The Mind of the CEO

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The Mind of the CEOThe Mind of the CEO
by Jeffrey E. Garten

If you ran across this “jewel” in your favorite bookstore and read the few words that appear on the cover, you’d want to sit down and immediately investigate further. It reads: “Suppose you had the chance to travel around the globe and meet today’s most powerful business leaders, one on one. Suppose they talked frankly and openly to you about their business strategies, what it takes to be a leader, their vision of the future, and what keeps them up at night. Jeffrey E. Garten took that trip. Here’s what he heard—and what he didn’t hear.” How could you walk away from an invitation like that? 

Reading this book is like being at the World Economic Forum—not at the formal presentations but in the hotel bar afterward, where the microphones are turned off and world-famous business leaders say what they really think. Better still, their confidant, Jeffrey Garten, interprets what they say, telling you how their views relate to each other and the world economy, and noting the many important things left unsaid. Learn from the experience of 40 of today’s greatest leaders as they share insights to their careers and their organizations. This impressive list includes Leonard Riggio (Barnes & Noble), Stephen Case (AOL), Michael Dell (Dell Computer), Andrew Grove (Intel), Jack Welch (GE), William Clay Ford (Ford Motor), Fred Smith (FedEx), Roger Enrico (PepsiCo), Christopher Galvin (Motorola), John Brown (Amoco), and many others. 

This author is obviously well credentialed to offer this revealing glimpse into the future of business. Jeffrey Garten is the Dean of the Yale School of Management and a monthly columnist for Business Week.  He was previously Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade in the Clinton administration, and before that a managing director for two Wall Street Banks.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Leading the Revolution

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Leading the RevolutionLeading the Revolution: How to Thrive in Turbulent Times by Making Innovation a Way of Life
by Gary Hamel

What you will probably notice immediately upon picking up this book is the glossy, heavy-weight paper, the stunning colorful photos, and the vivid, attractive diagrams and charts. Once into the content, you’ll note a similarity to Tom Peters’ commentary on the necessity of revolution, rebellion, and change. If you enjoyed Hamel’s first book, Competing for the Future, and Tom Peters’ approach to revolution, you’ll appreciate the author’s no-holds-barred assessment of the issues facing companies all around the world as they struggle to catch up with the new economy.

Based on an extensive study of revolutionaries, this book is packed with insight and practical advice. Leading the Revolution shows you how to: 

  • Get off the treadmill of incrementalism
  • Harness the imagination and passion of every employee
  • Save your company from becoming a “one-vision wonder”
  • Create vibrant internal markets for ideas, capital, and talent

Drawing on the examples of activists who profoundly changed their companies, the author outlines the practical steps anyone can take to lead a successful revolution in their own organization.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive

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The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership FableThe Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive: A Leadership Fable
by Patrick Lencioni

This is the stunning follow-up to the author’s best-selling book, The Five Temptations of a CEO. You’ll certainly enjoy the author’s profound insights and the simplicity of his theories. According to Lencioni, there are truly only four things that should keep you, as a leader, up at night in order to sustain a successful organization. The rest can and should be delegated to your able team. 

This book is a very quick read that still manages to hit you right between the eyes with a one-two punch of reality and hope. I don’t know how he does it, but the author has a knack for story-telling that will convince you that he knows your organization and your people as well as you do … maybe even better. The good news is that he articulates a straight-forward prescription for a better functioning organization. This is a powerful model for any organization, large or small.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Now, Discover Your Strengths

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Now, Discover Your StrengthsNow, Discover Your Strengths
by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton, Ph.D.

From the coauthor of the national bestseller First, Break All The Rules comes the revolutionary program that shows you how to develop your unique talents and strengths—and those of the people you manage. It’s based on the Gallup study of more than two million people.

At the heart of the book is the Internet-based StrengthsFinder Profile, the product of a 25-year, multimillion-dollar effort to identify the most prevalent human strengths. This book contains a unique identification number that allows you to access the profile on the Internet. This Web-based interview analyzes your instinctive reactions and immediately presents you with your five most powerful signature themes. Once you know which of the 34 themes you lead with, the book will show you how to leverage them for powerful results. With profound insights on how to turn talents into strengths, and with the immediate online feedback at its core, this is one of the most ground-breaking and useful business books ever written.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Learning Journeys

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Learning JourneysLearning Journeys: Top Management Experts Share Hard-Earned Lessons on Becoming Great Mentors and Leaders
by Marshall Goldsmith, Beverly L. Kaye, and Ken Shelton

Here’s another masterpiece that belongs in your library and should be shared with everyone in your organization. This book brings together a “who’s who” of today’s most successful leadership experts and consultants, who share personal lessons—many learned the hard way—about what it takes to attain success. These intimate stories—about childhood experiences, school life, friendship and marriage, sports, and, of course, careers and business—reveal a compelling truth about what enables individuals to stand out as great mentors and leaders: They seize opportunities to learn wherever they find them.

Each essay includes questions for reflection to help readers apply the lessons learned to their own lives and careers. You’ll learn a great deal from such notable world-class thought leaders as: Joel Barker, Wally Amos, Elizabeth Pinchot, Warren Bennis, Peter Block, Stephen Covey, Nancy Adler, Charles Garfield, Beverly Kaye, Spencer Johnson, Lou Tice, and many others.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

How to Become an Employer of Choice

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How to Become an Employer of ChoiceHow to Become an Employer of Choice
by Roger E. Herman and Joyce L. Gioia

“Employer of Choice” … another buzz word or your key to a successful future at a time when it is indeed difficult to attract and retain qualified employees? Is employee turnover impacting your organization’s ability to serve customers and maintain productivity and employee morale? Or, are you already successful in these areas and want to ensure that you continue that level of success? If you answered YES to any of these questions, you must read this book. It’s written by a team of strategic business futurists who concentrate on workforce and workplace trends. They integrate a wide range of trend indicators to project change. 

