Rating: 
Summary: Good contrast to easy solutions on managing human behavior
Review: "Management of the Absurd" is very very humorous and easy to read. It cleverly and logically exposes the reasons why quick and simple solutions (for simple minds) will generally fail in human relationships. As I read the book, I was struck by how the author captures the way people actually behave in a personal or business relationship. In the business world, I've noticed that the boss who talks least about integrity, teamwork, empowerment, etc. (all the buzz words) but instead conveys a sense of mutual respect is generally more influential as a leader. That's really what the book is about.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent off-beat look at management and leadership.
Review: A client quoted this book twice in his MBA application essays, and I was compelled to read more than just those snap-shots. I'm glad I did. Each chapter is only a few pages long and they all led me to think in new ways. My favorite of Farson's paradoxes: "Technology always produces the opposite of its intended effect." I've already read it once and am ordering it to read again and pass on to my colleages at work.
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Summary: Great reading.
Review: A must read for both traditional and non-traditional managers. I keep the book on my desk and refer to it often.
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Summary: At last a management book with some original thinking
Review: After reading books that talk about 10 effective ways to leadership and 5 different ways to managing, this book was an eyeopener. It is business wisdom in action and I read this book at least 25 times and each and every time, its originality in managament thoughts stunned me. a must read for anyone interested in the philosophy side of management.
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Summary: A book of unique wisdom about organizational life.
Review: Cast conventional wisdom aside as you read and digest Farson's approach to be successful in modern organizations. As I read it, I thought this was a perfect application of chaos theory to leadership. There is indeed a pattern behind the madness of organizational dilemmas. Treat yourself and read it
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Summary: Reads Fast, Stays with you
Review: Farson has some great insights, many of which he identifies by reference to the noted psychologist Carl Rogers. Much of this book boils down to a realistic approach to managing people, and if you do manage people, that means managing yourself and how you come across to them. Farson can't stand know-it-all checklists, and he also points out that work is like life--there are things we all dislike, but interspersed with things that we value highly and would not change. People at work adapt amazingly well to bad conditions, and are much smarter than many "checklist" idiots give them credit for. Farson explores paradoxes of what does and does not work in a given situation (hence, the absurd angle, when the same thing works, yet does not work). The chapters are short. You can read them in traffic jams. If this book were longer, or more complex, it would not be as good.
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Summary: An interesting view of leadership.
Review: Farson's "Management of the Absurb" asks us to view leadership and management in non-traditional terms. It is important that this be done when reading the book. He feels that what we do is not as important as what we are and, this may be true in some circumstances. However, setting a good example cannot be forgotten. The key is that what we are and what we do must be the same. He does emphasize that we get away from the concept of using techniques to guide and allow ourselves to be open. Excellent advice when we are dealing with the concepts of management and leadership. His concept of an effective leader is right on target. The effective leader is not always in control, but will approach situations as learners, or teachers or both. He is absolutely correct in his assessment of being asked to be honest with the boss. The boss typically must be in control and an honest appraisal by a subordinate will be met with trouble. His thoughts on information systems not giving the boss or senior managem
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Summary: Farson gets it!
Review: Farson's "Management of the Absurd" addresses business from a perspective rarely represented -- that of a wise man who understands business because he understands people.Best example: Instead of viewing managing as akin to a sculptor molding clay into the desired form, Farson suggests that the very best a manager can hope for is to fall into a pile of clay and make an impression... In other words, Who you are is more important than what you do. Great advice for managers who substitute management techniques for integrity and character.
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Summary: Hands down, the best book on management/leadership I've read
Review: Farson's book has more 'universal truths' in it's pages than any book I've read. It may not be a 'how to' book, which I believe is why some have given it a negative review, by mistaking his approach to encourage indecisiveness. In the long run, viewing the business world through the truths outlined in this book has exactly the opposite effect for managers. The book in fact encourages the development of intuition through the observance of these truths, giving you the freedom to develop and act on your own instinct. And let's face it, instinct is what separates great managers from the rest. Those who were expecting a 'how to' book, probably need one because they lack effective instinct, and are very unlikely to be able to separate themselves from the pack. A great book.
Rating:
Summary: Hands down, the best book on management/leadership I've read
Review: Farson's book has more 'universal truths' in it's pages than any book I've read. It may not be a 'how to' book, which I believe is why some have given it a negative review, by mistaking his approach to encourage indecisiveness. In the long run, viewing the business world through the truths outlined in this book has exactly the opposite effect for managers. The book in fact encourages the development of intuition through the observance of these truths, giving you the freedom to develop and act on your own instinct. And let's face it, instinct is what separates great managers from the rest. Those who were expecting a 'how to' book, probably need one because they lack effective instinct, and are very unlikely to be able to separate themselves from the pack. A great book.
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