Book Description
It's an all too common scenario: A great company breaks from the pack; the analysts are in love, the smiling CEO appears on the cover of BusinessWeek and Fortune, the stock soars. Two years later, the company is in flames, the CEO is under attack, and the stock has tanked.
Why does this sort of thing keep happening at respectable companies like Motorola, Quaker, and Sony, all of which have very smart, hard-working senior executives? And how can you tell if it's about to happen at your own company?
Why Smart Executives Fail answers these and many more crucial questions. Sydney Finkelstein, a distinguished professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business, carried out a six-year study of leadership failure, the largest of its kind. After hundreds of interviews with insiders at top companies that got into major trouble—such as GM, Mattel, and RiteAid—Finkelstein figured out the common causes behind failures in wildly different types of companies. He explains “the seven habits of spectacularly unsuccessful people” that drive smart managers to make catastrophic mistakes.
As much about psychology as it is about business, Why Smart Executives Fail tells the stories of more than fifty great business disasters and includes exclusive interviews with many of their leaders, in which they explain what really led to their disastrous decisions.
Customer Reviews:
Excellent white paper hidden in a 250-page book.......2007-07-09
There is much to praise in Finkelstein's book. Particularly effective are the stories he tells about executive or organizational hubris, the detailed case studies of slow-motion disasters that in hindsight seem unthinkable, but at the time convinced thousands (or hundreds of thousands, if you count investors and analysts) as steadiness of vision and strategy.
Less useful is the book's attempts to apply a version of scientific inquiry to those case studies in order to generate a series of rules (or at least probabilities and their corollaries). The bottom lines are, or should have been: don't assume that a history of success grants you the right to dictate the future, don't ignore front-line or market feedback, and don't assume that your IQ automatically translates into business success. Rather than stating these points, Finkelstein works a little too hard to turn each of his observations into actionable essays. That starts a cycle of repetitions and rather bland generalizations that doesn't help his reader become more effective.
Sticking to the basic stories is what works best in this book, and Finkelstein's writing, interviews and on-the-spot analysis is a strength.
Finally, having just been through a stretch in my own company where a group of highly educated and intelligent executives parachuted in from their former senior-level roles at a major global consultancy, and then proceeded to fumble and bumble and nearly destroy the organization with a 24-month string of almost laughably bad bright ideas, I kept thinking of Finkelstein's title. While those now ex-colleagues are enoying their severance checks, I hope they'll consent to being interviewed for Finkelstein's next edition.
Timely and accurate.......2007-07-04
Finkelstein really came through with a winner in this book. This book was recommended by a guest speaker in a B school class I was taking (she herself an executive) and I really enjoyed reading it. You hear about stories like this anecdotally from time to time but to have the whole story, background behind it and then clear and concise analysis makes it well worth the read. I would recommend this to anyone working in business.
Learning From the Failure of Others.......2007-03-10
I found this book to be right on the mark for answering the hard questions that form that title of this book. There is a conventional thought process that smart people in business should not fail especially when they have a remarkable track record. Smart companies should not fail for the the same reason. But we all know they do. This book give important insight in to the psychology of corporate/organizational failure due in a large part to the failure of top level management. It is definitely a must read for MBA students and should be a requirement for managers at all levels.
Kudos.......2006-10-27
Thank you Prof. Finkelstein foresearching and writing this book. Many of us will be saved from the classic mistakes yo udentify in this work. Your years educating students at Dartmouth are evident in the clear manner in which you present your information.
The Best Kind of Management Book: Practical and Research-Based.......2006-10-15
Finkelstein is known for being a consummate academic, producing first-rate research on the topic of CEOs, Top Management Teams, M&A, Boards, and Succession issues. However, this book demonstrates that he is also someone who can write a compelling management book with many practical take-aways.
What separates this book from others I have seen is the serious, original, 6 years worth of research that preceded it. The findings of "Why Smart Executives Fail" are presented in a very easy-to-understand way, with compelling stories and anecdotes.
There are many management books laden with opinions, but what are they worth if there has been no research done to find out if their suggestions actually lead to success? There are also many books heavy on theory, preventing any of their wisdom from being accessible enough to act upon. In my opinion, this is the best type of management book that strikes a balance in the middle.
