In Work Reimagined, Richard J. Leider and David A. Shapiro urge people to develop a new vision for their work. They offer methods to help people uncover their individual callings rather than simply viewing their jobs as a way to pay the bills. By rethinking their attitudes toward work, people can find meaningful aspects in the jobs they perform and apply their personal gifts to the world around them.
For many professionals, time management can be challenging. Unfortunately, most available literature on the art of productivity contains complex theories and philosophies. In The Daily Edge, David Horsager argues that increasing efficiency and effectiveness at work simply requires professionals to make some basic modifications to their daily work habits. Culled from research and Horsager’s own personal experiences, The Daily Edge’s productivity strategies are designed to help professionals use their time more efficiently without jeopardizing their personal relationships.
The increasing influx of data in an average person’s life may at times seem overwhelming. It is not uncommon, when presented, for some of this data to be misrepresented, misinterpreted, and misused. In Everydata, John H. Johnson and Mike Gluck explain how people can learn to assess, process, and utilize the data that surrounds them to improve their decision making. They define statistical and economical terms, reinforce the need to review information critically, and provide tips to help people become smart consumers of everyday data.
In Access to Asia, Sharon Schweitzer and Liz Alexander argue that in order to succeed in the landscape of international business, professionals must develop an awareness of different cultures around the world. Drawing from extensive research and firsthand accounts from 80 regional experts, the authors outline the skills and knowledge all professionals must have to create fruitful, long-lasting business relationships in Asia. The authors utilize an eight-question framework to provide profiles for 10 Asian countries, including the history, geography, and business etiquette of each.
Many individuals strive to make the transition from subject matter expert to successful consultant. However, subject matter expertise only accounts for about 75 percent of a successful consulting engagement. The other 25 percent relates to customer and team management skills. As a result, not everyone succeeds in making the transition in the professional services world. Failed engagements are problematic for consultants and for their clients, from the standpoint of profitability and reputation. In The Seven Principles of Professional Services, Shane Anastasi describes the practices and frameworks he has used repeatedly to transform unhealthy professional service teams into growth engines that are committed to customer success. The results are fewer escalations, happier clients, less downtime, and higher profit margins.
In The Anatomy of Peace, The Arbinger Institute presents a conflict-resolution strategy that requires understanding the impact of viewing others in a warlike manner—as objects or barriers to overcome—and the importance of viewing others through a heart of peace—as people with authentic hopes, cares, needs, and fears. This understanding can provide insight into opposing points of view and ignite a true desire to help others. By adopting a heart of peace that is free from blame, justification, and internal warring, potential paths forward are illuminated, and a strategic framework for influencing others can be successfully deployed.
Strategy and management advice is often unreliable. Most lessons derived from companies that have achieved extraordinary results typically do not account for the factors of chance, coincidence, or random fluctuations. In The Three Rules, Michael E. Raynor and Mumtaz Ahmed argue that there are only three rules every company must follow in order to become exceptional. Through a series of case studies featuring companies from a number of industries, this book identifies these fundamental strategies and illustrates how they determine whether companies’ performances will be miraculous, sustainable, or simply average.
