Organizations Books

Plato's allegory of the cave is a story that everyone must read in order to claim to be educated. In it, people are permanently located in a cave with their back to the entrance. The shadows of what takes place outside the cave appears on the wall and the residents use that information to reach conclusions regarding what is outside. It is designed to show you that much of what you think you know is only a faint shadow of what the world really is.
This story begins in that vein; Unga, Bunga, Oogie, Boogie and Trevor are cave dwellers with a fear of the outside. They watch the shadows and reach conclusions and each has a different opinion regarding what terrible fate would befall them if they ever set foot outside their domain. They eat only what blows into the cave, so their diet consists largely of dried plant life and dead insects.
Eventually, Boogie expresses a desire to explore the exterior world, an opinion that immediately gets him ostracized. When he leaves, he discovers an amazing world of animals and vegetation. He wanders until he encounters a wise man named Mike, who tells him how it used to be.
In the old days, there was a major civilization that built towers to see what was beyond their immediate vicinity. In one direction, there were enormous herds of wild animals and in the other direction there were abundant fruits and vegetables there for the harvesting. There were two groups, each of which looked in only one direction. This led to an immediate split, one group wanted to build spears and other hunting tools while the other wanted to build baskets for gathering. Neither side would budge from their position, which led to a battle for control. This battle led to separate groups retreating into caves, where they remained to this day.
After the initial story of the cave dwellers, there is a serious discussion of the meaning of the tale. You are asked to ponder the significance of the story and how it relates to the modern business world. With the advent of global markets and the instantaneous transfer of information, for most companies a strategy of staying put is suicide. Each and every day, someone in the company must be examining all of the fundamental assumptions used to justify the business decisions.
This is a short book that is perfect for the half-day management seminar. Illustrated and only 81 pages long, it can be read in about an hour and is packed with information designed to get you thinking about your approach to life, work and career.

Fun and easy read but compelling! This is a book that I will want to keep on my bookshelf and revisit. A must read for managers, educators, and leaders.
Just as enjoyable and illuminating, Outlearning the Wolves, again, by David Hutchens.

Simple, yet powerful. A fun way to learn and very effective for group discussion.

I really enjoyed this book! The author's clever sense of humor and the great illustrations make a difficult subject--mental models--fun and easy to learn about. I think the book would help any company, family, or even couple get better at exploring why they think the way they do, and how to communicate better with colleagues and loved ones. The discussion guide at the end of the book makes it easy to start using the ideas in your day-to-day life.

David Hutchens brings new insight and twists to an age old metaphor. This book begins with a humorous tale whose analogy, to the world in which we live and the mental models which we hold, will hit you between the eyes. The writer quickly points out problems every organization battles with to improve performance and grow. While the business culture has become so overwhelmed with change, many leaders have embraced their current state of affairs. Holding tight to what we have, we spend much of our energy trying not to lose market share. This book gives insight into why and when this happens and how to move from there. "In a world of chaotic information, the mind instantly locks onto that which it already knows--and simply filters out other data." (from Shadows of the Neanderthal) I'm glad I bought it. Thom Hazelip, Arthur Andersen LLP

An excellent overview of the liturgical development of the early church. I would recommend this book to all people like myself that are non-liturgical. Dix brings out that the general outline of the service of the Eucharist "is everywhere most remarkably the same after 300 years of independent existance in the widely scattered church" in the Mediterranean region. If the non-liturical fundamentalist arguement that pagan intrusion was the origin of the Eucharist service were true, we would expect to see widely divergent local customs surrounding the eucharist service. The only explanation to explain the remarkable similarity is a common origin that must date to the very beginning of the Christian movement, before its missionary expansion. This would mean that the original design of the Eucharist liturgical service was done with Apostolic oversight.
This is blockbuster news to a non-liturgical cleric like myself. After reading this book, I now have more of a respect for the desire of my liturgic brother to keep the shape of the liturgy as it has been handed down to him or her. And I now will be more open to incorporating parts of the liturgy into our non-liturgical service. This is a must read for those that are contemplating throwing out the customs and practices of the liturgical service as being boring and repetitious. Instead the ministry of the liturgical church needs to teach what Dom Gregory Dix writes to the laity of the church, so they understand the various parts of the service, what they mean and their Apostolic origins. If someone had done that for me when I was an adolescent growing up in a liturgical church, I might have stayed in the church, instead of moving on to be a pastor in a non-liturgical denomination.

