Book Description
The Little Red Book of Wisdom offers time-tested principles for professional and personal fulfillment. In the book, Mark DeMoss gathers insights for living wisely from history, Scripture, and a lifetime of listening. The result is a handy, accessible book that gives readers a new way to enjoy lasting success in the work world and beyond. Topics include finding and keeping your focus in life, building a winning corporate culture, and setting aside time for good thinking.
Customer Reviews:
Book for Life!.......2007-09-05
The Little Red Book of Wisdom by Mark Demoss is one of the most influencial books on "life" that I have ever read. It is a short read, but one that you will reference repeatedly. I purchased a few of these books to give to those I care about.
The Little Red Book of Wisdom.......2007-09-05
This book is a must read if you are searching or seeking to add unto your wisdom. Don't hesitate to purchase it...because it's worth the money you'll purchase it for.
A great read.......2007-09-01
Also good for a gift or for leaving on the coffee table / magazine rack for visitors.
Models and inspires integrity in business and family.......2007-08-28
You don't find many books that you honestly can't bear to put down. The Little Red Book of Wisdom is sincerely one of them. It is a testimonial book of sorts that models and inspires Christian integrity for business, family, and relationships in general.
The author runs a public relations business, and leads his company using Godly wisdom and sound priorities (family over business, people over $, and Godly integrity over everything).
Mark DeMoss attributes much of his ethos to his father who passed away when the author was only 17 years old. He says that his father was the wisest man he has ever known. I think it is astounding how much DeMoss' father impacted his life, and so many others vicariously through his son, when he invested only 17 short years with his boy. This teaches us to invest our time intently, and on the right things.
Hint on being wise.......2007-08-05
This was a wonderful book for all ages. It gives great insights on how to raise your chidren and how to survive work and Life.
Book Description
The Founder of JetBlue. The CEO of Dell Computers. The CEO ofDeloitte Touche. The Dean of the Harvard Business School. They all haveone thing in common. They are devout Mormons who spend their Sundaysexclusively with their families, never work long hours, and always puttheir spouses and children first. How do they do it? Now, criticallyacclaimed author and investigative journalist Jeff Benedict (a Mormonhimself) examines these highly successful business execs and discovers howtheir beliefs have influenced them, and enabled them to achieve incrediblesuccess. With original interviews and unparalleled access, Benedict shareswhat truly drives these individuals, and the invaluable life lessons fromwhich anyone can benefit.
Customer Reviews:
This book is not propaganda for the Mormon faith.......2007-08-24
I like the book; it is not a book of propaganda for the Mormon church. It talks about how some sucessful Mormon businessmen and CEO operate in accordance with the values taught by their faith. It is a useful addition to management literature. The book does not go into management theories and successful business models. It does not give you much empirical data based on surveys or business ratios. The focus of the book is on the moral values that make a difference in the lives of these individuals who make contributions to the company they work for, care for the employees, and have their self identity rooted in things (such as family, a desire to serve) other than wealth, fame, and status.
Yes, it make a lot of refernces to the Mormon faith. The author says it as he sees it. This book is good addition to the study of business ethics.
Helps to Realign Priorities .......2007-08-10
This is one of the better business books I have every read. It is a light read, and goes quickly. As I read the book, I considered my relationship with my own family. My 3 year old son kept approaching me on Saturday afternoon wanting to "color" with him. Rather than blowing him off and saying "I'm too busy," I put my book down and shared 10 minutes with him doing something HE felt was important. The greatest message is that the only titles that matter in this life are "Husband" and "Father." Everything else is irrelevant.
Knowing one of the principle subjects of the book, I appreciate the power of the strong women in the lives of these successful businessmen. To be successful at home and in life, a strong marriage & united partnership is key. As the Book of Matthew states, "By their fruits ye shall know them." You can plainly see that with these great families profiled.
A perfect read and excellent book to go by.......2007-07-03
Mormon or not the things that you learn from this book are wonderful. It is an easy read and very applicable skills and traits that anyone can use in their every day life.