"Why Smart Executives Fail" will show you how to better learn from failures and insulate yourself from steering your company in the wrong direction, as well as the right behaviors to exhibit that will help you be more successful.
Book Description
If I'd Known Then What I Know Now is an inspiring, Pay It Forward-type manifesto for achieving success and happiness from childhood to retirement. Equally suitable for anyone from eight to eighty, it is actually a life guide or map that will help the reader traverse the roads of life, showing how to avoid the minefields and grab the gold ring by making the best choices when facing life's most important decisions.
The great value for readers is that they get the answers on what to do before they need to make the decision. So, the thirteen-year-old gets to learn the do's and don'ts of successful dating before ever going out on that first date. The newlywed learns about parenting before actually becoming one. This handbook for life will remain with readers year after year, helping them with life's most important decisions at just the time when they need the information.
If I'd Known Then What I Know Now is packed with wisdom for people of all ages. Its simple style incorporates humor and storytelling to teach people how to learn from the mistakes of those who have gone before them. Opening with three of life's most important principles for success regardless of age, the book is then organized in a handy lesson-by-lesson format with an eye toward age appropriateness. Lesson one, for example, is geared to seven- to fifteen-year-olds, and covers such topics as dealing with mom and dad, school, manners, and good habits. By lesson five, for those fifty-five and up, it's more concerned with investments, health, retirement planning, and growing older gracefully.
Customer Reviews:
Practical Primer for Avoiding Life's Pitfalls.......2006-01-25
This award winning book presents practical, workable, life changing, concepts. These principles apply to parents who are teaching their children. They are relevant for the young person in high school or college. And for the adult on the threshold of a new stage of life: starting a family, a career move, or in retirement years. Whatever your age you will find the book applicable to your situation.
Parrish reveals secrets to success in the area of relationships, goal setting, and values. He then goes on to offer suggestions for a time line of adult life. He gives specific applications for marriage, family, others, finances, and healthy living. It is a book about making the best choices when wrestling with life's most important decisions.
Parrish quotes from the classic motivational authors. Among his favorites are Og Mandino, Napoleon Hill, Miguel Ruiz, Eckert Tolle, and James Allen. I especially enjoyed his "Lesson in a Nutshell" and "A Few Profound Thoughts" sections.
This is a book that you will want to read, reread, and internalize, and then take intelligent action steps into a successful future.
A great book for everyone from any walk of life!.......2005-09-24
This book is easy to read, has great principals to guide anyone looking to learn some of life's most important lessons from a truly wonderful, successful and generous man. As a person who loves to read and learn from self help and self improvement books, I rate this one a 10.
I am not sure what planet the previous reviewer is from, (Planet Jealousy perhaps?) my guess is he has a personal issue. I suggest he give the book to someone who will appreciate it, which shouldn't be hard. My feeling is that it makes a great gift for someone getting started in life, so that they can take advantage of its lessons.
Read the rest of the reviews to see what everyone else feels about this book.
Stuid, stupid, stupid!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2005-03-14
Are you people serious? I'm reading the other reviews for this book in disbelief! This book is the equivalent of taking a dictionary of quotations, typing it up with some working in between. Seriously, it would be much faster to read the dictionary.
Don't waste your time.
Life Guide and Owner's Manual for Life.......2003-12-01
Here is another excellent life guide book you may enjoy!
Life's Greatest Lesson: 20 Things That Matter by Hal Urban
www.halurban.com
This is an Owner's Manual for a Happy and Successful Life!!!,
Its timeless message on character education should be read by every child, parent and teacher. It is sure to become a classic.
I have given away at least five copies to family and friends!
It was awarded Best Inspirational Book of the Year 2000 by Writer's Digest Magazine.
I have donated a few select books that have been added to my local Public Library. This is by far the best inspirational and motivational book I have read so far. It contains the wisdom of the ages and essential life truths.
