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Summary: A "Universally Applicable" Business book
Review: William S. Cook, PittsburghA "Universally Applicable" Business Book At last, a book that applies as specifically to families, and other human organizations, as it does to almost any business, "change management" situation or project. This is a book worth reading because of what it is and what it is not, and what it can do for one's personal effectiveness as a leader or parent. It is a book that will not become obsolete over time. It deals with the essence and causes of productive and unproductive human behavior. It defines a rational approach and framework and a "set of tools" for getting the right things done well, through motivated people...young or old. It is not a book that is heavy on qualitative theory and light on realism, tangible content and measurement of results. It advocates some things as essential to influencing the right behavior - the right actions and reactions - that some will feel are "known" or obvious; while it explains their importance and role in the practice of the right and meaty stuff of leadership. The author provides readers with convincing, competently written methods for moving from strategies, plans and sound, established processes through productive, measurable, committed human implementation. In most of us, it will require intensive, persistent practice. The payoff lies in the ability to retrofit unsatisfactory communication, business or family processes and performance shortfalls as well as to get more things right on the first attempt. For review and better absorption, each chapter has a brief, superb " Bottom Line" summary and "What's Next"? commentary. The Epilogue and "Final Thoughts" are useful reminders. Appendices A, B, C and D are essential first-reads and rereads. These appendices are not to be missed if you want to become even more competent than you already are!
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