Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance

Average customer rating:

Worth the read

How to take charge of your work

Follow-up book, much overlap with earlier books

Excellent book and great team activity!

While he also wants to sell you other stuff, the book is a good way to build your own positive deviance

Go Put Your Strengths to Work: 6 Powerful Steps to Achieve Outstanding Performance
Marcus Buckingham
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
Motivational | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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StrengthsFinder 2.0: A New and Upgraded Edition of the Online Test from Gallup's Now, Discover Your Strengths

Now, Discover Your Strengths

First, Break All the Rules: What the World's Greatest Managers Do Differently

The SPEED of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything

Know-How: The 8 Skills That Separate People Who Perform from Those Who Don't

ASIN: 0743261674
Release Date: 2007-03-06

Book Description

Beginning with the million-copy bestsellers First, Break All the Rules and Now, Discover Your Strengths, Marcus Buckingham jump-started the strengths movement that is now sweeping the work world, from business to government to education. Now that the movement is in full swing, Buckingham's new book answers the ultimate question: How can you actually apply your strengths for maximum success at work?

Research data show that most people do not come close to making full use of their assets at work -- in fact, only 17 percent of the workforce believe they use all of their strengths on the job. Go Put Your Strengths to Work aims to change that through a six-step, six-week experience that will reveal the hidden dimensions of your strengths. Buckingham shows you how to seize control of your assets and rewrite your job description under the nose of your boss. You will learn:

• Why your strengths aren't "what you are good at" and your weaknesses aren't "what you are bad at."

• How to use the four telltale signs to identify your strengths.

• The simple steps you can take each week to push your time at work toward those activities that strengthen you and away from those that don't.

• How to talk to your boss and your colleagues about your strengths without sounding like you're bragging and about your weaknesses without sounding like you're whining.

• The fifteen-minute weekly ritual that will keep you on your strengths path your entire career.

With structured exercises that will become part of your regular workweek and proven tactics from people who have successfully applied the book's lessons, Go Put Your Strengths to Work will arm you with a radically different approach to your work life. As part of the book's program you'll take an online Strengths Engagement Track, a focused and powerful gauge that has proven to be the best way to measure the level of engagement of your strengths or your team's strengths. You can also download the first two segments of the renowned companion film series Trombone Player Wanted.

Go Put Your Strengths to Work will open up exciting uncharted territory for you and your organization. Join the strengths movement and thrive.

Customer Reviews:

Worth the read.......2007-10-10

I read this over a brief vacation during the summer. Ive found it has enhanced my abilities dealing with people both at work and my personal life. I plan on reading it again when my busy work schedule permits it.

How to take charge of your work.......2007-10-03

Marcus Buckingham is passionate about helping you identify your unique strengths and unleash their power. As you read and work your way through the program in this book, you will become convinced that growing through your strengths is the ticket to your future happiness, effectiveness and success. He refutes the approach of improvement by fixing mistakes as a dead end that cannot help you discover how you can be exceptional. The book constantly refers you to its associated Web site for materials that will help you work through the exercises. Buckingham wants you to act rather than just read a theoretical tract. Nothing presented in this book will help you without action and implementation. However, if you take up the challenge, you will become empowered as you take charge of your work through your strengths. We recommend this book because it contains just a few simple ideas that could change your life.

Follow-up book, much overlap with earlier books.......2007-09-30

Marcus Buckingham discusses six steps to identifying and putting your strengths to work:

1. Convince yourself that exercising your strengths is more fun and productive that spending your time shoring up your weaknesses.

2. Identify specific activities that exercise your strengths. For example, mine include
a. Determine true value
b. Learn and apply new and useful skills, knowledge
c. Creative problem solving

3. Build your job towards your strengths.

4. Stop / reduce time spent shoring up your weaknesses

5. Build a strong team by enabling each member to exercise their strengths towards delivering business value

6. Make a habit of ensuring that each person's activities around you are aligned with their strengths (including yourself :-)

The book could have been much shorter - the concept was repeated multiple times. More specifics on step 3 would also have been more useful.

Excellent book and great team activity!.......2007-09-13

I manage a team of Sales Professionals and found this book to be a great tool to help them stay focused on the positive aspects of their job. I really like the message and appreciate the fact that it does not immediately say that if you are not happy right now, you need a new job. It points them back to their current position and helps them be more productive and utilize their strengths where they are at.

While he also wants to sell you other stuff, the book is a good way to build your own positive deviance.......2007-09-13

If you really look at what is holding you back, from really using your best qualities and talents, you will almost surely find that most of it are the images and thoughts you hold between your ears. You are so sure about what could go wrong, or about what you HAVE to do, or about what is just not possible, that you just don't even try to step out.

Well, to say it simply, stop it! This book provides you with a six step process to help you build on your strengths rather than chasing and fixing mistakes. It is based on the ideas you will find in the business philosophies of Appreciative Inquiry and Positive Organizational Scholarship (POS). The core idea in these movements is that you can't build on your strengths if all you see are your weaknesses. If you want to be a master of something, you have to study those who do it well, not focus on the mistakes of those who aren't very skilled. The term they often use is "positive deviance". That is, that area of performance that deviates ABOVE the norm. The goal is to learn how to create more positive deviance.

In the first step, Buckingham focuses you on giving up belief in three myths: 1) As you grow your personality changes. 2) You will grow in your areas of greatest weakness. 3) A good team member does whatever it takes to help the team. He says that the truths are: 1) As you grow you become more of who you already are. 2) You will grow in your areas of greatest strength. 3) A good team member deliberately volunteers his strengths to the team most of the time.

