Customer Reviews

Organized for Success: Top Executives and CEOs Reveal the Organizing Principles That Helped Them Reach the Top

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

 

 

Overall, a disappointing book with very little original material and with really only 2 well supported principles: (1) Get an assistant to do most of your organizing and (2) How you organize depends on your own personal style. The author's material on how to use an assistant to implement organization principles may be of value to those who actually have one, but very little of it is applicable to those who don't. And the book jumps all over the place in recommending tips and tricks, so I did not find any convergence to very many "principles." I agree, organization can be very personal, but the author seems to try to capture so many individual techniques, that to say there are organizing principles here is very much a stretch.

If you really are serious about some good solid principles with beginning to end techniques to organization, I would recommend David Allen's book Getting Things Done. If you simply want a cursory overview of many existing organizing tips and tricks, than half this book may be of value. And if you do indeed have an assistant and want to utilize him/her better, then the other half is for you. Otherwise, little or nothing new here to read.

I found 'Organized for Success' very helpful, even though I work out of my home and do not aspire to be a CEO. The concept of 'spotlighting' runs counter to the current emphasis on multi-tasking, yet it makes a lot of sense. I also particularly liked the presentation of different people's styles of organization. I perpetually search for the best way to organize my materials and time. With the various examples and their framing, I think I have, in fact, discovered my personal style. (Time will tell.) I, also, actually enjoyed reading the book. Organizing may seem dull to many people. Ms. Winston's style was both relaxed and informative.

The good point about this book is that it gives practical hints (although many are quite obvious) on organization issues, and therefore not only theoritical but for sure a practical approach on the topic for those needing so. However, I do agree with some other reviewer that points out the book is too much focused on CEO practices only (i.e., meaning you have assistants to delegate tasks)

For those of us who are not naturally organized and who need help with ideas that are realistic and proven, Winston's book is a welcomed tool. She just flat does a good job in giving us several solutions to choose from. She does not advocate or lock in to just a single solution. E.g. From PDAs to Index cards in the front pocket...what works best for a particular individual is advocated. The last 20% of the book bogs down a little, but still does not deter from it's overall worth. This is a required book for our church planter interns at the Glocalnet training and NorthWood Church Multiplication Center.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Read twice - cover to cover, and have picked up several great tips. I've enjoyed better performance and organization based on having incorporated a few changes recommended in this book into my day. Great book! Worth the money.

Not having read any of Winston's books before I did not now what to expect. What I got was a book on how to handle my inbox, both physical and electronic and a guide to MBWA (Management By Wandering Around).

Winston has some interesting methodologies for handling your daily task lists, a few were of value, but many were quite obvious and things that I had discovered in my own day-to-day work. Several concepts I had read or heard about from other sources, such as TRAF (Toss, Refer, Act, File for managing paperwork)

Thematically I found the book interesting. Winston continually cites a CEO's focused attention and drive to handling requests immediately, as well as the power of the "Gotta Second?" encounter. I also did gain some insight as to why top management acts they was they do.

If you are looking for a guide to managing your day-to-day tasks this may be a good fit. If you are looking for a more in depth study of the CEO psyche look elsewhere.

"Organized for Success" tells how CEOs run their day. The author, who has focused her career an helping people get organized, took a practical approach of studying CEOs and executives to see how they actually worked. She marveled at encountering a different way of working than she expected. She points out that CEOs practiced these methods before they were CEOs.

This book is a different from any other book on time and task management I've encountered. The focus isn't just on how to do things differently, but also on perspective and attitudinal changes. The wrap-up comments on "managing influence" are ground-breaking approaches that can change a person's whole way of working. The 3 hallmarks of CEO time management are nowhere else that I've seen presented so clearly: 1) spotlight focus; 2) ruthless responsiveness; and 3) delegate 90 percent of everything that crosses your desk (remembering that delegation includes consistent follow-up).

This is a book for leaders and potential leaders. To give an idea of the different mindset of leaders, one of them when quizzed about tasks he did, repeated replied "I don't do tasks". How many can truthfully say THAT? Not many, I presume. Some time back I went from managing a team of 6 to leading an organization of 100. This book would have made a dramatic difference in how I ran my day and interacted with others after that shift. Looking back, thse concepts would have made a difference in all the staff positions I've held within large organizations, but would have had less impact when I worked as an independent consultant.

The first portion of the book covers the traditional aspects of an administrative job, but from the CEOs perspective: paperwork, e-mail, to-do lists, calendar, journal, technology, and phones. The next portion covers specific topics: structuring the day; productivity tips; focused-tasking; priorities; meetings; and interruptions (which are good). The final wrap-up on "managing influence" would likely lead to a promotion if diligently applied.

If you're a contented follower and task-oriented person, find another book. Really. But if you aspire to leadership you'll benefit greatly from "Organized for Success".

This book is quite fascinating. It inspired me to do some serious thinking and reworking of my work space. It's been great.

Stephanie proves once again, she's the master of her craft. More than helpful strategies, she also lets us peek inside the surprising world of the top executives, which was informative, surprising and fascinating.

5 Thumbs Up for Ms. Winston!

M. Macauley

Having read most of Stephanie Winston's books I am comfortable in knowing that when finished I will walk away with practical information I can immediately put into practice. Her writing style flows smoothly. The information she imparts has been most valuable. She hits many hot buttons throughout the book. The glimpse into the world of the CEO is most interesting. I encourage you to read and learn.