This is the end all for the liturgy. Detailed to a fault and well written. Dix did christianity a favor by producing this work for the people.

"Everything old is new again" seems to have impacted the Christian Church in the 21st Century. With the "rediscovery" of the richness and depth of the ancient forms of worship, the reprint of this classic on liturgy is very welcomed.

Dom Gregory Dix, an Anglican scholar, began a short presentation of the shape of liturgy that by his own admission became an expansive examination of how the Church has worshipped over the centuries. The research is outstanding and the general usefulness of the book is amazing considering the length to which the author has gone to verify his conclusions.

This outstanding work is a key for those theologians, pastors and priests seriously interested in the worship of the church through the ages. A serious layman can obtain much from the book as well.

Dom Gregory Dix's "The Shape of the Liturgy," originally published in 1945, is a classic work that anyone who appreciates the importance and beauty of liturgical planning and development should own. This work represents one of the first serious attempts to influence liturgical reform in the Church of England toward pre-Nicene forms, and Dix's overarching structure of "take,bless, break, and give" still serves us well today. This book is written in a very accessible way, and it provides the background for understanding the theology behind many of the post-Vatican II reforms. I highly recommend it.

Most Liturgical scholars own a copy of Dix's `Shape of the Liturgy.' The reason is that Dix is perhaps the most thorough and erudite liturgical scholar of the 20th century. `Shape' is a classic that has fundamentally shaped most Protestant and Catholic denominations. To the person not familiar with `liturgy,' it means `work of the people,' and is the way in which Christians have traditionally worshipped. It is a common worship, in which the worship of various separate churches is similar, but varies by time of year, and with the local culture.

Dix starts with an introduction to the Liturgy; then he moves on to the performance of the Liturgy. Then he begins his historical quest, in which he attempts to find the roots of the liturgy in the Biblical documents, moving into the pre-Nicene time period. It was in the very early pre-Nicene times that the Eucharist came to consist of a four-action shape: offering, thanksgiving, fraction, and communion. He discusses the Eucharistic prayer, the local traditions, the meaning and theology of the Eucharist, consecration theology, sanctification of time, and the ceremonial. He then discusses the completion of the shape, and the use of variable prayers. Then he covers the medieval liturgy, the Reformation liturgies (with particular attention to Anglican issues), and a call for renewal.

Overall, Dix's work is monumental. Sometimes, it is a bit too monumental. The work is 764 pages long. Much of what he says could be condensed into probably 200 pages effectively. However, his attention to detail is marvelous: he has read every Church father writing 2-3 times! Dix is partly responsible for the rediscovery of Liturgy in most mainline Churches, from the Evangelical Lutheran Church to the United Methodist Church. His research into early liturgies has demonstrated the Jewish nature of many Christian liturgies. I highly recommend this book. However, a little patience is needed to get through the entire book.

I don't know anybody who having read Sharing Words doesn't believe that social transformation by education can be a reality. Sharing Words explains the possibility for adult illiterates to partake of literacy to the extent of reading classical literature. In addition, it outlines how it is possible to overcome the main obstacles like gender, race, age, and ethnicity that curtail literacy experiences and social participation. The reader appreciates how the literary circles and their organization become a democratic educative practice which produce a transformation in the learners, as well as in their daily and societal context. The experiences depicted in this book do away with stereotypes that relate to the low expectations of our society from people who lack a university degree. I identified the two elements that are propagated by Freire, the theoretical base of the educative experience and the dreams evoked by it. From deep understanding of theory and practice, Flecha deals with both in a very accurate way.