As he discusses each of these he asks you to examine what you are getting out of believing in these myths. What would it cost you to stop believing in it? Then think carefully about the benefits you would gain by believing the truth. If you sincerely do this, you will likely be shocked and then energized.

The purpose of this book is to help you take charge of your life and especially your work life. You will make it more rewarding, says the author, by centering your work on your strengths rather than just doing whatever comes to you as an assignment. It is a six step process. The first, as I noted above, is to bust the myths. Step 2 is to get clear about your strengths. Three is to free your strengths. Four helps you see and stop your weaknesses (not focus on fixing them). Five coaches you on how to speak up and get your boss supporting your strengths. Six is about keeping the process alive by building strong habits.

Now, Marcus Buckingham is a big-time, high-priced consultant. The book sends you to his website to use some free materials there (but also offers you others to purchase). Underneath this is the desire to sell your company consulting and seminar services with associated materials. It is interesting stuff, but the sheer "salesiness" of it detracts from it a bit for me.

Reviewed by Craig Matteson

Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life

Average customer rating:

Great Book
A go-to book on coaching.
What everyone needs to know
the best coaching book
Your Gate way to Coaching profession

Co-Active Coaching, 2nd Edition: New Skills for Coaching People Toward Success in Work and, Life
Laura Whitworth , Karen Kimsey-House , Henry Kimsey-House , and Phillip Sandahl
Manufacturer: Davies-Black Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0891061983

Book Description

A newly revised edition of the book that helped define the coaching profession, Co-Active Coaching captures the essence of what it takes to design and maintain successful, collaborative, and empowering coaching relationships. The authors describe in detail their flexible and adaptive model-placing the client's agenda at the heart of the coaching partnership, define the skills required for success, provide dozens of sample coaching conversations, and a power-packed Coach's Toolkit of over 35 exercises, questionnaires, checklists, and forms to make these proven principles and techniques eminently practical and immediately actionable.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2007-09-16

This was a gift for my boss and he LOVED it! It arrived very soon after ordering. Thanks for everything.

A go-to book on coaching........2007-08-28

This is one of the few go-to books for coaches, or those who want to become coaches. Very, very helpful. Lots of ideas, tips, etc. The CD that comes with the book is worth the price alone!

Buy this book and read it! One of my favs on the topic of coaching!

What everyone needs to know.......2007-08-05

This book opened great ways to honor myself and others. It is well written and expanded my idea about coaching.

the best coaching book.......2007-06-29

This book is the best and most comprehensive coaching book I have on my shelfs.
Co-active coaching is what my profession is about and I've found so many answers to my questions about how-to and what-is-next .

Captures the wisdom of co-active coaching and it's a must read if you want to tap into the real power of coaching.

Your Gate way to Coaching profession.......2007-05-28

It's an amazing book that groups theories and practice for a profession that needs alot of practice. It's a necessity for all new professionals in the field.

Average customer rating:

Absolutely Fantastic
Money Mama to the Rescue!

Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs
Lori Mackey
Manufacturer: P4K Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0974457027

Book Description

This read-aloud book introduces the basics of sound money management and helps children develop a positive money attitude. Featuring whimsical illustrations and engaging child friendly explanations, the book helps parents teach their kids the value of Giving, to help others, Investing for their futures, Saving for retirement and Spending their money wisely, the four components to abundant money management.

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Fantastic.......2004-01-17

I was thrilled to see a book that teaches children about the value of money. It is extremely well written and the colorful illustrations kept my three year old nephew wanting to read more and more the book.

Money Mama to the Rescue!.......2004-01-17

Money Mama and her three little piggies make the concept of saving as easy as 10/10/10/70! This great little book is beautifully designed, well-written and features bold, colorful illustrations that will immediately appeal to children AND parents alike.

My daughter, like most children, learned her bad spending and non-existent saving habits from her parents, (who learned their bad spending and non-existent saving habits from THEIR parents.) It's a destructive cycle that needed breaking, but I wasn't sure how to do it. Enter: "Money Mama & The Three Little Pigs". I learned about this excellent book (and companion piggy bank) from a friend (who showed me HERS!) I was so captivated by the simplicity with which the daunting subjects of "giving", "investing", and "saving" were communicated, that I HAD to buy a copy for myself and my daughter. By breaking the process down into bite-sized pieces, I learned that anyone can benefit from the lessons taught in the book -- no matter how large or small the amount of money, success can begin with one little dollar.

Book Description

Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life

This is not your typical self-help book. You won't find any motivational platitudes or cute business parables here. This is more of a "get off your butt and get to work" approach that can help you achieve more success, make more money, improve your business, and have more fun.

Larry Winget doesn't pull any punches here. He believes that business gets better when businesspeople get better through personal growth. And it works the same way in your personal life-husbands and wives improve each other when they improve themselves, and kids improve when their parents do. In other words, everything in life gets better when you get better, and nothing gets better until you get better.

This book can make you better, but it will probably tick you off. Winget is direct, caustic, and controversial. You won't like or agree with everything he has to say. Yet his advice is full of wisdom and truth that can't easily be argued with.

Words from Shut Up, Stop Whining & Get a Life that prove that this book is anything but typical:

"If you don't have much going wrong in your life, then you don't have much going on in your life."

"When you work, work! When you play, play! Don't mix the two."

"What you think about, talk about, and do something about is what comes about."

"When it quits being fun-quit."

"Time management is a joke."

And that's just the beginning!

