From Day One: CEO Advice to Launch an Extraordinary Career (Hardcover)

by William J. White (Author) "A distinct difference exists between what you know and what you understand..." (more)
Key Phrases: fundamental habits, first boss, bigger contribution, Day One, Hart Schaffner, Developing Your Career (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

"Excellent, practical advice and wisdom-based counsel from someone who has been both in the trenches and at the peak. The perfect graduation and career kick-off gift."

—Stephen R. Covey, author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and The 8th Habit: From Effectiveness to Greatness

"Bill White's book should be required reading for anyone starting a career, and a must-read for anyone after they have started their career."

—Warren Bennis, Distinguished Professor of Business Administration, University of Southern California and co-author, Geeks and Geezers: How Era, Values, and Defining Moments Shape Leaders

"Benjamin Franklin, the patron saint of self-improvement books, coined the maxim 'doing well by doing good' in his Poor Richard's Almanack. Now, in this wonderfully readable book, Bill White shows, step by step, how you can indeed truly do well in your career by doing good in this world."

—From the foreword by Walter Isaacson, author of Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, and former Chairman and CEO of CNN

"From Day One is not a book of pie-in-the-sky platitudes. This is reality-based, advice-tested, tempered, and proven by life experience—a 'toolbox' that will provide young professionals with the fundamental habits for career success. It's must reading for anyone who aspires to career success in business, industry, education, or government."

—Jack Rayman, Director of Career Services and Affiliate Professor of Counseling Psychology and Education, Penn State University

"If you are a young person who believes in the future, who believes in personal growth, and who has the humility to learn, this book is for you."

—From the foreword by Ram Charan, Charan Associates business advisor, speaker, and author of several bestselling books, including Confronting Reality and Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

"Fortunate is the young professional—or old professional, for that matter—who heeds this advice. From Day One defines success at a much higher level; it empowers and implores people to choose the natural high road and let success follow. It is also filled with practical tips, not an idealist or moralist dream but a meat and potatoes success story!"

—Jean Egmon, President, Third Angle, Inc. and co-author, The Prepared Mind of a Leader: Eight Skills Leaders Use to Innovate, Make Decisions and Solve Problems your boss" to networking...gives you the crucial competitive edge you need, from the very beginning!

Are you just starting out, going into a new job, or ready to make a fresh start in business?

Take advice from the top. Plan your success, then make it real...starting from day one! Long-time CEO Bill White reveals the key skills that lead to breakthrough success, and helps you integrate them into your repertoire as you consciously manage your career for outstanding results.

You'll discover how to identify your best possible first job, first company, first boss...and get them. After you're hired, learn how to make a superb first impression by proving your value as a contributor to the organization...set the best priorities for your first day, week, month...uncover unspoken "local knowledge" about succeeding at your company...make the most of feedback...demonstrate your potential without overstepping your bounds...network more effectively by giving not getting...strengthen crucial skills, from listening to estimating and forecasting.

This is practical, realistic advice straight from the "corner office," with stories and interviews from superstars in many fields; the closest thing to your own personal CEO mentor. Why waste years learning the realities of business success? Learn them here, act on them now, and move up fast!

The right first job, first company, first boss

Find your passion—and a manager who'll help you get where you want to be

• Starting your new assignment: 7 steps to success Jumpstart your career with an outstanding first impression that proves your value

• Networking that works Create your network, nurture it by giving, and make the most of it

• Your moral compass: setting boundaries you will not cross Beyond blind ambition: becoming a leader people respect

• Paving your road to a management position Take your first steps toward excellence as a manager—and avoid disastrous "rookie mistakes"

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.

About the Author

William J. White is currently a Professor at the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science at Northwestern University. He was named 2001 Professor of the Year and received the 2004 Northwestern Alumni Association Excellence in Teaching Award.

Prior to joining Northwestern, White served for eight years as Chairman and CEO of Bell & Howell, where he was responsible for stewarding corporate resources, values, and talent. White also served as a senior executive at Mead and other successful firms. He has been a member of the Board of Directors of seven publicly traded companies, including The Reader's Digest Association, Bell & Howell Company, and Packaging Dynamics Corporation. www.FromDayOne.com

© Copyright Pearson Education. All rights reserved.