Customer Reviews

Make the Right Choice: Creating a Positive, Innovative and Productive Work Life

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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.

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

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.

If you're a department leader who has ever been challenged with drawing fresh thinking and passion out of a tired or jaded employee or staff you probably faced two big obstacles: 1) trying to find their "hot" button to help them grow, be happier and be more productive and 2) trying to find anyone who has new and engaging thoughts about how to do #1.

This book helps right out of the gates with an insider's knowledge offered with an astonishingly honest and hilarious voice. The witty footnotes are worth the read alone. Plus, it's concise enough that you can probably get through it on a red eye from LA to Chicago.

Right now, I'm only halfway through it. But I've already started to put a few of its suggestions in place and I'm seeing some dividends -- not just within my staff but within me.

Can't wait to finish it.

Joel Zeff's new book is the perfect read for those in need of finding happiness in the work environment. His simple methods along with the logic of incorporating the positivity one needs to be productive in both life and work make this perfect read from veterans of the work place, to those just starting out. A fast an effective read, I look forward to more from this exciting and entertaining author.

Joel Zeff is a remarkable individual who provides people with the comfort of becoming better people through self-realization. His book, Make the Right Choice, is merely an extension of that.

His candid humor and unvarnished perspective create an enjoyable, quick read. Each chapter is designed for quick "take away" points that can be easily applied to your life. The humor merely galvanizes and enhances the real-world life choices and challenges Zeff poses to the reader.

Zeff's experience with business leaders, managers, and employees shows clearly in this book. His spot-on characterizations and references to specific stereotypes made me laugh out loud.

This is a great read for its wisdom -- but maybe more importantly, it also makes you laugh (at yourself and at others!) -- something we all too often forget to do in our "professional lives.

This book is both informative and fun to read. It uses humor to convey important messages about how we can all be happier and more productive. While the book is oriented toward the corporate world, the same messages are applicable to all facets of our lives. And this book speaks to both employers and employees. Employers who utilize Zeff's techniques will find they have a more effective and efficient team. Employees who follow his strategies will either be able to turn their current job into their dream job, or they'll have the impetus and motivation they need to seek the job that best fits their talents and personality. This book is a fast read, and can easily be finished in one sitting. However, the Quick Ideas at the end of each chapter that recap the major points make it easy to resume reading after interruptions or distractions.

This was an incredibly helpful and entertaining read. Joel helps us rediscover the fun and passion for career/life/family that some of us lose as we get older.
I couldn't put it down. It had me laughing out loud..which is original in a leadership/motivational book. I have been a fan of Joel's since the 1990's and I am so excited he gets to share his wisdom with so many in a written form. Get this book for yourself, business associates and family members. You'll be glad you did.

Joel provides a unique humorous perspective in dealing with the challenges of today's workplace. His creative ideas provide insight to all levels of management in how to motivate and inspire individuals, and how to personally strive for job satisfaction.

Joel's humor and insightful comments are a refreshing change. A particularly enjoyable read!

Zeff's writing style is unique and on track. Great tips, great humor, I loved it!! Innovation and productivity are hindered by a unhappy workforce. This book is a MUST READ for every business manager. Make the right choice and READ THIS BOOK!!!Cracking the Networking CODE: Four Steps to Priceless Business Relationships