Download Description

Practical steps to take control of your life and get results
He might seem harsh from time to time, but Larry Winget's unique approach to personal development-combining blunt truth with irreverent humor-is really based on love of self and love of others. Life is serious, but that doesn't mean we should always take it so seriously. Larry's message is simple: life isn't as complicated as it seems and most people would find more success, and more happiness, in their lives if they'd do a few simple things-take responsibility for their actions, lighten up, and start doing the right things instead of the wrong things. By forcing readers to look truthfully at their own lives, this refreshingly honest approach to self-improvement leaves readers nowhere to turn but the mirror-and proves that when we stop making excuses we start succeeding.
Larry Winget (Paradise Valley, AZ) is one of the most successful professional speakers in America. He is known as the Pitbull of Personal Development(TM), speaking worldwide to corporations and associations over one hundred times per year, delivering hardcore self-help that's funny.

Customer Reviews:

If this doesn't help . . you are beyond self help........2007-10-20

This book is funny and straight to the point. If you don't get something useful out of it, you should take it to Larry's house so he can beat you to death with it.

CC

Inspirational!.......2007-10-08

This book is fantastic! I love to listen to audio books on the way to work. A good audio book almost makes you want to get stuck in traffic!
Of course, if you listen to Larry Winget, you will find out that the traffic jam is your fault!! Shut up! Stop complaining about the traffic jam! Get a life! If you didn't want to be stuck in traffic jams on the way to work than you should write entire books based on one sentence and make a great living off it! Also, trumpet your seminars from the tallest buildings or thickest books or most annoying audio books to get interest and tour, tour, tour!
That's true! Listen, if you don't want to buy this book, let me sum up what you need to do. Larry's right. Shut up. Not making it? Not paying the bills? House not big enough? Don't hate. Find out what your skills are and see how that can make you money and bust your butt. I have two start-up businesses that may go nowhere but sitting and watching idiotic televion won't improve my lifestyle, I guarantee it. Hey, I did it! And without insulting you! Just go do it. And Larry, stop contributing to global warming with all that hot air. Just give your seminars and don't hate. That includes the fat people you hate so much. I'm not fat but I'm not bigoted against them as you say you are.

Questionable Advice.......2007-10-04

I like Winget's approach -- we all need a kick in the butt once in awhile, but his information is questionable in too many areas.

On Health: Winget insists all physical problems are our own fault. I agree with the theory, but it shouldn't be presented as a blanket statement. My wife was born with a defective heart and has to live with the problem. How did she "create" that?

On Stress: Winget tells us that stress happens when we know the right thing to do and choose to do the wrong thing. Excuse me, but how does that apply to being caught behind a traffic accident on the way to work, a loss of faith, the death of a loved one . . . what are the "right" choices to make when you come home to find you've been robbed?

On Relationships: Winget, on his second marriage and an admitted adulterer (with an adultress as a wife) claims he always likes his wife but doesn't always love her. I don't know what planet he's living on. I've been with my wife for thirty years and, although we don't always like each other, we've never doubted our love for each other.

Those are just a few of the problems I have with this otherwise entertaining book. It's a good read, and makes you take a look at yourself, but please don't embrace it as your new bible. The information is too simplistic and general.

Kick in the butt!.......2007-09-23

I love this book! He has a very direct and no nonsense method for delivering the message about getting it done. You may wince while reading some sections of this book because of the truth of it.

Standard Material, Different Approach.......2007-09-10

Larry Winget is terrific. He's in-your-face and irreverant (which, to me, comes across as funny). If you're a self-improvement junkie, however, you'll recognize literally everything in this book as originally coming from another source -- everyone from Buddah to Wayne Dyer to Julius Fast. Larry Winget is Tony Robbins with a different physical image and approach, although both are enthusiastic, funny, entertaining, and full of information.

As a self-improvement junkie for over forty years, I don't agree with everything Winget says. He's sure he's right and I'm sure he's wrong. My biggest argument concerns the idea that we create every medical issue we have. I've heard this one many times before . . . all from self-improvement gurus who have never really been sick a day in their lives. Yes, I agree that people can create ulcers and migranes and even cancer, but I'd like to ask Mr. Winget and the rest of the "experts" how my husband manifested his bayonet wound from Vietnam, how I created the extra heart nerve bundle I was born with, or how Michael J. Fox (great attitude, careful with his health) caused Parkinson's Disease. Or how the always-upbeat, active, and cautious Luciano Pavarotti created pancreatic cancer. Unlike Winget, I believe some things do Just Happen. It's hard for me to believe my daughter's seat belt magically released during an auto accident, leaving her with a concussion, because she had a bad attitude.

Aside from a few personal problems such as the health issue, this book will get you motivated. But once you're motivated, you need to be able to use that motivation or you'll just be enthusiastic for awhile and then fall back into your old routine. Even Winget declares that you have to know what you want and have a plan before getting all fired up.

For those who have run up against this problem in the past, I suggest the audiobook "Before You Hire A Life Coach . . . Heal Your Problems With Pyramid Problem Solving." Pyramid Problem Solving will (finally!) lead you to what you honestly want, bottom line. It does not stop with what you think you want, what you wanted ten years ago, what someone else has convinced you that you want, or what you think you should want. It gets right to the bottom, THEN you can use motivational material and finally find success.

I wish everyone who reads this book (or any other self-help material) all the success in the world. It's taken me a long time (and a lot of energy and money) to finally get to my own honest "This Is What I Want," and I'm in my fifties.

Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed

Average customer rating:

Buy an A4 notepad & pen FIRST - Then GET this book!!
I wish I could give this book ten stars!
Success Manual
LIFE CHANGING BOOK
Inspiring and uplifting book

Maximum Achievement: Strategies and Skills That Will Unlock Your Hidden Powers to Succeed
Brian Tracy
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Motivation & Self-Improvement | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Strategy & Competition | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Personal Transformation | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0684803313

Book Description

You learn ideas, concepts, and methods used by high-achieving people in every field everywhere. You learn how to unlock your individual potential for personal greatness. You will immediately become more positive, persuasive, and powerfully focused in everything you do. Many of the more than one million graduates of the seminar program upon which this book is based have dramatically increased their income and improved their lives in every respect.

