The Road Less Travelled: The New Psychology of Love, Traditional Values and Spiritual Growth by M. Scott Peck (Feb 6, 2003)

The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (1 of 16)

Amazon.com Review

By melding love, science, and religion into a primer on personal growth, M. Scott Peck launched his highly successful writing and lecturing career with this book. Even to this day, Peck remains at the forefront of spiritual psychology as a result of The Road Less Traveled. In the era of I'm OK, You're OK, Peck was courageous enough to suggest that "life is difficult" and personal growth is a "complex, arduous and lifelong task." His willingness to expose his own life stories as well as to share the intimate stories of his anonymous therapy clients creates a compelling and heartfelt narrative. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (2 of 16)

From Publishers Weekly

Psychotherapy is all things to all people in this mega-selling pop-psychology watershed, which features a new introduction by the author in this 25th anniversary edition. His agenda in this tome, which was first published in 1978 but didn't become a bestseller until 1983, is to reconcile the psychoanalytic tradition with the conflicting cultural currents roiling the 70s. In the spirit of Me-Decade individualism and libertinism, he celebrates self-actualization as life's highest purpose and flirts with the notions of open marriage and therapeutic sex between patient and analyst. But because he is attuned to the nascent conservative backlash against the therapeutic worldview, Peck also cites Gospel passages, recruits psychotherapy to the cause of traditional religion (he even convinces a patient to sign up for divinity school) and insists that problems must be overcome through suffering, discipline and hard work (with a therapist.) Often departing from the cerebral and rationalistic bent of Freudian discourse for a mystical, Jungian tone more compatible with New Age spirituality, Peck writes of psychotherapy as an exercise in "love" and "spiritual growth," asserts that "our unconscious is God" and affirms his belief in miracles, reincarnation and telepathy. Peck's synthesis of such clashing elements (he even throws in a little thermodynamics) is held together by a warm and lucid discussion of psychiatric principles and moving accounts of his own patients' struggles and breakthroughs. Harmonizing psychoanalysis and spirituality, Christ and Buddha, Calvinist work ethic and interminable talking cures, this book is a touchstone of our contemporary religio-therapeutic culture. 

Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (3 of 16)

Review

Phyllis TherouxThe Washington PostNot just a book, but a spontaneous act of generosity. -- Review

Product Description

Perhaps no book in this generation has had a more profound impact on our intellectual and spiritual lives than The Road Less Traveled. With sales of more than seven million copies in the United States and Canada, and translations into more than twenty-three languages, it has made publishing history, with more than ten years on the New York Times bestseller list.
Now, with a new Introduction by the author, written especially for this twenty-fifth anniversary deluxe trade paperback edition of the all-time national bestseller in its field, M. Scott Peck explains the ideas that shaped this book and that continue to influence an ever-growing audience of readers.
Written in a voice that is timeless in its message of understanding, The Road Less Traveled continues to help us explore the very nature of loving relationships and leads us toward a new serenity and fullness of life. It helps us learn how to distinguish dependency from love; how to become a more sensitive parent; and ultimately how to become one's own true self.
Recognizing that, as in the famous opening line of his book, "Life is difficult" and that the journey to spiritual growth is a long one, Dr. Peck never bullies his readers, but rather guides them gently through the hard and often painful process of change toward a higher level of self-understanding.

About the Author

M. Scott Peck, M.D., is a psychiatrist and bestselling author. Educated at Harvard (B.A.) and Case Western Reserve (M.D.), Dr. Peck served in administrative posts in the government during his career as a psychiatrist, and later in private practice. For nearly two decades, he has devoted much of his time and financial resources to the work of the Foundation for Community Encouragement, a nonprofit organization that he and his wife, Lily, helped found in 1984. He lives in northwestern Connecticut.

The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (4 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (5 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (6 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (7 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (8 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (9 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (10 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (11 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (12 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (13 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (14 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (15 of 16)


The Road Less Travelled M. Scott Peck (16 of 16)

Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want -- Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy

• Hardcover: 289 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers; 1 edition (March 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1576752356
• ISBN-13: 978-1576752357

Review

"Tracy's extraordinary thinking is always expressed in practical action steps." -- AudioFile, June/July 2004 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Description

This is the most complete book on setting and achieving goals ever written. It is based on more than 20 years of research and speaking to more than two million men and women throughout the United States, Canada and 22 foreign countries.Readers will learn a series of powerful, practical strategies to set and achieve goals in every area of life—faster than most people would imagine possible.
The book explains not only how to set goals, but the detailed process of organizing your entire life around the achievement of everything you want, both financially and personally.

