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Rating: 
Summary: Fantastic book for business and life
Review: A friend gave me a copy of this book as a gift. Quite honestly, I thought I'd skim through it so I could tell him I read it but once I started it, I found myself pulled in. In fact, after the first few pages, I grabbed a highlighter to begin noting concepts that were especially compelling. I continued highlighting throughout the entire book, it was that good. In summary, the authors expound on the seven principles that, if embraced, can radically change you and through you (and your coworkers), your organization to be more nimble, dynamic and successful. The bonus of reading this book was that many of the principles can be used in your personal life, particularly parenting skills when dealing with school-age children. The authors have great academic credentials, but that would mean absolutely nothing to me unless it was backed up with lots of real-world experience. There is no shortage of experiences over long and dynamic careers where these various principles were utilized with success. What really sets this book apart from your standard "I can help you" book is the writing style. It is authoritative yet relaxed. Businesslike yet entertaining. The authors strike a balance between being helpful without being dull. As a leader, manager or employee, this book has impact and I highly recommend it.
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Summary: These ideas WORK
Review: As a coach for leaders of Fortune 500 companies I have read many books on culture and leaderhip. I have not found any that are better than this one. Ludeman and Erlandson deal with core issues and give practical, concrete steps for change and growth. Their ideas are fresh and innovative and not common or talked about in other places. I find that I use their ideas and practices both personally and professionally on a daily basis and to me that is the real test of the value of a book.
Rating:
Summary: These ideas WORK
Review: As a coach for leaders of Fortune 500 companies I have read many books on culture and leaderhip. I have not found any that are better than this one. Ludeman and Erlandson deal with core issues and give practical, concrete steps for change and growth. Their ideas are fresh and innovative and not common or talked about in other places. I find that I use their ideas and practices both personally and professionally on a daily basis and to me that is the real test of the value of a book.
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Summary: A Radical Read
Review: Books on leadership development and organizational change are a dime a dozen. If you read only one this year, make it Radical Change, Radical Results. Ludeman and Erlandson are obviously highly experienced executive coaches who take us to the heart of the issues in organizations today with their intimate style, compelling coaching vignettes, and thought-provoking development models. This material makes a science out of what many of us intuit or experience in ourselves or our organizations all the time but don't know how to identify, much less address. This book gave me information and tools that I was immediately able to use personally and can clearly imagine applying on a larger scale in my organization.
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Summary: Practical, insightful advice
Review: I was sad to see this book down at the bottom of the Amazon sales list - it's a very impressive piece of work. Apparently it just hasn't gotten the press reviews to really launch sales, because I'm sure word of mouth would be great. Admittedly, no book like this invents-the-wheel and you could probably extract similar ideas from Stephen Covey Seven Habits, books on Emotional Intelligence, etc. The gift here is the authors' crisp, lucid prose, as shown in their snappy (ironic and memorable) examples and lists of things NOT to do. (E.g., "Seven Ways to Create Corporate Sludge"). I found the book impossible to put down and I think it will definitely redefine my approach to work life both on a large and small scale, and even personal/marital life as well. For me, it was an easy read and very much worth the investment.
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Summary: Radical Change, Radical Results
Review: In this highly readable and compelling book, the authors provide a framework for business and personal relationships that provide both results and personal satisfaction. They have organized the book to progress from person to person interactions to organizational theory and practice. A quick read but one which provides much substance for later reflection and action. Highly qualified authors with real talent for making things clear and engaging.
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Summary: Radical Change Radical Results - a Guide Book for Growth
Review: Kate Ludeman and Eddie Erlandson give promise to a radical change, a hope for a better workplace and world. I liked the focus on taking personal responsibility for success in life, not being a victim. They focus on 7 Actions to become the force for change in your organization:
1. Curiosity: Learn on the run.
2. Awareness: Tap your mind body intelligence.
3. Authenticity: Dropping the Roles that bind you.
4. Accountability: Take responsibility.
5. Candor: Tell the truth.
6. Genius: Awaken your sleeping giant.
7. Appreciation: Express your gratitude. The quote below was a motivator for me:
THE POWER OF ONE
"We can learn to make liberating shifts in perspective and behavior that change the work environment and empower everyone - ourselves first and foremost. One person's commitment and skills for authentic behavior can have the same effect as opening a window in a stuffy room. The fresh air wakes people up, people begin to engage at a conscious level. The most stuck person at the table can make the shift, the energy can lighten, and the best decisions can emerge with far less brow knitting, name calling and hand-wringing. We've seen it happen hundreds of times." It was interesting that recent article "THE FIVE KEY STRENGTHS" by Ben Dean, Ph.D found gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability to love and be loved as the five key strengths. A lot like Kate and Eddies list for change. I found their book a great motivator, one that both brings hope and provides concrete actions one can use today.
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Summary: Effective Organizational Advice
Review: These authors really know the corporate world and what creates "sludge" for teams. They don't offer slick, quick fixes but rather thoughtful, effective tools for transforming a sluggish organization into a world class one. If you manage a team or work as part of one, read this book. You'll get great skills and an enjoyable read.
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