard position that change is a management issue, and places change firmly in the realm of leadership.

Rodger Dean Duncan takes a visionary viewpoint that change is already, and will continue to be a key element of business, the economy, and of society as a whole. As a result, the book employs a holistic approach to engaging people and the entire organization in the change process. To further illustrate the various principles in action, in real world settings, the author also includes a series of important case studies.

I highly recommend the essential and important book Change-Friendly Leadership: How to Transform Good Intentions into Great Performance by Rodger Dean Duncan, to any leaders in any organizations, regardless of industry or economic sector, seeking a clear and people oriented approach to managing the inevitable and now ubiquitous change. This book will change how you think about change as a whole, the role of leadership, and of the people who are affected by that change.

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If I Knew Then, What I Know Now! by Cynthia Hammond-Davis - Book review

If I Knew Then, What I Know Now!

College and Financial Aid Planning From A Parent's Perspective

By: Cynthia Hammond-Davis

Published: November 28. 2011
Format: Paperback, 84 pages
ISBN-10: 1936513285
ISBN-13: 978-1936513284
Publisher: PENDIUM









"I am writing this book because just like you, I have experienced overwhelming anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights with concerns of college planning, thinking about where my children might attend college, and wondering how we would be able to pay for it", writes radio talk show host, motivational speaker, and founder and Executive Director of The Light of the City, Inc., Cynthia Hammond-Davis in her clear and concise book If I Knew Then, What I Know Now! College and Financial Aid Planning From A Parent's Perspective. The author describes her struggle as a mother to find ways to cover all aspects of her family's quest for a college education, and shares her experiences in obtaining funding, educational planning, and how to navigate the college financial maze.

Cynthia Hammond-Davis understands first hand the challenges that parents of college aged children face in searching for the right college, and obtaining the funding to pay for it. The author shares her resourceful strategies and techniques, learned through trial and error, for finding grants and scholarships to fund her children's college education. Cynthia provides real world proven advice for both parents and students to ease the school planning and selection process; as well as finding success in receiving non-repayable financial aid. The author stresses a teamwork approach to finding solutions, and achieving success at getting into the school best suited to the student, and paying for it as painlessly as possible.

Cynthia Hammond-Davis (photo left) recognizes the critical importance of beginning the college selection and funding process early in the child's life. The author presents advice on the value of maintaining good grades and for achieving high scores on tests including the SAT and ACT. Cynthia Hammond-Davis also points out how a strong list of extra-curricular activities helps the student in both the admissions and financial aid processes.

Cynthia Hammond-Davis covers all of the crucial areas of the educational journey from grade school through high school and on to post-secondary education. The topics covered in the book include the following:

* Teamwork is the key
* Find your gifts/talents and abilities/strengths
* The importance of good grades and SAT?ACT scores
* Extra-curricular activities and community service
* Student athletes - NCAA collegiate sports
* Finding the right college
* Get to know your child's counselor now
* Scholarships
* FAFSA - Free application for financial aid
* How to find the best college for your buck
* Counting up the cost
* Professional judgment and appeal letters

For me, the power of the book is how Cynthia Hammond-Davis provides a comprehensive overview of the entire selection and funding process succinctly and with clarity of vision. The author personalizes her own family's journey to choose the right school, and to obtain grants and scholarships to offset the high cost of education. The story of that quest provides a backdrop to the more technical details of the book, and provides a context for the often bewildering array of acronyms.

Cynthia Hammond-Davis eases the jargon burden by presenting detailed explanations of what the initials and departments mean. The plain language approach extends into the financial areas of the book where the numbers are shown with real world meaning for parents and students. The author also provides a list of additional resources to guide families toward additional funding agencies, college preparation courses, and information about the myriad of possible colleges and their programs.

I highly recommend the handy and information packed book If I Knew Then, What I Know Now! College and Financial Aid Planning From A Parent's Perspective by Cynthia Hammond-Davis, to any parents, students, educators, and counselors who are seeking clear and readily applicable information preparing for college, selecting the right school, being admitted, and finding the funds to pay for that educational opportunity. This book is an indispensable guide for families who are planning a college education for their children.

