Many books claim to be able to change your life. How about one that simply proves to you....
That you're NOT crazy.
Is this you?: Problem solver in your office? Creativity bothering those above you? Awesome after work to not upset others? Feel like a freak because you ask questions? Coworkers think you're stupid for working so hard? Want every ounce of effort to = progress?
This book is going to make you feel like someone actually understands you. Like you were adopted and didn't know it and now here, are your real parents Seth Godin, one of the world's best agitators, Explains how our three brains ( lizard, mammal and post-mammal) can hold us back, or empower (what is the lizard brain?)
Our entire 'system' of school, study and work is based on a broken model of success. It shouldn't take good old Lucy to show us how the assembly line makes no sense
Those running the show have no idea how to get results in a 2.0 world
But you knew that didn't you?
This book will give you some great ideas on what you can do about it in your life. Today.
A big thanks to Promod Sharma who introduced me to this book at a critical time. Since then it has helped me understand what I need to do to change my own damn life.
Everyone knows the answer to the question. "what is the meaning of life" ( 42, duh ) But what is the QUESTION!? Elusive.
Let me preface this post by saying, I'm no management smartypants, no MBA application here, frankly I'm not that smart.I'm just one of the monkeys with a bone trying by God and man to achieve results.
No one is a prophet in his own home. That's why of course I read about "Canadian Management Guru" Henry Mintzberg in a list of Management Experts by McKinsey
Just finished his most recent book. Which is good because six others came in from the library and this is the only one I can get through. I just can't get through books that are all text wall to wall. I'm not one of the sleepless elite.
First pitch and Mintzberg knocked it out of the park. He proposed the ONE question: WHEN YOU BECAME A MANAGER, WHAT CHANGED?
I asked several hundred of my business mentors this week. Not even 10% got a verbal primer, talking to or training. Not even 2% of my non-profit leaders got anything at all.
Do a little online research and you'll find most tips on becoming a manager are about how to wear a suit, talk to the boss, navigate politics and get ahead.
This book was of value because of Mintzberg and his multigenerational experienceI loved this book because of two little things:
1) He bolds key ideas and phrases to help non-MBA's get the picture 2) He references about 100 of the top management thinkers of the past 60 years And yet he remains rooted in the very front line of the bloody battles fought today. Who can quote from 1916, speak from the book of Drucker and comment on the internet?!
He will call out every problem you face. I won't tell you he'll solve it but you'll understand the roots of it and ways for you to solve it yourself.
Also the concept of following around 29 business leaders for the day to actually learn from how they really walk their talk. Sorry Mr. Mintzberg, he hates the term "leadership" Which is great because he chose CEO's, Presidents and for profit Directors as well as Not for Profit leadership and Government bureaucrats Ended up in its' own website, 29 Days of Managing
And here's the kicker At the end of the book are four full summaries of these days. Just gold.I'd summarize more goodies but there's too many. Too many notes, golden nuggets. There are days of reflecting on the ideas he put forth
Best seller, winner of multiple awards if you're a student of the ACT of managing and not just the title - this is a must read. I wish there was an audio book though.
I wish that those who promote would actually ask the question:"Are you ready to lead, coach, teach, think, strategize, question, decide and act?" before bestowing this title. Until then, we'll always have Henry.
Thanks Report on Business TV for this great interview on the book:
This is not a fetish thing. But sometimes...I like to get slapped in the face.
When admin piles up on me, when people are debating useless facts and the concept of reality. When meetings waste my time.. A whack in the head clears things up real well...
The author knows that rainmakers are also road warriors. I listened to this 2 disc set on the road during an afternoon/evening set of meetings in 4 cities. And boy was it a useful way to spend my drive!
Here's why it will be worth your time:
First off, I appreciate Jeff ( can I call you Jeff? ) that you included "fundraisers" in the rainmaker category. Clients / donors are interchangeable in this book so no excuses you nonprofit types!