About the Author

Brian Tracy is a world-renowned expert on time management. He has delivered time management seminars to more than 250,000 people and his audio program on time management, How to Master Your Time is the bestselling program of its kind in the world, in multiple languages.Brian Tracy is one of the top success authorities in the world today. He has written 26 books on personal and professional success and authored more than 300 audio and video learning programs, some of which have been translated into as many as 20 languages. He speaks more than 100 times each year throughout the United States, Canada and 22 other countries, to audiences as many as 20,000 people.
Brian’s love affair with goals began when he was 23 years old, broke and living in a run-down hotel. He found a sheet of paper and wrote out a series of goals he wanted to accomplish in the next twelve months. Within 30 days, his life had changed. From that day forward, he has been a committed and dedicated goal-setter.
Brian has studied, practiced and written about goals for more than 30 years.

From AudioFile

Though goal-setting is often overintellectualized, achievement expert Brian Tracy makes the process come to life as an essential ingredient for any type of personal development. He's been refining these ideas for 20 years, and no important insight is overlooked. Tracy's extraordinary thinking is always expressed in practical action steps. Listeners don't get bogged down with anything not immediately useful to the quest. The focus is on clarity, definition, and doing whatever it takes to move toward your important desires. In every word listeners will hear Tracy's urgency and his heartfelt wish that none of us give up on the path to worthwhile goals, whatever they may be. T.W. © AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine 

The Leadership Challenge by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner

The Leadership Challenge, 4th Edition by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner  (Paperback - Aug 4, 2008)
The Leadership Challenge, 3rd Edition by James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner  (Paperback - Aug 7, 2003)

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 4 edition (August 3, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787984914
• ISBN-13: 978-0787984915

From Publishers Weekly

An inspirational and practical handbook, this expanded revision of a bestselling manual originally published in 1987 offers sound advice to corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, to managers and employees and to aspiring leaders in retail, manufacturing, government, community, church and school settings. Drawing on interviews and a questionnaire survey of more than 3000 leaders, the authors identify five fundamental practices of exemplary leadership: challenge the status quo; inspire a shared vision; enable others to act; model the way forward by setting an example; tap individuals' inner drives by linking rewards and performance. Kouzes, chairman and CEO of TPG/Learning Systems, and Posner, managing partner of Santa Clara University's Executive Development Center in California, write insightful, down-to-earth, jargon-free prose. This new edition has been substantially updated to reflect the challenges of shrinking work forces, rising cynicism and expanded telecommunications. An appendix includes the author's Leadership Practices Inventory, a tool for assessing leadership behavior. 75,000 first printing; Executive Program Book Club main selection; author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Review

"The management classic", (Financial Times, Tuesday 11th September 2007)"After 20 years in print, this key publication has undergone a substantial revision for its fourth edition." (People Management, Thursday 1st November 2007)
"After three editions and 20 years in print, this leadership classic continues to be the premier resource on becoming a leader."  (Securities & Investment Review, November 2007)

Product Description

The most trusted resource on becoming a leader is now updated and revised for a new generation.This leadership classic continues to be a bestseller after three editions and twenty years in print. It is the gold standard for research-based leadership, and the premier resource on becoming a leader. This new edition, with streamlined text, more international and business examples, and a graphic redesign, is more readable and accessible than ever before.


The Leadership Challenge, Fourth Edition, has been extensively updated with the latest research and case studies, and offers inspiring new stories of real people achieving extraordinary results. The authors' central theme remains the same and is more relevant today than ever: "Leadership is Everyone?s Business." Their "five practices" and "ten commitments" have been proven by hundreds of thousands of dedicated, successful leaders. This edition, with almost one-third new material, emphasizes the global community and refocuses on business leaders.