The step-by-step blueprint for success and achievement presented in these pages includes proven principles drawn from psychology, religion, philosophy, business, economics, politics, history, and metaphysics. These ideas are combined in a fast-moving, informative series of steps that will lead you to greater success than you ever imagined possible -- they can raise your self-esteem, improve personal performance, and give you complete control over every aspect of your personal and professional life.

Download Description

Brian Tracy is one of the world's leading authorities on success and personal achievement, addressing more than 100,000 men and women each year in public and private seminars. In Maximum Achievement, he gives you a powerful, proven system -- based on twenty-five years of research and practice -- that you can apply immediately to get better results in every area of your life. You learn ideas, concepts, and methods used by high-achieving people in every field everywhere. You learn how to unlock your individual potential for personal greatness. You will immediately become more positive, persuasive, and powerfully focused in everything you do. Many of the more than one million graduates of the seminar program upon which this book is based have dramatically increased their income and improved their lives in every respect. The step-by-step blueprint for success and achievement presented in these pages includes proven principles drawn from psychology, religion, philosophy, business, economics, politics, history, and metaphysics. These ideas are combined in a fast-moving, informative series of steps that will lead you to greater success than you ever imagined possible -- they can raise your self-esteem, improve personal performance, and give you complete control over every aspect of your personal and professional life.

Customer Reviews:

Buy an A4 notepad & pen FIRST - Then GET this book!!.......2007-10-05

Once you discover a really good book that works well & easy for you, all you want to do is RAVE about it!! With this outstanding book from one of America's greats - Brian's Tracy, why not? It really "does exactly as it says on the label" (or front cover in this case.)

You only have to briefly scan all of the reviews below to see that this is a powerful book that works. His message in simple & obvious, but with this book Brian shows you why & how so many of us don't or can't succeed in our ambitions to be happy & successful, when it is the right of everyone to enjoy life to the full.

If you've read his other book "GOALS!" first, then don't despair. This book has exactly the same message but goes much deeper into the workings of how health, wealth, happiness & peace of mind can all be achieved, providing you with a dearth of inspiration & motivation to try it out instantly & get going straight way.

This book is a little larger & a little harder going than "Goals!", only in that the chapters aren't broken down into convenient sections where you can pause & take a breath/ Nonetheless, it is written in such an enthusiastic way that keeps you interested all the way.

This ought to be the very last book you buy on the subject, but before you read (& more importantly re-read) it, please make sure you have a fresh note-book (preferably A4) & pen to hand. The book is jam packed with all the essential information to kick you off in the right direction the minute you start reading.

If you've got this far already then you need this book, look no further, your intuition was right in looking here. You won't be disappointed. It's quite a long book but with a little perseverance, you too will be glad you bought & read it. Check out the Amazon sales ranking to see how high this book is valued by thousands of likeminded customers.

I wish I could give this book ten stars!.......2007-09-02

I wish I could give this book ten stars! I've read most of the great motivational books - Napolean Hill's Think and Grow Rich and Master Keys to Riches, and Norman Vincent Peal's Positive Mental Attitude, plus dozens more, but this book summarizes them all. If you are looking for a quick fix, this book is not it. It is a book which will make you think, examine, question. Take it in small bites. My volume is underlined, starred, notes in the margins. This is a great summary of the best of the best. If you are in a hurry to reach your goals, this is the book you need to start with. However, it is NOT a fast process.

If you truly wish to turn your life around, this is the book for you. If you are not sure of where you want to go, this is the book for you. If you feel that YOU are different, that LIFE has given you some bad blows, this is the book for you. START HERE!

Mr. Tracy will take you by the hand. Help you to eliminate your excuses. Help you to examine your true goals. Help you to lay out your plans. He will not let you make exuses but will hold up the mirror of self examination so you can see where you are fooling yourself (but no one else, really). He will help you face YOUR truth, but will also kindly provide the path you seek to a better life.

I am planning to buy this book for all of my employees, although I'm not sure all of them will "get it." You make your own life; you are responsible for where you are right now...and for where you will be in the future. I am also planning to contact Mr. Tracy to see if he will be a guest speaker at my organization.

Folks, if you can buy only one book, then this is the one. I've read most of the other major players....Hill, Stone, Peale, Mandigo, Clawson, Collins....and they're all great. Many of them are at your local library. But for the very small price of this book, I recommend that you buy Maximum Achievement so that you, too, can underline, write, reread, make notes, and totally consume this book. This is not a paid advertisement. I have never met Mr. Tracy nor have ever read any of his other books (however, I intend to now).

If you want to make the most of your life, this is the book which will head you down that road.

Success Manual.......2007-08-28

This book covers an array of subjects but in essence it's a book for anyone looking at achieving success in life.

LIFE CHANGING BOOK.......2007-04-17

I've read plenty of self-help books but I've never had a book make such a huge impact on my life. Brian does a great job of showing you simple strategies to help change every aspect of your life. My book is highlighted throughout and I wouldn't take anything for it. It is my self-help bible!

Inspiring and uplifting book.......2007-04-05

This book motivates, stimulates and helps you focus your mind on meeting your goals. Words simply cannot describe how truly valuable a book like this is. Brian Tracy helps you in defining your goals and meeting them. I believe that this book ranks among best personal achievement and self improvement manual on the market.

This is an outstanding book that is presented in a clear and precise way that is beneficial to anyone in any walk of life. This book motivates, stimulates and helps you focus your mind on meeting your goals. Brian Tracey helps you in defining and refining your goals and guides you on how to effectively achieve them. He methodically guides you to organize your thoughts, think positively and then get into the action habit.