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Step Up and Play Big by Chris Ruisi - Book review

Step Up And Play Big

Unlock Your Potential to Be Exceptional in 8 Simple Steps

By: Chris Ruisi

Published: June 26, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 158 pages
ISBN-10: 1599323168
ISBN-13: 978-1599323169
Publisher: Advantage Media Group














"My personal belief is some people spend way too much time thinking and considering versus acting to make something happen", writes speaker and nationally recognized leadership expert Chris Ruisi, in his motivational and very concise book Step Up And Play Big: Unlock Your Potential to Be Exceptional in 8 Simple Steps. The author describes how it doesn't take a huge effort to step up and play big, and shares his simple and proven strategies for being exceptional in all areas of your life.

Chris Ruisi recognizes that for many people, the easiest path is to sit in the safety of the middle, and not move beyond that comfort zone. To overcome the inertia of mediocrity, the author presents a simple, and readily understood system for achieving success. Chris Ruisi shares eight steps, that anyone can take, toward breaking free of the ordinary, and for entering into the realm of the extraordinary.

For the author, the steps from that area of comfort are what he calls the stretch point. As the person stretches and moves forward, their bar for achievement is raised, and raised again, with each additional stretching exercise. Instead of viewing challenges as obstacles, Chris Ruisi recasts them as opportunities for people to display their inborn greatness.

Chris Ruisi (photo left) understands that even with a simple system for stepping up and playing big, the individual must still take the initiative to move forward. The author points out that the process only works if the person works the process. To help guide the reader toward stepping up and playing big, Chris Ruisi presents each of his eight principles as simply and as engagingly as possible.

With the concepts made accessible and doable for anyone, the author provides the individual with every opportunity possible for the achievement of success and personal growth. the eight pillars of stepping up and playing big are as follows:

* To step up and play big, start with a vision
* To step up and play big you need to find your full capabilities
* To step up and play big, you have to fight distractions
* To step up and play big requires knowing what leadership is and isn't
* To step up and play big means you know how to use leadership
* To step up and play big requires new or better habits
* To step up and play big means handling the tough stuff
* To step up and play big, you must stay focused to make the right decisions

For me, the power of the book is how Chris Ruisi combines his philosophy of stepping up and playing big with the simple and readily applicable steps to make it a reality. The author provides a complete process for becoming the exceptional person that anyone can be, through a proven set of principles. Unlike many programs that require learning very difficult exercises that discourage the person, this book presents a very simple series of concepts and activities. The exercises are readily understood and can be readily applied at any time.

The key, as always, is to actually do the activities. Chris Ruisi uses sports examples to motivate the individual to achieve their own excellence. Chris Ruisi is refreshing as an author, as he gets right down to business, and shares his points immediately. This directness and straight forward approach gives the reader the incentive to get going with the process, and stepping up and playing big, right away.

I highly recommend the straight talking and readily accessible book Step Up And Play Big: Unlock Your Potential to Be Exceptional in 8 Simple Steps by Chris Ruisi, to anyone seeking a simple, realistic, and proven approach to breaking away from mediocrity and achieving excellence in all aspects of their lives. This book will get you going, and moving forward to achieving the success you deserve.

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The Next Convergence by Michael Spence - Book review

The Next Convergence

The Future of Economic Growth in a Multispeed World

By Michael Spence

Published: August 7, 2012
Format: Paperback, 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1250007704
ISBN-13: 978-1250007704
Publisher: Picador














"This book is about the 100-plus years that began in 1945 and will run to the middle of the twenty-first century. Since we are slightly over halfway along, we can think of it as a midterm report. It is about two parallel and interacting revolutions: the continuation of the Industrial Revolution in the advanced countries, and the sudden and dramatic spreading pattern of growth in the developing world", writes Professor of Economics at the Stern School of Business at New York University, and winner of the Nobel 2001 Prize in Economic Sciences, Michael Spence, in his brilliant and landmark book The Next Convergence: The Future of Economic Growth in a Multispeed World. The author describes how this century of rapid growth has created a fresh interrelationship between the developed and developing worlds, and the effect of this massive trend on the five billion people who live in the developing countries.

