Rating: 
Summary: You wanna promotion? Fuggedaboutit!
Review: This book was really an enjoyable read. Even though I've never watched the show, I was able to get leadership examples from Tony Soprano's point of view in a humorous format. You might ask yourself, "a self-help book based on Tony Soprano?" But Deborrah Himsel pulls this off effectively. She's quick to point out that Tony is not an ideal role model, but that he is an effective leader. She adeptly translates his style into more typical layman's terms, and a lot of it makes sense. For example, if your vendor is not doing what he should for your business, you can't go out and whack the VP, but you can use some conflict resolution skills, such as a sit-down, to work things out.
So, this book uses examples from the Sopranos show to create business scenarios that might translate to one's own working life. The samples also provide a contrast of what not to do. This creates a multi-viewed approach that makes sense, and is less dry or rah-rah than typical business leadership books.
Take a look at the case studies and see if Tony can help you become a more effective boss.
Rating: 
Summary: But what does Tony read?
Review: This is all well and good; but basically it's a paste-job derived from the show. To me the real question is, What books does Tony Soprano read? And the answer is right there in episode 3/8: THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu. I bet Tony owns the first edition!
Rating: 
Summary: Innovative and Fun!
Review: This is one of the most entertaining - and insightful - management books I've read in a long time. I've always been a devotee of the show and as a result of this book, I don't think I'll ever watch it the same way again. Without excusing Tony's amoral behavior, Ms. Himsel manages to make an extremely compelling argument for his effectiveness as a business leader. Unlike what you might think, beyond the gimmick, there is a lot of useful and thoughtful advice here, supplemented by the author's own considerable experience first as a Director of Strategy and Training and Pfizer and currently as the VP of Organizational Development at Avon Products, Inc. This level of credibility on the part of the author is truly what sets this Sopranos management book above the competition. I recommend this for leaders at all levels of an organization as I look forward to another season of the Sopranos on HBO. I'll definitely be taking notes on Tony's leadership style.
Rating:
Summary: Finally, a Leadership Metaphor With Substance
Review: Too many leadership books are so into becoming the next popular "quick airplane read" that they lack substance and espouse only one or two key ideas that are then endlessly reinforced in a story. Here, instead, a witty leadership development practitioner who knows what she's talking about (Himsel was on the INSIDE of several corporations versus some academic ivory tower) tells it like it is, reveals deeper layers of management know-how, and uses a "hook" that will most readers. The book covers more than the mere leadership surface, providing both reminders and new insights about leadership strategy, org charts, feedback and coaching, mediating conflicts between direct reports, staying on top of your professional development, the whole nine yards. For those that are tempted to dismiss the book because you are not a Sopranos watcher or because you don't emulate the leadership style of a mob boss, you'd be making a mistake. Himsel immediately and deftly provides perspective on how her metaphor works, that she is not endorsing Tony's violent or illegal behavior, and that there are lessons to be learned from the leadership principles by which the anti-hero operates without buying into his moral principles. The pop icon gangster vehicle simply lets her teach leadership theory and practice through an edu-taining, edgy, and humorous writing style. And there are many practical tactics offerred. For example, her detailing of Tony's "sit-downs" with key players shows how the savvy leader keeps tabs on the dynamics on his team and becomes active when intra-team or intra-team conflicts jeopardize the vibrancy of the business. If you're not a Sopranos regular, not the worry! Himsel sufficiently clues in non-Sopranos fans about the background of her many vivid examples from the series so that the vehicle works . Check out this book or you might find yourself swimming with the fishes!!!
Rating:
Summary: What an Interesting book!!!!
Review: What a fresh approach to leadership! It uses a fictional character and real examples from real companies to illustrate the points. I was impressed by the wealth of knowledge of the show, as well as ledership theory and practice. The author has, indead, done her homework! While some of the points of the show may be made with a wink, the applications are real. I walked away with at least 5 points I can put into action tomorrow. Thanks---Lyn Ginsburg.
Rating:
Summary: Wise and Witty Leadership Advice
Review: What a great book! Ms. Himsel skillfully weaves 'refreshers' from the hit series with real advice on leadership. This is more than a fun book---it presents insightful new ways of handling the challenges faced by real people in real organizations, in a delightful combination of serious scholarship and fun. I'm giving this to several 'wannabe' bosses on my Holiday list.
Rating:
Summary: Laying The Cards on the Table
Review: What a useful book! Ms. Himsel is not your mother's "Avon Lady"! She uses foul-mouthed Tony Soprano to illustrate the hard lessons of true leadership. As a long-time fan of the show---and a long-time business executive--I reveled in her witty integration of the two. I especially appreciated the 'Ten Tough Choices' chapter, where Ms. Himsel (who is a pretty high flying executive at Avon herself) details some of Tony's tough decisions and then analyzes them to reveal what can be learned from his style and substance. What a read! Buy and use this book to improve YOUR leadership!
Rating:
Summary: Laying The Cards on the Table
Review: What a useful book! Ms. Himsel is not your mother's "Avon Lady"! She uses foul-mouthed Tony Soprano to illustrate the hard lessons of true leadership. As a long-time fan of the show---and a long-time business executive--I reveled in her witty integration of the two. I especially appreciated the 'Ten Tough Choices' chapter, where Ms. Himsel (who is a pretty high flying executive at Avon herself) details some of Tony's tough decisions and then analyzes them to reveal what can be learned from his style and substance. What a read! Buy and use this book to improve YOUR leadership!
Rating:
Summary: Pick it up to learn.
Review: Why would anyone READ this book if they were already predisposed to hate it? Beats me! I read it in one sitting, because I expected it to offer me something. I was not disappointed! Through the use of examples--from the hit show and real organizations-- quizes, and situational questions, the author peaked my interest with every turn of the page. I ended up with much more than my money's worth. So will you!
Rating:
Summary: Spit It Out!
Review: WOW!!! Who else but Big Tony could teach us such lessons? By paying attention to Ms. Himsel's expert interpretation of Tony's style we learn to: BE STRAIGHT --"Look 'em in the eye and tell 'em why"; ENTER A ROOM LIKE YOU OWN IT: and, best of all, DON'T PLAY THE PART--Tony's leadership aha is "The best leaders are genuine human beings first and smart business people second."
I am so impressed with the fresh approach provided in this book that I've started changing MY style. Watch out Tony!!! Chris Estrinada---retail sales
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