The Mormon Way of Doing Business.......2007-05-13
I am a communication instructor at two New Jersey intitutions and found the book inspiring and helpful in gearing lectures to driven students looking to get ahead and network successfully. Great read!
Very inspireing and uplifting!!!.......2007-05-07
I loved every minute of this book, it was hard to put it down. I have read it twice, and will re-read it many times in the future.
The ideals, morales, and leadership skills discussed in this book hold true for all who have dealings with their fellow man, in the business world or on a personal level.
Book Description
This comprehensive and balanced book gives a thorough treatment of the most prominent issues of business ethics and the major positions and arguments on these issues.
An abundance of case studies help illustrate topics such as: whistle-blowing, discrimination and affirmative action, occupational health and safety, ethics in finance, and ethics in international business.
For professionals in the field who want an up-to-date discussion of the most prominent issues of business ethics.
Customer Reviews:
Outline review........2007-05-21
This product did not meet my expectation in any way. The description is very misleading, it is just a book of terms, there are no outlines or information that is useful is in studying. More than half of the terms are not even useful in the chapters that they are listed in.
Business Ethics.......2007-01-09
This is a good book to start studying the Business Ethics. Kind of convoluted to learn about the business ethics theories. The cases presented are very well described and right to the point based on the topics covered.
A great primer on business and ethics..........2005-08-02
Ethics is one of the topics that can be very stimulating or very dry. Fortunately, John R. Boatright is able to present a very engaging discussion filled with critical thinking, and practical examples. The examples mentioned are relevant and timely to any contemporary discussion of ethical issues in business. As a student of business, I commend any person interested in the topic to delve inside this great piece.
Very satisfied!.......2003-08-15
Shipment was timely and well packaged. Thank you! Will buy again
Excellent teaching text.......2001-02-16
Have used this text (2nd and now 3rd editions)to teach business ethics classes at the graduate and undergraduate levels for several years. It is well written and popular with students. Case studies represent the spectrum of ethics issues found in business today. The foundational ethics theory is clearly articulated, appropriate and sufficient.
Book Description
Professionals and business people in midlife are increasingly asking themselves 'what's next?' in their careers and personal lives. This book draws on the wisdom of the ages to help contemporary men and women plan for satisfying, useful, moral, and meaningful second halves of their lives. For centuries, the brightest people in Western societies have looked to Aristotle for guidance on how to lead a good life and how to create a good society. Now James O'Toole-the Mortimer J. Adler Senior Fellow of the Aspen Institute-translates that classical philosophical framework into practical, comprehensible terms to help professionals and business people apply it to their own lives and work. His book helps thoughtful readers address some of the profound questions they are currently struggling with in planning their futures:
Customer Reviews:
Strong start, disappointing finish.......2006-04-05
This book starts out with a strong review of Aristotle's ethics the application of these ethics to life in the 21st century. The writing is clear and easy to follow, even if you have no background in philosophy.
The second half of the book is weak. The book profiles people that the author believes have clearly failed or succeeded at finding happiness as Aristotle would define it. Unfortunately, almost all of the examples cited are wealthy, white men in their 50s, 60s and 70s. The book would have been much stronger if the author had profiled a broader range of people.
Different Recast on Aristotle's and Adler's work.......2005-05-31
The book is a recast of Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics which was summarized ih Mortimer Adler's Time of Our Lives. What James O'Toole does well is to weave his personal story and struggles with these issues in a language and context of today. I found this personal view refreshing and move Aristotle's theory to a very practical level. The book is clearly aimed at baby boomers, like himself, who are struggling with meaning and unfulfilled career aspirations. Personally, O'Toole's writing got me to think more about the question of whether all vices are "fun and exciting" and all virtue is "boring". The book is easy to ready and allows one to access easily Aristotle's important writings. I recommend it for anyone struggling with these issues.
P.B.
