Amazon.com
"Learning the game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of perspective," writes Robert Greene. Mastery of one's emotions and the arts of deception and indirection are, he goes on to assert, essential. The 48 laws outlined in this book "have a simple premise: certain actions always increase one's power ... while others decrease it and even ruin us."
The laws cull their principles from many great schemers--and scheming instructors--throughout history, from Sun-Tzu to Talleyrand, from Casanova to con man Yellow Kid Weil. They are straightforward in their amoral simplicity: "Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit," or "Discover each man's thumbscrew." Each chapter provides examples of the consequences of observance or transgression of the law, along with "keys to power," potential "reversals" (where the converse of the law might also be useful), and a single paragraph cleverly laid out to suggest an image (such as the aforementioned thumbscrew); the margins are filled with illustrative quotations. Practitioners of one-upmanship have been given a new, comprehensive training manual, as up-to-date as it is timeless.
Book Description
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.
Customer Reviews:
Made up stories.......2007-10-12
The book is interesting but most of the stories sound made up to fit the author's point. He even admits in one of the last chapters that when something has happened in the past, you can reinterpret it and insert your own lines (p.397).
VERY USEFUL IF YOU ARE NEW TO A BIG CITY.......2007-10-08
The world as battle-field. It doesn't get any better than this if success is what you're looking for!
Disgusting! Don't buy this book!.......2007-10-06
If you want a guide on how to be manipulative, amoral and corrupt at everyone else's expense...this is for you. As for me, I was disgusted from page one....it goes completely against everything I believe in. "Never put too much trust in friends" ...must be awfully lonely in such a world where you can trust no one. Perhaps that's because you've stabbed everyone in the back. This "looking out for #1" at all costs is what is wrong with the world today. If any book EVER deserved to be burned...this is it!
Portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power........2007-09-16
When I first acquired this book, I delved into the text and was fascinated by what is never taught in school, hardly at work, even with people; as this book states wisely, many people would like to keep to themselves and therefore many who have power hardly share it, unless a deal is behind it. The book itself may be a paradox in parts, and the methods used may be controversial; yet it has the essential basic "training" in order to strive to the top.
Sometimes one wonders if this will work, or does this author fool us into purchasing this book. It may show a pessimistic world of beguile, secrecy, envy and greed; however this portrays a realistic view of the world while rising up in power.
Brilliantly written, with worthy examples of great thinkers, philosophers and military officials of history; this concise edition will keep you on the ground reading, whilst teaching you how to propel in the air and on top of the world.
USMC- Commandant's reading list.......2007-07-25
In the interest of full disclosure, I'm Army - 16yrs. From 2000 thru 2006 I was stationed in Okinawa and the best place for all service members to buy books so deployed (Amazon aside) was from the bookstore on Camp Foster (across from the movie theatre). For at least a good 6 months (in 2002) this book was prominently featured on the shelves with a tag identifying it as having made the USMC Commandant's Reading List (or, a book senior commisioned Marine Corps leadership consider beneficial to Marines (enlisted and commisioned) seeking guidance on professional development). Intrigued, I bought it. I won't go into a lengthy review here: in a nutshell; the book lists a series of TTPs (tactics, techniques and procedures) designed to maximize one's advantage when negotiating interpersonal realationships both professional and personal. Some of these TTPs involve elements of manipulation, subterfuge, and dishonesty that clearly cross the boundaries of unethical behavior. It bothered me not just a little that Marines or Soldiers (young and old) might consider using the advice in this book as means of advancing their careers or solidifying leadership positions within their respective units.
I do know some of the book's reccomendations are in direct conflict with The Army Values, and according to at least two USMC Staff NCOs (both good friends) this is also the case regarding their own code of professional conduct. One of the Marines in question wrote a letter (to whom -I don't know) expressing his concern. A few months later the book assumed a less prominent residence on the shelves. Nonetheless; I never failed to see it lodged in the odd bookshelf in someone's (usually an officer) professional space - from time to time. I consider its presence an indicator for stepping up one's vigilance when dealing with the books's owner.
Book Description
"Torts Personal Injury Litigation", 4th Edition is a necessity for paralegal and legal secretary students. Complete with current "hot topic" legal issues, this 4th edition provides an in-depth overview of the law of torts and identifies the role of the paralegal within tort litigation. Case studies examine such timely controversial issues as AIDS, the alleged tort committed by President Clinton, breast implants and attacks on abortion clinics. These case studies allow the reader to examine court opinions, which are the central documents in the law of torts.
Customer Reviews:
Good man, good info. Is really trying to help you. .......2005-05-29
Charles Givens died before his time. I appreciated his way of explaining things. Because he spoke with authority, he actually lived what he was talking about. And I believe he was genuinely attempting to help people see the way to get out of their mundane 9-5 debt slavery and see a brighter way. I know he got into trouble in later years, but from reading all his books and getting to know him from his writings, I believe he was a decent person who cared. I think everyone needs to know what is in this book. Granted some references are dated, but that is only because he is dead and can no longer update his work. Would highly recommend this book as one of many references to the road to independent wealth, many people just dream about it, the real deal busts his backside getting the info he needs to attain his goal. Because knowledge is indeed power.
Read this along with More Wealth Without Risk.......2004-07-08
This great book by the late, great Charles Givens along with More Wealth Without Risk is all the protecion you need to save yourself from dangerous advice disseminated from brokers, insurance salesmen, car dealers, financial advisors or planners.