A few of the books I have donated are: HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE: Ideas and Principles They Don't Teach in School by Ned Grossman, MASTER SUCCESS: Create a Life of Purpose, Passion, Peace and Prosperity by Bill FitzPatrick, a local author from Natick, MA, FREEDOM FROM FEAR: Learn How to Live Life to the Fullest by Mark Matteson, The story of one man's discovery of simple truths that lead to wealth, joy and peace of mind, and I DARE YOU By William H. Danforth.
I highly recommend Life's Greatest Lessons, as it teaches the wisdom of the ages. This book is so wonderful, that after I finished it, I went back and re-read it again. Periodically, I will reread certain chapters again. I am very select in what I choose to donate to the library. I am donating it to the library so it can benefit the most people possible. This book on character education is a topic not normally taught in schools. It is an "owner's manual for a happy and successful life." It describes in a simple easy to understand manner, common-sense life skills that can be applied immediately to enhance and enrich anyone's life.
My life has already improved because of tips in this book.......2003-11-15
Ever since Mr. Parrish and his staff "adopted" a 5th grade class at Hester elementary school, my daughter Pearl, one of those 5th graders, has had a white board with a list of goals in her room. As I'd walk in and out of her room, year after year, the list would morph--checkmarks would appear, items would disappear, and interesting new items would appear. This pattern was steadfast as the tide. I was so proud when Mr. Parrish asked Pearl to speak at one of his company's morning meetings. She talked about the "Better World" theory--an idea Mr. Parrish and his staff had shared with Pearl's class. Part of the concept is that one should not blame others for their predicaments, and they should take responsibility for improving their own lives. Just this one concept alone can be life-transforming. But in "If I'd Known Then What I Know Now," Mr. Parrish shares MANY tips that can help you better your life NOW. One irony of this book may be this: it is divided into lessons for different age groups (for example, 7 to 15, 16 to 25, 26 to 40 and so on). It could be hard to get your 17 year old to sit down and read the section of the book that pertains to them, because at that age, they might think they do not need any advice. Yet if they would be open to reading and internalizing the advice, their whole future could be happier!!! I thank Mr. Parrish for sharing goal setting tips with Pearl that have enabled her to chart her life's course. Pearl is only 19, and she's already been to Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, New York, Riverside, Omaha, and had her own TV show! I used to love reading positive-thinking books when I was young, and this book reminded me of those days when all seemed possible. I realized after reading his book that all is STILL possible. Since reading Mr. Parrish's book, I got reacquainted with long lost friends, I've improved at keeping commitments (I want my word to be my "bond"), and I'm reviving some goals I set aside a long time ago. Thanks, Mr. Parrish! -- Debbie Wible (11/17/3)
Book Description
The world doesn’t need another book about how to ace law school. But prospective and young lawyers do need the information and insight in this book to equip them with the expertise to make the right choices and fully develop a legal career, from law school to the decades beyond.
The Ultimate Guide to Your Legal Career offers a balanced and critical perspective on every issue relating to a legal education and the profession of law today, including:
• Factors to consider when deciding to become an attorney
• Getting the most out of law school, from working as a summer associate to taking the bar
• Answers to common questions about working with law firms, including average salaries and bonuses, billable hours, and whether size matters
• How to make partner, and the effect that obtaining it or not has on you, personally and professionally
• When and how to orchestrate laterals and avoiding the potential negative side effects
• Career alternatives to law firms and transitioning to another profession, such as banking, business, and the government
Customer Reviews:
Targeted, practical advice.......2007-09-20
I started considering a career in law a year ago and spoke with a range of people including friends pursuing their JD, family lawyer friends, and mentors at work. I also attended a few info sessions and read books similar to this one, but they failed to clearly describe the path from applications to graduation and beyond with the right amount of detail.
This is a great book that's straight forward and well written. The author offers practical advice on relevant issues/concerns whether you're an undergrad or have a few years of experience like myself. While One L is an entertaining read, it fails to touch on experiences after graduation-this is where this book makes its name.
A random family friend gave me a copy of the book over the holiday. I suggest that anyone exploring a law school and a career in law reads Cannon's advice. Check out the sections on "the big lie," life at large firms and options within the government.