From the Inside Flap

The Leadership Challenge has become one of the best-selling leadership books of all time. Now, with the publication of the fourth edition of their landmark book, Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner celebrate twenty-five years of leadership excellence.
The Leadership Challenge—the most trusted source on becoming a better leader—has been thoroughly updated and revised for a new generation of leaders living and working in a global environment. Building on the knowledge base of the previous books, the fourth edition is grounded in research and presents extensive interviews with a diverse group of leaders at all levels in a wide variety of organizations from around the world. The authors emphasize that the fundamentals of leadership are not a fad. While the context of leadership has changed dramatically, the content of leadership has endured the test of time.
With scores of new case studies and a timeless and inspiring message, The Leadership Challenge is a "personal coach in a book," guiding readers through the Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership®. When leaders understand that leadership is a relationship and they begin to engage in the Five Practices— Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart—they are better able to embark on a lifetime of success and significance.

From the Back Cover

JOIN MORE THAN A MILLION PEOPLE WHO HAVE TAKEN THE LEADERSHIP CHALLENGEPraise for The Leadership Challenge
"Leadership books are a dime a dozen, and most don't last a week, let alone years. The Leadership Challenge has lasted because it is research-based, it is practical, and it has heart! Believe me, Jim and Barry have hard evidence for what we usually think of as a soft topic."
—Tom Peters, management guru, founder, and chairman, Tom Peters Company, and author of In Search of Excellence
"For all who lead others or aspire to lead others, The Leadership Challenge is the indispensable guidebook. Its vision and message inspire, engage, and motivate leaders of the future to lead the organization of the future, into a future no one can yet describe. Once again Kouzes and Posner provide the leadership resource exactly right for the challenges of our turbulent times."
—Frances Hesselbein, chairman, Leader to Leader Institute; former CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA
"Jim and Barry have done the most practical, comprehensive, and inspiring research on leadership that I have ever read. Instead of another version of 'celebrity leadership,' The Leadership Challenge helps us gain practical wisdom from real leaders at all levels in many types of organizations. Every leader can relate to the knowledge in this book!"
—Marshall Goldsmith, best-selling author of What Got You Here Won't Get You There and one of Forbes' five top executive coaches
"This is a wonderful book about people. Kouzes and Posner know that companies and organizations don't accomplish great things, people do! They use sound research, true principles, and interesting real-life stories to make their case, and they teach the specific skills that each of us needs to be good leaders and better people. Already read an earlier edition? Me too. Now go read it again."
—David A. Petersen, president and CEO, O.C. Tanner Company

About the Author

James M. Kouzes is Dean's Executive Professor of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University.Barry Z. Posner, Ph.D. is Dean of the Leavey School of Business at Santa Clara University.
Kouzes and Posner are the coauthors of A Leader's Legacy, Credibility, Encouraging the Heart, and The Leadership Challenge Workbook, and over a dozen other books and workbooks on leadership and leadership development. They also developed the highly acclaimed Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and LPI Online, 360-degree assessment tools based on the Five Practices.

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? by Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance?: Inside IBM's Historic Turnaround by Louis V. Gerstner, Jr.

About the Book:-

Format: Paperback, 304pp

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers, Dec 2003

ISBN-13: 9780060523800

ISBN: 0060523808

Firnando Chau Review

Table of Contents:-

Foreword           

Introduction      

Pt. I        Grabbing Hold  

1              The Courtship   

2              The Announcement

3              Drinking from a Fire Hose            

4              Out to the Field               

5              Operation Bear Hug       

6              Stop the Bleeding (and Hold the Vision)               

7              Creating the Leadership Team  

8              Creating a Global Enterprise       

9              Reviving the Brand         

10           Resetting the Corporate Compensation Philosophy        

11           Back on the Beach          

Pt. II       Strategy              

12           A Brief History of IBM   

13           Making the Big Bets       

14           Services - the Key to Integration              

15           Building the World's Already Biggest Software Business

16           Opening the Company Store     

17           Unstacking the Stack and Focusing the Portfolio               

18           The Emergence of e-business   

19           Reflections on Strategy

Pt. III     Culture

20           On Corporate Culture   

21           An Inside-Out World     

22           Leading by Principles     

Pt. IV     Lessons Learned             

23           Focus - You Have to Know (and Love) Your Business

24           Execution - Strategy Goes Only So Far   

25           Leadership Is Personal  

26           Elephants Can Dance

Pt. V      Observations    

27           The Industry     

28           The System       

29           The Watchers   

30           Corporations and the Community           

31           IBM - a Farewell              

App. A: Employee Communications        

App. B   The Future of e-business

App. C: Financial Overview         

Index

Synopsis (2003)

In 1990, IBM had its most profitable year ever. By 1993, the computer industry had changed so rapidly the company was on its way to losing $16 billion and IBM was on a watch list for extinction -- victimized by its own lumbering size, an insular corporate culture, and the PC era IBM had itself helped invent.