Financial Self Defense is actually even more hard hitting that More Wealth Without Risk. One area that I saved was in buying cars. Following the advice in this book, I bought my dream car, sold my old car myself and pocketed nearly $10,000 in savings compared to what I would have spent had I followed conventional wisdom.
Great book Mr. "G". Rest in peace and thank you.
Great companion to More Wealth Without Risk.......2004-03-13
If you have already read More Wealth Without Risk, you probably think you have all of Mr. Givens best strategies. Not so. Financial Self Defense is even better and offers more strategies to reach your financial dreams.
In Financial Self Defense, Givens goes right after banks, brokers, auto salesmen and even the IRS, exposing the schemes and scams perpetrated by these people.
My son was going to buy a car. I loaned him Financial Self Defense and he saved over $6,000 with the advice. A $14 book saved $6,000. Now that's not bad!
Most of us are wasting an easy $1,000 per month in financial mistakes. Givens shows you how to plug up the dike and use that money to invest or improve your lifestyle.
More Wealth Without Risk is excellent and Financial Self Defense is in many ways even better. Read both and prosper.
I learned a lot about taxes and I was already tax savvy.......2004-02-05
I had been for many years an aggressive tax preparer and felt that I know just about everything there was to know about taxes. Givens books Financial Self Defense and More Wealth Without Risk taught me many strategies that I wasn't aware of.
Also recommend SuperSelf, a super personal development book by Givens and Money Mastery another great book on reducing taxes...legally.
One of three must read financial books.......2003-12-01
Before reading Charles Givens Financial Self-Defense, I was drifting aimlessly with my finances. I had purchased other financial books by supposed "experts" and listened to financial advice by other so called "experts" and came out on the losing end.
Charles Givens was a master at money strategies. He empowers us all to take control of our personal finances and not leave it in the hands of commissioned financial people and other financial authors who are using your ignorance for their bliss.
In Financial Self-Defense, Givens uncovers all of the tricks that various professionals do that costs us thousands and thousands of dollars over a financial lifetime.
This is one of three must read books. The other two are More Wealth Without Risk also by Givens and The Millionaire Mind. Another book to read is SuperSelf by Givens which will help you maximize effectiveness. For Wealth Builders, I also strongly recommend Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Be careful with other books written by people who do not have your best interests at heart. Givens is on your side. You'llbe surprised to find out who isn't.
Average customer rating:
- Spirit of Zen
- Classic.
- Worthwhile Strategy
- Good advice
- A study of conflict
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Book of Five Rings: The Classic Guide to Strategy
Miyamoto Musashi
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The Art of War (Shambhala Classics)
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The Art of War: (Miniature book)
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Hagakure: The Book of the Samauri
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The Unfettered Mind: Writings of the Zen Master to the Sword Master
ASIN: 0517415283
Release Date: 1988-05-28 |
Amazon.com
To learn a Japanese martial art is to learn Zen, and although you can't do so simply by reading a book, it sure does help--especially if that book is The Book of Five Rings. One of Japan's great samurai sword masters penned in decisive, unfaltering terms this certain path to victory, and like Sun Tzu's The Art of War it is applicable not only on the battlefield but also in all forms of competition. Always observant, creating confusion, striking at vulnerabilities--these are some of the basic principles. Going deeper, we find suki, the interval of vulnerability, of indecisiveness, of rest, the briefest but most vital moment to strike. In succinct detail, Miyamoto records ideal postures, blows, and psychological tactics to put the enemy off guard and open the way for attack. Most important of all is Miyamoto's concept of rhythm, how all things are in harmony, and that by working with the rhythm of a situation we can turn it to our advantage with little effort. But like Zen, this requires one task above all else, putting the book down and going out to practice. --Brian Bruya
Book Description
Translated by V. Harris. Japan's answer to the Harvard MBA...Written over three centuries ago by a Samurai warrior, the book has been hailed as a limitless source of psychological insight for businessmen-or anyone who relies on strategy and tactics for outwitting the competition.
Customer Reviews:
Spirit of Zen.......2007-10-19
This is actually a great book on practical Zen in a way of swordmanship in medieval Japan. Two heaven sword tehnique is described there but it is difficult to understand for people who doesn't use to martial art.
Classic........2007-06-18
This book is only a translation of the original. You may not find the extensive commentary you seek. While written centuries ago, Miyamoto Musashi, in my judgment, didn't write a book just about how to fight.
Reading this book with an open mind will surprise the reader. Deep thought and reflection will be needed. The areas to which the principles in this book may be applied (such as lessons in leadership and politics) and the success in said application are only limited to the amount of imagination and study put forth by the reader.
It offers a great deal of knowledge for every day life, and even if you never pick up a sword, or raise your fists, you will find his philosophy extends well beyond the realm of martial arts and battle strategy.
To some readers you will not be able to fully grasp all of the concepts and ideas presented after one reading. This book is invaluable and definitely invites repeated readings as new insight is to be found as your understanding deepens. I'm not sure if a single review could do this book justice because each time you re-read this book your thoughts are guaranteed to be provoked and you will definitely walk away each time with a new form of enlightenment and that is my reason for giving it Five stars *****.
Worthwhile Strategy.......2007-06-10
This is powerful book to read and UTILIZE in your life. While it can easily be taken for face value as a book on physical fighting strategy, it is more than that. One can take many of the thoughts and translate them to a more theoretical use on strategy. For example, a quote speaking of "the gaze" relating to seeing an enemy and their movements: "It is important in strategy to know the enemy's sword and not to be distracted by insignificant movements of his sword". This could easily be translated to business, sports, etc. Just substitute "sword" for the essence of the thought to apply to "business", "army", "team", etc.