It is truly an inspiring and uplifting book. Therefore if you feel lost in life, with no direction and need upliftment, Brian Tracey will help you to discover what your ultimate passion in life is, thus helping to start living meaningful and purposeful life.

I recommend this book to anyone who is serious about changing their life for the better. However, the book can only provide guidance and it is up to the reader to put into practice the advice and wisdom from this fantastic book.

Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It

Average customer rating:

Good on concept/Poor on skill development
Good foundation, but weak execution
A impressive and entertaining book to read.
Very impressed
Wanta-be entrepreneurs need to read this book, and successful entrepreneurs probably already have!

Brag!: The Art of Tooting Your Own Horn without Blowing It
Peggy Klaus
Manufacturer: Business Plus
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Communications | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0446692786

Amazon.com

Bragging rights and responsibilities are surveyed in a variety of situations: the co-worker who takes credit, techno-bragging online, performance reviews, job interviews and working a room. Klaus peppers her points with examples from her coaching sessions and seminars, sample dialogues and self-assessments. Although several examples may seem too studied, Klaus has much to brag about. This is a book that will change the way you think about the slippery skill of selling yourself. --Barbara Mackoff

Book Description

Brag! is a whip smart tool kit--one that tampers with our beliefs about humility by defining bragging as an act of authenticity. Peggy Klaus, a Fortune 500 communication coach, sharpened her strategies in Hollywood, "the bragging capitol of the world," where she learned the art of tooting your horn, without blowing it. "To brag is to talk about your best self with pride and passion in a conversational manner." explains Klaus.She includes a snappy "Bragging Dictionary" with highly practical techniques including instructions for the "Bragalogue," a brief memorable elevator pitch and a "Brag bag," the collection of your greatest hits with colorful details that can be easily accessed. Bragging rights and responsibilities are surveyed in a variety of situations:the co-worker who takes credit, techno-bragging online, performance reviews, job interviews and working a room. Klaus peppers her points with examples from her coaching sessions and seminars, sample dialogues and self-assessments. Although several examples may seem too studied, Klaus has much to brag about. This is a book that will change the way you think about the slippery skill of selling yourself. --Barbara Mackoff

Customer Reviews:

Good on concept/Poor on skill development.......2007-08-07

This book reads like a really good magazine article - you get hooked on the concept, but leave wanting more. Author does a great job comparing and contrasting specific examples of how to self-promote and provides a guide to preparing your self-promotion pitch. However, it doesn't articulate a specific framework and set of skills that I can draw upon in any situation. I found it hard to identify the take-aways from chapters that were just rolling examples. Overall, helpful for the guide on preparing your pitch and examples, but fails in developing real skills.

Good foundation, but weak execution.......2007-07-19

I was excited to read this book based on the everyone's comments. However, by the end I quickly realized it lacked the takeaways one expects.

It talks in length about how to promote yourself, but it fails to drive home the distiction between those who promote gracefully and those that just brag. I was expecting to learn this difference based on the title.

It never happened. So I give it two stars based on some good content, but no more given it misses the mark.

A impressive and entertaining book to read. .......2007-06-20

I loved reading this book and completed it about half the time it usually takes me to read a book. The more I read the book the more I nodded in agreement of the bad habits that people make.
I realized that I am too modest and have been looked over a work and passed up for better positions because I am very relunctant to talk about myself.
What this book has done for me is given me the confidence to talk about myself in a positive light. The book gives you advice on different situations such as networking events, presentations and job-interviews.
After reading this book I am sure that I will reference it in the future and for that I am happy that I bought the book and not borrowed it from the library. I highly recommend this book for the ambitious person.

Very impressed.......2007-05-02

I am about to read this book, but I attended Peggy Klaus' seminar today at work on the same subject and I have to say it was life altering!

In fact, people would generally classify me as reserved.
But when I came back to my office after the seminar, I was firing off decisions and commands like Meryl Streep in Prada!
I am sure everyone thought I was on drugs!

Wanta-be entrepreneurs need to read this book, and successful entrepreneurs probably already have!.......2007-04-15

A gem of a book. We all know that bragging for bragging's sake is a no-no. Few of us like being around a braggart, and we try to avoid them most of the time. But a businessperson has to get the word out about what she sells or does for a living. Successful people don't call their pitches "bragging," but instead call it self promotion.

But what is the difference between a silly braggart and being a good self-promoter? Well, the answer can be found in the instant book. And the author has done a wonderful job of explaining the difference.

All the chapters were good, but my favorites were Chapter 4 (Techno Brag) and Chapter 8 (When You're Out on Your Own). These two chapters were the most relevant to self-employed small business owners. And they are the chapters that my clients at SCORE need to pay special attention to. 5 stars!

Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business

Average customer rating:

1 Map Vs. 50 Pages... I'll take 1 Visually Appealing Map
Should be common knowledge for learners and workers.
Help Put Some Colour Back into the Workplace - and Your Life
Very little substance
A Very Helpful Book

Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Success in Business
Jamie Nast
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0471788627

Book Description

Praise for Idea Mapping

"Nast's work in Idea Mapping enables those with creative minds to clearly lay out their thinking process and those who are more process-minded to become creative. If your organization is looking for a pragmatic, step-by-step guide to idea mapping, this is it."
--Chris Brown, Executive Vice President, DTE Energy Resources

"I have used idea maps for thirty years and have taught MBA students, employees, and my children how to harness their power. I strongly recommend this book and believe you will feel it to be one of the best investments you have ever made in your own growth."
--Stephen C. Lundin, coauthor, FISH!