Then Lou Gerstner was brought in to run IBM. Almost everyone watching the rapid demise of this American icon presumed Gerstner had joined IBM to preside over its continued dissolution into a confederation of autonomous business units. This strategy, well underway when he arrived, would have effectively eliminated the corporation that had invented many of the industry's most important technologies.

Instead, Gerstner took hold of the company and demanded the managers work together to re-establish IBM's mission as a customer-focused provider of computing solutions. Moving ahead of his critics, Gerstner made the hold decision to keep the company together, slash prices on his core product to keep the company competitive, and almost defiantly announced, "The last thing IBM needs right now is a vision."

Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? tells the story of IBM's competitive and cultural transformation. In his own words, Gerstner offers a blow-by-blow account of his arrival at the company and his campaign to rebuild the leadership team and give the workforce a renewed sense of purpose. In the process, Gerstner defined a strategy for the computing giant and remade the ossified culture bred by the company's own success.

The first-hand story of an extraordinary turnaround, a unique case study in managing a crisis, and a thoughtful reflection on the computer industry and the principles of leadership, Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? sums up Lou Gerstner's historic business achievement. Taking readers deep into the world of IBM's CEO, Gerstner recounts the high-level meetings and explains the pressure-filled, no-turning-back decisions that had to be made. He also offers his hard-won conclusions about the essence of what makes a great company run.

In the history of modern business, many companies have gone from being industry leaders to the verge of extinction. Through the heroic efforts of a new management team, some of those companies have even succeeded in resuscitating themselves and living on in the shadow of their former stature. But only one company has been at the pinnacle of an industry, fallen to near collapse, and then, beyond anyone's expectations, returned to set the agenda. That company is IBM.

Lou Gerstener, Jr., served as chairman and chief executive officer of IBM from April 1993 to March 2002, when he retired as CEO. He remained chairman of the board through the end of 2002. Before joining IBM, Mr. Gerstner served for four years as chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco, Inc. This was preceded by an eleven-year career at the American Express Company, where he was president of the parent company and chairman and CEO of its largest subsidiary. Prior to that, Mr. Gerstner was a director of the management consulting firm of McKinsey & Co., Inc. He received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

The New York Times Book Review

The book leaves the reader thinking that a few more Gerstners around in the '90s might have prevented the bubble from swelling so large -- and popping with such a bang.

About the Author (2003)

Lou Gerstner, Jr., served as chairman and chief executive officer of IBM from April 1993 until March 2002, when he retired as CEO. He remained chairman of the board through the end of 2002. Before joining IBM, Mr. Gerstner served for four years as chairman and CEO of RJR Nabisco, Inc. This was preceded by an eleven-year career at the American Express Company, where he was president of the parent company and chairman and CEO of its largest subsidiary. Prior to that, Mr. Gerstner was a director of the management consulting firm of McKinsey & Co., Inc. He received a bachelor's degree in engineering from Dartmouth College and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Selling 101: What Every Successful Sales Professional Needs to Know by Zig Ziglar

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent Peale

• • Paperback: 218 pages
  • Publisher: Fireside; First Fireside edition (March 12, 2003)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0743234804
  • ISBN-13: 978-0743234801

From getAbstract.com

• How negative thoughts produce anxiety, fear, doubt and worry
• How to replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts
• How to use prayer to improve your life
• How to heal your mind, body and spirit by combining science and religious faith

If you are looking for a guide to faith-based self-improvement, this book is, well, the bible. In one of the earliest contemporary self-help books, famed clergyman Norman Vincent Peale explains how you can overcome any obstacle, internal or external, through the dynamic combination of the "science of faith" with psychological counseling and modern medicine. He teaches you how to banish the negative thoughts that cause fear and failure, and replace them with "the power of positive thinking." In this warm, faith-based book, first published 1952, he teaches readers his approach to solving problems and accepting yourself. He advocates using the New Testament and prayer to attain peace, happiness, love and success. The catch is, you must be one of the faithful to take full advantage of Peale’s Christian teachings. His classic bestseller is more than a warm, if slightly quaint, self-help book. It’s a cultural icon, filled with old-time religion and practical examples. getAbstract recommends it as a touchstone in this genre. If you want to walk this path, Peale got here first. In fact, many of today’s self-development bestsellers have their roots in this book.