Before reading this book, I didn't believe that one person coming from illiteracy could read James Joyce. Going through Sharing Words, I have realized that to believe that this is possible is the only way to make it. Definitely: Sharing Words is a revolutionary book, it do to believe that the people make dreams possible by education.

What most impressed me about this book is how Flecha successfully overcomes the common gap between educational practice and theory. "Sharing words" is about an efficient educational practice which is taking place every week in different places around the world. The secret for the educational practice efficiency is dialogic learning. This innovative way to approach education is convincingly argued for by the author by introducing the powerful intellectual basis - Freire, Habermas, Giddens - which supports it. Flecha not only presents the seven principles of dialogic learning as a theory or as possible outcomes when the theory is applied; he also includes the voices of those who are actually taking part in the practice. This combination of theory and practice is insightful, especially since it is not easily found in the literature. As a result Flecha gives the reader the opportunity to be immersed in the successful learning experience of literacy students reading Kafka, Joyce, Garcia Lorca... an amazing real utopia! The seven principles of dialogic learning are the most exhaustive set of principles to be used to completely overcome all kinds of discrimination and problems that are at the center of the educational debate. All possible bias are taken into account: ageism, sexism, racism, classism... For all these reasons, I strongly feel that "Sharing Words" will be of great interest and of greater reward for all who care about education, believe in social justice and work everyday to make such ideals a reality for all.

What most impressed me about this book is how Flecha successfully overcomes the common gap between educational practice and theory. "Sharing words" is about an efficient educational practice which is taking place every week in different places around the world. The secret for the educational practice efficiency is dialogic learning. This innovative way to approach education is convincingly argued for by the author by introducing the powerful intellectual basis - Freire, Habermas, Giddens - which supports it. Flecha not only presents the seven principles of dialogic learning as a theory or as possible outcomes when the theory is applied; he also includes the voices of those who are actually taking part in the practice. This combination of theory and practice is insightful, especially since it is not easily found in the literature. As a result Flecha gives the reader the opportunity to be immersed in the successful learning experience of literacy students reading Kafka, Joyce, Garcia Lorca... an amazing real utopia! The seven principles of dialogic learning are the most exhaustive set of principles to be used to completely overcome all kinds of discrimination and problems that are at the center of the educational debate. All possible bias are taken into account: ageism, sexism, racism, classism... For all these reasons, I strongly feel that "Sharing Words" will be of great interest and of greater reward for all who care about education, believe in social justice and work everyday to make such ideals a reality for all.

"Sharing Words" is a book to be read if you want to know about an alternative educational method that listens to the voices of those people who are usually descounted. This book demonstrates how any person is able to analyze culture and society on the basis of his/her experience. Knowledge, as it is understood in "Sharing Words", is not only something abstrct with an academic degree; knowledges also comes from life experience and has not a concrete age, gender, colour of skin or preferences, this is, all the people are able to learn from their own capabilities and necessities and have the right to decide what and how they want to learn.

I had read this book's review in the Harvard Educational Review and I had very much anticipated its release, because it seemed to offer a unique look at education, its beneficiaries, and its methods. I must admit the book has measured up to all that deal of anticipation.

In "Sharing Words" Ramón Flecha raises critical issues. The book is both provocative and thought-provoking, and it challenges, in particular, mainstream ways of dealing with the world of literature.

The book offers ways of crossing cultural borders by focusing on the use and enjoyment of literature by ordinary people, and on their views, rather than on those of the elite, which is a somewhat rare approach in our so-called advanced democratic societies. However, these critical approaches are fortunately becoming less and less of an oddity these days, and books such as this one bear witness to that.

By way of a conclusion, I cannot but reproduce the H.E.R. reviewer's literal words: «'Sharing Words' crosses many borders. It highlights both theory and practice; it is both expository and narrative; and it refers as much to educational and social science works as to classical literature. In this way, 'Sharing Words' may be an example of a new way of writing about educational theory and practice, one that results in a captivating and enjoyable experience that invites the reader to share and comment with colleagues, students, and friends.»