Average customer rating:
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You Did What? The Biggest Mistakes Professionals Make
Kim Zoller , and
Kerry Preston
Manufacturer: Tapestry Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Job Hunting & Careers
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
| General
| Guides
| Interviewing
| Job Hunting
| Job Markets & Advice
| Resumes
| Vocational Guidance
| Volunteer Work
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Etiquette
| Business Life
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1930819463 |
Product Description
With wit and warmth, Zoller and Preston understand that today's work force must exhibit professionalism to get the job in the first place and once in, hone their behaviors to create a competitive advantage in the marketplace for their employer. YOU DID WHAT, The Biggest Mistakes Professionals Make tells the reader, in detail, how to do it, starting with initial impressions and ends with reinforcing that "YOU" are the competitive advantage.
Book Description
A major breakthrough in cognitive psychology for solving life's most disruptive problems.
Customer Reviews:
In-depth but Complex.......2002-07-09
Speaking from a Layman's point of view, this is no easy read. The book is full of information and plenty of explanations about schemas and their application and origin. This book will likely require a 2nd if not a 3rd reading to fully understand it's concepts.
As for me, I found if interesting enough to know what schemas are and how they interpret my life's experiences and viewpoints. This was already brought up in the 1st chapter. But having no desire to pursue a PHD, I quickly lost interest in reading the rest of the book because of the considerable details. The book read more like a 4 th year psychology textbook than a self-help book.
Surely schemas are a very important and relevant method of clinical diagnosis, and I will be better off knowing more about them. I only wish the authors could make it less scientific. Perhaps a few more case studies would be helpful.
Exceptionally well-written, profound yet clear insights.......1998-10-06
Why Can't I Get What I Want? emphasizes one of the latest developments in cognitive therapy, i.e., the role schemas play in our lives. The authors suggest that schemas can be thought of as powerful lenses that affect every important part of life. I had previously known of the schema concept, but was impressed by the clarity of the presentation and the case examples that brought the notions to life.
I was also surprised to see elements of chaos theory applied to schemas in a fascinating manner. The authors cleverly demonstrate how inconsistencies are a natural phenomenon in all of us. They note out how easy it can be to flip between opposite, seemingly contradictory poles of any particular schema (such as from perfection to inadequacy).
This book makes you think. I have acquired a much deeper understanding of myself and others. The ideas have stuck with me and I see new applications of them frequently. I have never read a self-help book before that provided such a wide swath of applications. It isn't just about depression or anxiety; it's about life-relationships, empowerment, and self-worth.
I highly recommend this book!
Average customer rating:
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The Top 25 Strategic Management Mistakes: What You Can Do to Prevent Them
Michael F. Latimer
Manufacturer: Universal Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Strategy & Competition
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Management
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
Systems & Planning
| Management & Leadership
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
All Amazon Upgrade
| Amazon Upgrade
| Stores
| Books
Business & Investing
| Amazon Upgrade
| Stores
| Books
ASIN: 1581126603 |
Book Description
This book is the first of its kind to offer readers a comprehensive view of the complex array of executive, operational, financial, human resource, technological and other management issues that collectively impact organizational performance. Utilizing real-world accounts, each section examines one of the major strategic management mistakes that companies have made when trying to resolve problems with their performance.
You will gain valuable insight into the underlying issues in each case, including:
An understanding of the detrimental effect that departmentalized business structures and functions have had on organizational decision-making.
An appreciation of the strategic importance of the Finance, Human Resources and Information Technology functions.
Greater awareness of the competitive edge that your organization's stakeholders (customers, employees, suppliers and investors) can offer.
Above all, you will come away with a renewed sense of urgency. It will compel you to move beyond the outdated ideas and institutions that your department, company, or industry has inherited. It will provide you with the tools and know-how that you need to begin construction on a more promising (and profitable) future of your own making.
Book Description
In the tradition of The Gatekeepers, a veteran counselor provides the missing key to the college admissions door with insider wisdom about how admissions committees think, and the thirteen fatal mistakes that can ruin an application.
When Don Dunbar was a college counselor for Phillips Academy, Andover, in the 1980s, he got to sit in on the meetings where the nation's top colleges decided whether to admit his students. Prep school counselors no longer get this kind of astonishing access, but in those meetings, Don discovered a little-known key to college admissions that still holds true today. Many applicants look alike, based on their grades, test scores, and extracurriculars, so colleges want something more: They want applicants with character.