Boston, MA
A contemporary as well as classical guide to happiness.... .......2005-04-13
Perhaps you're now asking the same question I once did: "Given the fact that he lived almost 2,400 years ago, what could Aristotle possibly have to say that is directly relevant to me?" In fact, a great deal. So many of us today -- especially those at mid-life -- are engaged in a search to find meaning and happiness. We often ask, as Peggy Lee once did, "Is that all there is?" The purpose of this book is show how Aristotle is an effective guide on that search, and how he can help each of us find our own practical answer to a critically important question, "What's next?"
In an interview to appear in the July/August (2005) issue of Chamber Executive magazine, O'Toole observes that "Aristotle was the most practical of all great philosophers. His audience was the business and political leadership of his day. He offered them wisdom they could apply in their own lives -- practical advice on matters ranging from ethical business practices to effective philanthropy. Aristotle even describes 'virtuous non-retirement' -- the lifelong commitment to engage in leisure work which is characterized by pursuit of the 'highest good' of individual excellence and the 'complete good' of community service. He offers practical tests to help us determine how much wealth we need to support us while we engage in those activities."
O'Toole goes on to say, "So my challenge was not making Aristotle relevant to today's successful professionals and managers; instead, I faced the nearly impossible task of making his difficult language clear to modern readers [begin italics] without dumbing it down [end italics]. I had to find a way to explore the depth and complexity of Aristotle in a way that makes sense in an age of sound bites and blogs. After all, who ever heard of a [begin italics] serious [end italics] self-help book? But that's what I set out to write."
As O'Toole explains in this book, Aristotle struggled with many of the same difficult circumstances (more than two centuries ago) which most of us face in 2005: "...in his career as a teacher and a consultant to leaders of ancient Athens, Aristotle thought long and hard about what it means to live a good life and how much it takes to finance it. His thoughts on this matter are particularly applicable today, given the baby boom generation's anxiety over insufficient retirement savings and shaky investments: Aristotle shows how we can find happiness at almost any level of income. Moreover, he argues that the ability to find true contentment correlates only tangentially with the amount of money one has cached away. Unlike so many of today's `life advisors,' Aristotle integrates financial planning with the broader task of life planning."
Throughout human history, there has been a constant challenge to get lifestyle and quality of life in appropriate balance. As O'Toole notes, "Aristotelian ethics concern moral decisions related to how we should allocate the limited time of our lives. We must each plan how we will allocate our energies among such activities as earning, learning, playing, being with friends and family, and participating in the community. As we make these choices, Aristotle warns, we will fail to achieve 'the chief good' -- that is, we will fail to be happy -- if we pursue the wrong ends."
If the pursuit of philosophy is to serve as a practical guide to action, and I believe it is, then the wisdom which Aristotle gained from his own experiences will guide and inform our own pursuit and achievement of "the chief good": personal happiness. In the Foreword to one of O'Toole's previously published books, The Executive's Compass, Lodwrick M. Cook (former chairman and CEO of Atlantic Richfield Company) explains O'Toole's use of the central metaphor: "The beauty of the compass is that it provides a framework for the executive to create order out of the growing chaos of cultural diversity and conflict of values. Like a real compass, [O'Toole's 'value compass'] helps us to find where we are, where others are, where we want to go, and how to get there. Like the Aspen experience itself, O'Toole's compass is aimed at developing executive judgment by expanding our understanding of the interrelationships of fundamental values."
Cook's comments are also relevant to Creating the Good Life. For those now struggling to define and then create the good life for themselves, whatever their current circumstances may be, Aristotle's wisdom can indeed serve as a "compass." In this volume, O'Toole prepares his reader to use it effectively.
Book Description
More than 10,000 people turn 50 every day in the U.S.; how do they handle this shift? Claiming Your Place at the Fire invites this group of "new elders" to ask four key questions: Who am I? New elders synthesize and transfer the wisdom of the past into the present. Where do I belong? They have a powerful sense of where they have come from, where they are, and where they are going. How do I bring my passions alive? They rejoice in rediscovering their life's work, their calling, their vocation. What is my life's purpose? Freed from imposed schedules and demands, new elders now find the freedom to create their lives anew. This timely book describes how new older adults can rekindle the good life, relight the fire within, and share that warmth and light with others.