Many times in marriage, ministry and with relationships in general, "things can go south for unexpected reasons" and the more one does to correct the problem seems to only make it worse. There could be a relational transference occuring. This book does a great job in identifying such and provides steps to take for healthy resolution.
Ron Hobelman
integritydotmen

McIntyre's book is an absolute MUST read for the lay or professional pastoral worker/counselor. Her insights regarding the dynamic of transference are penetrating and relevant to a proper understanding of the subject. Whether you are being transferred onto, or have engaged in this behavior yourself, McIntyre's book illimunates the subject in such a way as to enlighten the reader to the harmful effects of pressing transferences, the appropriate measures and precautions to take when we're the object of transference, as well as what to do if we're the one in transference. A much needed and useful tool in spiritual and emotional warfare.

The book i personally found very helpful in my own family setting as it looks on why people transfer their emotions onto others. It deals wisely with the need to find wholeness in our relationship with God - to open the memories which when repressed can lead us to transfer onto others. For the one transfered upon the importance of holding onto the truth and not wallowing in a reactive and subjective attitude is made clear. The book has helped me feel less alone and fearful in response to others' transferance and also my own unhealedness. I recommend the book as a 'restoring' book to those 'subject' to their own unresolved needs and those of others.

McIntyre's book is an absolute MUST read for the lay or professional pastoral worker/counselor. Her insights regarding the dynamic of transference are penetrating and relevant to a proper understanding of the subject. Whether you are being transferred onto, or have engaged in this behavior yourself, McIntyre's book illimunates the subject in such a way as to enlighten the reader to the harmful effects of pressing transferences, the appropriate measures and precautions to take when we're the object of transference, as well as what to do if we're the one in transference. A much needed and useful tool in spiritual and emotional warfare.

McIntyre's book is an incredible testimony of personal experience in emotional enmeshment and the underlying spiritual and psychological issues that accompany it. It is also an incredible explication of how this common emotional condition is connected to christian concepts of idolatry. For those who have been caught up in the emotional turmoil and conflict that is common in these kinds of experiences, especially when they come out in a church, counseling or ministry context as well as interpersonal relationships, this book can bring insight and clarity to the spiritual and emotional underpinnings of this common condition. Contrary to some interpretations, this book does not label "transference" as "sin", but rather points out from a testimonial and pastoral perspective how the dynamics of transference play an integral part in emotional enmeshment, emotional dependence and emotional idolatry in present relationships. It also covers well how to deal with it outside the therapy office in the contexts in which it can occurr. It is not a substitute for more in-depth psychological understanding of the concepts presented, or for therapy where it is needed. It is a great book for gaining insight and initial understanding on a pastoral level about issues that are tumultuous and confusing in nature.

This book is an antidote for the cynicism and sense of helplessness that pervades too many of our communities. We are given actual examples of communities builing on their strengths, talents, histories and values to create new energy and optimism. As an amatuer historian, my favorite chapter was the one on preserving the past as a way to begin building the new. Now I have the language to encourage renewal by honoring the past.

Finally, an exceedingly hopeful book about how to effect meaningful change in a community, large or small. Here, Dr. Suzanne Morse, in her characteristic lively and to-the-point style, has given us a guide, repleat with documented examples of how to move the needle on those issues we're all too familiar with: poverty, lack of a board base of leadership, chidren's welfare. Armed with more than 10 years of hands on experience working with groups in communities all across the country, Dr. Morse's book, as well as many of her other supportive pieces such as What Works, guarantees us all that we no longer have to start at square one. If you were depressed by Robert Putnam's novel a few years back, Bowling Alone, which bemoaned the lack of citizen involvement in communities today, this book and the work of Dr. Morse will give you not only hope but the tools to join forces with others where you live to make a difference.
Read it for the cheer joy of finding out how this is done, and done well.Each chapter ends with, How to Get Started in Your Community, a virtual workbook for action. Her reference section will also help guide you in fruitful directions.Putnam's latest book, Better Together: Restoring the American Community, speaks of a hint that citizens are beginning to "bowl together". Dr. Morse's book is proof that they are and have been doing so effectively for the past decade.Enjoy--an exhilerating read.

