First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 30, 2012

Theodore Kinni has just published an article in which he announces strategy+business magazine’s “Best Business Books 2012″Best Business Books 2012. They are grouped in eight separate categories. s+b is published by Booz & Company. To read the complete article, check out other resources, learn more about the firm, sign up for email alerts, and obtain [.].

Strategy 106

Strategy Books Magazine Article 106

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 17, 2012

Here is the November, 2012 list of Best Sellers of Hardcover Business Books. As I regularly mention, this is the list that I consider the most valuable. It is not a “one-week snapshot,” as some other lists are, but it looks at the best sellers over an entire month. And, as always, remember the wisdom [.].

Books 106

Books Blog 106

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 16, 2012

Many years ago, I had lunch with a man who was the head of a national sales force selling new car warranties. (I had known him back in my college days). When we returned to his office after lunch, there was a piece of paper on his chair. It had the national sales tallies from [.].

Blog 106

Blog 106

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 13, 2012

Mentor: a friend of Odysseus entrusted with the education of Odysseus’ son Telemachus —————- Here is how Atul Gawande begins his essay about his personal need for a coach: I’ve been a surgeon for eight years. For the past couple of them, my performance in the operating room has reached a plateau. I’d like to [.].

Mentor 106

Mentor Education Operations Blog 106

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 29, 2012

The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday of a yeast infection and trauma complications from repeated pokes in the belly. He was 71. Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozens of celebrities turned out to pay their respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, the Hostess Twinkies, and Captain Crunch.

Blog 104

Blog 104

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 27, 2012

We have been focusing on the wrong skills and abilities in our children, and we have been using the wrong strategies to help nurture and teach those skills. Paul Tough, How Children Succeed ————– I am plenty deep in my reading of How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character by Paul [.].

Skills 103

Skills Strategy Power Blog 103

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 20, 2012

The dilemma is all around us. A company has to make money. A company has to make money today, and be prepared to make money tomorrow. A company has to “maximize profits,” making the most money it can while it can. One way to do that is to trim costs everywhere and every way it [.].

Class 103

Class Cost Company Blog 103

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

This is a tough one to write about. You spend a lifetime developing expertise, and then, along comes some whole new paradigm, and your expertise is genuinely, fully, antiquated. You don’t really know what you thought you knew. This is my third lesson from the 2012 election debrief. I am staying away from the “politics,” [.].

Education 103

Education Politics Development Blog 103

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 12, 2012

Hillary Clinton is a marvel. You know, the “long obedience in the same direction” kind of marvel. And the article this comes from is worth reading by any one seeking success in building collaborations and success. Hillary practices the “personal relationship {kind} of foreign policy.” “It was a long dinner, but it really was a [.].

Policies 99

Policies Article Succession Blog 99

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 11, 2012

Veteran: noun 1 a : an old soldier of long service b : a former member of the armed forces 2 : a person of long experience usually in some occupation or skill (as politics or the arts) ————— So, today we honor our veterans. Yes, we should. Living in our home is, Jeannie’s father, [.].

Politics 99

Politics Skills Blog 99

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 8, 2012

This is just a quick note. I plan to say more later. Call this the first of my “business observations” from the 2012 elections debrief. These won’t be about politics. They will be about what works, what to focus on in this new day and age, this era of the new normal. Lesson #1 – [.].

Politics 99

Politics Planning Blog 99

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 5, 2012

Last night, Morley Safer interviewed David McCullough on 60 Minutes. Great interview! (Here’s McCullough’s Amazon page. He is a national treasure. Read and watch the 60 Minutes segment here). Here’s my favorite excerpt: David McCullough (Outside Carpenter’s Hall, where the Revolution was born in secret): Upstairs in the hall, there’s a library.

BHAG 99

BHAG Library Blog 99

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 1, 2012

The First Friday Book Synopsis blog was born to continue to discuss the best business ideas we find, from business books, and from many other places. We’ve occasionally added a few “off-topic” posts, and I am now posting about communication, especially the speaking and presentations end of communication, with some frequency. In the world of [.].

