Customer Reviews

The Wisdom of the Flying Pig

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

 

 

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.

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

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.

I wish I had a copy of this little book when I was starting out in my business career. Although there probably isn't anything particularly new in this book, it is well organized, peppered with helpful quotes from great people and is centered around good common sense about excelling in management and leadership. Hayhow focuses on the people aspects of business, which is what it's all about in being successful.

Jack Hayhow thinks different, and he asks great questions. If you're a new manager who wants to be excellent, you'll learn some things to help you get there. If you want to have more impact in your circle of influence, read Jack's words and stories on leadership. You can read the book on a flight, to gather material for a sales meeting or staff conference. You won't get a brain cramp, but you will enjoy the ride.

Enough good stuff about people dynamics to keep you reading on. A short easy read that packs straight to the gut goods about becoming an effective manager and the on going skills to help you achieve success (people success). The book then transitions into the skills and traits you must keep front forward to develop into a successful leader.

I gave this book as an office gift and the recipient really enjoyed it.