I got this book because it is being used as a textbook for a college course I am taking, but once I got into the book, I started enjoying it. Morse is a real excellent writer and she makes the subject matter of creating good communities interesting. Normally, I would dread reading a book for class, but this one is a good read especially for those who wnat to be more involved in making a smart community.

I was attracted to this book while looking for insights into strategic thinking for work in another arena. I was not disappointed.

Smart Communities offers many very useable ideas for anyone with responsibilities for thinking and acting strategically to enhance our lives together. And that probably includes most everyone.

Along with very practical help, the accounts and interpretations of real experiences also offer inspiration and hope.

I'm sure that you are busy. I've got a lot of things to do myself, more than I can get done today. And then the time comes when you have to stop being busy, some times you just have to sit and let the batteries recharge. As the old saying goes, sometimes I sits and thinks, and sometimes I just sits.

And the question has to come up of what can one person, you or me do to make the community we live in a better place. Suzanne Morse's book can't tell you what you can do. But it can tell you what other people like you have done. Will her ideas work in New York City, no. Will they work on the block you live in within New York City, in the neighborhood you live in, yes.

Meanwhile I've got to quit writing about this book. I'm going help the local community theater try to get started. I don't know anything about theater, but I can find some way to help, even if it's just sweeping the floor.

Positive thinking, teamwork, relationship-building and creativity are all ideals of the workplace; but just how to problem workplaces become turned around so these ideals can be fostered and encouraged to develop? Turn to Tasos Sioukas' The Solution Path: A Step-By-Step Guide to Turning Your Workplace Problems Into Opportunities for insights into just how: chapters provide a step-by-step guide to common workplace problems which may be viewed as opportunities for positive change. A `vision statement' is advocated throughout the process.

This book has done wonders for me. I was having a very difficult time with my boss and after having read the book my relationship with him changed 180 degrees! Not only do I no longer take his actions personally, but I have acquired very effective skills in communicating with him that have produced win-win results for the two of us. I highly recommend THE SOLUTION PATH

A user-friendly, must-have manual

The Solution Path offers a concise manual on identifying and resolving problems that arise in the workplace and everyday life. The book offers a unique approach to problem solving by presenting practical methods with an emphasis on positive thinking, teamwork, and creativity.

I find the organization of the book extremely helpful. Each chapter includes real-life cases as well as several easy to use exercises that provide readers the opportunity to work on their problems.

Another unique feature of the book is its emphasis on facilitation and teamwork. The Solution Path showed me how to use facilitation and capitalize on the power of my team at every step of the problem solving process. As a result, my team members not only generate many more ideas but also combine them into solutions that are feasible and easier to implement. Facilitation also enabled us to resolve employee conflicts within the team environment. Some of these conflicts were due to personality traits. By utilizing the personality test and exercises, we have started to value our innate personality differences, which resulted in a higher level of productivity.

In addition, unlike other books written on the subject, the author offers spiritual principles that fuel readers with optimism. Readers are inspired to tap into their higher power, view the world as a place filled with abundance rather than scarcity of resources, and approach all their problems in a positive, action-oriented manner. By applying these principles, it almost feels that there are no problems but only solutions.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to maximize managerial skills. The Solution Path is a must-have reference source that I will utilize again and again in my professional and personal life.

The two most precious advantages of this book are its user-friendliness and its effective utilization of "hands on" resources for creating solutions. Sioukas' book will help you reformulate the way you view, deal with, and resolve problems at your workplace and, as I found, within your own personal life.

Throughout my twenty plus years of experience as a corporate executive, I have been exposed to numerous approaches dealing with problem solving. "The Solution Path," not only offers one of the most easy to read and comprehensible tools I have encountered, it also breaks new ground in helping individuals use their inner strengths in harmony with those of their workplace. This book will help you demystify the often complicated processes of effectively working with teams, of envisioning outcomes and developing ideas, and finally, it will empower you to formulate and deliver a strategically sound solution to your problem. It does so by using solid, graspable concepts, and creative, hands-on tools. This book delivers!