Customer Reviews:
My friend loves this book!.......2007-05-30
I gave this as a gift...and she loves this book!
Grow Alive Instead of Old.......2005-01-25
You can grow old in the darkness of night or grow alive in the light of your sun--your choice. Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro take you by the hand and help you see how to let go of the things that don't bring you alive and replace them with things that do. Can it really be that simple? You decide.
CLAIMING YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE lets you see how to believe that every second of human life is valuable. And, oh how our needy world needs the best of every single one of us. If you can answer a telephone and speak, you can volunteer for a prayer line where people call for comfort in times of turmoil and are so grateful when they get a live person.
When you are tempted to give in to your aches and pains, do remember Stephen Hawking, our modern day Einstein confined to a wheel chair, who had a body that was unable to respond to him. So, he used to the fullest what was able to respond to him, his mind, and blessed the entire universe with his wisdom.
Best of all, CLAIMING YOUR PLACE AT THE FIRE makes you feel warm and comfortable about walking your path instead of so afraid of what will happen to you.
Attention Boomers: Buy This Book!.......2004-09-02
As one who has benefited from Richard Leider's work during my own mid-life transition, this new work takes us into new (yet old) territory and reminds us of what's been lost in our society and in ourselves through the industrial era. The best is yet to be . . . and let Leider & Shapiro be your journey partners!
Average customer rating:
- It is about me and that's the good news!
- Misleading Title; Weak Information
- What you think of me is none of my business
- If you want a good motivational read, go someplace else
- Life Changing
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What You Think of Me is None of My Business
T. Cole-Whittaker
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ASIN: 051509479X |
Customer Reviews:
It is about me and that's the good news!.......2007-10-03
I began my personal growth journey years ago. The fact that I missed reading Terry Cole-Whittaker's work surprises me on one hand and delights me on the other...I just finished reading this gem, laughing, breathing deeply, savoring this perspective. It is in such alignment with who and where I am! Being reminded that 'my happiness is my responsibility and is not dependent on your behavior' is but one of the things that affirms that my life experience is an "inside job." I've been listening to Abraham CDs and attending workshops for some years now and when this book was mentioned, I bought one copy for myself and 5 for special people with whom I wanted to share. Her use of the words "God" and "Heavenly Father" initially distracted me. I quickly tranlasted them into "my" vocabulary and "all was truly well!"
Misleading Title; Weak Information.......2007-09-19
For those who choose to put their faith in themselves rather than something "out there," I'd like to suggest a couple of excellent titles that will encourage you to disregard what others say/do and build your self-esteem. My hubsand and I (both in our fifties and self-help, motivational junkies) actually had life-changing experiences with Larry Winget's "Shut Up, Stop Whining, and Get A Life" (and yes, Larry believes in God), as well as Randy Gage's "Why You're Dumb, Sick, and Broke." (Randy also has a strong belief system.)
Don't be offended or mislead by the titles. Both men are big-time motivational speakers who really have something to say and who teach you why others want you to buy their opinions . . . and how to build a solid foundation of self-esteem based on your own strengths.
And if you need a solidly-based kick in the derriere, try anything by Tony Robbins. You can't feel bad about yourself listening to or watching Tony.
I hope this helps someone out there . . . .
What you think of me is none of my business.......2006-09-08
The book was very helpful in my search for answers in my quest for self development. The book is a must for the beginner who are questioning there life and the way others influence us with there opinions and ideas.
If you want a good motivational read, go someplace else.......2006-04-26
This has to be the worst book that i have read in a long time, she write's with a bunch of double talking never really giving clear idea's. Reading the title it sounds like a good read, one that would help you to get a better prospective on life. But instead she alluded to the idea that there is no "right and wrong" in life rather just state's of mind. If you want inspirational thinking and idea mining go read "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill.
Life Changing.......2006-02-28
I read Terry Cole-Whitaker at a troublesome time in my life; a time when I was riddled with self-doubt, low self-esteem.
Terry's book was a remarkable revelation and absolutely life changing in how I looked at life. More importantly, how I viewed myself! Her vulnerability to explain her own life's successes and failures was life giving to me.