Most of us know what character means, but not in the way that admissions officers define it. Admissions officers have tremendous integrity, and to them, character equals what a student will contribute to his or her community, good or bad, over the next four years. Don explains the concept of character in terms that high school students can understand, using examples from his thirty years of working with kids. He shows readers how to avoid the thirteen fatal character mistakes that even the brightest students make when applying to college and democratizes the admissions process, making his advice available to all students.
Customer Reviews:
How To Avoid The Pitfalls of The Admission Process...And There Are Many!.......2007-08-11
I bought this book with the intent of giving to my daughter, who is quickly approaching the age where college applications, essays and interviews fill the air. I decided to read it myself, as I have bought her several books about college that have turned out to be duds. I wanted to make sure she wouldn't waste valuable time reading a book that wouldn't be of any help to her.
I discovered the book is full of advice on how to write essays that many top colleges are seeking and how to avoid pitfalls that are common to applicants. In addition, I also discovered a wealth of information on how to interview and what traps to avoid during that process. The book is well written and the information timely and helpful if you are trying to get into a top school, or if you are a student with poor grades trying to get into an average school. It is written in plain language, and although there is some redundancy, it is a book that can easily be read by college bound high school students.
The one caution is that the book is geared for students who are seeking admission into liberal arts colleges. They are the primary colleges that are looking at essays and using interviews for admission purposes. More technical colleges, as my daughter has discovered, are looking more at course load and grades, and put little emphasis or importance on the essay/interview process. If you are looking to go to a technical college, this book might help a little, but it is very helpful for those seeking admission into top liberal arts colleges.
Average customer rating:
- Wonderful read, Sharing GOD's unyielding love for his people
- Life changing
- WOW! The echo of the voice of God, reflecting His Love.
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After the Mistake, Then What?
Rodney D. Robertson
Manufacturer: Xulon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 1591607809 |
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful read, Sharing GOD's unyielding love for his people.......2004-04-24
I am so happy to have read this book. I think Rodney was clear and to the point in stating how wonderful God is to forgive us for our sins. Rodney's book should definitely be taken to prison ministries all over the world. This will be a wonderful tool to use to show convicted criminals that their lives doesn't have to end just because they are in jail. They can begin their lives and be free behind bars. No condemnations. If you make a mistake, Repent and turn away from it and begin your life anew in Jesus. Thanks for writing this book, Rodney.
Life changing.......2003-10-21
I purchase this book and it is as if the author was speaking directly to me. I don't feel guilty any more and I know now that I am not the mistake I made. The book is REAL!
WOW! The echo of the voice of God, reflecting His Love........2003-08-13
I know the author Rodney Robertson had to hear from God on the assignment of this book. Who else but God could address such a dilemma in the body of Christ with such LOVE! This book has helped me in so many areas of my life. We not only make those occassional BIG MISTAKES, but we most often make daily little mistakes that we know only God and ourselves know about. This book has helped me move beyond and heal from past and present mistakes. It has really helped me not to see my mistakes when I look in the mirror, but to see who God has created me to be(His word says I am fearly and wonderfully made, WOW!). After reading this book I now feel the way God did after He created me, "and He said, that's GOOD". I encourage every reader to get the book and read it, believe me you won't be able to put it down.
Books:
- You Never Call! You Never Write!: A History of the Jewish Mother
- 55 Ways to the Wilderness in Southcentral Alaska
- A Charlie Brown Christmas(TM)
- A Child's Introduction to Poetry: Listen While You Learn About the Magic Words That Have Moved Mountains, Won Battles, and Made Us Laugh and Cry
- A-List, The: Back in Black - Book #5: An A-List Novel (A-List)
- Absolutely Fabulous: Continuity
- Alaska by Cruise Ship: The Complete Guide to Cruising Alaska with Giant Pull-out Map (5th Edition)
- All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten
- Are You Smart, or What? A Bizarre Book of Games & Fun for Everyone
- Bad Twin (Hyperion)
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