"This is a book that everyone should read. It's an interactive, thought-provoking book about the brain and learning that will expand your mind. Nast, an accomplished and well-respected instructor, has guided me into a new realm of learning experiences and possibilities. I'm sure you will feel the same upon reading her insightful work."
--Simon Tai, CEO, Buzan Centre Taiwan and S&J Media Intergration Co. Ltd., Host of News Discovery on NEWS 98 Taiwan

"Nast shows you a revolutionary method to capture your thinking processes. Don't underestimate the simplicity of idea mapping because therein lies its genius."
--Scott Hagwood, four-time USA Memory Champion, author, Memory Power

"The ability to visually capture and organize thoughts and ideas has enabled millions of people around the world to do their work with greater creativity and productivity, run their businesses more strategically, and manage complex projects more efficiently--even map out a sales process or new product roll-out. Nast's very practical, readable book will get you quickly up to speed on one of the simplest but most powerful ways to organize your ideas, your work, and yourself."
--Mike Jetter, cofounder and CTO, Mindjet Corporation, coauthor, The Cancer Code

"The principles Nast writes about in Idea Mapping have become a staple for me over the past fourteen years. I was turned onto the concept of idea mapping in 1992 and have been a student and practitioner ever since. This has absolutely transformed the way I learn, design learning, and prepare for public speaking. I have never been more confident in my recall, knowing the content is nicely tucked away in my brain as it was designed to be. Get ready for a life-changing experience for yourself and those you influence."
--Will Flora, Senior Manager, Chick-Fil-A University, Atlanta, GA

Customer Reviews:

1 Map Vs. 50 Pages... I'll take 1 Visually Appealing Map.......2007-08-22

I've been impressed by Jamie Nast and her philosophy of Idea Mapping. I especially like the concept that you can put a complex idea on one page, and Jamie is running with it. I don't know about you, but I'd rather see a business plan on one gorgeous map than 50 droning pages. I'm also happy that Jamie considers software a legitimate venue for mapping (I especially like MindManager, which Jamie endorses at her website). A resource idea mappers at all levels need to checkout.

Should be common knowledge for learners and workers........2007-07-30

Giving the book five stars because I didn't already know everything the book tells you, but feel like I should have. A pretty light read and, I would say, on a 6th grade reading level, but all of the concepts in the book should have been explained to me by teachers in my secondary education.

I have to assimilate volumes of information, and mapping the info out in the manner taught by this book is the perfect way to do it. This use of the technique is only one of the applications described in the book.

Help Put Some Colour Back into the Workplace - and Your Life.......2007-06-08

This is a most accessible book. Almost by stealth, it introduces people to a very powerful personal and business tool. Idea mapping can help put the fun and creativity back into work - and open your mind to a technique to access ideas you didn't know you had.

The book takes an evolutionary approach to teaching mapping. Concepts and rules are introduced, examples given and lessons reinforced - then on to the next concept. Happily it's in plain English, with no business consultant-speak, and is easy to read and comprehend. Rules are introduced at the beginning to help the novice get started - later on these are overturned as experts are encouraged to be flexible and take account of the situations they are in and the purpose of their maps.

The focus is very much on business applications of the tool. Guidance is given on how to approach creativity, strategy definition, planning, preparation for presentations, planning and drafting articles and papers, organising your schedule and even 1-1 meetings with staff.

One of the most powerful applications of idea mapping is in learning and memorising information, books and manuals - whether simply to help retain more for day-day application or for passing professional exams or achieving certification. Maps provide visual clues to aid memory and readers are encouraged to embelish their maps with colour and images to enhance retention and recall.

What really makes the difference here is the inclusion of many real life examples. These are not dusty academic references but actual maps produced by real people to help them achieve more in real life business situations. More examples can be found on the author's website - extending the value of the book.

One of the recurring themes throughout is to consider the purpose of a map before you start it. Often maps will be fast and furious scribbles by way of an instant brainstorm, such as last minute preparation for an imminent meeting. At other times they will be developed with care, full of colour and images, as an aid to learning and recall.

Jamie Nast also introduces us to situations where maps need to be refined, developed and shared - and for which mapping software is a must. Advice is given on how to choose your software, the benefits and concerns and when and how to use.

Elsewhere in the book Jamie also explains how teams can use mapping collaboratively. A software tool is invaluable for such work. As a professional facilitator, I use software idea mapping with my groups. The map is projected onto a wall and ideas are captured, reviewed, restructured and so on interactively until the group are happy. Because the map is captured electronically it can be distributed immediately after the session as a map or exported into a text file, presentation or project plan.

Jamie also gives us a tool to help with group brainstorming. If you have caught the increasing number of articles on 'why brainstorming does not work', you'll know that getting every person to shout out every idea they have is unrealistic. Idea mapping offers a perfect solution where the brainstorm begins with individuals getting their thoughts down on paper before sharing with the group.

As mentioned earlier, idea mapping puts mind mapping firmly in the realm of business. In addition to being a tool to help organisations and teams, it is also a personal tool which managers use to identify and review their personal goals, manage their schedules and prepare their individual plans and presentations. Many of us are becoming increasingly aware of the inter-relationship between work and the rest of our lives (Doh!). There are examples given in the book of how people have assessed their careers and life goals using these techniques.

This book offers real encouragement to people to try the technique and access the creativity and fun they could experience in even the crustiest of workplaces. It's easy to learn following Jamie's well thought out step-by-step guide. Inspiration is offered by the many real life examples included - all of which can be viewed in colour on Jamie's web site. I have come across people at work who have seen mind mapping as something to be used by creative, clever people. You don't have to be clever to use idea mapping but you might become so if you do.

