Customer Reviews

Managing Business Change For Dummies

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

As I was reading this book, at every page I wish that managers in the organization I work read it too. This book is definitely on the top of my gift list for many people I know. This book, in summary, is not just for folks in business, but for everyone, at every stage of life, since we all experiencing changes all the time. When I began reading this book, I was working on a project with short deadline. But I could not put the book down. I am glad. It helped me to think better about what I was doing.

Finally a book about change that isn't written for university professors.You get the Dummies, easy-to-read writing, as well as practical, in-depth information that you can use on the job. (I wish I had this book when we were trying to implement TQM - we would have been more successful.) What made this book so interesting for me was reading about how other managers have struggled with their changes - and why some succeeded and many others failed. Also, I particularly liked the three questionnaires that let me evaluate how change-smart my organization is (not as much as I would like). I guarantee that this book won't sit on a shelf - you'll constantly use it like I am.

"Change," whether it's personal growth or failure, or a business going through evolution, is inevitable. Maybe not at this moment, but at some time "change" must occur. And when it does the status quo will resist it. And the people affected by it will probably incur increased stress levels. Apparently the authors of this book have written it for people who have to deal with "change" or live through it. And I think such people will benefit greatly by reading this book.

In a way this book is a new slant on an old topic. Leaders and managers have to have leadership skills. They have to have people skills, and they have to be somewhat patient. And they have to be able to deal with resistance to change. How do they do this? Well, the authors say by:

1. Managing resistance
2. Managing stress (both theirs and their subordinates'), and
3. Keeping the information flowing

The authors say that most "changes" fail. They point out how important it is to strategize and plan how to create change or deal with change. Did we really need the authors to tell us to strategize and plan? I think not, but by reminding some people of this they fully cover the subject of dealing with "change."

I loved that each chapter had a bulleted summary list of what was included therein. The content of the book was so dense that I especially welcomed seeing those summary lists. There are a total of 24 chapters in this book, so you can see why those summary lists are important. Without them it would be difficult seeing how the whole book ties together.

I would have liked the book better if its overall purpose for existing had been clearer at the beginning of the book. When I finished reading the book I was glad I had read it, but I had (and still have) a problem clearly describing the book in a sentence or two. All in all, I give this book 5 stars.

While I have never like the word "dummies" in the series title, I have liked the format and the content. Managing Business Change met my expectations. Typical of this format, it is more broad than deep. However, I appreciate the attention given to resistance. Helpful tips and checklists will make sure you are not completely in the dark when it comes to leading change.
The main drawback I found was the fifth section titled "Taking Care of Yourself" where the authors put for topics on meditation and yoga. Not what I wanted out of the book but easy enough to skip over.
I recommend this book to those who are dealing with minor changes on a daily basis. Mid to lower level managers will benefit most. Higher up on the chain would probably benefit more from Kaplan's work.

"Managing Business Change for Dummies" focuses on "change management" as authors Evard and Gipple show readers how the power of resistance can really activate the change process. The book speaks to readers with example after example of successful strategies for managers. It has quotes from veteran managers, celebrities and a variety of short articles about real people who benefit from change. By reading this book, you will learn how to make change work for you.

This book was written with working people in mind. It was easy to follow and had humor added in examples which were beneficial to the content. I enjoyed reading this book and feel I learned how companies should deal with change, and why some companies cannot make this transition. It also showed why some companies do make changes successfully and how it is done. I would recommend this book to other professional business people even if they are not considering change at this time. The insight is indispensible.

This is one of the best, straight forward, nothing hidden books covering one of the touchiest subjects in the business world. Our company is in the middle of a "not so popular" re-organization, and this book is a Ray of Hope in this trying time. I actually sat and read this book from cover to cover after getting it home. It gives insight and straight forward recommendations for the issues we are encountering now and will continue to encounter even after the transition. With the book's strong focus on People and People skills, I strongely recommend this book for every person who works with or for others. From General Managers and CEO's to Programmers and Factory Workers, this book has sound, usefull information and guidance. Well done Beth and Craig.

Straightforward discussion of managing business change -- but focuses on the role of the leaders to manage the change -- would have been good to give more attention to the fact that leaders don't really know what they are doing (especially when it is not a planned re-org, but a forced downsizing), and stress we are all responsible for managing change in the workplace. Good intro discussion of the emotional and psychological aspects of business change, which I am sadly witnessing every day at my own job.

Finally I found a book that shows me how to lead successful change in my department. No longer does resistance sabotage my chance efforts. Now I know how to make resistance work for me. I keep a copy handy on my desk. Don't let this cover fool you - this is no book for dummies.

"Managing Business Change for Dummies" focuses on "change management" as authors Evard and Gipple show readers how the power of resistance can really activate the change process. The book speaks to readers with example after example of successful strategies for managers. It has quotes from veteran managers, celebrities and a variety of short articles about real people who benefit from change. By reading this book, you will learn how to make change work for you.