The Solution Path helped me resolve my company's organizational problems. Instead of hiring an expensive consultant, I used the principles outlined in the book and resolved all of my problems. It was the best money spent. I would recommend this book to other executives trying to resolve turmoil and find viable solutions.

I found McGuckin's book very interesting, readable, and informative.

Cyril of Alexandria is probably one of the most underappreciated saints in the West, and this book goes a long way to show his importance, especially in the area of Christology. McGuckin does a great job in Chapters 2 and 3 explaining both Nestorius' and Cyril's conflicting theologies. He takes the at times subtle and at times downright confusing debates of the early 5th century and explains them in such a way as to be understandable to the modern reader. Note, however, that this is not an intro book to these topics, McGuckin does assume the reader has a basic understanding of the issues involved before he delves more deeply into them.

The reason I am giving this book 4 stars instead of 5, however, is due to Chapter 4, in which McGuckin writes about the ecumenical reception of Cyril's work after his death, especially at Chaldedon. I understand that he is an Orthodox priest, and as such, will have a different perspective of Chalcedon than most in the West. However, I felt this Chapter was simply reactionary: he simply found every opportunity to denigrate Pope Leo's (very important) contribution to Chalcedon, and to act like Leo's Tome was basically inconsequential to the proceedings. While it may be true that Leo's contribution is overstated at times in the West, McGuckin seems to be more interested in attacking the West's perception than he is of simply recounting the actual history in an objective manner.

One of McGuckin's goals in his scholarship has been to rehabilitate Cyril in contemporary scholarship. Many people (especially in Western Europe and America) have demonized Cyril and have overemphasized the role of power politics in the Council of Ephesus. McGuckin portrays Cyril much more sympathetically. As an Easterner, he looks at Cyril much more highly than those of the West and he is able to point out times when Westerners get Cyril wrong.

This is not an intro book for those who know nothing of the issues surrounding the Council of Ephesus, however if you have a basic grasp of Church History and are interested in this particular controversy, I would highly reccomend it.

McGuckin writes with complete lucidity about very complicated dogmatic issues. Anyone who has struggled with the issues of Ephesus and Chalcedon will benefit from McGuckin's analyses. There is plenty of history here too, but the author is at his best at conceptual analysis. He clearly is on Cyril's side in the debates of the era, and presents Cyril as a champion of not only the divinity of Jesus, but also of his true and complete humanity.

For a book on such a heavy subject the book is remarkably well written, readable and enjoyable. McGuckin does a very fine job of interweaving history and theology, keeping the political and dogmatic dramas in balanced perspective. I am a novice in this area so I cannot judge whether McGuckin's conclusions are correct, but the work seems to be fair and scholarly. He clearly writes from an Eastern Orthodox and pro-Cyril perspective but presents material that causes difficulties for his views as well. Of particular interest is his finely nuanced discussion of the complicated role of the Pope in this early chuch controversy.

The book provides a detailed and well written presentation of the often confusing events connected with the Council of Ephesus (431AD) and has two chapters analyzing the theology of Cyril and Nestorius. There is also a good selection of hard to find writings by Cyril and his contemporaries (over 150pp). The author works to offset the generally negative modern outlook on Cyril and to make understandable the very high esteem in which this important Church Father and his theology were held by much of the Early Church.

Who among us, often serving simultaneously in both roles of nonprofit executive and board member, would not relate in a heartbeat to Light's seven "realities" and four "questions of great governance?" The importance and usefullness of Mark's insights and tested plan are immeasurable to all of us who wrestle daily with this #1, always-in-your-face management challenge. Check it out!

What are the characteristics of an effective and powerful board? For Mark Light, it is a board that is "visionary about the future, explicit in delegating that future into the present, clear about the tasks that must be executed today, and disciplined about monitoring performance." It "...focuses its energy on making sure that the organization achieves its chosen destiny."