There will be no issue with greater urgency or with more far-reaching consequences in the 21st century for businesses than the attraction and retention of talent. In order to meet the challenge of attracting and retaining world-class talent, organizations must position themselves as Employers of Choice.

Business success and growth in any industry is clearly linked to the attraction and retention of talent. Examine solutions and examples of how to deal with the most vexing problem organizations now confront!

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

High Five!

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High Five!High Five! The Magic of Working Together
by Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowles

My favorite quote comes from Jack Welch, considered by many experts to be the 20th Century’s greatest corporate leader. He said, “People always over-estimate how complex business is. This isn’t rocket science!” Apparently he hit the nail right on the head. Here is still another book written as a parable. It, too, delivers its powerful message by teaming its main character with a young person and a unique mentor. A fifth grade hockey player and former girls’ basketball coach teach our workaholic hero the magic of teamwork and that “none of us is as smart as all of us.” This is not rocket science. However, it is a delightful and charming story that brilliantly illustrates the dynamics of teamwork and why the collective power of a group outshines individual performance. 

Blanchard’s previous work warrants a mention at this point. Blanchard and company have enlightened many a reader with the following best-selling favorites … The One Minute Manager Series, Raving Fans, Mission Possible, Gung Ho!, The Heart of a Leader, Managing by Values, Big Bucks, The 3 Keys to Empowerment, How Leaders Lead, Everyone’s a Coach, and Winning Ways among others. If you enjoyed his previous work, you’ll want to add this classic to your business and/or personal collection.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Sandbox Wisdom

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Sandbox WisdomSandbox Wisdom: Revolutionize Your Brand with the Genius of Childhood
by Tom Asacker

The title of this 121-page masterpiece should tip you off to the content. My prediction is that you will finish this memorable parable in one sitting. 

A disillusioned CEO encounters a good-natured millionaire and an adorable young lady who boasts long, black braids and a gaping hole where her two front teeth once resided. Their journey to the sandbox of wisdom is filled with insights on how to develop meaningful, lasting relationships with customers, employees, and associates. His chance meeting with these two unforgettable characters changes his business and his life forever. 

This touching story will remind you that we all tend to get so caught up in our daily routine that we forget to find the joy in our human interactions. We think business is about revenues, margins, wins and losses. It’s not. It’s about people, real lives, and real emotions. This book instructs us how to apply the power of child-like wonderment to the world of business. In doing so, we learn to be more creative, open-minded, enthusiastic, honest and happy. 

The wisdom presented throughout the story is easy to digest and even simpler to remember. Learn why you should never follow the Golden Rule. You’ll take to heart the lessons learned for business as well as for life. This book will challenge and encourage you to re-examine your assumptions about business, success and the true meaning of work.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will

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Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will
by Noel M. Tichy and Stratford Sherman

This runaway national bestseller was originally published in 1993. In a recent cross-country trip on behalf of a client, I was fascinated to find this classic prominently displayed on the bookshelves of every major airport I passed through. There’s a good reason for this well-deserved longevity. In short, the content of this masterpiece is as relevant today as it was the day it was written. Maybe even more so. 

This is an inside story written by two men who observed General Electric from very different vantage points—one as a deeply involved participant and the other as a skeptical outsider. The result—an in-depth, honest, revealing rendition of the Welch Revolution. Noel Tichy is a professor at the University of Michigan School of Business and director of the School’s Global Leadership Program. He also ran GE’s executive training center for two years. Stratford Sherman is a management specialist on Fortune Magazine‘s board of editors and has been covering the world of business since 1977. He’s been writing about GE for more than a decade. 

This is the first scholarly attempt to pin down the secrets of GE’s phenomenal success. Its straightforward, riveting content is sprinkled with eye-opening case studies. This is a must-read for every student of business regardless of your current position, product, service, company or industry. Here’s a sample of what you’ll find in this totally involving read:

The Six Rules Jack Welch Lives by:

  • Control your destiny or someone else will.
  • Face reality as it is, not as it was or as you wish it were.
  • Be candid with everyone.
  • Don’t manage, lead.
  • Change before you have to.
  • If you don’t have a competitive advantage, don’t compete.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.

Don’t Fire Them, Fire Them Up

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Don’t Fire Them, Fire Them UpDon’t Fire Them, Fire Them Up: Motivate Yourself and Your Team
by Frank Pacetta

This is a maverick’s guide to motivating yourself and your team by the man who turned around sales teams at Xerox. Learn how to build a better business team: how to develop trust, create loyalty, and generate enthusiasm and excitement. This book explains how to build or rebuild an organization, lead and energize it, and put it on top and keep it there, year after year.

The author includes his top ten tips, which were featured in The Wall Street Journal and have been copied and posted on office bulletin boards everywhere. He also adds ten more top tips in this book.

This is a real-world story of winning in business by motivating employees in the most positive way possible—nurturing them, showing that you value accomplishment, and giving them the skills and the responsibility to become winners.

(This book review was originally published in 2000 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 5.)

About Harry K. Jones

Harry K. Jones is a motivational speaker and consultant for AchieveMax®, Inc., a company of professional speakers who provide custom-designed seminars, keynote presentations, and consulting services. Harry's top requested topics include change management, customer service, creativity, employee retention, goal setting, leadership, stress management, teamwork, and time management. For more information on Harry's presentations, please call 800-886-2629 or fill out our contact form.