The Greatness Guide: 101 Lessons for Making What's Good at Work and in Life Even Better [Paperback]

Robin Sharma (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 19, 2008

Each one of us is called to greatness. We can have a significant impact on the world around us—if we so choose. If you are looking to craft an extraordinary life, The Greatness Guide is the powerful and practical handbook that will inspire you. Passionate, provocative, and full of big ideas that will challenge and transform, The Greatness Guide is one of those rare books that will release your potential and awaken your best self.

Make the leap today and learn what the best do to become even better. The Greatness Guide will show you exactly how to experience remarkable results in business and in life. The Greatness Guide will help you discover the personal practices of truly successful people, learn powerful tools for achieving work-life balance, and get to your highest potential, fast.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Though Sharma rejects the guru label, it's hard not to think of the CEO of the training and coaching firm Sharma Leadership International that way after reading this slim volume of leadership and life advice. In two-page chapters with catchy titles and memorable anecdotes, this author of five bestsellers (The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, etc.) dishes out wisdom for white-collar professionals on everything from goal setting and time management to figuring out your talents. In a chapter called "Harvey Keitel and Windows of Opportunity," he tells how he saw the Reservoir Dogs star and walked in the other direction—not toward him, as he has with most celebrities—and his regret over not seizing that opportunity. In "Your Schedule Doesn't Lie," Sharma highlights the need to schedule things you really want to do in your life. In "Sell Your Desk," he advocates getting out of the office to become a better performer in business. A keen observer of life and business, Sharma frames his wisdom in a friendly, accessible way that will appeal to readers at every level of their careers. (Jan.)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

“Feels like you’re having a conversation with the author, leaving you inspired to live every day to the fullest.” (BookPage )

“Sharma frames his wisdom in a friendly, accessible way that will appeal to readers at every level.” (Publishers Weekly )

“Like having a really cool big brother show you the ropes on the first day of high school.” (New Age Retailer )

An easy-to-digest 101-item buffet of life-altering advice. (Play Magazine )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: HarperBusiness; 6 Reprint edition (August 19, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061238570
• ISBN-13: 978-0061238574
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #94,667 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robin Sharma is one of the world's most highly respected leadership experts. He is devoted to the mission of helping organizations develop people who Lead Without a Title so that they win in this period of intense change. His clients include Microsoft, GE, FedEx, IBM, Nike, NASA, Yale University, and The Young Presidents Organization. Sharma's books, such as The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and The Greatness Guide, have topped best-seller lists across the globe and have sold millions of copies in more than seventy languages. They have been embraced by rock stars, royalty, and many celebrity CEOs.

Sharma is also the cofounder of 960vets.com, an innovative online support resource that helps U.S. veterans successfully reintegrate into civilian life.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Empowering Wisdom Made Simple March 28, 2007

By Dean Mercado

Format:Hardcover

By weaving powerful real-life storytelling and numerous timely great quotes to convey wisdom of the ages, Robin Sharma does a fantastic job of communicating 101 bold yet simple truths that can explode your happiness and success in life as well as in business.

I personally thoroughly enjoyed Robin Sharma's easing conversational writing style and humble approach to these sometimes touchy topics. While some of these jolts of wisdom may on the surface seem like common sense, I for one certainly needed to hear them again. This is one of those rare books that should become a perennial read for all - it certainly will for me.

Though this book is a quick and easy read, I highly recommend that you don't let the power of each of the 101 gems-of-advice slip past you. I got the most value by taking the time to reflect on the key point of each gem and identifying action items for myself that would make the key points stick.

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars 101 uncommon insights January 15, 2007

By Green Guy

Format:Hardcover

This book is available in rest of the world. I bought my edition in India.

I enjoyed reading Robin's other books like "Who will cry when you die" and "The Saint, the surfer and the CE0" and found this book similar to the others , inspiring, practical and fun to read. There are lots of anecdotes/stories about leaders, some well known celebrities ( Mick Jagger, Bono, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Bon Jovi, Puff Daddy) and some lesser know celebrities like an eye surgeon, a wise tailor.

Robin's biggest gifts is his infectious enthusiasm.., you can feel it as you read through the 101 short practical insights each presented in a separate chapter.

His premise is that each person is a great leader and can unlock the leadership potential by doing "inner" work, getting more disciplined and being persistent in setting and getting to our goals.

The good book to read at the beginning of the year when you feel inspired about the new year, goals and resolutions.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars More Powerful Story Telling from this Star April 3, 2007

By Dave Carpenter VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

Robin Sharma is one of the truly bright young stars (early 40's) among the self-improvement authors. I love the way he opens himself up and lets the reader experience, first hand, Robin's journey through life.

The Greatness Guide may well be Robin's best book yet. From his opening disclaimer "I am no guru" to the very end challenging us to claim our greatness, Robin speaks from the heart in a way that makes for not only an enjoyable read but an impactful one.

All too many books of this type seem to be written as if they are a research summary of best practices. Helpful reminders, but only as helpful as a reminder. By sharing a series of everyday personal experiences, good and bad, Robin helps us to self-discover that life is -- or at least can be -- a glorious melody of successes and opportunities to learn (the latter which some call failures).

Just an example of one of his many nuggets: "Reading is one of the best disciplines I know of to stay `on your game' and at your highest. Reading from a great book is really all about having a conversation with an author." Exactly...and that is the feeling I had reading the book. Robin was sharing his journey with me so that my journey would be far better.

Already looking forward to my next conversation (book) from this very gifted sharer.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars "Greatness" will demonstrate that Your Universe has no Limits February 28, 2008

By Syentsgirl

Format:Hardcover

I devoured this book in a few hours and liked it so much that I gave it to both my daughters for Valentine's Day. While on the phone with one of them, she made the comment, "Wow, I like this book because it's written by a "real guy". I smiled, and agreed. The ideas in Robin Sharma's book for achieving greatness apply to everyone and can be integrated into your daily life immediately. Like eliminating the unimportant from your life so that you have more time to focus on what really matters (like real goals). And his ideas are not meant to be a shock to the system. For example, he suggests to make small changes each day that over time can amount to significant improvements. In this way, they will be more likely to stick and lead to great things. After all, Rome wasn't built in a day...

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Well written August 5, 2007

By Elizabeth Thottan

Format:Hardcover

LOved every bit of this book. Another great one from Robin Sharma,. His style of writing is so easy for the reader that though some of the topics may be repetitive, still it feels good to read it in simple language again. How many of us remember what we read? So reminders as many is good.

Lots of real life stories. Loved the quote from Jennifer Aniston. So very true.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great! July 1, 2007

By NH

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

I haven't even finished reading this book but was compelled to share my views. I am impressed! This book has been so inspiring. As someone in one of the reviews already commented, one has to be *ready* to absorb the wisdom. Many parts of the book brought me to tears because I was so inspired. I had to close the book and simply absorb what I had read. This book can really enrich your life. It can push one to get up and do something. It has the power to infuse new enthusiasm in your outlook and in your days, and push you towards "greatness". The short chapters make it very conveninent to read, and the language is very motivating. It's going to be very helpful at a professional as well as a personal level, regardless of occupation or title. I found this gem at a friend's bookshelf (many thanks to him!) and want to now buy one for my collection and pass it on as a gift to my friends and family.
Thank you Robin.