I highly recommend her book for anyone wishing to experience a dramatic shift in how they see themselves. Enormously uplifting. Bravo, Terry Cole-Whitaker.
Peggy J. Pattison, Author, Speaker
www.PeggyPattison.com
www.kissuniversity.com
Book Description
Ethics in business is the most urgent problem facing America today. Now two of the best-selling authors of our time, Kenneth Blanchard and Norman Vincent Peale, join forces to meet this crisis head-on in this vitally important new book. The Power of Ethical Management proves you don't have to cheat to win. It shows today's managers how to bring integrity back to the workplace. It gives hard-hitting, practical, ethical strategies that build profits, productivity, and long-term success.
From a straightforward three-step Ethics Check that helps you evaluate any action or decision, to the "Five P's" of ethical behavior that will clarify your purpose and your goals, The Power of Ethical Management gives you an immensely useful set of tools. These can be put to work right away to enhance the performance of your business and to enrich the quality of your life. The Power of Ethical Management is no theoretical treatise; Peale and Blanchard speak from their own enormous and unique experience, They reveal the nuts and bolts, practical strategies for ethical decisions that will show you why integrity pays.
"So Vince Lombardi was wrong. Winning is not the only thing as headlines and hearings from Wall Street to Washington confirm. Now comes a better game plan from the powerful one-two punch of Ken Blanchard and Norman Vincent Peale in a quickreading new book, The Power of Ethical Management. Peale and Blanchard may be the best thing that has happened to business ethics since Mike Wallace invented 60 Minutes.
- -- JOHN MACK CARTIER
- Editor-in-Chief
- Good Housekeeping
Customer Reviews:
Great, Quick, & Meaningful .......2007-06-11
The Power of Ethical Management, by Norman V. Peale, is a fine book on leadership and making the right decision for the right reason. The book is a fast read and very straightforward. Though simple in its delivery, the message goes down easy and is meaningful. As a leader/manager in business or government, this book reinforces valuable lessons about treating people the right way for the right reasons; and how that leads to productive and motivated employees. 5 Stars.
Excellent book.......2006-03-13
This book will be used as a resource in our leadership library. Excellent, short, to the point leadership book.
the Power of Ethical Management.......2005-09-25
An easy read with great wisdom. Every individual should read this book, even the nominal employee as it has insight regarding moral decision-making in and out of the workplace.
Ken Blanchard has done it again!.......2002-04-09
Simply one of the best (if not THE best), most enjoyable, and most entertaining books on ethics, morality, character, and leadership.
This short and easy to read masterpiece by two of the most influential business and spiritual thinkers of our time should be required reading for all managers and leaders in any organization - business, family, government, military, etc. The stories and situations used to teach the many commonsense (but unfortunately not common practice) lessons are real and recognizable to everyone. The power and wisdom behind the three "Ethics Check" questions and the "Five P's of Ethical Power" for individuals and organizations are priceless.
If you ever wondered why some people and organizations make such a big deal about ethics, read this book and you will wonder why more people and organizations do not make ethics their top priority.
Ethical issues pondered and pontificated on............2000-06-16
I have always been a fan of Mr.Peale's books so when my college professor assigned this book as mandatory reading, I was delighted. I enjoyed the use of parables to talk about ethical issues. Each story made you think about ethics and how/when to apply them. I do not know about Mr.Blanchard's writings but I think he focused on the business aspects of ethical dilemmas. The 2 authors make a good team and wrote a very informational book. There are lots of great sayings as well as principles about ethics. An enjoyable read as well as a thought-provoking little book.
Download Description
"Next time someone tells you business can't be done ethically-corners must be cut, negotiations can't be honest-hand them Jon Huntsman's new book. Who's Jon Huntsman? Just someone who started with practically nothing, and built a world-class business that carried him to Forbes' list of America's wealthiest people. Here, he presents the lessons of a lifetime: a passionate, inspirational manifesto for returning to the days when your word was your bond, a handshake was sacred, and swarms of lawyers weren't needed to back it up.