Very little substance.......2007-04-29

This book is yet another example of 15 pages worth of substance spread over 240 pages of fluff. A person would be much better served downloading the trial version of "Mindmanager" software and just following the included tutorial. It will teach you everything this book has to offer in a fraction of the time.

A Very Helpful Book.......2007-02-15

I love this book. It has helped me with my to do lists, teaching classes, taking notes on lectures and with helping my children to study. In my teaching; it has allowed me to keep my notes on one page and then to see the transitions more clearly. When questions are asked I can quickly find my place and give precise answers without flipping through pages of notes. My oldest daughter was struggling with science, but with idea mapping techniques she is able to use her creativeness to map out her study notes and has had more success with her testing. When taking notes on a lecture, I find that I can remember the speaker's points much better than the traditional outline method because it's mapped out in pictures and words.
I really enjoyed the book because the author has the reader participate in each chapter, so by the end of the book you are able to make good idea maps and rarely have to review the book.
What I have learned is a life enhancing skill that I use at work (fleshing out new projects or by doing my performance reviews)and my personal life (helping my children study, teaching, studying my Bible or by mapping "to do" lists).
The book is great; if you participate you will learn. I use idea mapping every day and I believe I am even more creative because of it.
Although I do not use the software suggested in the book, one day I may give it a try when drawing my own idea maps becomes a little tiring or less useful. But that may be well into the future because for now I'm having the best time drawing them out myself.

The Art of Talking to Anyone: Essential People Skills for Success in Any Situation

Average customer rating:

More annoying than helpful
The Art of Talking to Anyone
Not at all what I was hoping for
How to be a boring individual
Basic and Specifics of Talking in Various Situations.

The Art of Talking to Anyone: Essential People Skills for Success in Any Situation
Rosalie Maggio
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 007145229X

Book Description

From the author of How to Say It, the million-copies-sold bestseller

If you want to improve your conversational skills--and achieve greater levels of personal and professional success--The Art of Talking to Anyone is the ultimate book. Rosalie Maggio has built a career on teaching people how to say the right thing at the right time--and she's made her techniques available to you.

This essential communication handbook includes:

Sample dialogues, topics, and responses
Quick-reference dos and don'ts
Tips for handling special situations
Confidence-building advice and quotations
Key words that get to the business at hand

Whether it's small talk or big, social or work-related, The Art of Talking to Anyone gives you all the tools you need to speak up with confidence, to charm and persuade, and to talk your way through any situation--successfully.

Customer Reviews:

More annoying than helpful.......2007-06-22

I have recently been into social dynamics and thought a book about the fine points of conversation would be helpful. Unfortunately, the book seems to be written by a prude who makes every effort to make your conversations as dull and boring as the book itself is.
Some major issues with the book.
a) Although "art" is the word chosen, most of the advice consists of things to avoid and in very specific detail (for example she says NEVER to say "to make a long story short")
b)More than half of the book text consists of assanine quotes from others that hardly relate to the subject as well as NUMEROUS and seemingly endless lists of statement examples (ie. "How nice of you" etc.) The author fails to realize that reading these are incredibly uninteresting and eliminate any sense of style one may develop. To top it off they are in alphabetical order which makes it easier to quickly glance over them.
c) The author seems to want to make you a parrot by telling you exactly how to respond in certain situations. She also often contradicts herself in these examples. She states to not say anything personal to anyone you meet yet reccomends a converstation starter as "you look fit, what do you do for a workout regiment".

Overall this book is a complete waste of time written by someone who I would never want to have a conversation with. She is so afraid of making a mistake that I would end up talking to her for an hour about the weather.

Conversations (at least socially) are meant to be fun, not exercises in safety. It is not the end of the world if you take a risk. It makes for a memorable conversation. I would avoid this book like SARS.

The Art of Talking to Anyone.......2006-06-30

The author provides savvy, helpful ideas on improving communication in all situations. Very good.

Not at all what I was hoping for.......2006-06-20

I put this audiobook in my Wish List several weeks before it came out. What I was hoping for was some good info on the psychology and execution of the lost art of conversation. What I got was an endless list of do's and do nots. I ONLY recommend this for EXTREME introverts. If you are looking to polish your social skills or socialize with anyone other than friends then keep looking.

How to be a boring individual.......2006-05-25

The first 1 or 2 chapters of this book do indeed give you some good pointers on how to build rapport and to look for common threads, all very important parts of a conversation. However the latter chapters really get dull and tend to advice the reader to shy away from responding openly to real life situations such as when a friend approaches you with a problem, the author advices that you shy away from really putting yourself in their shoes and offering help, rather it gives you advice on how to decline offering help to someone in need. It also advices the reader not to tell jokes in any situation or to shy away from tellign detailed stories. Whilst for a social lepper this maybe sound advice most of us want to live in a world full of excitement and have conversations that are fullfilling for everyone, not just being a bore and trying to "fit in". Perhaps as an Brit this book is very American centric, but I'm sure even Americans are not even so boring!

Basic and Specifics of Talking in Various Situations........2005-08-05

Much of life starts with conversation. To some of us it comes easy, to some of us it is very difficult. Perhaps the hardest is the conversation at a job interview, or that first conversation with someone to whom you are attracted.

In the job interview, the interviewer will usually be asking questions. Your job is to provide the answers he wants to hear. Even if you decide you don't want the job, if you don't get an offer you don't get to decide.

In the romantic area it's really much easier. If both of you are interested, the conversation will flow - once you get it started. If the other person isn't interested, there isn't anything you can do to change it, move on to the next person. Getting it started is your job, and as with the other situations where you need help, this book will give you some good ideas. Good ideas of both things to say, and things not to say.

