Customer Reviews

Performance Talk: The One-on-One Part of Leadership

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Wally Bock, a leadership consultant and author, has written an interesting and engaging book on performance. Unlike the hundreds, if not thousands, of books written on the topic of leadership, supervision and practical supervisory skills during the last fifty years, this book is both valuable as a text and as a continuing resource.

The book, less than one hundred and twenty pages, is really two books in one. The first book could be labeled the "story". The "story" is a well written narrative involving Karen, a new supervisor facing some real work performance problems with "Ted". The story slowly unfolds to include a supervisory support group and a constellation of experienced mentors. As the reader follows Karen's growth during her first six months as a supervisor, the theories, strategies and tactics of effective supervision are woven into the fabric of this short story (less than eighty pages) in a conversational and engaging style.

The second book found within Performance Talks is labeled as "reminders and resources". In those forty pages topics as varied as problem analysis, supervisory interviews and supervisory leadership are addressed in direct fashion. Each topic addressed which is directly linked to the "story", is structured into "Key Points" and "Resources to Help You Improve". The key points are a collection of lessons to be gained from that element of the topic of performance talks, but the resource section is an unrivalled collection of topic specific references to other books, websites and journals.

Bock's book is certainly unique and a bit quirky. If you use the litmus test with business literature of "Was it useful?" than Bock's book passes the test. This short book may prompt change both in your individual development as well as the development of junior leaders.

I normally stay away from (a) books on leadership and (b) business books written in story form. But Wally is one of the smartest guys I know, and this little book is surprisingly entertaining and useful. Unlike other books on leadership which are ponderous and dull, this book is fun and motivating.

If you are in the business of managing people then this book is a must read. "Performance Talk" is easy reading, a little over a 100 pages, and a book you will not want to put down. This book needs to be in every Manager's tool box and should be required reading for ALL Supervisors regardless of the industry or profession they work in. "This stuff really works!"

Wally Bock's Performance Talk is a must-have for managers of all levels, in all industries. I currently am in management at one of the largest financial institutions in the world, and have truly valued Bock's down-to-earth, story telling approach to management. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about, as well as striving to improve, his/her own management style.

10 May 2006:

Performance Talk is, in my view, a minor masterpiece, maybe even
a future classic.

For years I trained supervisors and first line managers all over the USA. So, I know whereof I speak.

Wally Bock capture, engage, and reveal every possible point of friction a new manager faces.

He clarify the challenges all new managers endure.

He delineates principles, postures, and practices that yield more effective performance. Performance by the manager and performance
by subordinates.

Burt Dubin, president,
Personal Achievement Institute

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Managing people is difficult. Through story dialogue Bock's book introduces the reader to topics which strengthen management skills. Key points are absorbed without having to take notes or study the material. Reminders and resources highlight concepts and are located throughout this concise book. For in depth study, workbooks and learning aids are conveniently available on the web site. Performance Talk supplements other courses on management and self-development with a painless and easy to read format.