Conquering Adversity [Paperback]

Christopher Novak (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2004

Chris Novak understands adversity and what it takes to overcome it. He weathered the life-changing storm of losing his precious wife and unborn son and from that experience has created a guide that will benefit all of us.

This book is inspiring. It introduces you to the hero you already are and gives you Six Strategies to discover that inner hero when it matters most.

When adversity comes, will you be ready? Begin your journey now.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A how to on converting the realities of adversity to a source of personal leadership. -- Neil Strodel, Chief Human Resources Officer, Syracuse University

Absolutely amazing. Personally imspiring and professionally motivating. I am ordering a copy for everyone in my region. -- Karen Walser, Adecco RVP

Thought providing, inspiring. When adversity strikes, Novak's book gives us the tools to get back on track. -- William J. Warren, CEO, Bleakley, Cypher, Parent, Warren & Quinn

From AudioFile

A leadership consultant and former HR executive emerged from the devastating death of his pregnant wife to create a well-crafted strategy for dealing with trauma at home and at work. His six strategies--affirmation, expectation, communication, locomotion, collaboration, and celebration--are explained in the context of how the author and his son dealt with their loss. Applying these personal lessons to an organizational context at first comes across as a stretch, but the result is effective in both realms--a softly told lesson about keeping your balance that sounds human, credible, and achievable for anyone who wants a more emotionally integrated and fulfilling life. T.W. © AudioFile 2006, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: CornerStone Leadership Institute (October 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0974640387
• ISBN-13: 978-0974640389
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,160,097 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bounce Back from Unexpected Losses!, January 3, 2005

By 

Donald Mitchell "Jesus Loves You!" (Thanks for Providing My Reviews over 110,000 Helpful Votes Globally) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Conquering Adversity (Paperback)

Conquering Adversity is that rare how-to book that combines a compelling life story with well-written practical advice that will benefit almost anyone who reads and applies the book. I highly recommend it to those who have not yet suffered an unexpected loss. You need to be prepared in advance for having the ground pulled out from under your feet, and this book will serve that purpose very well.

Mr. Novak was at work one day when a telephone call alerted him that his young wife and unborn son had been in a terrible automobile accident. Shortly thereafter, both died. Grief-stricken, Mr. Novak still had to be a father for his nine-year-old son and move forward with their lives together in a way that his wife would have approved.

The focus of the book quickly shifts into six strategies that should be combined to help you refocus on what needs to be done, rather than wallowing perpetually in your grief. As such this book will be of particular value for those who have to be strong for those around them at such times.

The first strategy is affirmation: Identify your values that you will use to guide your next actions; appreciate what has and has not been lost; and follow a healthy selfishness to allow you to go on.

The second strategy is expectation: Realize that bad things happen to good people and move on; apply optimism to what needs to be done; and avoid spending time worrying about why you have had such a loss.

The third strategy is increasing communications: Lead with your heart, not your mind; communicate often; and invite others to help you.

The fourth strategy is locomotion: Move quickly away from where you have the most problems; look at life as a traveler rather than as a settler; and be persistent!

The fifth strategy is collaboration: Draw on those who can help you; welcome those who appreciate what you have gone through and want to help; and keep balance in your life.

The sixth strategy is celebration: Laugh; have unscheduled time; and look for the silver lining in any dark clouds.

The book is filled with examples and exercises to help you reinforce these new behaviors.

Although the book refers to situations where an organization has to deal with a setback, this book is primarily applicable at the individual and family level.

Most of the advice is good for ordinary living as well. I was interested in the idea of moving away from the situation which seems to be the biggest problem. In that way, you can get perspective on how else you can deal with the issue. I also thought that the idea of communicating more was a good one. Most people who are grieving do the opposite. I liked his exercises of using color stones to remind you if you have been doing enough positive communication.

The book is quite brief. You can easily read it in one sitting . . . and learn from it for a lifetime. Nice work, Mr. Novak!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My Hero is Chris Novack, December 27, 2004

By 

Dan Eisenson (Woodbridge, NJ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Conquering Adversity (Paperback)

Chris Novack has inspired me as a hired professional consultant and a friend. After working with Chris on several occasions, he has assisted my career's development and advancement each and every time.

My wonderful and valuable relationship with Chris was focused primarily, on a professional level - however, my strong desire to read his book became the impetus to learn what made him so extraordinary. Never in my life, could I imagine how I would benefit so greatly from Chris' story ...now on a personal level, I feel blessed to have been a part of his life...a part of "his story".

I have already applied Chris' teachings (realizing tremendous success) within both, my personal life and career.

No words can describe how powerful a message he delivers, but for those who embrace his teachings...will truly benefit!

Simply stated, Chris Novack is my hero.

I strongly encourage you and your organizations to not only ready this book, but practice it's fundamentals DAILY.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "How to" handbook, not a "Why me?" novel., December 22, 2004

By 

John W. Hannen Jr. (Dulles, Virginia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Conquering Adversity (Paperback)

We all know folks (family, friends, neighbors, etc.) who have suffered tragedy. Novak, like many, many others, suffered tragedy; however his book doesn't focus on the event, but on the recovery.

Novak provides an incredibly powerful tool for everyone, especially those in leadership positions. Here is a handbook, a checklist, for helping people move successfully through personal tragedy, and organizational units through difficult times.

I found years of personal experience in Novak's written text, communicated more clearly than I would have been capable had I been witness rather than participant. This book will be top drawer reference material for anyone charged with leadership responsibilities.

Novak's insights and the guidance he offers will benefit everyone before personal tragedy. Personally, "Conquering Adversity" has immediate value for me as a handbook as I help people I care for facing difficulty. In the long term, Novak's work will undoubtedly help me prepare as well.