Rating: 
Summary: contrived and kinda dull
Review: I bought this book thinking it would be a fun, satirical look at business, with a few useful pieces of advice thrown in. Kinda like Dilbert. What I got instead was a dry recitation of generic management advice written by an Avon lady (really). The references to Tony Soprano are completely contrived, and embarrassingly serious. They made me want to yell, "Hey, he's a fictitious character, created by a roomful of Hollywood writers!" If this book were written 30 years ago, it would be called Leadership Captain Kirk Style. It's a prime example of borrowed interest, and should wind up on remainders tables in about three years.
Rating: 
Summary: Well Executed Book Employing a Poor Concept
Review: I graded this book five stars for implementation of the book's concept (how to improve your leadership using Tony Soprano as an example) and one star for the book's concept of using the fictional Tony Soprano as the only example of good leadership. The result is a three star rating.
Before reading this book, I had only seen about 12 minutes of a single Sopranos show. As a result, I did not know much about what would be in the book. Ms. Himsel has done a fine job of recapitulating many of the key themes and relationships in the series, so I felt like I understood the context that she was talking about even though I had not seen the show.
To me, the book is at its best when it moves away from Tony Soprano and speaks about the problems that many of us have such as not controlling our emotions, not communicating clearly or enough, not being considerate enough of other peoples' situations, and wanting to attract and build talent. I enjoyed the sections where there were questions where the reader could examine her- or himself to see what barriers need to be overcome. Some of the ones in the beginning were a little too obvious, but the later ones were more helpful.
I think if I had already seen all of the shows, the repetition of the material about the show would have seemed excessive. But as someone who hadn't seen the shows, I was grateful for all of the repetition I received.
Regardless of her fine craftsmanship, I was disappointed to read about a fictional person whose life is filled with doing unspeakable deeds cited as a management example. Ms. Himsel recognizes that limitation and makes it clear that she is not endorsing anything about Tony Soprano's morality. Well, the context leaves one feeling a little scummy in my reading experience. I don't really want to learn from an example like Tony Soprano.
Everything he does has the potential threat of violence or death behind it, which makes any observations about what he is doing a little suspect in terms of how much anyone else can apply it. Also, as I understand it, the Soprano operation is a relatively small business (although very profitable) and I'm not sure how well its lessons scale up into a larger enterprise.
I was particularly disappointed when I learned that Ms. Himsel works for Ms. Andrea Jung, one of the most effective CEOs in the world. Why couldn't Ms. Himsel have written about leadership, the Andrea Jung way? Now, that's a book I would love to read and share.
Rating: 
Summary: A great read!
Review: I just picked this up and WOW, what a great read! I bought it because I am a huge fan of the show and liked the twist on serious leadership (I'm a business book junkie). Out of all the leadership books I've read in the past, this ranks right up there with some of the best. It is easy to read thanks to the connection to the Soprano's tv show, and gives some really great tips and lessons to use in everyday life. You won't be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: What Fantastic Lessons for Aspiring Women Leaders!!!
Review: I love this book! I learned so much and it was a 'fun' read. Can a woman learn leadership from a pot-bellied guy from Jersey who whacks people? YES--you bet your life she can! All those examples about asking for feedback, giving messages straight (with no qualifiers), having a strategic goal in mind when negotiating, and structuring your organization for clarity make such sense--for all of us. What REALLY makes this book so great is that a woman wrote it! If Debbie Himsel can learn from this character--and put these lessons to use as a real VP--so can I!! And so can you!!!
Rating:
Summary: I'm Sorry Ms. Himsel!!!
Review: I really DID like the book---not as much as my friend's, but it is well written and summarizes a lot that can be learned from the Sopranos series. I was angry at what another reviewer on another site wrote about my friend's book, so used that guy's words to attack this one. My wife tells me this was wrong and that I must apologize. I wasn't robbed. The experience and insight that Ms. Himsel brings to the subject is deep. She just isn't my friend.
Rating:
Summary: A book that makes you think!
Review: I really liked the examples the author gave. She made the ideas come alive for me. I know that she really watched the show closely, because she was able to talk about different episodes in depth. It was interesting the way she was able to take a make-believe character and use him as an example for the rest of us. I can use her ideas in my work.
Rating:
Summary: Well crafted and informative!
Review: I thought this was a great book! It was well written, structured to facilitate understanding, and chocked with ways to apply what I learned along the way. As a fledgling manager, I know I have a lot to learn. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to apply the principles Ms. Himsel set forth. It was also good to know that she had used them successfully with her people. Much more real than theory. Thanks much!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointing Lack of Substance
Review: I was disappointed by this book. It doesn't say what Tony does really well (and he does manage very well at times.). There's too much about the author and her meetings and not enough about the Soprano style, or real workable management advice. Plus it doesn't show a good understanding of the Sopranos (the show) or the mafia milieu.
Rating:
Summary: I'm buying 23 copies of this book!
Review: I'm giving this book to each of my direct reports!!!
I want them to give me feedback--as the book suggests---and to learn to be upfront and honest about their expectations. What a refreshing take on a tired subject! We've been reading about leadership forever, but this book makes it interesting---and FUN!Thanks for a down-to-earth application of real leadrship lessons!A.P. Holding
Rating:
Summary: Analytical , witty, and useful.
Review: I've been impressed by Himsel's analysis (as part of the panel of experts on management) of Trump's performance in USA Today, so bought her book. It is even more impressive! Just as she has told it 'like it is' to Trump, the book is helping me be more direct and honest with those at work--at all levels. This really is a NEW set of principles for leadership in today's world. Himsel has researched and documented her topic well, but still uses her sharp wit very effectively to convey her points. Fun and useful!
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