Michael Spence recognizes that while the huge asymmetries between the developing world and the developed world remain, their disparity is decreasing over time. The author refers to this narrowing of the gap as convergence, and this increasing interdependence bring with it fresh challenges for the entire global population. These new realities will require fresh perspectives, understanding, and solutions.

Michael Spence points out that we in the developed world will have to view these emerging challenges through the eyes of the people in the developing world. They in turn will have to see the issues through our eyes as well as their own. With the emerging nations rebounding faster from the 2008 global economic crisis faster than the advanced economies, these new economic centers are rapidly becoming the world's engines of economic growth.

Michael Spence (photo left) understands the increasing importance of the emerging countries to the overall global economy. The author points out that this rapid rise in production and consumer demand from the developing world is one of the untold stories of globalization. These new economies are critical to global demand for products and services, and are part of the forces for worldwide economic stability.

The author traces the history and future of globalization over one hundred years. Included in that historical examination is what happening in the previous fifty years, followed by some ideas of how the next fifty years may unfold in the world economy. The author divides the book into four overarching sections:

* The global economy and the developing countries
* Sustained high growth in the developing world
* The crisis and its afermath
* The future of growth

For me, the power of the book is how Michael Spence applies his economic analysis to the overall global economy, by tracing where it has been, and what the future may hold. the author presents his historical analysis in a clear and concise manner. His forecasts for the future are based on the existing data, including questioning whether current high rates of growth in the BRIC nations are sustainable, and how the developed world will respond to the increasing economic influence of the emerging markets.

Michael Spence examines the potential for more instability, and also the drives that work toward stabilization of the world economy. The book is very balanced in its approach, is free of extreme ideological viewpoints. Instead, Michael Spence offers a realistic consideration of the challenges and opportunities facing both the developed world and the emerging countries.

I highly recommend the important and well researched book The Next Convergence: The Future of Economic Growth in a Multispeed World by Michael Spence, to any business leaders, elected officials, public policy makers, academics, students, and anyone interested in the past, present, and future of the global economy. This landmark book will change the way you think about globalization and its possible future.

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The Digital Dollar by Joe Wozny - Book review

The Digital Dollar

Sustainable Strategies for Online Success

By: Joe Wozny

Published: October 2012
Format: Paperback, 213 pages
ISBN-10: 0978097467
ISBN-13: 978-0978097462
Publisher: FairWinds Press











"This book is meant to serve all knowledge levels and to speak to all audiences who want to have a better understanding of which online activities they should in", writes online media thought leader, strategist, and CEO of Concentric, Joe Wozny, in his very practical and information packed book The Digital Dollar: Sustainable Strategies for Online Success. The author describes what he calls the digitalroadmap Strategy Process to develop and implement a successful and measurable online business strategy.

Joe Wozny understands that is essential to ask the right questions about your online business strategy to ensure that you receive the best answers. The author presents a strategic approach to online business, and shares the tips and techniques needed to execute that strategy. Joe Wozny employs a road map based method for navigating the online business world, and guides the online entrepreneur toward the route to achieving the goals best suited to their industry and individual business. Joe Wozny recommends taking action toward building an online business, learning the often complex and confusing array of tools and devices by using them, and learning and measuring the results in real time.

Joe Wozny (photo left) recognizes that not only do entrepreneurs have different business goals, and are part of different industries, but they also possess different levels of online experience. The author also considers the different ways that his readers will read and apply the information provided in the book. To best provide the necessary information, in the form best absorbed by the reader, Joe Wozney offers three different study methods:

* Reading based on building and maintaining engagement
* Reading by industry type or organizational goals
* For those new to the internet and/or social media

With the different reading and learning styles considered, Joe Wozney shares hands on and actionable strategies and techniques as follows:

* Who are you: What's in a name on the internet
* The King of the road: Content
* No-cost and low-cost marketing options: Maximizing your efforts
* No-cost and low cost marketing options: Linking, directories, and portals
* No-cost and low cost marketing options: Low-hanging content & communication
* Can you find me? Search
* The big buzz: Social media marketing and communications
* Not to be overlooked: Digital advertising outside of paid search
* Website evolution
* Mapping your route to digital success: Digitalroadmaps
* Finding a starting point

For me, the power of the book is how Joe Wozny combines an overall strategic approach to digital entrepreneurship with the practical techniques to put those strategies into action. The entire book follows the action oriented approach and offers a complete how to guide for establishing an online business in any industry. Joe Wozny realizes that different readers will have varying degrees of internet and social media knowledge and existing skills.

