Rating: 
Summary: "The 'Golden Rule' in a big nutshell"
Review: The principles in this book are outstanding and timeless. I spend a great deal of time in the box myself. In fact, my boss, as well as any boss would benefit from reading and living the great concepts portrayed in this little book. My gripe about this, and any other modern self-help fable: In finding a solution to the problem at hand, a story can actually twist and turn, masking any real solution, as this book did. I don't mind reading a lot of extra words, but let them coincide with and elaborate on the concepts. The teachings found in this book are profound. The fact that it's written as a story--boo! It's not that I mind reading a lot of extra words. Author, Stephen R. Covey uses excruciating detail in his writing, without writing allegories. So does Brian Tracy, another great author. Another wonderful book on this same basic subject is: The Platinum Rule, by Tony Alessandra. Back to the book at hand: Read it. The advise is great--portrayed in a way unlike any other book on the subject I've read. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: "Simple Truth Miscalled Simplicity" (Sonnet 66)
Review: The most surprising thing about this book is it's format. It follows the Platonic method of dialogue and discussion rather than a strict lecturing.
The books strength is it's focus on lies. All of philosophy focuses on the "is" principle (The Law Of Identity). Therefore, these lies we tell ourselves as the mainspring of all the corruption in the business and organizational realm. This book should be read in tandem with M. Scott Peck's "People Of The Lie." Peck's chapters on "Toward A Psychology Of Evil," and "The Encounter With Evil In Everyday Life" are complimentary to The Arbinger Institute's philosophy.
This book presents an easy and workable flowchart on how to analyze what we are doing . This introspection can be revealing-a bit too revealing at times. However, it is by giving ourselves the Third Degree that we can make progress. What did Socrates say? The unexamined life is not worth living. (Apology, 38a)
Three cautions and a comment.
First is that objectively there are people who are sluffs. TI is not all reducible to our attitude, which would be a type of Solipsistic Fideism. (i.e. whatever you believe becomes reality).
Second, and more importantly, is the problem of human free-will. Therefore no amount of positive thinking can change other people who are sluffs. You have your free-will to try and change them, and they have their free-will to resist you. Nothing we can do can change this-or change them. Couple this with Praeto's 80%-20% principle (20% of the people cause 80% of the problems), and you see how dismal the situation is. However, even in a crash-and0-burn situation, you can go out with a flash like Socrates.
Third-and this problem is common to all self-help books-if you are smart enough to buy this book, you probably don't need it. This is not a paradox, but an instance of "self-authorization." People who are smart and sensitive enough to ask question, or to sincerely want to change themselves are halfway towards the solution.
The comment: One of the reviewers mentioned this as Mormon propaganda. This is false on two accounts. First, The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-day Saints (www.mormon.org) does not produce these books, nor does it endorses such books. There is no process of "imprimi posti," "nihil obstat" and "imprimature" that the Roman Catholic Church has. Any member of the Church of Jesus Christ is free to do what he or she wishes to do, and in fact, they are encourage to do so to help perfect the world. It is a moral obligation. But these private endeavors are never considered official.
Second, this attempt to discredit this book by being "Mormon" commits the logical error of "Genetic Fallacy": they are damning the origins of the idea rather than taking the idea on its own merits. Dr. Karl Popper denounced this "psychologism," and said that how an idea comes about is of no importance to the truthfulness of the theory (The Logic Of Scientific Inquiry, 7-9)
So take the book on its own merits and live the principles taught: by its fruits shall ye know.
Rating: 
Summary: Yuck!
Review: I am not a big fan of business books using the fable/parable approach to begin with, but this was unreadable. The concept of self-deception is a powerful one, but for me, this book is not a tool that I find of value. However, if you really, really like business fables, you might enjoy this as much as some of the other reviewers.
Rating: 
Summary: Remarkable
Review: So much of this kind of writing is common sense once you're done the book... but this kind of common sense needs to be reinforced over and over again. Written in an easy to follow narrative you find yourself relating to the main character, coming up with the same questions he has, and feeling the same feelings as he finds the truth about what he is living, feeling & learning. A quick read and a remarkable look into how you can live & work everday.
Rating: 
Summary: I suppose it could be useful ...
Review: This book is outstanding in helping with judgements and self-deception. The principles are taught and reflected in a business relationship enviorment. The new guy ends up learning how to deal more effectively with people at work and at home. This book is not just for business people. Leadership of Self-Deception is about every relationship. The story and concepts in the book help to open the veil that covers our minds and hearts which cause difficulties with people. The ideas within this book take you to the deepest levels of judging and dealing with people. You learn how to change your viewpoint to have healthy vibrant relationships with coworkers, family, friends, and anyone you meet. This book took me to a deeper level then Who Moved My Cheese and The One Minute Manger. There are twelve inches which seperates are head and heart. This book helps to bridge the gap and open us to better relationships.
Rating: 
Summary: Hard to Read
Review: I had to force myself to stick with it until the end and the secret is revealed. Long, weak stories aren't really necessary. Why not use short, interesting anecdotes to make your point? It's such a wonderful point. I bought this book and Shar McBee's "To Lead is to Empower" and found her's delivered WAY more than promised. This book left me a little disappointed.
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