The first 3rd of the book is a historical account of events of Musashi's life, and also includes many images of artwork created by Musashi. They are black and white however. The rest of the book is the actual "Book of Five Rings". It consists of 5 "books": ground, water, fire, wind and the void. It is to be noted Musashi after a time found he did not need to follow any particular "Way" and practiced many.
Regarding the layout of the book, I like the footnotes at the bottom of many of the pages which help describe words or thoughts you may not have easily or readily known otherwise.
---*** THE BOTTOM LINE ***---
A good book to have, with worthwhile strategy, although, regarding strategy I prefer Sun Tzu's "Art of War".
Good advice.......2007-01-09
The only good advice I ever got from a book came from this one: "Do nothing which is of no use" (p. 49). The Book of Five Rings has a lot of good advice, but that's the one that speaks most clearly to my condition. The Book of Five Rings must be read as metaphor, because life conditions today are so different from those of medieval Japan. But Mushashi was a wise and powerful thinker, and his ideas apply well beyond battle strategy. He lived integrity: unity and purity of thought, word, and deed, and his rare qualities are always worth studying and emulating.
A study of conflict.......2006-08-14
This book is great for anyone interested in personal development. It is a guide in focused self-discipline. It is also a guide to successful navigation of conflict.
This translation is the best I've read. It is free of superfluous footnotes and pedantic commentary. The commentary that is included before each chapter is brief and helpful.
Average customer rating:
- Proponent Who Stays Generally Fair
- shrill
- Keep away
- Relies too much on anecdotal evidence
- Even good for a course
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In Defense of Globalization
Jagdish Bhagwati
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
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Globalization and Its Discontents
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ASIN: 0195300033 |
Book Description
In the passionate debate that currently rages over globalization, critics have been heard blaming it for a host of ills afflicting poorer nations, everything from child labor to environmental degradation and cultural homogenization. Now Jagdish Bhagwati, the internationally renowned economist, takes on the critics, revealing that globalization, when properly governed, is in fact the most powerful force for social good in the world today. Drawing on his unparalleled knowledge of international and development economics, Bhagwati explains why the "gotcha" examples of the critics are often not as compelling as they seem. With the wit and wisdom for which he is renowned, Bhagwati convincingly shows that globalization is part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Customer Reviews:
Proponent Who Stays Generally Fair.......2007-08-10
When I started this book I was prepared to dislike it. I've read several books criticizing globalization and I generally view globalizations cheerleaders as corporate tools. The book started weak but finished strong and I've decided to divide my review up into the Good, the Bad and the Ugly or in this case the Bad, the Ugly and the Good.
The Bad
The author has a tendency to absolve globalization of all ills unless a direct cause and effect can be drawn. For example, he writes that although pollution is a global problem it's not necessarily a problem of globalization. Unfortunately the environmental cost of filling your cart at Wal-Mart with items shipped from around the world is real and irrefutably a result of globalization. The author also takes a rather condescending swipe at the concept of sustainable development.
Besides ecological damage perhaps the number one danger of unrestrained capitalism is the concentration of wealth, however, Mr. Bhagwati prefers to look at the upside of obscene opulence stating that a billionaire like Bill Gates, having more money than he can possibly spend, donates the bulk of his fortune towards social good. The way I see it for every Bill Gates there's a dozen Scaife's, Coors' and Murdoch's using their fortunes to manipulate government for their own ends. Even if the world WAS filled with benevolent billionaires like Gates do the rest of us really want to be dependent on the handouts of the ultra-wealthy like mana from Heaven? No thanks.
The Ugly
Jagdish Bhagwati only quotes occasionally but one person who makes it into the book is Tom Delay. It's clear throughout the book that the author leans to the right of center but quoting such a toxic jerk to defend globalizations really leaves me questioning the author's judgment. Another thing that really bothered me was his implication that Chilean president Salvador Allende brought the coup, which ended his life, on himself by choosing `to move dramatically to the left'.
The final is a biggie. Mr. Bhagwati defends sweatshops by claiming that the workers WANT to work half days or more. He quotes a Hong Kong factory manager who says, "It's actually pretty annoying how hard they want to work. It means we have to worry about security and have a supervisor around almost constantly." I don't even know how to respond to that one.
The Good
Mr. Bhagwati does recognize and admit many of the problems of globalization particularly the asymmetry of justice in the WTO dispute mechanism which favors the powerful. The issue is that poor countries really have no means of retaliating against wealthy countries that break trade agreements. Another issue is the way the Adam Smith `invisible hand' proponents' work to crib the system in their favor. Businesses and conservatives want to see restrictions eliminated on multinationals but then turn right around and beg for subsidies. The cozy relationship between business and politics has moved into very unhealthy territory and the author astutely points out that what we in the United States call lobbying is referred to by a different name elsewhere, bribery.
I was glad to see that the author is no cheerleader for right wing economic theories. He recognizes that freeing capital can only happen after regulatory institutions, particularly a stable, relatively corruption free banking system is in place. I was also pleased by the authors claim that, "As a citizen of the United States, I weigh in on the side of environmentalists and am rooting for them to win." Finally Mr. Bhagwati referred to supply-sider as `bad-economists' which really scored points with me.