The author also understands that readers will address their needs in different ways and at various stages of the business development. The book is arranged to accommodate that range of learning styles and desire to get right down to business. Joe Wozny also arranges the book into clusters that enable a business person to focus on the areas that most affect their online venture, and to address any areas where knowledge and skills may be lacking.

I highly recommend the very comprehensive and results oriented book The Digital Dollar: Sustainable Strategies for Online Success by Joe Wozny, to any current and potential internet entrepreneurs who are seeking a clear and concise guide to planning and implementing a digital company. This book, with its various custom approaches, will appeal to anyone regardless of their current level of internet knowledge and abilities.

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Triple Crown Leadership by Bob Vanourek & Bob Vanourek - Book review

Triple Crown Leadership

Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations

By: Bob Vanourek, Gregg Vanourek

Published: June 19, 2012
Format: Hardcover, 272 pages
ISBN-10: 0071791507
ISBN-13: 978-0071791502
Publisher: McGraw Hill












"The central message of this book is that leaders should commit to the overriding aim of building excellent, ethical, and enduring organizations", write retired major corporation CEO Bob Vanourek; and educator at the Stockholm School of Entrepreneurship and the Royal Institute of Technology, Gregg Vanourek, in their leadership and organization transforming book Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations. The authors describe a fresh approach to leadership and corporate actions based on the principles of excellence, ethics, and endurance that boost performance, engagement, and impact.

Bob Vanourek (photo left) and Gregg Vanourek recognize that that the recent corporate scandals, debacles, and global financial crisis had their roots in a failed leadership model. The authors see history as repeating itself, as the lessons have only been partially learned by the current leadership teams. The authors remain confident that dramatic changes in that failed leadership business model will take place very soon.

In anticipation of the realization in the corporate boardrooms that a new leadership model is essential to the very survival of their organizations, the authors examine the form of that new leadership paradigm. Through the three principles of excellence, ethics, and endurance, which the authors call triple crown leadership, leadership will be transformed propelling their companies forward to new heights.

Gregg Vanourek (photo left) and Bob Vanourek understand that poor leadership, dysfunctional company cultures, a lack of ethic or sustainability, and continual scandals not only destroy the organization but the lives of people as well. The authors have seen great leadership in action as well, and attest to its energizing and life changing power. The authors have the expressed purpose of transforming leadership from the outmoded style to a new and vibrant model based on their three pillars.

The authors utilize horse racing metaphor as the basis for describing and establishing their life and organization changing leadership model. They present the process, in the book, as follows:

* The Triple Crown quest: Excellent, ethical, and enduring
* Head and heart: New approaches to people and their development
* The colors: Leaders employ the purpose, values, and mission
* Steel and velvet: Judgement of when to use hard or soft leadership edges
* Stewards: Empowered teams and group performance
* Alignment: Aligning the organization to the Triple Crown quest
* Breakdowns: Why some organizations fail in the quest
* Turnarounds: Using the quest pillars to rebuild a company
* Startups: Adjustments needed for these unique challenges
* Social impact: Impact on all stakeholders, communities, and the world
* Snapshots: How to assess progress

For me, the power of the book is how Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek combine their theoretical framework for a new leadership model with the strategies and techniques for establishing the fresh leadership principles. The authors present a comprehensive blueprint, based on their three crucial pillars of leadership, to rebuild and strengthen any organization. The rich insight offered by the authors, that the standard leadership model has led to failure, scandal, and disaster, gives the book resonance with readers who value ethics, excellence, and endurance.