Product Description

Faith in yourself makes good things happen to you. This classic guide to self-esteem and success will help you learn how to: break the worry habit; get other people to like you; avoid "the jitters" in your daily work; believe in yourself and everything you do; develop the power to reach your goals, and so much more.

From the Publisher

Translated into fifteen languages with more than 7 million copies sold, The Power of Positive Thinking is unparalleled in its extraordinary capacity for restoring the faltering faith of millions. In this insightful program, Dr. Peale offers the essence of his profound method for mastering the problems of everyday living. You will learn: How to eliminate that most devastating handicap---self doubt How to free yourself from worry, stress and resentment How to climb above problems to visualize solutions and then attain them Simple prayerful exercises that you can do every day, through-out the day, to reinforce your new-found habit of happiness Eliminating all the negative thoughts that prevent you from achieving happiness and success, The Power of Positive Thinking is an inspiring program that will help you create a positive change in your life. --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

From the Inside Flap

Faith in yourself makes good things happen to you. This classic guide to self-esteem and success will help you learn how to: break the worry habit; get other people to like you; avoid "the jitters" in your daily work; believe in yourself and everything you do; develop the power to reach your goals, and so much more.

About the Author

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale is an author, columnist, radio and TV commentator

Firnando Chau Review

Hug Your Customers: The Proven Way to Personalize Sales and Achieve Astounding Results by Jack Mitchell

Hug Your Customers: The Proven Way to Personalize Sales and Achieve Astounding Results by Jack Mitchell

• Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Hyperion Books (June 2003)
• ISBN-10: 1401397743
• ISBN-13: 978-1401397746

From Publishers Weekly

If you work at a Fortune 500 company and live in southern Connecticut or New York's Westchester County (two of Manhattan's most affluent suburbs), chances are you buy your suits at Mitchells (in Westport, Conn.) or Richards (in Greenwich, Conn.). These two independent clothing stores are some of the most successful in the business and outfit CEOs from Chase, GE, IBM, Merrill Lynch and Pepsi. Mitchell, whose father started the business, shares the secret of his success in this unoriginal but cheerful guide to keeping customers happy. Hugging your customers, he says, has nothing to do with being touchy-feely around them and everything to do with offering them over-the-top service. For Mitchell, that means literally offering a customer the coat off your back, if that's the only one left in the store in the customer's size and preferred style and color. It means going to customers' homes to tie their bow ties for big events. It means serving coffee and bagels in the store and giving away hot dogs in the parking lot on summer Saturdays. Some might view this as fawning, but for Mitchell, it's the best way to keep customers coming back. His advice-know your customer, think outside the box, have a "no problem" attitude-is hardly groundbreaking. But those who work with customers daily have much to gain from this chipper, inspiring handbook.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"Hug Your Customers can change your attitude and outlook while helping you become more successful. A must read!" -- Larry Bossidy, CEO, Honeywell International Inc.

"Hug Your Customers gives the business world proven techniques to ensure success for many generations." -- Harry Paul, Co-author, FISH! A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results

"Follow the tenets of Hug Your Customers and your business will be more stable, you'll make more money . . ." -- Jeffrey J. Fox, author of How to Become a Rainmaker

"Great book-required reading for anyone who manages a business where customer service counts." -- Seymour Sternberg, CEO, New York Life Insurance

"Jack Mitchell has created an organization that epitomizes the best in customer service." -- Richard J. Harrington, President and CEO, The Thomson Corporation

"Lots of merchants profess a devotion to customers, but Mitchells practices that devotion in every conceivable way . . . A must read!" -- Larry Bossidy, former CEO of Honeywell

