The Wisdom of the Flying Pig [Paperback]

Jack Hayhow (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 17, 2005

Stashed between these whimsical covers, you'll discover principles and practices that can propel your company and your career. There is guidance. Much of it, startlingly simple. Some of it, wrenchingly difficult. All of it, worth thinking about. There is inspiration. Stories and ideas and really big questions. As you ponder what's written on these pages, you might find your way to the very heart of management, or come face to face with the profound responsibilities of leadership.

Perhaps you're looking for straight answers to pressing, pragmatic problems: How do I motivate my direct reports? What can I do to increase productivity? Is there a way to keep my best people? Why don't people do what I want them to do? How can I possibly get my own work done when someone always needs something from me? Bad news: There is no panacea. Good news: There is hope. And there are realistic approaches, sometimes even a solution lurking about. You'll find many of them in this book.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Jack Hayhow has written a clear, concise, easy to read and understand book... it has real value. --Barnett Helzberg, Former CEO - Helzberg Diamonds and Author, What I Learned Before I Sold to Warren Buffet

Hayhow shares breezy and brilliant business lessons he's learned about being a better manager and leader. All businesspeople, no matter their position, will benefit from reading The Wisdom of the Flying Pig. --John Moore, Founder - Brand Autopsy Marketing Practice

Jack's astute observations about how people work and the nature of relationships is inspiring and the stories he tells as illustrations of principles are valid for a multitude of uses.

This is a powerful little book that is easily read in one sitting, or enjoyed whenever you have a spare moment. --Ardath Albee - Marketing Interactions

About the Author

Jack Hayhow is founder and president of Opus - a company dedicated to creating training people LIKE to take. Since 1990, Opus has broken the mold of typical corporate training with products that are as entertaining as they are effective. Today, Opus traning programs are used in tens of thousands of businesses and approximately 25 percent of all public schools. Jack has been described as a chronic learner and is compelled by his passion for helping people get better at their business. He is the author of dozens of training programs including The Foundation of Management, Reward and Recognition, Time Management for Managers, Coaching for Performance, and To Be a Leader.

Product Details

• Paperback: 103 pages
• Publisher: Opus Communications, Inc. (October 17, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0971544069
• ISBN-13: 978-0971544062
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.3 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,825,743 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Jack Hayhow is founder and Chief Executive Servant of Opus, a company dedicated to creating training people like to take. Since 1990, Opus has broken the mold of typical corporate training with productions that are as entertaining as they are effective. Today, Opus training programs are used in tens of thousands of businesses in a wide variety of industries.

Jack has been described as a "chronic learner" and is compelled by his passion for helping people and companies improve performance where it matters most. He is the author of dozens of training programs including: The Foundation of Management, Reward and Recognition, Time Management for Managers, Coaching for Performance, Legal Interviewing: What NOT to Ask and To Be a Leader. He is the co-author of Sexual Harassment in Our Schools: What Parents and Teachers Need to Know to Spot It and Stop It (Simon & Schuster, 1994). His most recent book, The Wisdom of the Flying Pig: Guidance and Inspiration for Managers and Leaders was published in January, 2006. Jack is currently at work on his next book, 10 (Inescapable) Truths of Leadership.

A life-long Kansas City resident, Jack lives in Leawood, Kansas with his wife, Joyce.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Bits of management wisdom, neatly packaged for snacking, March 20, 2009

By 

Walter H. Bock "Wally Bock - Author, Blogger,... (Charlotte NC) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Flying Pig (Paperback)

There are books that tell a story. There are books that lay out carefully developed arguments and well thought out management theories. The Wisdom of the Flying Pig is nothing like that.

Then, there are books that are filled with wisdom and fun to dip into. The Wisdom of the Flying Pig is a book like that.

I have a few books like this on my shelf. A favorite is Roger Fulton's Common Sense Supervision. The great thing about them is that you can spend a minute or an hour with the book and come away with something that will make your work or your life better.

I actually have a problem with the title. For me "The Flying Pig" will always be the name that Maurice's Barbecue gave to its overnight delivery option. That flying pig has introduced friends faraway to the wonder of mustard-based Southern barbecue. But I digress.

I could tell you all the little things I don't like about the book. I wish the pages weren't slick and I wish the typeface was different. But none of that really matters.

The book is practical. If you're a working manager you'll find examples and advice you can use.

The book is fun to read. It's peppered with quotes and rich with examples.

If you're looking for a book that will provide you with bits of management wisdom, seasoned with good humor, this book is for you.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Smart Pig!, August 24, 2008

By 

Nick McCormick - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Flying Pig (Paperback)

Managers need to be reminded of what their job really is -- some more frequently than others! This book does just that. It provides snippets of management and leadership wisdom followed by brief explanations of each. Some favorites of this reviewer are...

o Managers don't get paid for what they do, they get paid for what their people do.
o Great managers provide the information and resources to do the job right.
o Caring isn't about how you feel -- but it IS about how they feel.
o People will invest their effort and commitment in direct proportion to their belief in the leader.

Jack Hayhow pulls together the essence of leadership and management in a neat little package that can be read (and re-read) in under an hour. As the principles of management and leadership are universal, it is beneficial to managers of all levels.

Nick McCormick, Author, Lead Well and Prosper: 15 Successful Strategies for Becoming a Good Manager

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hayhow knows something about leadership, March 28, 2008

By 

Robert J. Shoop "lopaka" (Manhattan, Kansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Wisdom of the Flying Pig (Paperback)

Jack Hayhow, the author of The Wisdom of the Flying Pig, is bright, funny, and most importantly, he knows something about leadership. This book is honest and direct. It is a deceptively quick read. You will find yourself smiling and nodding your head as you see the logic of his lessons. However, don't be deceived by its lively paced narrative, if you honestly reflect on his observations and make a sincere effort to implement his suggestions, you will be a better leader and your organization will be more successful. If you want to improve the productivity of your company or organization, buy this book.