Rating: 
Summary: Required Reading
Review: A friend that is also a Bank President recommended me to this slim book. It is required reading by all of his employees. Having responsibility for supervising a number of people myself I found the concept it espouses of taking total responsibility of the tasks on is given quite refreshing. I myself have begun to have all of my organization's new hires read the book and discuss it afterwards. The change in some of them has been remarkable. How thrilling to discuss a new project with a work team and have them dive in with vigor. I agree with the author's assertion that this simple concept should be taught in all colleges and schools across the land.
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Summary: The Most Popular and Famous of Elbert Hubbard's Short Works
Review: A MESSAGE TO GARCIA still has a message for Americans today about loyalty to one's work, about trustworthiness, about honor, values in this time of values-discussion that is missing from the dialogue. In time of war, a young officer is trusted to carry a message to a remote commander. Hubbard talks about the choices people make, and the sort of person who would not be a good candidate for a task that requires dedication, attention to the job, and perseverance until it is done. This essay was so popular that printings went into the millions. Even though Hubbard is considered old-fashioned, even preachy, The Message To Garcia stands as one of his best writings.
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Summary: Not the whole answer, but a whole lot of insight
Review: Anyone who wants the whole picture, go elsewhere. Hubbard's essay is short on facts and long on generalizations, but the generalizations and the perspective are critical for anyone who wants to understand how to satisfy a boss or a client.Some of the reviewers called Hubbard's attitudes retrograde, and if they mean by that that they are attitudes managers held years ago they are correct. If they think those attitudes have changed, or that managers and clients today have become somehow more liberal, understanding, and compassionate, and less demanding or in need of results, I guess they don't work in the same kinds of businesses I do. Anyone who reads this can take some value from it, if they choose, whether they accept its premise that there is honor and value in taking full responsibility for one's accepted duties or whether they simply want to get a better handle on why their boss/client may not be happy with them (even if that boss/client is retrograde, illiberal, or otherwise un-pc). Personally, I think his point is well taken, even if it is not a law to live by with no exceptions or a management approach to be adhered to rigidly. But then, where today or ever have rigidity and inflexibility been advantageous?
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Summary: Give it to every fifth grader
Review: Basic but true. Just like Nike's slogan: Just Do It! The book is a quick read, but is message is timeless.
Rating:
Summary: Give it to every fifth grader
Review: Basic but true. Just like Nike's slogan: Just Do It! The book is a quick read, but is message is timeless.
Rating:
Summary: A Message To Garcia
Review: Excellent writing. I loved the book and the concepts. It validates strong managers and employees, and exposes the weak. Those that are trying to hide their unwillingness and inability to get something done will dislike it, anyone else will embrace it. Elbert Hubbard is a genius.
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Summary: This book has no good audience!
Review: First let me say that the message of this book is okay, but by no means great. Next, I must say that the awe and wonder of the author's genius created by previous reviews is a little bit too much hype for this title, and somewhat undeserved. Let me explain. The message of the book, as I said, is a good one. However, if you are already a strongly motivated person, you don't need to hear it. Save your eight bucks. If, on the other hand, you know of a person who is lacking in work ethic... again save your eight bucks. Given as a gift, this book stinks of insult. "Are you trying to tell ME I'm one of the lazy people he talks about?" In my opinion, this book is best left in the "self discovery" bin, by that I mean you should just let lazy people come to their own conclusions about their laziness, and hope they pick up the message on their own. Either way, save your money.
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Summary: motivational and inspirational
Review: Have purchased several copies and give as gifts to people that may benefit from reading Mr. Hubbards message.
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Summary: Brilliant Essay!
Review: I found this to be a brilliant essay, and is simply a must for any business owner or executive. If you haven't read 'A Message to Garcia' then you really are short-changing yourself. Although this book was written almost 100 years ago now, it still rings true with the pin point accurate wisdom it delivers. It is no wonder this book has sold millions of copies over the years. Simply fantastic!
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Summary: Mixed reviews at the office
Review: I gave this book to 5 people at my office as christmas presents. The responses I received were right where I should have expected them to be. The stronger managers loved it and to this day we still speak of it. The managers with the weaker skills took it as some sort of insult. I think they saw themselves in Elbert Hubbard's description of his less motivated, or weaker employees. After reading the book our Director of Operations, who I consider very weak, called me to his office and asked me, If I was trying to tell him something. The answer I gave him was Yes I am telling you something.
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