"Simple but winning approach to customer service." -- Esquire

"The Mitchell method is simple, straightforward and incredibly effective. Business people as well as consumers will benefit . . ." -- Arthur Levitt, Jr. author of Take on the Street, former chairman SEC, present friend and customer of Mitchells

"This book is a suprising little gem." -- William J. Holstein, The New York Times

"This is a terrific read -- a mixture of wonderful, insightful anecdotes, along with brilliantly simple and useful advice." -- Don Peppers, co-author (with Martha Rogers) of The One to One Future: Building Relationships One Customer at a Time

Product Description

A master of customer service reveals his secrets for developing long-lasting business relationships and customer loyalty. "We shower our customers with attention. There's no doubt in my mind that our philosophy can be applied to selling just about anything -- from aircraft engines to beanbags." (Jack Mitchell) The only way to stay in business is with customers, and Jack Mitchell knows how to attract them, and how to keep them.He has a deceptively simple but winning relationship approach to customer service -- that a relationship is at the heart of every transaction. Jack's business philosophy is based on "hugs" -- personal touches that impress and satisfy the customer, such as: -- Remembering the name of your customer's dog
-- Calling a customer to make sure he's satisfied after a purchase
-- Having a "kids' corner" with TV, books, and treats
-- Knowing your customers golf handicap
-- Introducing customers to business contacts
-- Letting your customer use your office to make a personal phone call This is a proven theory -- hugging works! Mitchells/Richards achieves among the highest margins in its industry, as well as amazing customer loyalty. Complete with anecdotes that exemplify outstanding customer service, Hug Your Customers shows how any business can adapt this hugging philosophy to attract great staff, lower marketing costs, and maintain higher gross margins and long-term revenues. At a time when customer service has become the difference between success and failure, Hug Your Customers shows how Jack's one-of-a-kind philosophy brings the results you're looking for.

About the Author

Jack Mitchell is the CEO of Mitchells/Richards, two of the most successful clothing stores in the business. He and his wife, Linda, live in Wilton, Connecticut, where they raise their four sons.

Firnando Chau Review

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Personal Workbook by Stephen R Covey

Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Fireside; Original edition (December 2, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0743250974
ISBN-13: 978-0743250979

The Present: The Gift That Makes You Happier and More Successful at Work and in Life, Today!

The Present: The Gift That Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life, Today! by Spencer Johnson

From Publishers Weekly

Johnson's megaselling Who Moved My Cheese? helped readers cope with changes beyond their control. The author now proffers another easily digestible parable encompassing a related, but broader, topic: how to attain happiness and success in life. In large type that's easy on eyes both old and young (and that stretches this brief book past 100 pages), Johnson lays out a bare-bones tale of a man who learns a valuable lesson about living in the present from a wise old gent. Stuck in a rut in his job and personal life, the younger man learns about The Present, a three-fold way of living and working. Bit by bit, the old man explains how it works: in order to achieve bliss in life, it's important to pay equal attention to the past (learn from mistakes), the present (live in the moment) and the future (plan for it as best as possible, but don't "lose yourself in worry or anxiety"). The common-sense knowledge and concentration on living in the now lend a Zen feel to the story, and while Johnson's approach may border on the corny (everything runs smoothly for his characters, and they share with each other such tidbits as, "The Present is a gift you give to yourself. Only you have the power to discover what it is"), it's undeniably sound. Despite some awkward phrasings, Johnson's latest brims with good ideas for those feeling frustrated, stagnant, depressed or overwhelmed, and is bound to be embraced by the self-help-loving masses.
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

?The Present is a powerful tool that we?re offering to our employees because, in these ever changing times, it can help talented people become more focused, ultimately leading to better overall performance.?
Phil Crippen, Director Iams University
The Iams Company, a Subsidiary of Procter & Gamble

?Like many organizations, we need ways to help our people work better and enjoy their lives, so I?m giving The Present to everyone on our management team.?
Carmen Policy, CEO
Cleveland Browns NFL Team

From the Inside Flap

A Timely Gift From the Author of Who Moved My Cheese?
Spencer Johnson, M.D.

Dr. Spencer Johnson?s stories of timeless, simple truths have changed the work and lives of millions of readers around the world. Now comes an insightful new tale of inspiration and practical guidance for these turbulent times.