This is no mere exhortation. It's as practical as a book can get. It's about how you listen to your moral compass. It's about how you build teams with the highest values...share success...take responsibility...earn the rewards that only come with giving back. Huntsman built his career and fortune on these principles-from his refusal of the Nixon administration's corrupt demands, to his lifelong commitment to charity, to the way he approaches his biggest deals.
You don't live these principles just to ""succeed"": you live them because they're right. But in an age of many business scandals, Huntsman's life proves honesty is more than right: it's your biggest competitive differentiator."
Customer Reviews:
Easy Read and Well Worth It.......2007-02-14
I blew threw this book. It is such an easy read and it held my interest the whole way through. Now, I consider myself different for even having an interest in this book because I think the people who NEED to read this book would never even consider it. Jon Huntsman calls for a return of old time values where your word is your bond and you consider giving more than hoarding.
It was an excellent book and it helped me look at all aspects of my life and work and find room for improvement throughout. I highly recommend it to everyone with a conscience.
A Diamond In The Rough.......2006-04-15
"Play by the rules. Keep your word." This is, easier said than done. But it's still a vital principle to stand and abide by. Honesty and integrity are certainly not always followed in the competitive business world. However integrity, trust, and reputation, is an ideal. And in some industries, the only ones that survive and prosper are those that cultivate, trust.
When someone ascends to the stratosphere in any niche, profession, or circumstance they can advise the rest of us, and base this advice largely on past anecdotal experiences. Author Jon Huntsman has achieved many things and he's had a lot of experiences in life. He worked as a staff assistant to Richard Nixon, on H.R. Halderman's staff. Not willing to cow-tow to unethical requests, he didn't last long in in Nixon's administration. He was also one of the few upper-level staffer to emerge out of Watergate unscathed. Huntsman didn't like Nixon because he didn't give enough to charity. He became a billionaire in the international business realm -- He also came from nothing. The world has grown more complex and fast-paced in recent decades. And appropriately, this book does NOT say that the world of business competition is all roses, because it isn't the case. But the value of integrity is very powerful.
Beginning with Chapter One: Lessons from the sandbox to the philosophical points of this book vs. reality in 2006:
Huntsman strongly advocates building and maintaining employee loyalty. This has proven to be the most productive model. Turnover does lessen it today, however. In recent years there have been several instances of unethical behavior in U.S. business. Indictments and convictions for fraud, and numerous other crimes committed. Is this corruption and criminal activity in U.S. business practices increasing? Or, was it just not as exposed as much in the past? Is the American business mind-set and model changing for the worse? Maybe. Maybe not. Whatever the case, the recent crimes have resulted in a substantial loss of public, regulatory, and legal faith and trust, in accounting, basic transparency. Workers' incomes have declined for decades, but CEOs give themselves multi-million dollar salaries, lump-sum pay raises, and bonuses - even after - pensions are wiped out. The Board prospers even in companies that are losing millions and even billions of dollars, per year.
Who should be reading this book?
I do like Huntsman's withdrawal from Mitsubishi business project in Thailand he'd invested in, by refusing to pay bribes. Unfortunately, companies that want into East Asian markets have to grease some elbows to be allowed in. The corporations and business people that pay, get in. Those that don't, are excluded. It's not right, but that's the way it is. Huntsman did note that he'd made "handshake deals" on price, securing his position, even though later the the price increased shortly thereafter before purchasing. In the U.S. and most places in the world today, "handshake deals" don't work because of the risk and potential loss involved. As for Huntsman take of the high road, when someone "talks about himself" in a self-congratulatory way, my red flags go up a little. Especially if they are an American.
Again, the concept of "Winners never cheat," is an ideal. In reality there are many of the victors who do cheat. But it still....is an ideal....one of which we must abide by, espouse, and practice, if the U.S. will continue to be the dominant player in international business in our global, economically interdependent, and ultra-competitive, world. I strongly believe as studies suggest, that U.S. dominance of economics, creativity and innovation, are because Americans in general, play by the rules, and can be trusted more than many foreign individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Huntsman deserves credit. He recognizes his faults and works toward being a better person. Many of us don't do this.
