Customer Reviews

Stop Whining and Start Winning: Recharging People, Re-Igniting Passion, and Pumping Up Profits

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"Stop Whining" is the same old management book with a different cover and title. I bought it to get some new material, but there is nothing here that hasn't been written before. The entire book revolves around one point: treat others (employees and customers) like you would want to be treated. A vital concept but hardly original. The author is smart using todays hot business buzz word, "passion" in the title, however this material has little spark. The title caught my interest, but having invested money and time into this book leaves me feeling short-changed. As a reader I want fresh ideas not redundant material.

I own this book and it's very motivational and yet is not only focusing on the motivation aspect of the workplace. It deals with many issues and shows you how to tackle them head on! I'm purchasing the audio book version of this because I want to share this with my co-workers who keep putting it off saying that they don't have time. I would definately make time for this book as it has helped me in many ways to improve my management style.

Pacetta's book is a real winner! Of course there is nothing new in the area of sales, motivation, or inspiration. What is new is the way it is all arranged. And Pacetta arranges his material with wit, honesty, humor, and a blatant attack on the basics. Back to basics is what every professional needs. We get so caught up with our careers and lives, that we stray from the basics; the basics of business, customer relations, employee development, etc. I read this book from cover to cover and loved every page. BUT, did anyone else notice all the typo's? I have never read a book with so many typo's and grammatical errors. It got to the point where it was humorous. Several in each chapter... but it was still a great book and worth every penny. It is especially a must read for those in top level management!

The author does an excellent job of pushing the reader to get engaged with their work / co-workers and to not be scared of displaying emotion. Down with the sterile arms length work environment and up with sincerity and high energy dedication. I especially like the discussion of building a high performance team where the author says "My strategy is to always build teams around the highest performers and let them set such a blistering pace that the mediocre performers can't hide and chose to go someplace else where they're more comfortable." A great book for people looking for a positive jolt of career energy.

Frank is committed to making the workplace a great place to work, versus being "ho-hum." Are you just going through the motions in a ho-hum world? Or, are you and your team mates making it a great place to work? Do you say "What a great place to work!" Do you hear it said around you? Find out why not. It's the first major step to eradicating ho-hum.
Frank suggests that great teams:
Are Sincerely Passionate about People. Genuinely care about your team mates - their health and well-being. Forge a bond with them by discovering who they really are. Get past the superficial "howzitgoing?"
Keep Promises. Do what you say you are going to do. And if you find out you can't, tell each other as soon as humanly possible. Making promises and keeping them is a demonstration of your sincerity. It builds trust. Breaking promises is a trust-buster.
Don't Lie. Even little white lies. No half truths, sugar-coat bad news, or even worse, don't say anything at all.
Stick to the Basics. Don't complicate things. Identify your fundamental business purpose - what you do that pays the rent- and then do it faster, better and more productively.
Cut Down Barriers. Trivial matters create an amazing amount of friction and drag. Remove those obstacles that get in the way of doing your basic business.
Live the Vision. Don't just read it. Act on it. The analogy of test driving a new car fits perfectly. Most of us are on our best behavior until we're out of sight of the dealer's lot and then we gun it. Let's see what this baby can do!
Keep Score. How do you know if you're winning or losing if you don't keep score? When you accomplish a goal, make sure everyone knows it. And when you lose one, don't keep it a secret.
Recognize Others. People love to be loved, honored and respected. Don't be stingy. By asking for teamwork and then neglecting to recognize those who comply, we signal that teamwork really isn't all that important.
Have Fun. There comes a time when the hardest working people need to kick back, laugh, and have a good time. Celebrate success, turn on the tunes, crank up the volume, let it loose. You can play while you work...really!
Have Pride. There's no passion or high performance without pride. What makes you proud to work here and be part of the team? What did you do today to merit that pride?
Communicate Incessantly. Tell people both the good and the bad. Tell them exactly what's going on, why it's happening and what they (and you) need to succeed. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask questions and demand answers. And don't hide behind technology; it's perfect for avoiding conflict (which only postpones the conflict and makes it worse).
Pull Your Fair Share. All members of a team must be fairly tasked, given the assignment and business situation. Resentment and deep frustration are guaranteed if one team member clocks up a disproportionate share of the team's business while the others are allowed to coast.
Don't settle for ho-hum. Rev up that engine and make it an extraordinary team and a great place to work!

I had the privilege of attending one of Frank Pacetta's presentations last month and enjoyed it so much that I bought his latest book. His passion and no-nonsense style has really inspired me to help in eliminating the "ho hum" in our organization or move on to a place that has that "passionate attachment" towards its employees.

Thanks for a great book Frank!

I'm a sales trainer and, from a calloused standpoint, don't believe that there is anything really, really new in the world of sales. What's left is the ability or strategy of finding your passion and setting or staying on a course of success. I believe Frank Pacetta is all about that.

I've had the pleasure of meeting Frank and his family and can attest to the fact that this man "walks his talk"! As he says, if you're spending a little too long in the shower or can't read this book, you need a change!