Customer Reviews

Outsourcing the American Dream: Pain and Pleasure in the Era of Downsizing

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Outsourcing The American Dream: Pain And Pleasure In The Era Of Downsizing by finance and marketing consultant Christopher M. England is a straightforward, critically revealing examination of the effect that the widespread business practice of downsizing for cost management is having on American industries and the general American economy. Individual chapters address everything from the psychology of downsizing (including its drawbacks), and the tangled role of the government-- which can either amplify problems or be part of the solution. Outsourcing The American Dream is an authoritatively written, well-researched, provocatively presented, no-holds-barred look at a trend that can personally affect just about any worker at any business or corporation in today's volatile and globally competitive marketplace.

Outsourcing the American Dream by Christopher M. England is a perfect book both for workers and employers. England stresses long term solutions in our modern services/information economy over short-term gains. He details how modern companies, sadly went only for the quick profits in the 90's and are now suffering as a result of exporting their core businesses. His prescription for job-seeking Americans who may have been downsized or are currently under-employed - Adaptability with a Capitol 'A'. But this is far more than just a book about jobs. England delves into the political side and sees expanding government regulations, our increasingly government-dependent culture, and our mushrooming debt as the main reasons for the downturn in the economy. England is also a bit of a philosopher brilliantly weaving in appropriate quotes from famous figures from history throughout the text like Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Einstein and Henry Ford. One quote particularly stands out, "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change," - Charles Darwin. Appropriately, a proud American Bald Eagle on the front cover. Expertly written and edited. -- Eric Dondero, Author, Worldwide Multilingual Phrase Book

Author England's coverage of the corporate world and what its problems were at the time of writing the book, may have also uncovered some of the reasons the economy has gone downhill. He covers what happens both to the company and the person when downsizing begins. In the beginning of the book he states, "Many organizations in their efforts to cut out the fat, often cut out the muscle as well."

Throughout the book he points out the problems in the operations of corporations both on a global level and specifically--then he goes on to describe what could be the solutions. There's also an excellent outline for what the government should be doing to change what's happening in our country today.

This would be an excellent book for anyone running any kind of business--and those in charge in our government.

I think this is one of those books that you either love or hate, but one thing's for certain -- this book is thought provoking. The author doesn't pull any punches, and drives his message home with a sledge hammer. Although I do not agree with everything the author has to say, I couldn't put this book down -- it really got me thinking, and got my creative jucies flowing. Read this book. It will change the way you see yourself and others.

The most important insight I got from this book is that there are two types of individuals in every situation -- Problem Perceivers and Opportunity Perceivers. In the author's own words: "If you perceive change as a problem, solve it; if you perceive change as an opportunity, take advantage of it." The world's most successful entrepreneurs already know this -- to make money you must create products and services that help customers solve problems or to take advantage of opportunities. The key is in understanding your core customers' primary orientation. Although this is not the main theme of the book, this was the gold nugget for me.

My favorite chapter, and perhaps the most controversial chapter in the book, is Chapter 9 "Public Servants: The Government Can Be Part Of The Solution." In this chapter, the author highlights specific action steps the government can take to reinvent itself, and encourages the reader to contact his or her representative with any ideas they like. Depending on your political slant, you may not care for some of the ideas, but I guarantee they will make you stop and think. I've already fired three of the ideas off to my reps, and plan on sending a few more their way!

The book begins with a discussion of the psychological effects of downsizing on the individual and shows how two factors -- certainty and control -- are the driving forces behind downsizing. Subsequent chapters deal with the positives and negatives of downsizing and the role of government in the process. In order to help readers find alternatives to downsizing, the book shows how corporations can identify and organize around what they do best or what they must do best, and how individuals can manage their own job and career security.

That's right -- you must take responsibility for your own job security and career satisfaction. If you're looking for a book that urges you to blame others for your troubles, this book is not for you. However, if you're looking for a book that compells you to think and motivates you to take action, this is the one I recommend.

It's like a chat with someone over tea as to how to solve the problems of the world.