It's a fairly good book hurt by some really bad points. Mr. Bhagwati is no right wing globalization flag waver but likewise he seems to put more faith in multinationals than they perhaps deserve. As pro-globalization books go this one is worth reading.
shrill.......2007-04-30
This is a standard defense of globalization and free trade, similar to what you would read in Why Globalization Works (Yale Nota Bene), Making Globalization Work or The Return of Depression Economics. But I recommend any of those books over this one because none of them are as shrill as this one. Bhagwati is not above ad hom attacks, and he chases a few rabbits too many.
Of course he has earned the right to his opinions, having been an influential economist for many decades. But we'll have to forgive him for some crankiness, perhaps because he's just that tired of having to defend free trade against mindless criticisms, or perhaps because he's getting too old for patience and diplomacy.
Keep away.......2007-02-18
A horrible defence of globalization. Ad hominem. Dimmening the big picture by giving small, biased examples.
The first 50 pages and a few random excepts had me determined that the author is so evil that I don't even want to read the whole book.
There's also a lot of stating the obvious. The transitions from one issue to another are annoyingly long. Too dumbed-down for me...
Relies too much on anecdotal evidence.......2007-01-23
While I don't have a generally negative attitude towards globalization, I was disappointed by this book. My hope was to find a scientific argument that puts what seems to be fragmentary and anecdotal evidence against globalization in perspective. Instead, the author simply counters anecdotal evidence by other anecdotal evidence. For instance, he uses the example of his own maid to argue that migrant women, who leave their home countries and children behind, often do so voluntarily. This is a game which, as reviewer Baumgartner points out, can be played ad infinitum, but ultimately leaves the reader with no new insight.
Even good for a course.......2007-01-06
I read this book for a class titled Economics of Globalization. ALthough I did not have to read all of it, it was well-written enough and interesting enough that I will soon read the parts I missed. The author does a very good job presenting the evidence and his view. If more people read globalization books such as this one, perhaps less would be scared of the change and look more for ways to peacefully adapt and prepare them selves.
Book Description
As violence spreads in Iraq, many have been stunned by the extensive roles that private firms now are playing in the fighting. In seeking to understand exactly what was going on, ABC, BBC, CBS, CNN, The Economist, Fox News, The New York Times, The New Yorker, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, PBS, USA Today, and the Washington Post all turn to one source: Corporate Warriors: The Rise of the Privatized Military Industry.
Named among the year's top five books in international affairs by the Gelber Prize, P.W. Singer's groundbreaking book from Cornell University Press explores one of the most interesting, but little understood developments in modern warfare. Over the last decade, a global trade in hired military services has emerged. Known as "privatized military firms" (PMFs), these businesses range from small consulting firms, who sell the advice of retired generals, to transnational corporations that lease out wings of fighter jets or battalions of commandos. Such firms number in the hundreds. They have an estimated annual revenue of over $100 billion. And, they presently fill military roles in over fifty countries, including in Afghanistan and Iraq. From recent events in Iraq, where some 15,000 private military contractors work on behalf of the coalition, including the four men brutally killed in an ambush in Fallujah earlier this year, to Latin America, where three American private military contractors have been held captive by Colombian rebels for the last 16 months, to Sub-Saharan Africa, where private military personnel earlier this year were arrested as part of an alleged coup plot in Zimbabwe and Equatorial Guinea, these firms appear in the world's hotspots and headlines again and again. Yet, until Corporate Warriors, no book has opened up this powerful new industry to the public eye.
Now released in paperback, Corporate Warriors provides the first comprehensive analysis of the private military industry. The book traces the firms' historic roots in the mercenary outfits of the past and the more recent underlying causes that led to their emergence at the end of the Cold War. In a series of detailed company portraits, Singer then describes how the industry operated and the three sectors within the industry: how military provider firms, like Executive Outcomes, a South African company made up of ex-Apartheid fighters, offer front-line combat services; how military consulting firms, like MPRI, a Virginia-based firm staffed by U.S. Army veterans, provide strategic and military training expertise for clients around the world; and, finally, how military support firms, like Vice President Cheney's former Halliburton-Brown & Root, carry out multi-billion dollar military logistics and maintenance services, including running the U.S. military's supply train in Iraq.! In fact, the book's portrait of how exactly Halliburton got into the lucrative, but now controversial, military support business has served as a resource for investors, reporters, congressional investigators, and soldiers alike.
Singer then explores the many implications of this industry, ranging from their impact on military operations to their possible roles in international peacekeeping. He analyzes how the hopes for economy and efficiency duel with the risks that come from outsourcing the most essential of government functions, that of national security and soldiers' welfare. The privatization of military services allows startling new capabilities and efficiencies in the way that war is carried out. However, as demonstrated in Iraq, the mix of the profit motive with the fog of war raises a series of troubling questions -for international affairs, for ethics, for management, for civil-military relations, for international law, for human rights, and, ultimately, for democracy. In other words, when it comes to military responsibilities, private companies' good may not always be to the public good.
Corporate Warriors is a hard-hitting analysis that provides a fascinating first look inside this exciting, but potentially dangerous new industry. Its research has been featured by every single major news outlet in the United States and covered by media over 20 different countries.