I have been in the business of "client service", "sales / fund raising" for over a decade. I'd like to think I'm pretty good at prospecting and "the visit".
So much here I took for granted or never really thought about! Loved his 40 second tip on how to GET the meeting. Something that so many sales people are forced to learn on their own. Learn how to book more meetings.
Shocked me to the core with what seat you should take for a business meeting. The best seat?! I've literally been doing it wrong the whole time. Learn why you need to take that seat.
Coffee can kill a sales call?!?! Say it ain't so Jeff!
Finally a great rant on lunch meetings I can share with young professionals I teach. They need to hear it from a hard nosed sales guy - you are not there to eat lunch!!! 20 tips on how to close more business over food.
This is gold: How to turn objections....into client objectives. And let them teach you how to sell them. 5 tips on how to turn a flaming car wreck of a meeting around!
I know you expect this to be slimy sales talk but he really nails it with authenticity ...."for rainmakers...Manners matter".
Do you recognize your client/donor's "buy" signals? You will now.
Why breaking the ice can kill your client meeting. I have been in meetings where small talk derailed the only shot at the sale/gift. The whole damn book is worth this one item: How to ROCK and RULE voicemail?! 14 steps, I do 5 at best. If I do even 2 more it will help me do better for my clients/donors.
Ugh. I listened to a chapter called "park at the back" right after I had parked right in front of the front window. Everything he said, I had JUST done. That was a nice feeling.
I'm with you Jeff. The breakkie meeting beats all. 10 reasons why breakfast will make you more money. He calls man of his questions the "killer sales questions" but the final one. Yes, it is the killerest of them all. I'm damn good at what I do and I never knew how to use this question well. I'll know now!
There was a ruthless VP I knew who used to say, the number one client rep is only number one because of the numbers. Period. Don't talk to me about anything else than what you've got in hand. And I really loved that. This book is in this spirit. Do or do not, there is no try.
There are books that are professional development There are books that help you close better There are books that make you CASH MONEY. This book is behind door number 3.
Yes the non-profit sector is of huge value. Yes the people who work in charities should be paid more and respected for their contributions. Yes governments and the public should be more understanding of the cost to make change. But that's not how the world works. Things that should be, may never be.
Like how the nice person in high school never got any dates.
Enter Nancy Lublin and her new book. What the?! Nancy why do non-profit types always have to be iphone-twitter-hippy types riding their bicycles down a hallway?!!? Ok, that's better thank you.
Anyway...for profit people are always telling non-profits "you could learn something from us". Kind of like how your mom always tells you ... "you could learn something from your cousin Harold/Esther - he/she's a doctor/lawyer"
But in fact Harold/Esther is always in debt, owns a too-big house, drives a 7 seater Escalade alone and has never helped anyone in this world besides themselves. Meanwhile your Aunt Charity has always owned her own business, has traveled the world and drives a Prius when she could drive a Benz and helps others every single day of her life. Not only will for profit folks get a lot out of this book but non-profit folks will get to take a look at where we excel and often forget to take credit. In Lublin's own words:
"Simply put, really great not-for-profits are brilliant at doing more with less. We understand the power of zero We motivate employees to work past five o'clock with commitment, creativity and passion totally disproportionate to their tiny salaries. We engage our board members to truly add value to our companies. We don't pay them a dime - and actually, most of them pay us! We skillfully land donors (aka customers) with an artful ask and the promise of getting almost nothing in return other than the knowledge of - and warm fuzzies from- doing something good. We manage volunteers and get them to produce amazing results- say, houses or playgrounds or millions of dollars in revenue- without a competitive interview process, financial compensation, or the threat of termination".
Hell yeah!!
You just won't be proud when you read this book. You'll pick up a ton of good stuff you can use at work and in your professional life.
Fun features: - Get more work and loyalty from your employees - Get more from engagement from your board - Communicate with your donors/customers better - Get more results and communicate better with boomer/millennial volunteers/employees - 11 questions at end of chapter is better than traditional summary sections - Case studies and secrets of how the best brands get results - Master storytelling and relationship building for the purpose of closing - DO MORE with LESS ( isn't that the mantra these days? in this book is how )
Ok ok, Palotta's book is really good. But it's a call to arms.
This is a working book for all that will help you get results.
Confession 1: Even though I work in an "office" with four walls, wear a suit and tie, push paper - I think visual design is the sexiest part of business communication and I resent that I suck at it.
As such this book was an indulgence, a pleasure to read, the perfect companion to a high end coffee at 7am or a glass of wine at 10pm.
So many reads these days are friggin textbooks and it's just exhausting!!! Thank you Garr R.
But Paul, I'm not a designer...this book is "for those of us not trained as professional designers...we know what we like but lack the visual literacy to articulate" and tweak our own stuff!
SO MUCH $$ VALUE HERE. Excellent use of your time if you use Powerpoint.
Confession 2: I have been a total typography nerd since high school. I can name 150 fonts, I am viciously loyal to 4 and can tell you at what age I made something by the typeface I used. Don't you judge me!!!
FINALLY a book that tells you what font to use for what type of presentation and WHY in two pages. FINALLY someone who explains what jpeg, gif, tiff, png is and why it matters when using them in any format ( print, presentation and web ).
So many tips here on the use of text, graphics and other resources when printing. As a Powerpoint addict who dreams of actually using it well - this is the best read of 2011 so far.
Hate the title, the tag isn't bad: "A practical guide to effective communication in the workplace".
It should have been called "confessions of a jerk-wad boss who learned how to be a human being and help others do the same".
I liked that the writer, a former partner in a law firm fesses up to his challenges and previous solutions. With peers, subordinates and family.
This is a very thin book - worth every second of the read.
Focus on the concept of "NVC", non-violent communication.
This is NOT touchy-feely let me assure you.
This book will help you: - Deflate office tension - Communicate more effectively ( and how to coach others ) - Express your needs more quickly ( without wasting time with "hurt feelings" ) - Not be a bad boss ( and get more from employees ) - Help others help you get better!
This is a MUST READ for anyone manager and above.
The glossary of words associated with office talk was of huge value.
How do you address humanity and still get the damn work done? - This is the book
Ps. If you are having trouble with people. Read this book.
This book goes far beyond the title... "Pull" is a trendy word right now.
Focus on the tagline: "How SMALL Moves, Smartly Made, Can Set BIG Things In Motion".
This book really rocked me because it gave voice to so many frustrations I share with others - but confuse me and I can't put them into words.
Why do I hate an office environment that treats me so well? Why do I resent a business model designed for my comfort? I believe the "system" is broken, but WHAT exactly is broken?
Powerful ideas on how to harness the power of 2011 and beyond tech: - You can't staff up, so use your customers as employees using web 2.0
It also really helped me to get over mental hurdles to understand the following super hot items better: - Why is web 2.0 better? - Why is twitter so powerful for business besides broadcasting? - Why should I expand my network beyond my comfort zone? - How do I expand my network within my comfort zone?
Most importantly it finished off with a powerful model for change.
- Are you a change agent who feels powerless because you're alone? - Are you middle management and feel you have no power? - Are you TOO big and are trapped by success?
You will be taught:
- When to create a change movement - How to build the platform - How to invite others to participate - What results look like
There were times when so much was coming out of this book, so many ideas, realizations and applications that I was rocking back and forth in my chair because my brain was buzzing.
It certainly made the other people at Starbucks nervous.
The book ends with a few statements, but one I like...
"This will be a long march. But it is an essential part of our journey".
I like this because change type people, techies always say "OH MAN! This web dohicky is going to instantly change the WORLD!!" and I wake up the next day and it seems all the same
Progress is understood Goals are set and benchmarks are agreed upon It shows you when you know change has been made.
Many books claim to be able to change your life. 