This book is a positive diamond in the contemporary business rough.
Self-Made Billionaire Justifiably Looks Inward for Unyielding Strength in Character.......2006-01-20
Having just read Senator John McCain's book, "Character Is Destiny: Inspiring Stories Every Young Person Should Know and Every Adult Should Remember", I can see how Salt Lake City billionaire philanthropist Jon Huntsman can get passionate about the same subject. Both books contain the overriding message that there is nothing circumstantial when it comes to people who achieve greatness, that in fact, they achieve greatness as a result of their own character. Whereas McCain uses a diverse gallery of 34 real people as his examples, Huntsman looks more inward toward his own experiences to illustrate the same conclusions. In so doing, he offers a "moral compass" by which business leaders and others can live.
Huntsman reflects on his childhood in Blackfoot, Idaho, where his father imbued him with the ethical standards by which he runs his corporation. He contends that children raised without an emphasis on honesty and virtue will find their truth in evasions and loopholes. Because they get away with it, they grow up to employ the same feeble excuses in their business and professional lives when they are caught doing something we knew we shouldn't be doing. We rationalize that immoral behavior is accepted practice. Shifting responsibility away from ourselves has become an art form. Parental example, whether for good or bad, is undoubtedly the most powerful influence on a child's moral and social development, especially for those not exposed to other role models or a caring educational environment.
It's a compact book, 185 pages, and the ten chapters have titles that seem more appropriate for a Gail Sheehy self-help manual. However, the truths that he espouses have great value and show Huntsman to be someone who lives by his rules. In particular, on his chapter about the obligation to give back, he is not afraid to expose Richard Nixon as someone who did not epitomize character. As his White House special assistant and staff secretary, he saw that Nixon gave only $500 to charity on a declared income of over $400K in 1971. Whether "that pittance was more onerous than Watergate" is arguable, but at least the author infers a valid point about how Nixon's alleged lack of character marked his Presidency.
Today we see leaders who willfully cast off the moral and ethical values they had inherited given the opportunity for personal economic betterment. The dissemination of acquired ethical standards may be more gradual in some cases versus others, as ambitious entrepreneurs succumb to the unrelenting pressure and intensely competitive atmosphere of modern business. Regaining public trust in the private sector, according to Huntsman, is imperative through the execution of a number of key principles - operating businesses and organizations as if they are family-owned; surrounding oneself with associates who listen to their conscience and act accordingly; and of treating customers, colleagues, employees and competitors with respect. His other points are even more fundamental - set the example; revenge is unproductive; return favors and give back to help those less fortunate.
Huntsman has certainly achieved a lot in his life to justify authoring this book, becoming one of the nation's largest philanthropists and raising a son who was recently elected the governor of Utah. Still, I think McCain's more deflective approach of using historical figures as prototypes of powerful character provides somewhat more resonance than an autobiographical treatise. I also could have done without an afterword by FOX News Channel commentator Neil Cavuto or a quote of praise from Dick Cheney. Whether intentional or not, their politically controversial presence undermines Huntsman's invaluable perspective.
A Donation from Jon M. Huntsman .......2006-01-13
Jon M. Huntsman writes, “Donations don’t always have to be money. In many ways, time is more precious than dollars. Giving of one’s time, lending one’s stature, and providing one’s expertise can be as meaningful as money (p.163).” Really, his excellent study is donation for me. I would like to share this donation to everybody with the following notes from this invaluable book:
• “The principles we learned as children were simple and fair. They remain simple and fair. With moral compasses programmed in the sandboxes of long ago, we can navigate career courses with values that guarantee successful lives, a path that is good for one’s mental and moral well-being, not to mention long-term material success (p.15).”
• “Values provide us with ethical water wings whose deployment is as critical in today’s wave tossed corporate boardrooms as they were in yesterday’s classrooms (p.29).”
• “Courage may be the single most important factor in identifying leadership. Individuals may know well what is right and what is wrong but fail to act decisively because they lack the courage their values require (p.66).”