Easily accessible to general readers, the book provides a critical but balanced look at the businesses behind the headlines. With the continued expansion and growth of this industry in the coming years, Corporate Warriors will be the essential sourcebook for understanding how the private military industry works and how governments must respond. As one reviewer describes, "Many fine volumes about U.S. foreign policy and world events have been published in recent months. This one is something special. Corporate Warriors might just be a paradigm shift. It may change the way people look at history and analyze current events…a must-read…"
Customer Reviews:
An Academic Review of the topic...........2007-09-27
This book provides an academic view of the topic (i.e., dry and sterile). Coming from an academic press (Cornell) and an academic, however, this not a surprise. The author starts with a history of the private sector in warfare during the medieval ages up to the current period, with emphasis on trend towards increasing state control (i.e., de-privitization) over time with increasing re-privatization. The later is in regard particularly to the U.S. and its overstretched (probably temporarily) forces. This is, in the author's opinion, is cause of large increase in recent expansion of privitization in the U.S. The author then discusses various aspects, mostly negative, regarding this privitization (i.e., legal status of private "troops", reliability in case of large scale combat and increase of the danger they face, etc.).
The book has two weaknesses. The first is that it does not cover the benefits of this privitazation in sufficient detail. Especially financial savings and, more importantly, the private sector filling the void in Iraq due to lack of long-term permanent U.S. public sector troops. The author needs to address the question of how else the U.S. would be able to cope without this strategy (i.e., draft?). No discussion here. Also, some perspective on other nations' attempts at privitization would be useful for purposes of perspective and comparison with U.S. How much are they privitizing vis-a-vis the U.S. and how has it affected their combat effectiveness/cost of operations. For these reasons the book receives four stars instead of five. Nevertheless, provides a good primer on the subject. Especially considering the fact that most other books have been written by journalists from a sensationalist point of view.
Excellent book........2007-07-15
Singer's research is flawless. His writing is well organized and incisive with very astute observations. He approaches the subject with an objective understanding(he uses the term "mercenary" sparingly and only to describe actual mercenaries) of how this newly formed industry is organized and how it will affect our (United States) ability to implement foreign policy. His tip of the spear taxonomy explains the industry better than any other I have read in my own research on the topic. This book has set a great standard for academic writings on PMFs and will survive as reference source for many years to come.
Not an academic review.......2007-01-15
Corporate Warriors was in general a very boring book. Yes it was acurate and informative but was very dry. Singer seemed too biased against PMCs. I was also dissapointed to find out Singer has never been to Iraq himself to see PMCs at work there. When one writes a book with bias and with such depth I would like for them to have immersed themselves in the topic rather than write an academic report on PMCs. Sorry for the negative attitude but was dissapointed by the book.
A Solid General Guide to PMCs and PSCs, But..........2006-12-12
The title of this work is misleading. Singer has written an excellent guide to the recent history of PMCs (private military companies, such as Tim Spicer's Sandline) and PSCs (such as Blackwater), but has failed to distinguish between the two in a way made concrete for the uninformed reader. The result is that the fine line between hunting down Angolan rebels and guarding glorified haircuts like Paul Bremer has been blurred.
Sometimes this line is difficult to distinguish, but it is there. The fact that many of the PSC firms themselves sport members of past PMCs (many a South African and Rhodesian is back in action) has further blurred the situation, but you can be assured that their mandate is different. While the PSCs currently operating in Iraq and Afghanistan do their fair share of enemy engagement, they do so from a position of defense rather than from a position of offense. They are playing primarily a security role. They are not, by and large, performing paramilitary tasks at the bequest of dictators, corporations, or the State Department.
The author understands the difference, and does indeed attempt to make the distinction, the title itself tends to muddle the roles.
A must read!.......2006-10-10
A must read for anyone interested in the private security industry and the new future of war!
I served in the Kosovo region and the information about that region was 100% accurate. The US militray can no longer function without the assistance of private contractors and thier vast companies.
Cpl Dombrowski
578th Engineer BN
Book Description
Powerful techniques for combating verbal abuse on the job from the renowned author of the "Gentle Art" series -- with total sales surpassing one million copies. Obscenities, ethnic and sexist epithets, cutting jokes, subtle put-downs -- whether shouted, said with a smile, or sent via e-mail -- are all verbal abuse. For many, it is the everyday language of doing business. Suzette Haden Elgin, nationally recognized linguistics expert and author, applies her acclaimed techniques for combating verbal violence to common on-the-job situations. Forceful yet non-threatening, her proven strategies will empower workers of every level to recognize verbal abuse, gently defuse it, and replace it with courteous and effective communication.
Citing examples grabbed from the headlines, Dr. Elgin reveals the cost of demeaning and destructive language to any business. Step by step, she shows how to identify and conquer the verbal toxins at the root of workplace hostility and tension. Readers will learn how to avoid "malpractice of the mouth" and sexual harassment; communicate sensitively and clearly with non-native English speakers; come across as strong, straightforward, and truthful; and take complete control of any verbal confrontation--calmly. "Workout sections" throughout the book provide plenty of opportunities for practice.
With a look at communication skills crucial for e-mail, voice mail, and the Internet, as well as the special challenges facing home-based and virtual businesses, The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense At Work is the definitive guide to effective and humane communication on the job.
Customer Reviews:
Thought provoking.......2007-01-29
I originally borrowed this book from the library and thought it was so good I wanted to read it again. I was not able to buy it at a book store as I was told it was out of print, well, it was available from Amazon.
While I am confronted with comments that I consider rude, etc, in everyday life I am usually unable to respond due to one or more of the following reasons:
A. I don't care.
B. Think that the other person is having a bad day.
C. Am too shocked to reply (in an effective manner) or
D. Don't think on a negative/nasty level to reply.
This book has given me a better understanding and the importance of 'sementics' and 'pre-suppisitions', etc.
