Customer Reviews

There's More to Life Than the Corner Office

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Lamar Smith along with Tammy Kling, tell a story of two executives, one a older, successful CEO, the other an up and coming investment banker. One of Al Crafton's goals in life is to invest in others and hopefully teach them what he has learned; sometimes the hard way. He's learned that life is not just about trying to achieve that Corner Office but to live a balanced life and putting what is most important ahead of the quest for getting the next 'gold star'. It's about finding a balance in all the important areas of your life, rather than being caught up in the frantic rat race of what we think success is. This would make a great gift of inspiration to a grad or the CEO of your family.

"This book takes the simple truths that we all know and moves them out in the front of our lives where we can take action on them. It's organization as a modern fable draws makes it an easy read - but the well thought out messages make you return for a closer look. I enjoyed this book greatly, and plan to give it as a gift to others in my acquaintance who need its message of renewal and hope."

'There's More to Life Than the Corner Office' is not a typical business book and reads more like a novel. I read the short 130 page book in one sitting. Right from the beginning, I was captivated by the main character whose life is very out of balance and the older CEO who unexpectedly takes him under his wing.

The lessons in this story are told as a narrative between the two characters in a compelling and simple storyline. A major theme and lesson of the book is to balance all aspects of your life: business, emotional, financial, spiritual, romantic and physical. 'There's More to Life Than the Corner Office' is also a reminder to think outside the box and be alert to opportunities in unexpected places.

There was not much depth to this book, as far as business books are concerned, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I would recommend this book to anyone. Even if you don't typically read business books, 'There's More to Life Than the Corner Office' is worth reading because it is engaging and interesting with lessons that can be universally applied.

This is the second book I've reviewed on "balance" lately; it seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Wonder why! This book would fit into what I've called my "lunch hour" (or "half-hour!") reading material: interesting business reads that inspire me in my work life and impress the boss at the same time.

It's certainly not the first business book to use the mentor relationship fable to bring points across. That style works - it keeps one's interest, allowing points to be made without having to present a lot of research and boring background material. It's nonthreatening in the third-person style, as well as easy to read and to make connections to real life.

This particular book IS different than other business books I've read in this style, however, in that it's about total life balance, not just about team building, leadership, and business success. I love the points it makes about integrity. You don't need to be an up-and-coming businessman to appreciate the lessons in it.

This is not a long book; I finished the 160 pages in one sitting. It's well-written and moves quickly. My one complaint might be that the lessons aren't summarized and stated outright; I sometimes would have to re-read a section to come away with the main point being made in that chapter. Perhaps this simply makes it a more realistic story. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that inspired me to rethink my priorities and make a change in areas of my life.

I found this book to be a riveting read. Once I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. It is a great guide for setting priorities when deciding on ones goals in life. The strategies presented can be easily applied to your personal life as well as your professional life. Patrick Mitchell learned that true success is more than just moving up the career ladder; it is more about a balance of joy and fulfillment in all areas of your life.

The effect of the book on me is best summarized in dog language: I found myself licking the bowl after the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, found myself wanting to read more. I'm hoping there's a sequel in the pipeline. What I liked: 1. It was suspenseful... not in the sense of a suspense thriller, but Al Crafton (the mentor)was mysterious, alluring,earthy and balanced, dropping nourishing life biscuits in a digestable pace. One always had a sense that "there's more where that came from." I found myself wanting to BOTH find an Al Crafton (be mentored) and be an Al Crafton (a mentor). 2. The tone was winsome, inviting, and pithy, not condescending and fatiguing. Great read for people wherever they are in their professional and personal life.

THERE'S MORE TO LIFE THAN THE CORNER OFFICE was a very enjoyable read.

I was actually able to sit down and read the entire book at one sitting, which is a little unusual for me. The title of the book is a great intro into a realistic story of an ambitious investment banker, Patrick, who is focused on just one thing in life... climbing the corporate ladder and making lot's of money! He happens to "accidentally meet" an icon in the industry (The infamous Al Crafton) on a red eye airplane flight... and basically ignores his conversation due to his "sloppy" appearance.

Only later he realizes what a mistake he made by thinking about himself and his own problems... but he actually gets a second chance to make the most of his chance meeting when he agrees to meet his mysterious friend for weekly conversations at a local diner.

Their time together is the backdrop for tried and true life lessons from "Big Al" as he forces Patrick to question his motive for making money and ignoring his wife, and all other social avenues. Al provides some thoughtful insight from his days as a fighter pilot... explaining terms such as "target fixation", "evaluated experience" and the "power of planning".

I could go into more details on these topics but you'll need to read the book yourself to learn more about how it applies to life!
The book was full of tidbits of great knowledge and life experience. I enjoyed the ending... especially considering how Patrick was thrown under the bus by his firm!

Pick up a copy of this inspiring book for yourself! It's a great lesson on striving for balance in your own life!


There's More to Life Than the Corner Office

The type of person who really needs this sort of book probably would have an assistant read and summarize it for him and completely miss the point of it entirely.

I found Patrick to be a complete ass and, unfortunately, was reminded of many people just like him that I have worked with and for. Al was actually annoying as well - he was the stereotypical CEO. I also found it disturbing that all the subordinates (waitresses, assistants, etc.), with the exception of the waiter at "the club", were women.

This one gets four stars for the quality of the message presented. It was very readable and was reminiscent of Who Moved My Cheese and The One Minute Manager. I'd certainly recommend it to anyone who enjoys business books, or Spencer Johnson or Ken Blanchard's work.

I'm always searching for good self-help books. I want to learn one new thing everyday, even if it's something as simple as a new word. I've had a thirst for learning for as long as I can remember and if anything, the feeling has became more potent with age. I'm constantly trying to figure out who I am and what I can do to make this world a better place. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I feel like I'm being swallowed by this huge black hole. I want to do everything, help everyone and I get frustrated because that's impossible. I try to make sure I that I make a difference in any way I can. Whether it's picking up a lost dog and returning it to it's owners or smiling at someone who has beaten up by life. I've never believed that money equals happiness or that your job title defines who you are.

I consider myself very fortunate because I've never been a slave to the dollar. I've always known that having someone truly care about me and my well being means more than a bracelet from Tiffany's. I would rather my husband do a load of laundry than buy me a million diamonds. I want to be shown that I'm cared for by actions not wealth. This is an amazing book that I'm sure will help many people open their eyes about the life they lead and what they can do to become a happier person.