What Makes Great Great [Hardcover]

Dennis Kimbro (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1996

In What Makes the Great Great, Dennis Kimbro, author of the bestselling Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice, introduces inspiring people who have achieved greatness in their own unique way, then highlights those qualities each of us must develop before we reach our full potential. Regardless of how you define greatness--whether it's success in business or in pursuing a personal goal--this book provides a proven approach to turning your dreams into reality.

Part pep rally, part how-to book, What Makes the Great Great combines practical advice with pearls of wisdom from some of today's most successful African Americans, including John H. Johnson,  publisher of Ebony magazine; Condoleeza Rice, provost of Stanford University; and Ann Fudge, president of Maxwell House Coffee.

Through dozens of interviews and inspirational stories, Dr. Kimbro outlines the nine strategies that determine success. Greatness is guaranteed when you discover life's true calling, live more courageously, access the knowledge and creativity of your mind, and embrace integrity in everything you do. But Kimbro also underscores the importance of devoting yourself to the work you love, discovering your own inner worth, acquiring habits of persistence, developing deeper spiritual awareness, and finally, leaving a legacy for future generations.

Most importantly, Dr. Kimbro says that greatness depends on a commitment to making dreams come true: "All high achievers make choices, not excuses." We all have the seeds of greatness within us. What Makes the Great Great gives you the tools to discover and nourish those seeds. It will show you how to motivate yourself to master every part of your life.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

African Americans seeking high levels of success and accomplishment must never let negative influences such as poverty and racism infiltrate their souls, exhorts Kimbro in this inspirational self-help manual. More than a highly personal, conversationally written pep talk, it uses the success stories of black achievers in many fields?Maya Angelou, broadcasting magnate Percy Sutton, track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee, chocolate-chip cookie tycoon Wally "Famous" Amos, Soft Sheen hair-care multimillionaire Ed Gardner, among others?to illustrate nine mental strategies said to underlie high achievement. These "stones of greatness" are deep-seated spiritual beliefs, a guiding vision, passionate commitment, character, competence, willingness to take risks, self-confidence, discipline and an I-can-do-it attitude. Professor of entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University, Kimbro (Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice) dispenses motivational pearls of wisdom with rhetorical flourishes. Included is a detailed career profile of the top 100 black managers in the U.S.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

Best-selling author of Think and Grow Rich (Fawcett, 1991) and Daily Motivations for African-American Success (Columbine, 1993), Kimbro is a professor of entrepreneurship at Clark Atlanta University. Although his latest work is also directed at African Americans, his thoughts and advice can, and should, be used by anyone interested in getting ahead in the business world. The general text describing the assets needed to get ahead is followed by the "Kimbro Executive Profile" of America's top black managers, meant to educate and inspire by example, and by African American consumption patterns, which should help entrepreneurs to target markets. Beyond its overt purposes, Kimbro's book will also enlighten those less familiar with black success stories in America. This interesting motivational work is a solid choice for all public libraries.
-?January Adams, Franklin Twp. P.L., Somerset, N.J.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Doubleday; 1 edition (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 038548268X
• ISBN-13: 978-0385482684
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #638,001 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars outstanding book, extremely powerful and moving, May 23, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Miami, Fl) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Makes the Great Great (Paperback)

I have read everyone N. Hill, A.Robbins, B.Tracy, W.Clemente Stone, D.Waitley, J.Rohn and some other motivational writers but Dennis Kimbro uses a pen as an artist with paper as his canvas. I must say his information is the same as all these great men I have mentioned, but what sets Dennis Kimbro apart is how he presents this book. Once you pick it up you can't put it down until your done. Kimbro is defintely an accomplished author. I feel this book is in step with Think and Grow Rich (the timeless classic). A MUST without question for everyone to read about how people turn poverty into fortune with hard work. This book offers no get rich quick scheme or live off the work of others, its a roll up your sleeves type of blue collar book, full of inspiration and heart. Thank You Dennis and all who helped Mr. Kimbro in this masterpiece.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A mentor for building interpersonal characteristics., January 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: What Makes Great Great (Hardcover)

"What Makes the Great Great" is a mentor for building interpersonal characteristics for extraordinary achievement. "What Makes the Great Great" is a superb book and the best book I have ever read. I found the book to be very captivating, in that whenever I discuss it with someone they become very interested. Two colleagues have actually purchased their own copies. It is a tremendous book to read in regards to building up your character, personality, and state of mind to achieve success. Dennis Kimbro speaks of many, many African Americans who have strived to achieve their goals and dreams. He has done an enormous amount research to provide situations in which individuals were challenged, but most importantly uses them to illustrate key points. A fantastic context that gives fine points about preparing and maintaining one's self for extraordinary achievement. Dr. Kimbro discusses nine strategies for extraordinary achievement, fear, pray, learning from failure, choosing the correct vocation, and many other key factors. A reader will find interesting data about African Americans, which they will not resist giving second thoughts or sharing with a friend or relative. "What Makes the Great Great" will help and inspirer one to leave the shore so that they can see new waters. I have read other interesting and informative books about great African American achievers to find out how they became great and another motivational book, but Dr. Kimbros' book really explains the various aspects to becoming great and successful. It has been an influence to me pursing a M.B.A. and applying many of the details he mentions.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read this book - even if you are not African-American!!!, August 9, 2004

By 

H. L. Shore (Massachusetts, United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Makes the Great Great (Paperback)

I picked up this book thinking that it would perhaps be a series of small bios of famous persons who had succeeded. To my delight, this book is so much more. I am not black, I am not even American, but I highly recommend this book for anyone who is looking to come to terms with their purpose and place in this world. Dr. Kimbro is a wonderful writer and has a way of helping you to look at your life that I have not come across before (and I have read Covey etc). Like other reviewers, I wish this book was on CD so I could listen to his words time and again and really integrate them into my life. As it is, my copy of his book is now covered in stickies, comments, and various scraps of paper with my own notes on. I can give no higher praise than to say this book has led me to my own life's true purpose and I am now actively on the path to a happy and energetic life. Thanks Dr. Kimbro!