Customer Reviews

Trying Hard Is Not Good Enough

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finally, a book that pushes readers into full-fledge imagining of what is possible in their communities, while mentoring change agents in real language to make a real difference. Every chapter provides a compelling case for how results-based planning and action (inside and among organizations) CAN "turn the curve" on measures of well-being for kids and families who cannot bear even one more year of less than our best efforts. Hands-on learning tools and exercises are an added bonus for moving "why we can't" to "how we can."

Finally a book on this topic that is powerful, direct, clear...and funny. Friedman has vast experience in the US and overseas in getting governments to use outcomes and it shows in this book. The advice is extremely well thought-out, effective, and fun to read. This book works if you are just learning about the topic or about to launch a major overhaul. Highly recommended.

For anyone committed to large scale change, either in the public or private sectors, this book is a must read. The straight-forward language and practical examples ease the reader into a provocative discussion of what's wrong with many complex initiatives, and better yet, provide a clear road map for how to get better. Highly recommended.

In New Zealand as social service providers, we are changing the accountable system to Result Base Accountability and this book gives all the details that is required to change to this system.
It is easy to read and understand with humour throughout the book for people like me that can get bored so quickly when it is too complicated to read.

This is the business process for the current decade and should be used by all nonprofits seeking or recieving government funding. It also happens to be a very sensible, positive system. It always helps to go to the source and this book is authored by the primary person responcible for creating the RBA system. A easy but not dumbed-down read, this book gives you what you need to understand and implement RBA in your organzation.

This is a great book but you can buy it new for just 19.00 at the Results Based Accountability website. Why pay more?

great book; we have had the author working in the netherlands many times now; his model is great for the public arena; we have introduced his work in cities, agencies and so on; worthwile for every worker and manager in the public sector; the book is easy to read with many practical tips and exercises; this is all about how you reach your customers and how you organise your agency!

Common sense? Lack of jargon? Plain, understandable language? Minimal paper? Humor? How can this be in a text on managing social change?
The writing shows the broad span of Mark's expertise and interests. The structure of the approach reflects linear logic that can only come from a mind trained in math. No mushy thinking here! The style shows some experience with teaching, and the humor shows a person who is comfortable with himself and who has no need to impress. Very useful!

"Trying Hard is Not Good Enough" and the Results Accountability framework are proven and effective tools for all federal, state, local and non-profit organizations looking to improve conditions of well being for the clients they serve. Having trained or provided technical assistance in the implemention of Results Accountability to leaders in all sectors, including undergraduate students, I have found that the concepts in the book are easy to grasp by all. The book also shows how to effortlessly get from talk to action on the issues that matter most.

Social service leaders and managers have been trying hard for a very long time. But when Mark's results accountability approach is used in social service delivery systems, these efforts have been harnessed to turn previously stubborn curves. The approach and guidance in this book, when used, gives social service delivery a much needed lift.