I have really found this book valuable, 'When did you think I didn't?'
Regards
Elizabeth
Clear, practical and helpful........2005-11-22
The book was clear, practical and interesting reading. The approach was structured and logical with good examples of the different ways people use words to communicate and/or manipulate. The information on how word choices affect/influence other people, and how you can respond/compensate when the effect is directed against you were helpful and effective. One review I read felt the suggested responses were flippant and provocative. I did not agree with that viewpoint after reading the book. The responses the reviewer was referring to were directed at someone who was not truly concerned with the content of what they had said, but in the reaction they were trying to provoke. Ms. Elgin said the responses (basically to respond as if the comment had been positive rather than negative) took the fun out of what was a game to them; and I have found that to be true.
The only thing I found difficult were the exercises she gave to allow you to see how intuitively you do understand these things. I understood them when she explained, and when I read her examples; but I found I couldn't effectively apply the understanding to the exercises with any certainty. I'd have loved some answer pages somewhere! Another specific exercise she gave that I found difficult had to do with the sensory modes people use in communication. I had no difficulty understanding or identifying what was being used, but when given an opportunity to take a comment using touch sensory analogies and convert them to sight or hearing . . . I found it extremely difficult. Maybe my brain works differently than hers and many who reviewed the book! The information was clear, the implications were helpful, but applying the information for purposes of shaping the emotional atmosphere intentionally was difficult for me to work out.
I've shared alot of the content with various people and have found them as interested in the concepts as I was. I would recommend the book--especially to those who may not have spent large amounts of time studying interpersonal communication.
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense at work.......2005-09-18
The book is easy reading but require serious effort to follow the recommendation
As with all of her books, this one's great.......2005-04-28
Elgin is probably the grandmother of verbal self-defense, and teaching people to deal more effectively with verbal abuse. In this book she turns her attention specifically to the work place. If you buy one book on how to deal with nasty abusive people in the workplace, get this one.
Her work is based on sound psycholinguistic principles, so this is not just another pop psych. book written by someone trying to make a buck.
The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense by Suzette Elgin.......2003-10-24
This work provides a good development for constructive
argument aimed at management of confrontal modes. The author
describes classic behaviors; such as, the placater, the blamer,
the distracter and the leveler. There is a good section on
voice management which describes unifying metaphors and balanced
speech. The work describes practically every confrontation
imaginable with appropriate voice responses and body language.
This book will help you manage almost any type of confrontation
constructively. For this reason, it is well worth the price.
Customer Reviews:
A tough read that is well worth the effort.......2005-11-10
If you wonder why smart people with education and experience keep making the same old mistakes you will want to read this book. Let me hasten to add, however, that reading Argyris is often arduous. He is a scholar and writes like one. Having said that, he does have the answers and it is worth the effort to slog through his prose and get them.
Argryis takes the position that organizations actively defend themselves against change, and since the people who mount the defense are intelligent and experienced, the defenses work remarkably well. This book and his Knowledge for Action, are the executive's field manuals for battling this resistance.
Argyris fans know that he presents several recurring themes. One is skilled incompetence. Skilled incompetence is the result of being so good at practiced behaviors that we don't notice ourselves doing them. The practiced behaviors result in outcomes that we deem "safe" even if they make us miserable. We defend ourselves against demands to behave differently out of fear that we will surrender our safety.
Another Argyris staple is the "theory in use." Most of us have a theory of how we should act and a second theory about how we really do act. The real one is the "theory in use." The split between the two creates a dual identity that we are obliged to defend through the use of "fancy footwork" and elaborate "cover ups."
He theorizes that we conceal our dual identities by making their existence "undiscussable." And because we pride ourselves on being open and candid, we make the undiscussability undiscussable.
By now your head may be reeling, and that is just where Argyris always takes his readers. But there are rewards for the persistent reader. Argyris takes us to the heart of our own defenses, to our own denial of our skilled incompetence.
Another Argyris term that is of great significance is the French word malaise. He uses it to describe the pervasive sickish feeling that comes over an organization that is permeated with fancy footwork, double identities, and elaborate defensive routines that cannot be discussed. Once an organization descends into malaise, the road to recovery is highly problematic.
To summarize, this is one of the most insightful and valuable business books ever written, but it's a fairly tough read.
*ESSENTIAL* for Managers & those considering 360 feedback.......2003-04-12
Chris Argyris' work is essential reading for the executive who truly wants to leverage his/her organization's culture and workforce capability into the ultimate long-term competitive advantage.
Like it or not, unsticking "stuck" cultures is what stands between executives who ultimately deliver versus those who merely ride the gravy-train for the first 2 years of a 5 year contract before getting fired. So listen up: with Knowledge Workers the "soft stuff" IS the meat & potatoes!
Also, Argyris is also essential reading for anyone who is considering the use of the 360-Feedback tool. In my book, 360 is a powerful tool that is *dangerous* in the wrong hands; particularly if it's used in an unhealthy culture. The effective manager for the Information Age has to have atleast "some" competence in organizational psychology --in addition to having an external O.D. (Org Development) professional on retainer to get the org initially "unstuck" and keep it that way until things are back on track.