This book has eight chapters on the basics of being a good conversationalist. Then there are nine chapters on talking in various situations from the workplace to social events to talking with romance in mind. She knows what she is talking about.

The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes

Average customer rating:

Great book to ignite your success!
A Homage to Incremental Improvement
Exceptional
Great Book
Really works!

The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes
Allyson Lewis
Manufacturer: Kaplan Business
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1419537237
Release Date: 2006-05-01

Book Description

Do you want more? More hope, more joy, more fun and more fulfillment? Change is the essence of life; the biggest, most meaningful, and dramatic differences in our lives—and in our world—are really just the result of a series of small, seemingly insignificant changes. ""Amazing changes can occur in the most surprisingly small amounts of time,"" says Allyson Lewis, author and senior executive at a major financial services firm. ""In just seven minutes my life changed forever, in this book I will share exactly what happened to me and how it can happen to you.""

In The Seven Minute Difference, Lewis motivates business professionals to grow through micro-actions that can be completed in as little as seven minutes. According to Lewis, small efforts such as two extra sales calls, a daily action plan, a review of a competitor’s product, or a change of schedule can make the difference between mediocrity and excellence.

This book coaches readers to realize their full potential by focusing on four fundamental truths: Change begins to happen the moment you decide to change ; you must want to change; you must expect change; you should enjoy the process of change. Drawing upon years of experience as a motivational speaker and financial advisor, Lewis shows how she has successfully used these principles to help thousands of corporate executives, financial advisors, insurance executives, entrepreneurs, accountants, and attorneys change their lives. Chapters are filled with concrete examples, anecdotes, and sage advice, such as ""Life is like luggage, there are limits to what you can take on the journey"" and ""If you want your life to be different, you must be different.""

With humor and flair, The Seven Minute Difference spurs people to unlock their purpose, knowledge, and passion, and as a result, transform their lives at work and at home.

Highlights

Allyson Lewis inspires readers to:

• Define a mission and action plan that will support change

• Implement change and keep the momentum going

• Paint the canvas of your life – map out your goals

• Prioritize, organize, and simplify work and life to achieve greater productivity

Customer Reviews:

Great book to ignite your success!.......2007-05-25

Allyson Lewis's new book is invaluable for busy people who want to keep growing their success. Packed with hundreds of tips, ideas, and insights, it is fun and easy to read. The format of micro-actions is especially effective and makes it easy for the reader to immediately implement new ideas. Another great contribution by Allyson Lewis.

A Homage to Incremental Improvement.......2006-09-11

Allyson Lewis offers an effective and non-threatening template for improving your life. Let's hear it for baby steps! We have all heard that, "A journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step." Lewis exhorts us to take single, small - 7-minute - steps to transform our lives. In this way, you break down resistance to procrastination and barriers that keep you from attaining your goals and stall your progress. Good stuff, motivational and practical!

Exceptional.......2006-08-09

In just seven minutes, the course of Allyson Lewis' life changed. In just the few hours it took me to read Allyson's book, The Seven Minute Difference, my life changed. Allyson's book does not just provide advice, but actionable steps that can be taken to take charge of your life -- professionally and personally -- to achieve the goals you want to achieve. She is a hands-on writer and the book is chock full of tangible ideas for ways you can implement the Seven Minute Difference in your life. It is an easy-to-read book and one that you will want to own, not borrow, so you can underline and highlight the points you want to remember and come back to again and again. Allyson makes her points with both enthusiasm and poignancy and I personally have purchased 6 additional copies to give to friends. As Allyson says, "change happens in an instant," and the changes you want to make in your professional and/or personal life will happen when you read this book.

Great Book.......2006-08-06

I really liked this book. It was like getting a library of great success literature and life lessons summarized into one book. The author did a great job of organizing the material into an easily accessible format. I will definitely apply the lessons learned in the book to my personal and professional life.

Really works!.......2006-06-10

I have never met Allyson Lewis, a financial advisor for a major New York brokerage firm, but I feel as though I have. Not only do I feel as though we have met, but after reading her two books, I feel as though she is watching me and taking note of my progress toward the goals she has helped me set.
Her new book, The Seven Minute Difference: Small Steps to Big Changes (Kaplan Publishing, $20), started out, she writes, to be a business book about making small choices (and making them over and over) that will lead to big changes in your work. It was a good idea. But the book evolved into something more: Using the same tools to make changes in your entire life, most specifically to bring your beliefs, goals and actions into alignment so that the whole well-oiled machine works better. This was an even better idea. Too many of us, I have noticed, spend time dreaming of how we would like things to be different in the future without doing anything different today.
Lewis offers a whole book full of tips to make these changes seem manageable, almost painless - baby steps, if you will. The seven-minute concept comes from an epiphany she had during a seminar that changed her thinking about her goals, and her life, as well as from studies showing that people have about seven minutes to concentrate on something before their attention wanders.
But what makes the book so strong is that Lewis herself is there on every page, sharing her journey and her tips with humor and humanity. It is nice to know, for example, that she considers herself disorganized and easily distracted (even though I don't believe it.) She comes alive on the page as a terrific coach, which she apparently is, one who would push you to the limit but almost always be nice about it. At first I found her accomplishments a little intimidating, but as I got to know her I decided that her significant achievement - a full, well-ordered, well-balanced life, still in progress - was the result of a strong will; that, in other words, she had started out with the same imperfections as the rest of us and simply decided not to let them carry the day. After that realization, I decided to try to become more like her instead of admiring her from a distance, which I suspect was what she intended all along.
The book came at the perfect time for me. Last month I left my job after 20 years and have been working to get my house in order - in every sense. I keep Allyson's book on my nightstand, so that on my lazy days, and I have my share, I see her picture, imagine that she is looking back, and get busy.

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