Rating: 
Summary: This book provides what to do and how to do it, effectively.
Review: Benton's book takes the mystery out of why one person excels in business over a comparably qualified individual who wallows in business. The simple, practical steps allow you to immediately put the advice into action. And it's not just for business but for your entire life. I'm the president of a company and I promote people who understand and use these skills. If they don't "get it" they don't' move up. It's that simple.
Rating:
Summary: Very Well Done!
Review: Corporate America would be 100 times a more pleasant arena if executives would live by this book. D.A. Benton outlines all the key characteristics that are necessary for effective communication in today's business environment. With increased numbers of firms moving towards a learning organization, personal accountability is in great demand. It would be a wise move during change efforts to utilize this material as a tool for executive development.
Rating:
Summary: Very Well Done!
Review: Corporate America would be 100 times a more pleasant arena if executives would live by this book. D.A. Benton outlines all the key characteristics that are necessary for effective communication in today's business environment. With increased numbers of firms moving towards a learning organization, personal accountability is in great demand. It would be a wise move during change efforts to utilize this material as a tool for executive development.
Rating: 
Summary: Charisma In Six Steps for International Executives
Review: D.A. Benton's Executive Charisma is the sort of book you might hate to love. Just like her previous books How to Think Like a C.E.O., and How to Act Like a C.E.O., this is a quick-reading, bullet-pointed, favorite at airport book stores around the world. But despite the initial appearances, Benton is an experienced executive coach who delivers much more than the simplistic titles and the dumbed-down prose seem to promise at first glance. Everyone knows that recovering from addiction requires 12 steps, but Benton has reduced being an effective corporate leader to just six. As you read Benton's research and real-life anecdotes about such steps as, "stand tall, straight, and smile," or the slightly more challenging "slow down, shut up, and listen," you might constantly find yourself thinking, "I already know all this; this is common sense; or, this is too simple to be of any value to me." Just wait. By naming and then re-framing certain key success behaviors in a totally non-threatening way Benton's book may subtly change your perception of yourself and others. Suddenly you will notice these key behaviors everywhere; or perhaps worse, you will notice their absence everywhere. Most importantly, you may find that her key ideas are like cheerful pop songs, once you've heard them you can't get out of your head. They may actually start helping you remember to change the way you behave - which is the point after all. This is a great book to share with leadership "high potentials," or to give people struggling with particular success behaviors. Especially useful in our Turkish business context is Benton's step two : "expect and give acceptance to maintain self esteem." This advice alone is worth an entire volume. Readers in Asia and the Middle East also need to take some of Benton's suggestions with a grain of salt. Her experience is almost entirely grounded in the American business culture, and as a result, some of her suggestions -- such as "ask questions and ask favors" -- may have slightly different impacts for us than they do for her target audience of American middle managers.
Rating:
Summary: Charisma In Six Steps for International Executives
Review: D.A. Benton's Executive Charisma is the sort of book you might hate to love. Just like her previous books How to Think Like a C.E.O., and How to Act Like a C.E.O., this is a quick-reading, bullet-pointed, favorite at airport book stores around the world. But despite the initial appearances, Benton is an experienced executive coach who delivers much more than the simplistic titles and the dumbed-down prose seem to promise at first glance. Everyone knows that recovering from addiction requires 12 steps, but Benton has reduced being an effective corporate leader to just six. As you read Benton's research and real-life anecdotes about such steps as, "stand tall, straight, and smile," or the slightly more challenging "slow down, shut up, and listen," you might constantly find yourself thinking, "I already know all this; this is common sense; or, this is too simple to be of any value to me." Just wait. By naming and then re-framing certain key success behaviors in a totally non-threatening way Benton's book may subtly change your perception of yourself and others. Suddenly you will notice these key behaviors everywhere; or perhaps worse, you will notice their absence everywhere. Most importantly, you may find that her key ideas are like cheerful pop songs, once you've heard them you can't get out of your head. They may actually start helping you remember to change the way you behave - which is the point after all. This is a great book to share with leadership "high potentials," or to give people struggling with particular success behaviors. Especially useful in our Turkish business context is Benton's step two : "expect and give acceptance to maintain self esteem." This advice alone is worth an entire volume. Readers in Asia and the Middle East also need to take some of Benton's suggestions with a grain of salt. Her experience is almost entirely grounded in the American business culture, and as a result, some of her suggestions -- such as "ask questions and ask favors" -- may have slightly different impacts for us than they do for her target audience of American middle managers.
Rating:
Summary: Leaders lead - and this book tells you WHY and HOW
Review: Debra Benton once more provides an insightful and meaningful tool that helps demystify what it takes to be not only an effective executive, but a leader in the true sense of the word. Drawing from her own experience, and a wealth of personal and business contacts that include some of the most powerful and influential CEOs in America, Debra's advice passes the only true test: it works. I think I understand something about leadership, but this work puts it into full perspective, reminds me of what is important, and best of all, extends into every facet of daily life. It is one of only a very few 'how to' books that I would pass on to my colleagues, business contacts, family, and friends. Her writing is clear and exemplary; her subject learned and the delivery so very effective: a short read for long results. Michael Dessoye
President & CEO, Advanced Enterprise IM Solutions, Inc.
Rating:
Summary: Leaders lead - and this book tells you WHY and HOW
Review: Debra Benton once more provides an insightful and meaningful tool that helps demystify what it takes to be not only an effective executive, but a leader in the true sense of the word. Drawing from her own experience, and a wealth of personal and business contacts that include some of the most powerful and influential CEOs in America, Debra's advice passes the only true test: it works. I think I understand something about leadership, but this work puts it into full perspective, reminds me of what is important, and best of all, extends into every facet of daily life. It is one of only a very few 'how to' books that I would pass on to my colleagues, business contacts, family, and friends. Her writing is clear and exemplary; her subject learned and the delivery so very effective: a short read for long results. Michael Dessoye
President & CEO, Advanced Enterprise IM Solutions, Inc.
Rating:
Summary: I just bought 50 copies.
Review: Executive Charisma is mandatory reading for people in my organization. Even though I've read many of these types of books myself, I learned several things I hadn't thought of before. It's one of those rare books where you read it, put it down, and pick it up to read again.
Rating:
Summary: Exploit Your Charisma, Your Personal Key to the Top
Review: If you are an executive, or aspire to be one, read this book. Debra Benton simplifies the mystery of charisma into six practical, proven steps that anyone can immediately apply.
"Executive Charisma" is full of time - tested advice from the top business leaders of our time. It is a fast read, perfectly suited for busy people committed to life-long development. As a practicing executive, I witness first-hand how top leaders relate to others on a daily basis. Those who know how to access and apply the 'soft' leadership skills are the winners, period. No matter how bright and classicaly educated a leader is, those who rise to the top have mastered the art of charisma. Read Benton's book and learn how easy it is to turn up the juice on your executive charisma.
Rating:
Summary: Exploit Your Charisma, Your Personal Key to the Top
Review: If you are an executive, or aspire to be one, read this book. Debra Benton simplifies the mystery of charisma into six practical, proven steps that anyone can immediately apply.
"Executive Charisma" is full of time - tested advice from the top business leaders of our time. It is a fast read, perfectly suited for busy people committed to life-long development. As a practicing executive, I witness first-hand how top leaders relate to others on a daily basis. Those who know how to access and apply the 'soft' leadership skills are the winners, period. No matter how bright and classicaly educated a leader is, those who rise to the top have mastered the art of charisma. Read Benton's book and learn how easy it is to turn up the juice on your executive charisma.
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