3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Really, whose life is it, anyway?, January 15, 2008
This review is from: Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative and Productive Work Life (Hardcover)
If I understand Joel Zeff's core assertion in this book (and I may not), it is that a person must make her or his own career and personal choices, then assume full responsibility for the consequences. That is hardly a head-snapping revelation. The substantial value of this book will be derived elsewhere. Specifically, from what Zeff has to say about the importance of having positive support and appropriate opportunities throughout life, and, the importance also of helping others to obtain them. He reviews a number of workshop exercises that he conducts to help participants overcome whatever hesitation they may feel so that they can think more innovatively. (Any one of these exercises is well worth more than the cost of the book.) He also includes a number of specific suggestions such as
How to increase the positive support in one's workplace (Pages 6-7)
Why most conference calls are ineffective (Pages 55-56)
How to conduct a productive brainstorming session (Pages 88-90)
How to create an environment in which members of an audience feel comfortable enough to take risks (Pages 109-112)
How "little things" allow us to work and communicate more effectively, productively, and successfully (Pages 128-132)
How to use recognition to acknowledge outstanding performance (Pages 141-142)
How to prepare the "stage" for a formal presentation (Pages 152-153)
I also appreciate Zeff's inclusion of a "Quick Ideas" section at the conclusion of most chapters in which he reviews key points, suggests action steps, and provides "positive support" to those who implement his ideas.
Zeff's wit is a significant value-added-benefit. At one point, he quotes Dwight D. Eisenhower: "A sense of humor is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done." However, as someone who has worn black mock turtleneck sweaters for more than 35 years, I challenge his assertion that those who wear them "only learn from other black turtle necks." The fact is, I have learned a great deal from Zeff (who presumably would not be caught dead in one) while being amused by the playful tone of many of his remarks. At one point, when discussing a typical conference call, he notes that one participant "does not speak during the call. She offers nothing. She is mute - too busy checking e-mail on her BlackBerry. The conference call ends. At the end of the call, someone says, `When do you want to schedule another call?' I grab a butter knife."
As indicated earlier, throughout the book, Zeff urges his reader to make her or his own career and personal decisions and then assume responsibility for the consequences. With all due respect to this book's entertainment value, there is a serious purpose to the material he provides: To help individuals to develop skills by which to think and act more creatively so that their lives are happier as well as more productive. He also explains how a workplace can support, indeed nourish that process of development. My guess is that it is far easier for an individual to change than it is for an individual (or group of individuals) to change a culture, especially one whose core values are determined by what James O'Toole so aptly characterizes as "the ideology of comfort and the tyranny of custom."
I think this is a brilliant book but what do I know? I still wear a black mock turtleneck sweater.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
I absolutely LOVED this book!!!, February 25, 2008
This review is from: Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative and Productive Work Life (Hardcover)
If you have seen any of my other reviews you'll notice that I read more than 100 business books a year and have since 1989 --- and Joel's "Make the Right Choice" has just made my top recommended book list. The other reviewers have given you a lot of detail and specifics on the book -- I will simply give you this advice -- order it now! This is a super book -- I read it on a plane flight and the guy next to me must have thought I had a problem -- I was laughing and giggling and squirming in my seat --- while underlining page after page of great ideas. I have already told several of my clients that they have to give this book to all of their employees -- it is fun, entertaining, very humorous --- and yet poignant with a number truly valuable insights. You just do not find that combination very often. This is also the perfect book for business people that do not like to read business books. You'll get superb ideas -- and possibly spit milk through your nose laughing at the very same time! In all seriousness -- this is a great book and definitely worth the read -- would make an awesome gift -- I highly recommend it. John Spence
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
How to succeed in business: Read this book, have fun., October 9, 2007
This review is from: Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative and Productive Work Life (Hardcover)
I usually avoid "business books" like this, mostly because I am incredibly cynical about corporate America and any lessons to be learned therefrom. But Zeff's book is a fun take on how to bring some creativity and fun into work, and how to liven up those awful seminars. Zeff's tips and refreshing observations had even cynical ol' me examining some of my own attitudes at work and how I approach various situations, both as an employee and a manager. He also had me chuckling at his spot-on descriptions of some of my least favorite characters from the corporate world, including the black-mock-turtleneck manager and the "back-row people" at seminars. He's a witty writer who's fun to read, and this book is like a personal pep rally to help keep you excited about what you do. Read it, share it, and lighten up.
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