The Dream Manager Hardcover – August 21, 2007

What a gem of a book. It will take you about an hour to read but it can change the destiny or course of your life.
And I don't say that lightly.

I have bought over a dozen copies and have started to give them away.

Or at least, I've shared the story herein with as many people as possible.

Read it. Share it. And Live it.

Stop leading your life of "quiet desperation"

I love the fact that it's based on a true story.

It is so fun to find a book that completely aligns with my views of positivity transforming business. If business owners can have the courage to connect with employees as this powerful little book recommends, the state of our economy will grow exponentially, and the workforce will experience the American Dream along with the owners and managers. Your staff will surprise you and you will surprise yourself! The couple of hours it takes you to read this book cover-to-cover will be one of the best investments you will have ever made... That is, assuming you then start diving into your dreams and the dreams of those around you!

The Dream Manager is turning out to be completely different than I expected. I expected to read about the traits that would make me a "dream manager" for those reporting to me. Instead, it teaches about the need for companies to help people reach their dreams - the reasons for us getting out of bed in the morning.

I am both excited and frustrated by books like these. The ideas are so common sense and can lead to huge improvements in the company's environment, profitability, turnover rates, costs, efficiencies, productivity, etc. Above all, they will really work.

BUT, why is it companies do not implemented such programs? Is it ego, greed, self-centeredness, what? Is it because those who really need to read and implement these concepts never will read or change? Or is it me? Am I too cynical, skeptical and burnt at this point?

So far, it is an excellent book and anyone who wants to create high-performing teams would benefit greatly by reading and implementing its ideas.

Epilogue: I have finished reading this book. It makes so much sense, why don't more companies see and understand the value of putting such practices into effect. Over my years of experience managing small to large projects, from as few as 5 people to as many as well over 400, when I treat people as people, show I care about their personal lives more than the results they produce for the project, they produce higher level results than I originally expected. They finished the assigned tasks early and exceeded the quality levels. And on top of that, they were energized by the work.

Before I learned such techniques, it was difficult getting people to ante up to the work. I did notice, though, when I took personal interest in people's dreams, they responded well to me and did better on the project. I further experimented with the remaining people on the project and saw the same results.

Don't get me wrong, this doesn't always work with everyone. There always has been and always will be the curmudgeon who will reject any try to get better acquainted because they might think you are being manipulative, invading their privacy, etc. That is ok. Let it go. When they see the results others have toward you and if the engagement lasts long enough, they'll eventually come out of their shell.

I'd have to say, if there is a panacea for getting people to be engaged, understanding what drives them, their dreams as this books discusses, this is as close as it gets. I can attest to the discussion in this book really works.

Here is the coolest part about learning this information. Regardless of my authority level within an organization, I can do this. I have seen the strongest leaders in an organization be the ones lowest on the totem pole. They couldn't hand out bonuses. They couldn't increase pay rates. They couldn't even suggest recognition of someone's work. But they had the loyalty and a following many "leaders" could only be jealous of. Why? Because they cared about the people around them and helped them reach their dreams.

Finally, here is the biggest thing I learned from this book. "What is my dream?" "What gets me out of bed?" "What am I living for?" "Did I stop dreaming and why?" No, I've been a dreamer all my life, for they are the reasons I do what I do.

So, I'll ask the same question to you - What is your dream?

The Dream Manager spoke volumes to me. I am going through a transitional period in my life where I left my job after nearly nine years because I felt extremely disengaged, not empowered and resentful. When Matthew Kelly wrote "It is easy to get so caught up in surviving that we stop dreaming. When we stop dreaming, we slowly begin to disengage from our work, from our relationships, and from life itself.", I couldn't have agreed more! What this book has taught me is the power of dreaming and to hold myself accountable. In the time since I have left my job, I have traveled the world and volunteer at an organization whose mission I truly believe in. I surrounded myself with dreamers who inspire each and every day. This book is a great read for every one, not just managers dealing with a disengaged workforce, but parents, teachers, and employees of all levels. Before I left my job, I had a former manager tell me, "Don't ever be apologetic for your career." What I believe he meant by that was not to short change myself or my dreams.

I didn't know what to expect when I started reading this. It was a very interesting read that I was able to stay engaged and finish in one sitting. It opened up my eyes to the value of reengaging my people and helping them accomplish their dreams. I have always cared for people, but this book gave me more tools to make things happen. I highly recommend this for a short and very valuable read.

When I first saw the title I thought I might get something from this book...wow, I was enlightened and surprised! I would recommend this book to everyone. We all have dreams but mostly keep them tucked away and don't verbalize them let alone write them down. The story is fascinating and helped me to see that I could actually attain my dreams. Just think...if your place of work started implementing this concept, what a difference it could make. I started my own dream journal and I was pleasantly surprised at how many dreams I actually have. Some are vague but can be made more specific. I've bought a couple of books so that I could pass them out. Wish I'd seen this book earlier, but since I didn't I will deal with the present. It's never too late to change...unless you're dead...cause then it won't matter. You can still have a positive impact on those around you.