The Present

The Present is the best gift you can receive because it makes you happy and successful!
Whether it means ?
? Having peace of mind and feeling more alive; or
? Being more productive and more prosperous; or
? Finding whatever is important to you and to those you work and live with.

The Present

The Gift that Makes You Happy and Successful at Work and in Life

For over two decades, Spencer Johnson has been inspiring and entertaining millions with his simple yet insightful stories of work and life that speak directly to the heart and soul.

The Present is an engaging story of a young man?s journey to adulthood, and his search for The Present, a mysterious and elusive gift he first hears about from a great old man. This Present, according to the old man, is ?the best present a person can receive.?

Later, when the young boy becomes a young man, disillusioned with his work and his life, he returns to ask the old man, once again, to help him find The Present. The old man responds, ?Only you have the power to find The Present for yourself.? So the young man embarks on a tireless search for this magical gift that holds the secret to his personal happiness and business success. It is only after the young man has searched high and low and given up his relentless pursuit that he relaxes and discovers The Present?and all of the promises it offers.

The Present will help you focus on what will make you happy and successful in your work and in your personal life. Like the young man, you may find that it is the best gift you can ever give yourself.


From the Trade Paperback edition. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

“The Present is a powerful tool that we’re offering to our employees because, in these ever changing times, it can help talented people become more focused, ultimately leading to better overall performance.”
Phil Crippen, Director Iams University
The Iams Company, a Subsidiary of Procter & Gamble

“Like many organizations, we need ways to help our people work better and enjoy their lives, so I’m giving The Present to everyone on our management team.”
Carmen Policy, CEO
Cleveland Browns NFL Team
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Spencer Johnson, M.D., is one of the most respected and beloved authors in the world. He has helped millions of readers discover how to use simple, profound truths that lead to less stress and more success at work and at home.
Inspiring and entertaining people with his insightful stories that speak directly to the heart and soul, he is often referred to as the best there is at taking complex subjects and presenting simple solutions that work.

Dr. Johnson is the author or co-author of many New York Times bestsellers, including three #1 titles: Who Moved My Cheese?: An A-Mazing Way to Deal with Change In Your Work and Life; The One Minute Manager®, the world’s most popular management method, co-authored with Kenneth Blanchard; and The Present: The Gift That Makes Your Work And Life Better Each Day!

After graduating with a B.A. in psychology from the University of Southern California, Dr. Johnson received his M.D. degree from the Royal College of Surgeons, and completed medical clerkships at the Mayo Clinic and the Harvard Medical School.

He served as Director of Communications for Medtronic, the inventors of cardiac pacemakers; Research Physician at The Institute for Inter-Disciplinary Studies; Consultant to The Center for Study of the Person; and most recently Leadership Fellow at the Harvard Business School.

His work has captured the attention of major media, including the BBC, CNN, Fortune,
New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Today show, Time magazine, and USA Today.

Over thirty million copies of Dr. Johnson’s books are available in more than forty languages.

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationship by Leil Lowndes

How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships - Paperback (Sept. 19, 2003) by Leil Lowndes

Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: McGraw-Hill; 1st edition (September 19, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 007141858X
ISBN-13: 978-0071418584


From getAbstract.com

• Why the way you say something is as important as what you say
• How to communicate skillfully
• How to use "body language" and related techniques to send out positive, winning messages about yourself

"Language most shews a man: Speak, that I may see thee." The great English dramatist and poet Ben Jonson wrote these words in the seventeenth century. They are as true today as they were then. People evaluate you by the words you use and the way you use them. Of course, people also make judgments based on your body language, dress style, attitude, facial expressions and similar criteria that immediately register at a subconscious level. This outstanding book will put you well on your way to becoming a more attractive personality as it reveals the secrets that drama and speech coaches, sales trainers, communication consultants, psychologists and other behavioral experts employ to help their clients become more charismatic, dynamic and appealing. The famous journalist and social critic H.L. Mencken once wrote, "Before a man speaks, it is always safe to assume that he is a fool. After he speaks, it is seldom necessary to assume it." This cynical maxim may be true for many – but certainly not for those who study this book. It is chock-full of wonderful insights and proven techniques – a whopping 92 in all – that you can use to become the type of person that others admire. getAbstract recommends putting its valuable lessons to use.