Argyris is an Industrial / Organizational Psychologist (I/O P) and OD guru with heavily sociological and cognitive psychology leanings. Argyris is the "OD person's OD person"; his career goes back to the 1950's. Argyris has devoted his life to these 2 key goals: (1)understanding what is required to integrate the individual into the collective (highly relevant in the era of the Knowledge Worker) and (2)how to monitor & measure progress in this regard in a way that produces "ACTIONABLE knowledge" for continuously improving this integration process. With Argyris -- the rubber meets the road and traction is imminent.
Argyris' later work can be grouped into a "quartet" of books. However the reader should be cautioned because Argyris writes under 2 potentially frustrating assumptions: (1)that the reader is atleast a Master's Degree level person in I/O P; (2)that the reader has read his previous books and is thus ready to tackle the new material at hand. However, I'm delighted to point out that -- with the proper reading approach -- a non-OD everyday-manager-type can read and understand The Argyris Way without too much difficulty. The secret is to read atleast 2 of Argyris' books in the proper order. I prescribe 2 approaches to tackling Argyris: 1 for non-OD people (managers & executives) and 1 for OD people (the propeller-heads who actually know this stuff). Here they are:
(BOOK 1) Argyris "Overcoming Organizational Defenses" c1990. This is a McDonald's drive thru version of the much more involved 1985 release cited as book # 4 below. This is the starting point for everyday managers & executives who are thinking about engaging an OD person for their organizations but do not plan on being I/O P people themselves. The price to understand the Argyris way will be paid here -- and it is a price very much worth paying. If you're new to I/O P, plan on 5 full evenings of reading to get thru this 1st book -- and in the process you will have read the book thru twice. Don't have that kind of time you say? Either MAKE the time or The Law of Darwin will soon be awarding your job to someone else!
(BOOK 2) Martin Seligman's "Learned Optimism 2ed" c1998. Get a high-level understanding of the difference between cognitive versus behavioral psychology. Otherwise, to not read this book in tandem with the Argyris work will leave the reader open to error by assuming outdated behaviorist psychology norms (which is the error that presently pervades Human Resources' thinking in the areas of performance management and compensation). This book can be read in 2 nights.
(BOOK 3) Argyris "Knowledge for Action" c1993. This takes the reader through a complete, comprehensive real-life diagnosis and intervention process using the tenets presented in book #1 above. This book can be read in a couple of afternoons assuming that the price has already been paid by reading book #1. Non-OD people can stop their reading here.
(BOOK 4) Argyris "Action Science" c1985. This is the full scholar's version of his I/O P approach and will take 2 weeks of evenings to get through. For an OD, I recommend reading this 1st before Argyris "Overcoming".
(BOOK 5) Argyris "On Organizational Learning, 2ed" c1998. Note that this is a different book from "On Org Learning 2: Theory, Method & Practice" c1995. Strictly for OD people, this is a comprehensive survey & critique of present literature and approaches in the OD field. Of particular value is his treatise of Edgar Schein's work and re-emphasizing the value of sociology in the science of psychology.
I'll close by paraphrasing the Argyris model here as a teaser. There are 2 states of Human reasoning:
Model 1 = intra-personal BEFORE inter-personal (defensive / independent)
Model 2 = intra-personal .AND. inter-personal (productive / synergistic)
I'll also add in a 3rd state as my own corollary:
Model 3 = intra-personal AFTER inter-personal ( "Divine" )
Model 3 is beyond man's capability, Model 2 would be Stephen Covey's 7 Habits in action at rung 6 on the effectiveness ladder, and Model 1 is the actual/default "selfish" pattern of most people today -- thanks to the psychological conditioning of countless centuries prior to the Information Age.
Borrowing from Seligman, the younger Baby-Boomers and later generations are the 1st in the history of the world to "have the choice" to be knowledge workers. This throws people together into complex social systems that require a new level of communication ability that's new to man as a species and is currently not taught in schools. As a survival mechanism, mankind's default behavior is Model 1 -- even though he will verbally claim Model 2 or even Model 3. Overcoming defensive Model 1 behavior is an effort that requires years of committed work -- BUT IS THE VERY GATEWAY to functioning in the more mature organizational structures that lay beyond command-and-control (such as empowered workgroups); and that offer so much promise to knowledge-intense organizations.
A final caution: moving the organization from Model 1 to Model 2 is a project that should be treated with the seriousness of any other project -- as a set of value-based deliverables that are defined ahead of time and whose ultimate realization is preceeded by the conscientious commitment of resources. And because of the emotional aspects of the project early-on -- for the 1st 1 to 2 years the OD interventionist should be a person completely external to the organization -- or else the project is guaranteed to fail. Executive sponsorship alone will not be enough.
A classic in the field of organizational learning.......2002-02-10
Chris Argyris presents a classic in organizational learning. Some of the concepts explored and researched here form the basis for some of the priciples of the Learning Organization. Argyris discussion of theories-in-use, social virtues and skilled incompetence is a fascinating and eye-opening exercise.
However, the book is written by an academician largely for academicians. If you want 'easy' reading this is not the book for you. If you are, on the other hand, serious about organizational learning, change and human performance, then this book should definitely be on your book-shelf.
The Book is organized into 9 chapters:
1. Puzzles.
2. Human Theories of Control: Skilled Incompetence.
3. Organizational Defensive Routines.
4. Fancy Footwork and Malaise.
5. Sound Advice: It Compounds the Problem.
6. reducing the Organizational Defense Pattern.