• “As captains of our own character, it is essential we understand the great legacy of trust and integrity. We will be remembered for truthful disclosures and promises kept (p.85).”
• “Your word is your greatest asset; honesty is your best virtue (p.85).”
• “Life is not a game of solitaire; people depend on one another. When one does well, the others are lifted. When one stumbles, others also impacted. There are no one-man teams – either by definition or natural law. Success is a cooperative effort; it’s dependent upon those who stand beside you (pp.90-91).”
• “Some people earn admiration and respect. If you must choose one, however, go for respect every time (p.93).”
• “There is no book written, no guideline crafted or class devised that explain how to activate courage. Courage comes from deep within one’s being. Courage is not the understanding of what is right or wrong. Rather, it is the strength to choose the right course (pp.95-96).”
• “Most companies and individuals seek success and respect. To reach these goals requires a sense of compassion for others and desire to make others happy. Happiness is so meaningful to our lives. It often comes to us when we try to make others happy. Graciousness is catching (pp.127-128).”
• “In a family business, check your ego at the door. There is no room for self-aggrandizement or self-promotion. In a family business, everyone knows the abilities and shortcomings of the others. There are no secrets. The success of family business relies on trust, respect, and love (pp.144-145).”
• “Be a cheerleader for each other. Seek good fortune for the other person first. Most family businesses end up in disarray because of the selfish interests of one or another sibling (p.145).”
• “All companies – public or private – must create a culture in which employees come first and are treated royally. Believe me, they always return the favor (p.150).”
• “It is of little consequence where or how or to whom we give. What really matters is our attitude (p.162).”
• “True giving is doing something for somebody who can never repay you (p.169).”
• “The elders of any society frequently view the younger generation as possessing fewer values than they have, but the fact is we all start out the same. Each generation has unique challenges; no generation has a monopoly on values (p.174).”
Strongly recommended
The way things ought to be in business and politics.......2006-01-04
Jon Huntsman is a rare jewel in the apparent sea of mud that is the conduct of American business and politics. Leaders, from the CEO on down are constantly being indicted and the business trade journals are filled with stories of the outwardly illegal to the ethically questionable. Things are no better in politics. Elections are now more than ever decided by which side can make the most negative charges on the other stick. As I was watching the news today, lobbyist Jack Abramoff has reached a plea agreement where he will name the members of Congress that he claims took money in return for favorable political treatment. During that news program, journalist Chris Matthews of "Hardball" fame was narrating as Abramoff was walking out of the courthouse. Matthews called the guy "Satan." I was so surprised that I turned to my partner and asked her, "Did he really use the word Satan?" She agreed that that was what Matthews said.
Huntsman believes that business negotiations can be concluded with a handshake that is a binding contract. He has given up millions of dollars in business compensation because he verbally agreed to a price before the value appreciated in his favor. He has also made charitable contributions a fundamental part of his business activity and actually took out a bank loan when business took a downturn just so he could maintain the previous level of charitable giving.
Honesty and integrity are fundamental parts of his business life, and he expects those who work for him to act the same way. Since the family company he built has made him a billionaire, it is clear that he is truly a nice guy who has finished first. I was impressed with him, it is clear that the American business and political climate would be a much better and profitable place if his message were taken more seriously. Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that many people will start to live in the manner he does.
What amazed me the most about Huntsman was the fact that he worked in the White House in the Nixon administration. Nixon crony H. R. Haldeman was his boss and encouraged him to engage in questionable behavior to aid Nixon. He refused to yield to the pressure, and the end result was that he was one of the few people in that group who never had to answer to legal authorities. Any man who could do that deserves to be admired and respected. I give him that and five stars for an inspirational book that unfortunately will not affect as many people as it should.
Customer Reviews:
Required Class reading.......2007-05-12
I bought this book for a class that I was taking in Bioethics. At first glance the book looked very dry. But actually it was well organized and well written. I don't know if I would have read this text without it being a requirement but for the class it was a good choice. I also enjoyed the case studies that were at the end of every chapter.
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