Blog 99

Blog Books 99

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 26, 2012

Leadership is not a role or a set of strategies. Instead, it is a point of view that begins with the inner work of integrating and translating past relationships and experiences into powerful habits of mind. Barbara Mackoff and Gary Wenet – The Inner Work of Leaders: (Leadership as a Habit of Mind) ————— So, [.].

Leadership 98

Leadership Strategy Power Blog 98

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 30, 2012

So, what makes a good employee? As I listen to leaders and managers describe employee problems, and struggle over when to let someone go, seldom do they say this: “that employee is simply not smart enough.” No, the problem is almost always an issue that is best described as a behavior (work-ethic, work-discipline, get along [.].

Ethics 97

Ethics Succession Management Blog 97

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 22, 2012

There are so many who are barely beginning the rebuilding process after Hurricane Sandy. People in Israel and Gaza may have some time now with no rockets or attacks, yet lasting peace may be a ways off. This list could go on and on…and as always, there is a large percentage, in our country, living [.].

Process 95

Process Blog 95

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 18, 2012

I hope that at least a few of these recent posts will be of interest to you: BOOK REVIEWS Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition Dennis N. T. Perkins with Margaret P. Holtman, Paul R. Kessler, and Catherine McCarthy The Yale Book of Quotations Fred R. Shapiro, [.].

McCarthy 95

McCarthy Blog Review Books 95

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

Linda Sharkey is a proven leader with experience in Fortune 10 companies building teams and driving talent development initiatives that support productivity and company growth. She has specific expertise in culture transformation, developing high potential leaders and building proven talent processes that yield better leadership capability. A book co-authored with Dr.

Process 95

Process Development Books Productivity 95

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 1, 2012

We like to argue. “Here are the numbers – here are the facts.” – “No, I disagree. Your numbers, your facts, are wrong.” We even now have people who say that “fact-checkers” are not to be trusted. And we see this at work in politics, science, issues of political polling, climate change… The list is long, [.].

Politics 95

Politics Blog 95

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 24, 2012

This is an illustration of the point: The number of non-white voters has doubled since the first Ronald Reagan election (for this illustration, non-white includes Hispanic. I’m using the designation used in the election exit polling). The world does keep changing. And, even though there are more non-white voters than ever before, it is still [.].

Blog 93

Blog 93

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 4, 2012

Here is a brief excerpt from an article written by Andrew McAfee and Erik Brynjolfss for the Harvard Business Review. To read the complete article, check out the wealth of free resources, and sign up for a subscription to HBR email alerts, please click here. Artwork: Tamar Cohen, Happy Motoring, 2010, silk screen on vintage [.].

Management 93

Management Review Article Resources 93

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 29, 2012

We learned how to tune out distractions. It was a magical thing. The Apple Marketing Philosophy stressed three points. Walter Isaacson: Steve Jobs ————— Ok, let’s try this again. Can I be so bold as to say that this point is important? It is. You really need to get really good at what you do [.].

Loyalty 90

Loyalty Stress Marketing How To 90

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

I am so happy that Larry James, CEO and President of CitySquare, will be our guest presenter at the December 7 First Friday Book Synopsis. Larry has most graciously agreed to substitute for me while I attend the annual communication of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Texas, in my capacity as a member of the Education [.].

Education 90

Education CEO Books Gordon 90

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 10, 2012

This is the second of my “business lessons” from the 2012 elections debrief. These aren’t about politics. They are about what works, what to focus on in this new day and age, this era of the new normal. It is now acknowledged, even by folks from the Romney camp, that the Obama campaign had a [.].

Politics 90

Politics Blog 90

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 21, 2012

“If you don’t go to somebody’s funeral, they won’t come to yours.” — Yogi Berra Quoted by Robert Putnam, Bowling Alone ————— Are you connected to other people? Really? How well connected? How good a “connector” and a “connectee” are you? I think we are, at times, under the illusion of “connectivity” with all of [.].

Blog 89

Blog 89

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Erika Andersen is the founding partner of Proteus, a coaching, consulting and training firm that focuses on leader readiness. She and her colleagues at Proteus support leaders at all levels to get ready and stay ready to meet whatever the future might bring. Much of Erika’s recent work has focused on organizational visioning and strategy, [.].

Consultative 85

Consultative Training Strategy Strategic Planning 85

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 14, 2012

Daly is the Liddell Professor of Communication and TCB Professor of Management at The University of Texas at Austin. While at the university, he has won every major Daly is the Liddell Professor of Communication and TCB Professor of Management at The University of Texas at Austin. While at the university, he has won every [.].

Management 85

Management Wilde Efficiency Drucker 85

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 11, 2012

I hope that at least a few of these recent posts will be of interest to you: BOOK REVIEWS The Pumpkin Plan: A Simple Strategy to Grow a Remarkable Business in Any Field Mike Michalowicz HBR Guide to Persuasive Presentations Nancy Duarte Freedom, Inc.: Free Your Employees and Let Them Lead Your Business to Higher [.].

Blog 85

Blog Review Planning Books 85

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 4, 2012

Paid to Think: A Leader’s Toolkit for Redefining Your Future David Goldsmith with Lorrie Goldsmith BenBella Books (2012) A one-volume library of business information, insights, and wisdom Note: The title is somewhat misleading because the scope and depth of the material that David Goldsmith provides in this book are far greater than its title suggests. [.].

Books 85

Books Library Review Information 85

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 2, 2012

Now that we have concluded the November First Friday Book Synopsis (I presented Nate Silver’s The Signal and The Noise; Karl Krayer presented his synopsis of Teaming by Amy Edmonson. The synopsis will be available for purchase soon, with audio + handouts, at our companion web site, 15minutebusinessbooks.com), we are planning for the December First [.].

Books 85

Books Energy Planning Team 85

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 29, 2012

Here is a brief excerpt from an article written by Bruna Martinuzzi for The American Express OPEN Forum Idea Hub, with her own column called “Business by the Book.” Photo: Getty Images * * * As Hurricane Sandy made its way through several states, causing damage and devastation, one thing that stands out in the [.].

Open-book 80

Open-book Development Article Books 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 27, 2012

Do kids these days have short attention spans, or does the world just move too slowly to accommodate their energy and creativity? Gabe Zichermann suggests that today’s video games are making children smarter – and we should all embrace gamification. Click here to check out a TED program during which he explains how games make kids smarter.

Video 80

Video Energy Creativity Media 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 25, 2012

I hope that at least a few of these recent posts will be of interest to you: BOOK REVIEWS Managing Global Innovation: Frameworks for Integrating Capabilities Around the World Yves Doz and Keeley Wilson Leading at the Edge: Leadership Lessons from the Extraordinary Saga of Shackleton’s Antarctic Expedition (Second Edition) Dennis N. T. Perkins with [.].

Blog 80

Blog Globalization Review Innovation 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 9, 2012

I attended the Southwest Venture Forum yesterday in Dallas. Hall Martin, Director of the Texas Entrepreneur Networks, was a panelist. He has worked with Angel Investors, Venture Capitalists, and apparently lives and breathes new ventures. I suspect he has heard a pitch or twenty from new start-ups seeking money. In the midst of his comments, [.].

Venture Capitalist 80

Venture Capitalist Productivity Products Entrepreneur 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 7, 2012

Here is an article written two years ago by “Tyler” for seohosting.com. To read the complete article, please click here. Photo Credit: cheeseslave * * * As Alice Schroeder explains at the end of her book, The Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life, although Warren Buffett is best known for being the second [.].

Marketing 80

Marketing Article Books Blog 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 4, 2012

Here are some recent posts that may be of interest: REVIEWS The Clash of the Cultures: Investment vs. Speculation John C. Bogle Decision Management Systems: A Practical Guide to Using Business Rules and Predictive Analytics James Taylor HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done Various Contributors The Leader’s Pocket Guide: 101 Indispensable Tools, Tips, [.].

Taylorism 80

Taylorism Taylor Blog Tips 80

First Friday Book Synopsis

NOVEMBER 3, 2012

Here is the introduction to an interview of Henry Chesbrough conducted by Ron Norton for strategy+business magazine, published by Booz & Company. To read the complete article, check out other sources, sign up for email alerts, and obtain subscription information, please click here. Photograph courtesy of Henry Chesbrough * * * To escape the commodity [.].

Norton 80

Norton Magazine Strategy Article 80