Another insight shared in the book is how the new Triple Crown leadership model is more effective in every way, creating greater performance levels, more engaged employees, and a stronger bottom line. The authors bolster their case with in depth interviews with other business leaders who share their thoughts on the demise of the older paradigm, and the benefits of the Triple Crown quest.

I highly recommend the idea filled and engaging book Triple Crown Leadership: Building Excellent, Ethical, and Enduring Organizations by Bob Vanourek and Gregg Vanourek, to any organizational leaders, at any level, who are seeking a fresh and effective model of leadership to replace the proven failed existing model. This book will give heart to those who are convinced that ethics and values have a central place in the overall and sustainable success of any organization.

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You and Your Partner, Inc. by Miriam Hawley & Jeffrey McIntyre - Book review

You & Your Partner, Inc.

Entrepreneurial Couples Succeeding in Business, Life and Love

By: Miriam Hawley, Jeffrey McIntyre

Published: August 21, 2012
Format: Paperback, 184 pages
ISBN-10: 0615648975
ISBN-13: 978-0615648972
Publisher: Enlignment, Incorporated












"Over the course of our 30-year marriage, which included various careers for each of us, we were always in search of a more harmonious life, so we joined forces and started a business together", write CEO of Enignment®, Inc., Mariam Hawley; and President of Elignment®, Inc., Jeffrey McIntyre, in their enlightening and very insight filled book You & Your Partner, Inc.: Entrepreneurial Couples Succeeding in Business, Life and Love. The authors describe complexities and challenges for married couples in operating a successful business partnership, and share their real world proven techniques for achieving harmony in both the company and the marriage.

Miriam Hawley and Jeffrey McIntyre understand the desire for couples to start a business venture together. The authors took the entrepreneurial plunge, and achieved success and fulfillment in growing their dreams together. The authors also recognize that the married couples entering into their own businesses are very diverse in their ages, backgrounds, and business objectives. The authors point out that each couple faced many challenges and obstacles to overcome on their business and life journeys. The book provides a series of in depth interview with almost fifty couples who combined business with marriage, and found happiness and success both aspects of their lives.

Miriam Hawley and Jeffrey McIntyre (both in photo left) recognize that there are many reasons why couples want to start a business of their own. In each case, the couples shared a special vision of their company as an extension of their life partnership, as well as a going business concern. The authors define four main motivators for starting a couple oriented business. Those four motivators are as follows:

* The practical partnership
* The tradition behind your partnership
* The vision for your partnership
* The mission for your partnerships

The authors provide comprehensive interviews with almost fifty entrepreneurial couples who touch upon the following challenges and opportunities in creating their own successful businesses. The chapters and interviews include the following:

* Copreneurship: An exciting and productive model for the 21st century
* Defining the structure and objectives of your professional partnership
* Each partner contributes: A look at roles and boundaries
* Successfully incorporating your children and extended family
* Positive communication: Free to be fully self-expressed
* Work-life integration: Making time for self-care, play and more
* Soul support: Encouraging each other's talents and growth
* The joys and challenges of growing your business together

For me, the power of the book is how Mariam Hawley provide a complete examination of spousal business partnerships through a series of real world interviews. The authors share their own experiences, and provide their ideas for successful copreneurship. At the same time, they describe openly the challenges that couples face as they operate their own companies. The book is divided into a series of chapters that cover the various aspects of business partnerships. Each chapter includes a series of takeaways for readers to incorporate those concepts into their own businesses.

The key to each chapter are the in depth interviews with several couples who faced and not only overcame the obstacles, but transformed them into real positives for the company and their marriages. an added feature of the book is the list of resources, included as an appendix, for additional research into building a successful business; and for discovering even more information about the couples interviewed in the text.

I highly recommend the very hands on and personal experience based book You & Your Partner, Inc.: Entrepreneurial Couples Succeeding in Business, Life and Love by Miriam Hawley and Jeffrey McIntyre, to any married couples seeking to start, purchase, or expand a business successfully. This book will guide you and your life partner toward achieving your business goals while enriching and strengthening your life together.

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