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Summary: Open-minded readers wanted!
Review: If you are open to learning from all medium, this is a book for you! It offers a wealth of information on how to improve, or develop, your leadership skills. If you can leave your prejudices at the door, you can learn. The author provides a serious, yet humorous look at leadership through a different lens. I benefited! Most intelligent, honest, readers will also.
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Summary: Leadership Book of the Century?
Review: Is this the best leadership book out there? I think so. Let me tell you why! It is original. It takes the actions of a character from popular fiction and draws leadership lessons we can all use to improve our skills. This is not just for CEO's--even though some have endorsed it--it is for everyone. Yes---IT does not discriminate! Deborrah Himsel draws on a wide range of experience, humor, espertise, and good old 'horse sense' to apply these lessons. She doesn't discriminate. She thinks we can ALL learn these leadership lessons. So do I!
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Summary: More Stereotyping
Review: It is time to stop these stereotypes of Italian-Americans! Like the show, this book relies heavily on the same images as 'that show'---big-bellied guys from Jersey who whack people who disagree with them. I don't know how anyone can read this stuff and take it seriously. There are so many lessons to be learned from great Italian-Americans who are law-abiding! What about many the firefighters and cops in the WTC? We should be holding them up as examples of heros, not this guy!
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Summary: A New Twist on Leadership
Review: Leadership Sopranos Style is an insightful, entertaining and provocative book. It provides real-life examples (although based on a fictional character) of how we can strive to become more effective leaders. My greatest learning is that direct and honest feedback will generate greater results for me, my direct reports and my company in the long term. I think one of the greatest challenges in today's organizations is communications (or lack thereof) and Ms. Himsel's techniques and very practical examples will support me in working more effectively with my teams. Thank you for providing new insights on this age-old topic of leadership. It has certainly opened my mind.
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Summary: Don't Fuhgetabout This Book
Review: Ms. Himsel has finally written a business book that can be ENJOYED! She has taken a rather boring subject(business)and wrapped it around with an exciting premise. This book is a MUST for anyone who is working today. Who doesn't want to become a better leader? Every leadership point is made very clear with great humor and wit. I especially liked the Charisma and Give it to my face chapters. After reading it I felt I am ready to lead my own business crew! Take my advice and get this book before everyone hears about it. Soon this book will be harder to find than Jimmy Hoffa! Thank you Ms. Himsel for writing a great book!
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Summary: When Tony Talks, We Listen: Great Communicator
Review: So, who is a better boss than Tony Soprano? Who is able to get more done than he can? Have you ever come across a better motivator? You've got to admit, this guy knows how to get things done. He knows how to get people to do things for him, and.....pronto! Sure, this book has a humorous side, sure author Himsel has her tongue in her cheek, but only some of the time. The rest of the time she is deadly serious about using this well-known family man as a role model for becoming a truly effective boss. If you know who Tony Soprano is, then you've got to admit that: He is an excellent communicator, he leaves his guys no doubt about where he stands and what he wants from them. He has a very specific goal: to make a ton of money.. He leaves no doubt as to who's in charge, who's the boss: His organization is very clear, very well laid out and structured. He has no problem coaching his Poobahs and Goumbasl: that's staff to the rest of us. He has no trouble giving or listening to feedback, although it is debatable which is worse, to give or to receive. He is compassionate when time and the situation are right. Using many stimulating and thought provoking examples from the hit HBO series, Himsel applies alll facets of Tony's managerial style to lessons that can be used by all of us. In one chapter, she lays out the mechanics of a sit-down and uses it as a great guide for holding effective business meetings where you will actually get things done. Because one thing is clear, these guys get things done at sit-downs! And talk about trust? We should be so lucky as to have members of our organizations who would have the trust for one anther that Tony and his boys have. The same applies, of course, to loyalty, that our firm's members should be so loyal! Hey, if you're going to read a business book this month, you might as well have fun while you learn and this is the best way to have some fun that I know of. And let's face it, these lessons are truly and effectively unforgettable. Here are a few of "Tony's AHA's"! Tony's Structural AHA! Don't get too fancy with the way you organize things and make sure your structure is as flexible as a Bada Bing! Dancer's muscles. Tony's Strategic AHA! Go for the money, but stick to your guns. And finally this gem! Tony's Communication AHA! Sometimes you gotta use the stick, sometimes you gotta use the carrot, but you always gotta know which is which. So, if you want to be as effective a boss as Tony; as aggressive as Christopher; as manly as Paulie and as cunning as Sylvio, you better pick this one up and read it now, right now! Capiche?Dan Beaulieu, I'm a sales management consultant.
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Summary: Italian-American Bashing
Review: Stop the stereotypes of Italian-Americans! This book relies heavily on the same images as 'that show'---big-bellied guys from Jersey who whack people who disagree with them. I don't know how anyone can read this stuff and take it seriously. There are so many lessons to be learned from great Italian-Americans who are law-abiding! What about many the firefighters and cops in the WTC? We should be holding them up as examples of heros, not this guy!
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Summary: There is a much better book
Review: This book has some old hack ideas and stereotypes. If you want to read a very interesting book about Italians and Italian Americans, read "The Golden Milestone: Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to Civilization."
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Summary: I was Robbed
Review: This book is a pale imitation of another title published by Penguin/Berkley called Tony Soprano on Management. What Himsel knows about business and management wouldn't fill a gnat's eye. Her applications are forced, trite and very old. Nothing new here. What a rip off!
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Summary: Charisma takes the cake!!!
Review: This book really lays out what it takes to be an effective leader---even if you don't want to be a mob boss. I found two chapters especially useful--the one on business plans and the one on charisma. While both are not new concents, Ms. Himsel details them in a fresh and new manner! She adds sparks to old concepts! She provides detailed examples, from her own and other executives' experiences, that make the concepts come alive. I put the book down with reluctance--waiting for more tidbits I could put to good use. GREAT!
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