7. Making the New Theory of Managing Human Performance Come True.
8. Getting from Here to There.
9. Upping the Ante.
Customer Reviews:
strategis tips.......2007-10-12
Henry offers 'shoot from the hip' style of writing tips for investing, but it is evident that it a a researhed smart approach. This book begs to be classified as different than many others but it is similar to others that I have read. His really good advice is to not buy 'load' funds and al those that are similar where you pay a fee.
Excellent!.......2007-06-21
Henry Blodget has done the investing public a great service in publishing this cheaply priced paperback. Blodget sucessfully distills the tenets of academic finance and modern portfolio theory into a book that any member of the investing public should easily understand.
After reading this book, one wonders how much the investing public has squandered or needlessly spent. Usually, the more you spend, the better the product or service received. The investing world is much different. An S&P 500 index fund (Vanguard had the first, but there are others out there now), has performed better than an actively managed mutual fund (after the difference in expenses is accounted for). One you factor in the superior tax efficiency of an index fund vs. an actively managed fund, it makes you wonder how all of those mutual fund managers are able to stay employed.
I can sum up this book simply: decide on an asset allocation of bonds vs. stocks, buy passively managed index funds, and hold on to those funds for as long as possible.
Although Blodget leads the reader to other, more sophisticated sources, this book is probably the only book that the avergae person with only a passing interest in investing needs to read.
OK but nothing special.......2007-05-07
This is a quick read and most of the advice is sound but has appeard before. His style is sharp and to the point, so it is probably a good read for a neophyte investor.
Great book. Lots of common sense.......2007-04-29
The book gives much common sense to investing. It's a great antidote to many of the other books. Key concepts: Don't try to beat the market; looking at the fees on mutual funds; rebalancing your your portfolio, start investing for retirement--the earlier the better, settle with lower earnings expectations.
I forgive you, Henry........2007-02-27
I had seen this book on one of my local bookstores' shelves, and quite honestly I had no intention to buy it until I say the New York Times review that completely trashed the book in the truest sense of the term. I have been one of those hapless small-time "investors" who lost a bunch of money during the dot-com boom, thanks to the advice of "market sages" like Blodget. I have started wondering what Blodget might have to say nowadays, and I plunked down the sticker price to buy the book.
I have to say the book was a pleasant surprise. As other reviewers have stated, if you already know about the benefits of passive investing and have read books such as the "A Random Walk on Wall Street" by Malkiel; there is little that the book can provide you in terms of investing information. This book is far shorter, and has
pretty much the same information in an arguably more entertaining and interesting format. Even though I consider myself well-versed in the basic tenets of passive investing; there were quite a few things that the Blodget book taught me that I did not know, such as how Benjamin Graham basically renounced fundamental analysis towards the end of his life, etc. It's far easier to read and follow than Malkiel's book, too. (By the way, if you have not read Malkiel's work, by all means please go and read both books together)
I am not sure about the alleged $10 million (according to the NY Times reviewer) of accumulated wealth that Blodget managed to retain from his days as high-flying analyst; but as far as I'm concerned, Blodget earned the couple bucks of royalty he will be getting from the copy I bought. I found the book useful, entertaining, and weirdly poignant at times where Blodget talks about his past in Wall Street(because it reminded me of my own investment follies from the era). It was refreshing to see that as I had wisened up from my experiences, so had Henry Blodget, too.
Overall, this is a good and informative book. Good job, Henry. I had been pretty upset at you and your colleagues when I lost money at the end of the dot-com boom; but hey, I forgive you now. A few hours of enjoyable reading more than paid for it.
Book Description
"A business book with a difference: clear-cut advice, sharp writing and a minimum of jargon."Newsweek
"Revolutionary! Surprising!"Business Week
"Chock-a-block with examples of successful and failed marketing campaigns, makes for a very interesting and relevant read."USA Today
Customer Reviews:
Marketing 101.......2007-07-20
Regardless of whether you like the "warfare" analogies or not, the concepts discussed in this book is Marketing 101 for marketers.
First Ries/Trout explain which method of attack your company should use depending on its position in the marketplace. Then they describe what each position should do. Then they use some great classic case studies like the beer wars, cola wars, and computer wars.
Usually I hate these "outdated" books but the content in here is classic. They've updated the book and critiqued their own predictions made 20 years ago. For example, with over 50% of the PC marketshare, they were certain that IBM would remain the leader. Ooops.
Highly recommended for marketers.
Of all the books, this one is the weakest.......2007-03-30
I found this one to be the weakest of all the books by Ries and Trout. As Creative Director of AUDIN Web Design, it just didn't capture my interest like their other books. Don't get me wrong, I think these authors are geniuses and I love their books. This one just didn't do it for me; I think it was the warfare motif. I'm not a pacifist, but it just didn't work for me: Warfare as Marketing. The funny thing is that I actually bought this book twice: once ten years ago in paper back and then again in hardback more recently. That goes to show you how forgettable I thought this book was. If you are on a real tight budget, buy a different book by these authors.
missing book.......2007-03-24
today i have not received this book yet.could you inform me when this book would be delivered, please?
I AM A FAN OF JACK TROUT.......2007-02-02
This is the other must-read book from Jack Trout for Businessmen, marketers and I think every one, This book teaches you that WORLD is Competition, and It is WAR !
You must compete to survive, You must be intelligence to survive, and You must be different to survive.
Jack Trout explains the battle of MARKET forces and how to survive in it,
Still thinking about buying the book, You may feel the need to read this book after a hard competition!
Marketing Warfare.......2007-01-13
Excellent book! it explains marketing to non-marketing people. It is very useful to those with limited marketing knowledge.
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