The process for creating such a board is the focus of The Strategic Board. In Light's view, the ideal board builds its agenda around the creation and implementation of a governance plan consisting of four sub-plans:

1. a leadership plan, articulating vision, mission, strategies, critical issues (he calls these "imperatives"), and success indicators;

2. a delegation plan, defining the responsibilities and performance standards of the board (including its members, officers, and committees) and executive director;

3. a twelve-month management plan for the board and for each functional area of the organization stating annual objectives, challenges to be addressed, and budget;

4. a "vigilance plan," that serves as a monitoring schedule and provides the main agenda items the board's meetings for the coming year.

The book includes examples of each type of plan, drawn from the theatre company where the author serves as executive director and from a Big Brothers/Big Sisters organization. The examples are very helpful in following the logic of each planning process.

In an interesting introduction, Light suggests that any effort to improve nonprofit governance must take into account seven realities of nonprofit organizations:

1. part-time volunteer directors are able to give only limited time to the tasks of governance;

2. boards operate with something less than perfect knowledge, creating a dilemma for the both the board and executive director as they must each be both servant and leader to the other;

3. boards tend to be fairly large, making decision-making a lengthy and complicated process;

4. for many boards, the skills, knowledge, and attitudes required for effective governance are not seen as a prerequisite for recruitment;

5. there are few consequences for poor performance, and little recognition for excellent board performance;

6. consistency and continuity are problems for many boards from year-to-year and even from meeting-to-meeting due to poor attendance and turnover of members and officers;

7. nonprofit organizations are led by relatively inexperienced executive directors. (based on an article from Board Member which is available online at [URL]

The author draws upon a number of sources in nonprofit literature to support his thesis, making the endnotes a useful link to follow-up reading. He also sprinkles the text with the wisdom of motivational writers and speakers. This will be enjoyed by readers who are inspired by such writing. Personally, I think these oversimplified inspirational messages detract from the otherwise strong and thoughtful text.

Overall, there is much in this book to stimulate creative thinking. The concepts are well-explained and illustrated with good examples. On the negative side, it suffers from too much jargon (e.g. "high-impact governance") and like so many "how-to" books, tends to underestimate the time and effort necessary to transform intentions into action. Still, it is a serious and thoughtful effort to build boards capable of the leadership needed by strong and effective organizations. Most executive directors and board members will find some new and challenging ideas to consider.

Literally dozens of books about boards have come out in the past few years. This one stands out from the crowd because it's written by a seasoned and successful nonprofit executive with a pragmatic and reality-based approach to governance. If you're a nonprofit executive, this book acknowledges the limitations and frustrations of nonprofit governance, then gives concrete suggestions for turning your board into a high-impact team. If you serve on a nonprofit board, you'll be informed and inspired by the author's concept of strategic governance. The Strategic Board should be in every nonprofit executive's briefcase!

From Light's, "Seven Realities of NonProfit Boards to, "Closing Thoughts," this step by step guide is loaded with both practical and cutting edge strategies for organizational success. As a direct result of the principles contained in this guide to high impact governance, our nonprofit fund raising agency is posting stunning gains in a highly competitive community investment arena where everything is measured and outcomes count. The breadth, depth and scope of the information is exceptionally well written and follows a logical progression from case statement, vision and values to governance, delegation and management plus everything in between! Like that jar of pasta sauce, it's in there! Whether you are new to nonprofits or a seasoned pro, The Strategic Board contains the tools for transformational leadership. One of the closing quotes in the Guide is from James Barksdale who states, "The main thing is to make sure the main thing is still the main thing." Light accomplishes this masterfully in this extraordinary work.

If you are a nonprofit board member or an executive staff person in a nonprofit . . . buy this book today . . .put it into action by tomorrow . . .it is the answer to your most pressing issues.

Nonprofit governance is one of the most interesting creatures alive. Board members, though caring and committed, have limited time and energy to devote to the pressing issues facing nonprofits. Executive Directors of Nonprofits are always trying to figure out just what it is that their board members want from them.

The Strategic Board gives Boards and Executive Staff a proven model to overcome the obstacles and challenges inherent in nonprofits. And, it gives it a way to keep it alive and to check your progress . . . and fits in with the limited staff time and board time available.

Don't miss a chance with this book.

This is a great reference resource for those interested in Fund Raising. Simone does a wonderful job pulling resources from all over the development world together in this text. Then she critically questions their impact and ramifications. Finally, she takes fund development beyond the practices of raising money and into relationships and leadership. It is a well rounded text and worth the purchase.

I have been building my professional library and count Simone's book as a "must have" and "most often consulted" on a wide range of topics. This book is in my top 5 list and on any reading list that I prepare as an adjunct to presentations. The theoretical concepts supported by practical examples makes this book a most useful resource for the new and seasoned development professional. As the number of fundraising resources grow there are numerous books on special topics. For this reason and due to the caliber of this book, I hope that it remains widely available. Pearl Veenema (Toronto, Canada)

As someone who has been a subscriber to Simone Joyaux's newsletter over the last two years, I knew that her book would offer me many valuable insights into how to do my job as the Chairman of a non-profit cultural institution better. Indeed, Ms. Joyaux's book took the goal of building long term, profitable relationships-the lifeline for any non-profit-and broke it down into a step-by-step road map that our instituion was able to put into effective use immediately. All that non-profits need to know to become more financially sound is contained in this straightforward, comprehensive guide. The real life illustrations make the advice and guidance extremely compelling. An indespensible tool for serious fund-raisers!

If you are a development director, a board member, or an Executive Director of a nonprofit organization (or someone just interested in learning more about development), you should waste no time and purchase this book. It is very comprehensive and has lots of practical tools you can use. I find myself grabbing for this book over and over. It is a wonderful, must have resource!

An important work if we are to be serious about positioning our institutions for the future. Joyaux has captured the essence of what we as development professionals should understand and be prepared to address as we look to the 21st century.

This was the first book I had read on family businesses and I found Ed Hess's insights very useful. As a consultant who works with many family owned and/or operated businesses, the book helped me understand the ins and outs of such businesses in a clear and concise fashion. I recommend it for anyone who wants to understand the unique nuances of family-owned businesses and ensure the long term success of them.

I have not only studied this fine text, but I have bought copies for four friends with family businesses. I am personally aware of many of the pitfalls associated with a family business, but reading this book increased the breadth of my awareness greatly. And, most important, it provided great insight into how to deal with these many issues. I believe strongly that being forewarned is being forearmed, and this book provides invaluable warnings and solutions regarding family business challenges. I personally believe it is a must read for all members, direct and indirect, of family businesses.

As a Financial Services professional focused on advising Ultra-High Net Worth individuals and families during and after significant liquidity events, I have been witness to the issues that arise prior to, during, and after the sale of a family business. Ed Hess has thoroughly explored the realities that families must face when creating a succession plan. Hess also thoroughly discusses the typical exit options that exist for business owners as well as the qualitative considerations that families should explore before selling a business. I highly recommend this book and plan to use it as a reference tool on an on-going basis.

Acquainted with Prof. Hess, I was looking forward to reading the book, as it is on a subject with which I was not fully familiar. I was not dissappointed. Straightforward, well organized and with great case studies, I believe I now better understand this specialized area of business. I recomment this book for anyone working in or advising a family business, and am lending my copy to a good friend with a considerable family business interest.

This book represents a complete summary of relevant, major issues facing any family business. Each of these issues will be actively managed or at least contemplated in the life of any family business and the long term success and viability of the organization is dependent on how or if the issue is resolved. Ed Hess provides thought provoking guidance on how to deal with each problem encountered. He points out the relationship and dependency of many of the issues to each other and the need for timeliness in addressing the subjects. This book is a must read for CEO's and Directors of growing family businesses.