About the author

Leil Lowndes writes and lectures extensively on communication, and acts as a personal communications coach for Fortune 500company executives and employees.

Other Reviews


'Does what is says on the tin, with heaps of helpful tips for developing ease in social situations.' Time Out --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.


About the Book


"You'll not only break the ice, you'll melt it away with your new skills."--Larry King
"The lost art of verbal communication may be revitalized by Leil Lowndes."--Harvey McKay, author of Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten


Leil Lowndes' How to Talk to Anyone offers101 time-tested hints, tips, and techniques for confidently communicating with others. A bestselling author and renowned communications consultant, Lowndes focuses on ice-breaking skills and communication techniques that are proven successful when making a positive first impression, establishing instant rapport and credibility, and more.


Packed with basic, no-nonsense advice and solid research evidence about which techniques work best in which areas, How to Talk to Anyone show readers how to:
* Make small talk not so small
* Use body language to captivate an audience
* Look like you know what you're talking about--even when you don't


Become a master communicator and succeed in life, love, and business


Have you ever admired those successful people who seem to have it all? You see them chatting confidently at parties and being listened to in business meetings. They're the ones with the best jobs, nicest parties, and most interesting friends.


But wait a minute. They're not necessarily smarter than you or even better looking. What it comes down to is their more skillful way of communicating with other people. Now How to Talk to Anyone reveals the secrets of successful communication. With Leil Lowndes's ninety-two easy and effective techniques, you will discover how to become a master communicator in life, love, and business.


Combining the latest research with Leil's trademark wit and warm-hearted observations of human foibles, How to Talk to Anyone shows you how to:


Make an unforgettable entrance and meet the people you want to meet
Sound like an insider in any crowd, no matter how little you have in common
Use body language to captivate audiences of all sizes
Work a party the way a politician works a room
Always come across confident, credible, and charismatic wherever you are


About the Author


Leil Lowndes is among today's most sought-after communication consultants and the author of the international bestsellers How to Make Anyone Fall in Love with You and How to Be a People Magnet.

Bible Code II: The Countdown by Michael Drosnin

Bible Code II: The Countdown by Michael Drosnin (Paperback - Oct 28, 2003)

Perfect Career by Max Eggert

Perfect Career (Perfect) - Paperback - Import (Aug. 7, 2003) by Max Eggert

The Sales Advantage: How to Get it, Keep it, and Sell More Than Ever by J. Oliver Crom, Michael A. Crom, Dale Carnegie & Associates

About the Book:-
Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: Free Press (January 1, 2003)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 074324432X
ISBN-13: 978-0743244329

Firnando Chau Review


About the Book


According to the business sages at Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc., sales make the world go round. That’s a bold statement, but when you consider that a driver for an international freight company may not have a job if a salesperson hasn’t sold the products being delivered, or that an aerospace engineer wouldn’t have anything to do if an account executive hadn’t secured a contract for commercial jets, it makes pretty good sense. In this snappy guide to making winning transactions, the organization behind the colossal bestseller How to Win Friends and Influence People explains the ins and outs of finding prospects, getting their attention, building trust, giving customers what they want, negotiating, handling objections and securing the sale. The suggestions range from the practical (e.g., make sure the audiovisual equipment works before giving a sales presentation) to the psychological (e.g., figure out the customer’s emotional motive for buying something); taken together, they make for a good primer for novices and a perfect refresher for old hands. 
Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Booklist


Salespeople are always looking for ways to overcome objections and close more deals, but all good salespeople know there is no magic formula to achieve this. The authors tell us that, like playing an instrument, selling is hard and unpleasant at first, but with practice it can become easy and even enjoyable. This highly readable guide for creating better long-term relationships with customers comes from the same group that produced the best-seller The Leader in You: How to Win Friends, Influence People, and Succeed in a Changing World (1993). They take you through the process step-by-step, from prospecting to preparing for initial contact, getting through the "gatekeepers" to reach the decision makers, using proper etiquette for phone and in-person presentations, to selling beyond questions of price. Tips include avoiding cliche "danger words," such as best, largest, or highest quality, unless you can back them up with facts and evidence. There are sections covering different styles and showmanship, interpreting and using body language to your advantage, knowing when it's time to walk away from a sale, and overcoming objections by validating your customer's concerns. David Siegfried
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved