3 stars (Blinking) - Ok but not great...seem to wonder off in too many different directions at times. 5 stars (Really Interesting and an Easy Read) - Blink is a look at all the various things scientists have discovered about how we think without knowing we're thinking. It particularly takes a long, hard look at why it is that people's first impressions so often conflict with either what careful analysis says or what people think they believe. Gladwell looks at a broad range of applications of these ideas. He looks at why, even though Pepsi wins the blind "Pepsi Challenge," Coke continues to be the market leader. He investigates the psychology and split-second thinking that caused the death of an unarmed, fleeing immigrant from over 40 gunshots fired by NYPD officers. He looks at various factors that affect everything from standardized test scores to electing a President. Some have suggested that all Gladwell really tells us is that our first impressions are sometimes right and sometimes wrong. If after reading this book that's all you come away with, you have completely missed the point. The point is that whether those impressions are right or wrong is governed by a complex set of physiologic and experiential rules, and that we can do something about them. Cops can do things to make sure those first impressions don't result in an innocent death. And yes, you can learn to tell the difference between Coke and Pepsi when you drink a whole can, not just a sip. Gladwell is a writer for the New Yorker, and his writing style is very much like a bunch of magazine articles. But they are very GOOD magazine articles, and you want to read them all. 4 stars (Informative) - This book was very interesting to me, though I will admit it got boring at parts. Some sections were just very repetitive and seemed to be overkill, but the overall message the book sent was intriguing. It helped me understand the way the mind works and how people use this knowledge of their mind... Little- Brown :: Business & Economics & General :: Social Psychology :: Psychology :: Intuition :: Decision making :: Decision Making & Problem Solving :: Cognitive Psychology :: Bu :: Blink - The Power of Thinking Without Thinking
2 stars (Earlier versions are better) - This book includes numerous tear-out exercises and cases. It might be appropriate for a classroom but it is not ideal for prospective entrepreneurs. Earlier versions of this book had good material on writing a business plan and determining appropriate sources of capital and less extraneous fillers. Save yourself a lot of money and buy a more practical book on the subject or the 1995 version if you want the business plan and financing materials. 5 stars (Book condition) - Very quick delivery. Book had some marks, but excellent condition. Would recommend strongly if you want the book right away. 4 stars (Comprehensive "Owners' Manual" for Entrepreneurs) - Like the previous reviewer, I too purchased the 4th Edition of this text (paperback), and was extremely pleased. Before starting my current business, I consulted extensively with this text, and was pleased with its comprehensive, practical nature - covering everything from a personality assessment of one's readiness for self-employment, to exhaustive preparation information for a business plan. The book also extensively covers financing an entrepreneurial venture, comparing both debt and equity (including Venture Capital) methodologies. On a practical note, I also like the fact that all the pages are perforated...there have been several that I have taken out and used hands-on! I cannot comment on the relative worth of this version vs. the newer version, as I only have the 4th edition. ... McGraw-Hill-Irwin :: Business & Economics & Entrepreneurship :: Entrepreneurship :: Business&Economics :: Business & Economics & Finance :: Business & Economics :: Stephen Spinelli :: :: New Venture Creation- Entrepreneurship for the 21st Century with PowerWeb and New Business Mentor CD
5 stars (Thorough and engaging) - This book is used as a course text in many design classes across the country. I can see why. Not so much a history as it is a survey of the current state of graphic design, it's quite possibly the best treatment I've ever read on the subject in a single volume. The 3rd edition is significantly expanded in content and reformatted versus the 2nd, and the illustrative examples are abundant and well-chosen. Many of the examples are accompanied by remarks from the designers themselves, which helps shed light on the concepts and thought processes behind the work. The text strikes a good balance between commentary and pedagogy, and as a result the book works for both instructional reference and casual reading. The end of each chapter contains related exercises designed to prod your right brain into action. This book will help you discover -- or rediscover -- what's fun and exciting about graphic design. 3 stars (Good compilation but too many typographical errors) - This book would be wonderful if the editor had done a great job of fixing all the typographical errors. I lost concentration and kept correcting typing mistakes ...very unprofessional...makes you wonder who is teaching me...otherwise a good help 5 stars (Great resource for begining Designer) - I am a design student, and this was our textbook for one of my design foundation classes. The projects that we did in class (and are now in my portfolio) were modified versions of some of the exercises in this book. This book starts with the basics of 2D design and then builds on what you have learned. It is a great overview of other areas of design as well. This is a hands on book that allows you to learn by doing. If you are interested in graphic design go get this book! ... Thomson Delmar Learning :: Business & Economics & Careers :: Publishing :: Language Arts & Disciplines :: Language :: Graphic arts :: Graphic Arts - General :: Commercial art :: Careers - Gen :: Graphic Design Solutions
5 stars (A great book) - At the beggining I hate the S4/IEE term but at the end I loved the book because it has a lot os technical information about statistics as it promises. 5 stars (Comprehensive Six Sigma stats w/ exercises) - I got what I was looking for, a comprehensive statistics book applied in Six Sigma world. It covers everything a SS professional needs to use to be able to successfully solve the vast majority of the statistical problems throughout Six Sigma projects. Excellent book overall! 4 stars (Six Sigma - Breyfogle) - A thorough reference book for Six Sigma and the implementation process. As a beginner, I have found it very dense. It seems to explain everything involved in Six Sigma in great detail, but it does not offer examples, so ought to be supplemented with other reference materials. ... John Wiley - Sons Inc :: Technology-Quality Control :: Technology & Industrial Arts :: Quality Control :: Industrial Management :: Engineering - Industrial :: Business & Economics :: Forr :: Implementing Six Sigma- Smarter Solutions Using Statistical Methods- 2nd Edition
5 stars (This is one of the best business statistics book) - This book is used in the course of Business Statistics at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. This is a useful and understandable book. The questions are well-prepared.Also,the statistics program PhSTAT is given with this book. I advise you to buy. 2 stars (Good, but could be better) - This book is okay, but it could definitely be better. For a basic statistics class, this book contains WAY too much information to digest in a semester of college. No professor I know of has ever gotten past chapter 8. Further, the problems are quite wimpy as far as the amount of thought required for them. Quite wimpy. Could be better. The only good thing is that for doing it on a spreadsheet, the data comes on a CD, so that you don't have to re-type it, thankfully. ... Prentice Hall :: Business & Economics & Statistics :: Statistics :: Probability & Statistics - General :: Mathematics :: Business&Economics :: Business & Economics :: David M Lev :: Basic Business Statistics - Concepts and Applications and CD package (10th Edition)
4 stars (good book with good cases) - Very good text book with very useful and practical real cases, which make the boring theory interesting. I think it is very useful for my job and daily life. 4 stars (Effective text for students and anyone wanting to brush up) - This is a very readable and useable text for undergraduates, business students, and general readers who want to learn or brush-up on basic statistics. There is a tremendous amount of information in its 1200 pages, but it is well laid out, amply illustrated, with lots of practical work. The answers to the odd numbered questions are provided in the back to aid self-study. There are several appendices that provide important tables and the methods for calculating important statistical formulas. The index is also quite helpful. I think the book has a good balance of the technical with the practical. It is easy on the eyes and though statistics necessitates the use of a significant amount of math, it is well explained and never overwhelms the reader. ... Prentice Hall :: Business & Economics & Statistics :: Statistics :: Statistical methods :: Probability & Statistics - General :: Economics - General :: Economics :: Economic Stati :: Statistics for Business and Economics (9th Edition)
5 stars (A MUST Read) - Having read more than a dozen books on the subject of mission statements, goal setting and time management, and also having taught workshops on the subject myself, this is the one book that I find most useful. As some other reviewers point out, it may seem a little heavy in parts, but the details are well worth studying. As the authors emphasize, time management doesn't begin with managing time, it begins with finding our own individual purpose, establishing our mission, and setting our goals to achieve that mission. This is more than a "how to" book. It is a "why to" book. It has the ability to persuade people that they need to set written goals. In teaching young adults, I have found some that insist they don't need written goals and that they certainly don't need a mission statement. My response is to encourage them to read this book. I appreciate how persausive the authors are in encouraging the reader to find the "main thing" without getting trapped into becoming a success in just one small area rather than fulfilling four areas of the "quadrant," including physical, social, mental and spiritual. Moreover, they bring home the necessity of finding balance and staying balanced in the different roles we have in our lives. After you read this book, I recommend that you consider reading "The Power of Full Engagement" by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz, and "Finding Flow" by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. You won't be disappointed. 5 stars (A Revolutionary Resource!) - As someone who juggles many different responsibilities and a crowded calendar, I approached this title with high expectations. I was not disappointed! Covey here offers a revolutionary resource for time management. Rather than following the standard theme of how to do more in a given period of time, the author emphasizes the importance of setting priorities and planning ahead. His analogy of the clock and the compass is priceless in describing the two elements that shou... Free Press :: Business & Economics & General :: Time Management :: Self-Help :: Personal Growth - Self-Esteem :: Personal Growth - General :: Entrepreneurship :: Conduct of lif :: First Things First- To Live- to Love- to Learn- to Leave a Legacy
5 stars (The Leadership Solution) - Jim Shaffer's book, The Leadership Solution, is a MUST READING both for all corporate communications executives and staff and CEOs. Nobody does a better job in the age of "High Tech" to remind us to use the "High Touch." If we take the points that Jim cites, then we will find that attrition will be decreased. Jim reminds us throughout that employee communications and touch will make the difference in performance and thus, stock price and a competitive and "best in class" company. Shaffer lays out clearly the VISION aand STRATEGY. We all need to follow his course of what he states. "A vision is a target, a picture of the future. A strategy is a roadmap, how you're going to achieve the vision." Tools are excellent. Follow the Readiness questionnaire to improving performance. See if we can all master the 6 course process to connect people or employees or associates to the business strategy. Shaffer identifies the 20 things to generate commitment. He cites the "3 people principles" that guide Best Practices and the Best Performance. With all the focus on Mergers and Acquisitions, we find that Shaffer's 9 Guildelines for negotiating through the M&A are excellent. Shaffer's examples of CEOs help build the case. His messages will help any communications chief help your CEO. Shaffer demonstrates vividly how and why the communication function is being reinvented. The last chapter embodies the message strongly. It means what we all learn that communications much be align to assist the company's strategic goals. Shaffer does it. Read and underline; share with your colleagues. 5 stars (The Leadership Solution) - For over twenty years, I have been an advisor to management in the field of rewards and compensation. Traditionally, discussions of rewards at work focus on cash compensation, benefits, and, more recently, stock deals. These monetary and wealth-building vehicles help one have great experiences in life outs... McGraw-Hill :: Business & Economics & Leadership :: Training :: Management - General :: Leadership In Business :: Leadership :: Entrepreneurship :: Employee Training And Develop :: The Leadership Solution- Say It Do It
4 stars (Insightful!) - Anyone can apply the principles in John C. Maxwell's book, in any business, in any circumstance, in any stage of life. Great thinkers have an unlimited capacity to achieve, and Maxwell tells you how to become one. While books of this nature are typically geared toward entrepreneurs or those in leadership roles, we recommend this book to any person who is committed to ongoing personal development and living life with purpose. You will benefit from learning more about the different specific thinking skills that have an impact on your daily decisions. Maxwell teaches an unusual skill: how to make conscious choices that shape your thoughts, your actions and, ultimately, your success. Think about it. 5 stars (You're thinking right now...right?) - Several years ago, one of the best leaders I know, someone who managed to rise to the top of every organization he was ever in --including the one he currently works for, told me the secret to his success. "Think like a leader," he said. I've often meditated on his words. I've discovered that they are absolutely true... In his book, Maxwell explains how you can leverage the power of your thoughts to acheive unthinkable success: He gives you all the different ways leaders think and then shows you how to do it yourself. Just like my friend said: "Think like a leader." Order this book and find out how. 4 stars (You may not use all of it....) - You may not use ALL of the ideas in this book BUT if you find just one that helps you - then it is worth the investment. I believe each one of John Maxwell's types of thinking that are identified and briefly explained could be individual books all by themselves. The thing I appreciated most about "Thinking For a Change" was that it gave me "just enough" of what I was looking for. My suggestion is to read "Thinking.. " then pick the area you most need work on and delve deeper with other resources. Reading this book, gave me one key concept on strategic thinking wh... Center Street :: Business & Economics & Leadership :: Success in business :: Success :: Personal Growth - Success :: Leadership :: Executive Management :: Creative thinking :: Busin :: Thinking for a Change- 11 Ways Highly Successful People Approach Life and Work
1 stars (Great idea - Simplistic and extremely short book) - The entire contents of this book could fit in one chapter of most other books. About a third of the book is just pictures of a bucket with text written in it (which was already written on the previous page) and the pages with text have very large printing. I read it in just under 20 minutes and I read at about an average speed. People say that if you take away one good idea from a book, it is worth it. This book has just one basic idea. Although that idea is valuable, it can be found in many, many other books - try Seven Habits of Effective People. If you must read this book, just read it at your local book store because it is a very fast read, and that way you do not have to buy it. I don't mean to empty any buckets here (referring to the authors concepts) but your money will be better spent on many other books with much more significant content. Hope that this helps! 2 stars (Mostly fluff) - The concept is good but I got the point after two pages and the rest was fluff or pictures to take up space. 4 stars (Good but Expensive) - My problem with this book is that it is rather expensive. I will also agree if someone tells me that similar ideas have already been published before. However, I do find "Your Bucket" inspiring. If it wasn't that expensive I would suggest buying it. I think however that there are in fact better books available at Amazon. The best one (and much, much cheeper - especially considering the number of pages) is "Can We Live 150 Year?" although the author of that book does not re-invent the wheel, either. I know many of the simple ideas presented by the author, but I always get new motivation to improve my health and general well-being whenever I reach again for Can We live 150 Year... ... Gallup Press :: Workplace Culture :: Management :: Business & Economics & Management :: Sociology - General :: Sociology :: Social Science :: Social Interaction :: Psychology :: Pers :: How Full Is Your Bucket- Positive Strategies for Work and Life
1 stars (A "clone" book of ideas and no reference to others) - Reading this 'leadership pipeline' I became really astonished of seeing here all the ideas of Elliott Jaques and Gillian Stamp (Bioss International) just copied with no reference to them. I keep wondering how can that be done. Jaques and Gillian Stamp has written for so many years about human capability and seven levels of work complexity that are clearly repeated in this book withouth no comment to them. Even the general themes are there, for example managing other, leader of leader, managing a business unit, managing a group of business unit. If you don't beleive me, just read Requisite Organization (Jaques) and previous ones, for example, and you will learn that Jaques' ideas are being developed for more than 30 years. So, better learn with the real creative people that has really done researches around the theme. 5 stars (Great read for both leaders and HR/development folks) - A real inside look at leadership development from the folks who built GE's system. For leaders, there is insight from experienced executive coaches about what value each of the different levels of leadership brings to an organization and where leaders moving into each level often get stuck. Great to read when you are making a transition or for ideas on how to help those who work for you. For HR and development folks, there are many concrete examples--how performance standards are defined, what the rating system for potential is, etc. that let you see what each piece of the GE system really looks like. 5 stars (Book that builds leadership!) - This book explains how important it is to have a leadership powered company. Another book I have come in contact with is "The Wal-Mary Way" where this book is designed as an inspiration to managers of all companies. ... Jossey-Bass :: Business & Economics & Finance :: Business & Economics-Leadership :: Business & Economics-Entrepreneurship :: Jim Noel :: James Noel :: Ram Charan :: :: The Leadership Pipeline- How to Build the Leadership Powered Company
5 stars (The guide for all) - I first used this as a high school student then later at university doing engineering. It's so worn it's due for replacement. Handy size, useful tools, practical. Worth every cent. 5 stars (The guide for all) - I first used this as a high school student then later at univerity doing engineering. Now I use it as an engineer. It's so worn it's due for replacement. Handy size, useful tools, practical. 5 stars (US Navy Leadership School) - This US Navy uses this book in the Leadership School for PO1s/E-6s. It's a great hip pocket book. ... Project Management Institute :: Quality Control :: Psychology :: General :: Entrepreneurship :: Decision Making & Problem Solving :: Business&Economics :: Business & Economics :: Diane Ritter :: Mic :: The Memory Jogger II
4 stars (Six Sigma Critique) - This book is an excellent resource, however it is not an easy read. If you are unfamiliar with the Six Sigma language it takes awhile to sift through the information. There is a lot o information provided that will serve as a longterm resource. 2 stars (This is not a Six Sigma Handbook) - I bought this book because it's a Six Sigma Handbook, but unfortunately it is not, is a book of SPC, it has a lot about control charts, run charts, etc. about hypothesis testing just a little!, anyway. I have to select better my books. 5 stars (The Best Six Sigma Book from alpha to z-tests ) - This book is a must have for anyone applying six sigma to real world problems. Not only do I use it on a nearly daily basis, I'm finding that my engineers are embracing the terminology and concepts so clearly conveyed in this text. We're spending 20-minutes at each staff meeting to review topics from basic statistics to advanced application of teaming concepts to get results. Instead of the usual soft stuff application examples that seem to illustrate that the author thinks everyone's making clothes pins, Pyzdek's book shows that he's really lived this stuff. I highly recommend this book to anyone serious about applying six sigma for results. Joe Maciulla Manager, Manufacturing Engineering Systems Raytheon Missile Systems ... McGraw-Hill :: Business & Economics & Quality Control :: Statistical methods :: Quality Control :: Production management :: Management - General :: Handbooks :: manuals :: etc :: En :: The Six Sigma Handbook- The Complete Guide for Greenbelts- Blackbelts- and Managers at All Levels- R
4 stars (Read this book and start thinking) - Great book to get you thinking about your current small business or one that you are planning. This book takes you through the three types of people : technican, entrepreneur, and manager. Guess what you have to be all three and in good balance. Gerber then discusses how to apply the thinking behind a franchise to your own small business even if you have no intention of ever franchising it. He helps you think about your business from a systems point of view. Gerber spends the rest of the book talking about the business development process, which includes your primary aim, marketing strategy, systems strategy, people strategy, management strategy, etc. I have run a small consulting business for 5 years and I wish had read this book years ago. Oh well, never too late to get on track. 5 stars (Don't Own A Business Without It) - Michael Gerber is the best thing that ever happened to the small business owners of this world. Reading this book changed the way I thought about business. Today I am a marketing coach for professional service firms and small service business owners. One of the first books I recommend they devour is The E-Myth. Actually, I recommend everything Gerber has written. 4 stars (It was as if M Gerber had been watching me) - A great, easy to read book with powerful principles told in an acessible manner. Sometimes it was like Michael Gerber had been watching me at work and written the story of my Business - scary. A must read for those struggling with developing a small to medium sized business. ... Collins :: Business & Economics & General :: Success in business :: Small business :: Small Business Management :: Small Business - General :: Management - General :: Manage :: The E-Myth Revisited- Why Most Small Businesses Don-t Work and What to Do About It
3 stars (Some good ideas, but not the best.) - This is a good book, but it is not one of the best. Get copies of Kotter, Schein, Beitler, or Collins' books. 5 stars (An Excellent How To Guide on Managing/Creating Change.) - I found the book to be extremely informative. Douglas Smith has done a masterfull job of creating a step by step guide for the process of both Creating and Managing Change in any organization. He also points out why many Change Efforts fail. The 10 step guide that he has created should help us all avoid the common pitfalls of this process and help greatly improve our odds of success. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is either thinking about starting a change effort or currently in the midst of one now. 5 stars (The best hand-on book about Change Management available.) - This is clearly the best book about the practical side of Change Management I've read so far (and I've read more then 20 by now). This book really helps me in my day-to-day work as a Change Manager. Smith has closed a big gap in the Change Management literature, this is the most practical book you can look for! Highly recommended. ... Perseus Books Group :: Management - General :: Human Resources & Personnel Management :: Entrepreneurship :: Business&Economics :: Business & Economics & Finance :: Douglas K Smith :: :: Taking Charge of Change- 10 Principles for Managing People and Performance
5 stars (Got a minute?) - A simple, straightforward story that provides handy advice for anyone who has to manage people. To boot, most should be able to finish it in a few hours time. Truly a classic, I give it 5 stars easy. Other self-help books I liked include "The No-Beach, No-Zone, No-Nonsense Weight Loss Plan, A Pocket Guide To What Works. Happy reading! 5 stars (Must read for anyone) - This book is a must read for everyone whether they are a boss, parent or just someone who is interested in becoming more effective in their life. This book as well as the others by these authors ("The Present" and "Who Moved my Cheese") contain powerful messages with an economy of words, they are all around 100 pages each. I have read everything I can find by them and have shared them with family and friends. 5 stars (simple and direct) - This smart little book is easy to read and goes straight to the point. As its title suggests, it can be read quickly and you'll be able to benefit from its teaching right away, which makes it a good example in itself for a book on time management and productivity. There's no groundbreaking concepts or magical tricks here, but it will remind you of a few essentials that can make all the difference... ... William Morrow :: Management & management techniques :: Business & Economics & Management :: Motivational :: Management - General :: Management :: Entrepreneurship :: Business&Econ :: The One Minute Manager Anniversary Ed - The World-s Most Popular Management Method
3 stars (Good ideas) - This book has been a clear read with some good ideas and productive perspectives. A great tool for new direction and focus in financial thinking. I really enjoyed it and recommend it for those who need a real change in their financial habits. 5 stars (Combines Tools As Well As Programming the Subconscious Mind) - I have read lots of books on the topic of How to Become Wealthy, etc. This one is unique because the author gives the reader, in detail, two important things: 1) Statements to say to yourself, to program your subconscious mind, and 2) Excellent, practical ways to become wealthy. One of the most helpful to me was to stay away from negative people, and especially this - try for one week not to complain, about yourself or anyone else. Believe me, even if you don't become wealthy in terms of money, you'll be a lot wealthier in terms of peace of mind and happiness! Most books, unfortunately, only give you one type of information, not two. I absolutely believe that the more tools and information you get re: getting wealthy, the better off you are. If you want to get wealthy, get this book! Also - the tape is great to listen to. The author's enthusiastic style is contagious, plus you get to listen to his messages which "stick to you" even more than reading the book. 2 stars (nothing new) - A lot of mlm hype - certainly not the realities discussed in more thoughtful books like Millionaire next door and Millionaire Mind. ... PerfectBound :: Business & Economics-Personal Finance - Financial Planning :: T :: Harv Eker :: :: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind- Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth