Organizations Books

Positive Turbulence is a very practical guide to keeping your organization moving at a healthy pace and continuing to innovate in order to compete in today's ever-changing marketplace. The theories included can be easily applied and related to any organization with Positive or Negative turbulence. It's a fluid read that's over before you know it.

Positive Turbulence is helpful for leaders at all levels of an organization. With theories and examples, the author promotes the need to see the world of work with fresh eyes and to learn from unexpected situations. As a well-known authority on creativity and innovation, Dr. Gryskiewicz provides convincing information about the value of using changing, often turbulent conditions, to shape a flexible organization, open to new ideas. A good source of practical approaches and lots of resources in an easy-to-read format--this is a good book to include in your leadership library.

C.M.Steward Managing Director The Crossland Group

Stan Gryskiewicz has a gift for telling a story. This makes his book, Postive Turbulence, a pleasure to read. More important, he has years of experience in helping organizations, teams, and individuals become more innnovative. This makes Positive Turbulence truly useful.

This optimistic, upbeat book stands out because of Gryskiewicz's ability to show how his ideas can be put into action. Pragmatic and practical, he shares his ideas and experience generously. Strategies such as "Focusing on the periphery as a source for innovation and renewal" come to life as a way of spotting technology shifts and marketplace trends.

As a psychologist and consultant, I work with R & D teams and with managers who need to become more effective, forward-looking leaders. This is a book I can and will recommend to my clients and to my colleagues.

As a business man and entrepeneur for more than 40 years, I am forced to confess that this is the most "down to earth" high quality thinking book that came into my hands in many years. It shows from the very begining -and in each page- what real innovation is and should be in any organization operating in any country. It is written out of a life experience which obviously includes knowledge and hard extended atentive work (a good life!). It is not an "instant happening", like instant coffe and other much popular approaches to delicate and far reaching issues, accompanied by an extensive and highly practical "how to" hints and tools for each managerial level and position. Mr. Gryskiewicz, if you intend to keep on writting on the subject, it is not going to be easy to surpass this "Positive Turbulence" you generated. Angel Sanhueza, Executive Director, CPS International.

POSITIVE TURBULENCE is enjoyable to read, logical in its structure but not stiff, and it really reflects the essence of 30 years of top-level insight into major organizations around the world. The author provides us with the best of this experience, and not all writers do this-they often try to withhold a few gems for the next book, making the current product less than it could have been.

It is our good fortune that the author has avoided this temptation. Rather, this book is a sincere sharing of a breakthrough experience that has lessons of value the reader can immediately put to productive use. I am one of those that tries on a lot of books, and few seem to fit; but POSITIVE TURBULENCE fits perfectly and, like a favorite, it will be enjoyed and appreciated for a lifetime.

This is a great book for information about school and the laws that govern them. I recommend this book.

I highly recommend this book for its excellent coverage of law in a clear and concise manner. A superior reference for students in educational administration, practicing school leaders, or for teachers that need clarity on issues that deal with broad legislation. I have no criticism whatsoever. However, if you need specific state laws this may not be the best resource for you. This book belongs in every public school library in the country, in every classroom, and in every administrative office in our educational system. Thanks for such a great book!

This text is great, as it thoroughly explains the important educational laws and statues that teachers and administrators need to succeed in an ever-changing and evolving school setting. It is up-to-date and provides example cases and scenarios which are helpful in putting the material into the context of an individual's school environment. However, some information is slightly redundant and re-stated throughout the course of the book.

This book is a must have if you are going to pursue a school administrative degree. It is very detail and informative. The content of this book is written well and allows the reader to gain the knowledgeable information that is needed in order to address the issues and adhere to the policies and laws that govern our society as it relates to school, equality, and fairness.

Very helpful book. This is a textbook I will be keeping for future reference. Also, enjoyable reading, not boring like some.

The Kahnweilers have written a thoughtful, well organized and understandable guidebook for human resources professionals. Shaping Your HR Role, Succeeding in Today's Organizations, however, has a broader scope than careers in human resources. The book is a thoughtful discussion of the role of human resources in organizations and of good management practices. William Kahnweiler describes himself as a "pracademic", and he and Jennifer Kahnweiler have written a book that combines good practice with outstanding academic research. Anyone interested in better understanding the important role of human capital in an organization and how to wisely use it will benefit from this book.
Jim Martin, former Georgia Commissioner of Human Resources. "

Drs. William and Jennifer Kahnweiler do a superb job outlining the competencies required of a contemporary HR professional in this business environment.

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

This book provides very helpful advice about how to be successful within the HR field, both for those entering or transitioning to the HR field, as well as for practicing HR professionals.

The Drs. Kahnweiler do an excellent job of providing detailed descriptions of the skills, traits and knowledge needed to successful in HR, and also provide great advice about how to hone your skills and traits, and gain the knowledge to be successful in the field.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is thinking of entering the HR field as well as current HR professionals who would like to become more effective in their roles.

Shaping Your HR Role engages readers by providing them with the tools to better understand themselves and how they can best apply their talents in HR.

With outsourcing HR as a trend, individuals in this profession or thinking about moving into HR can learn how they can truly contribute to a company's productivity and find fulfillment in their work at the same time.

Lynn Joseph, Ph.D.
Vice President
Parachute, Inc.

As a student of the HRD program at GSU, I found the book very helpful in providing a starting point for my career. The chapter discussing the various 'hats' that HR professionals wear provided insight into what a potential job in a corporation may look like for a new graduate and job seekers alike. I was impressed with the case studies and the wealth of experience that both doctors shared with their audience. I would recommend all students and practitioners read this book and keep it as a reference.

I came across this book during a very, very difficult time in my life. My wife of 17 years had left me and my children... everything I thought I had built my life to be had crumbled around me.

I read Steve's words and really related to his journey. I have climbed a lot of "mountains" in my life, career-wise and even real mountains including Mt. Rainier, so I could relate to his "mountain climbing" symbolism. But my life was definitely in a desert place, with no map, no compass (other than my own heart), no water, and no understanding of when I would get across that desert... or even if I would SURVIVE thr crossing.

Steve's words helped me. I found myself weeping at the end of the book when Steve shares how he felt his heart breaking... not breaking apart, but breaking OPEN. That was EXACTLY what I was feeling at the time, but I had no words to understand what was happening to me. Steve's book gave me those words, and enabled that heart-transformation to continue.

I recommend this book if you are willing to look past your "mountains" of career, family, image, and keeping up with the Joneses, and look into the desert journey that truly is life. The tools Steve gives you will keep you going, even when the view before your eyes doesn't look ANYTHING like the map in your hands.

Steve Donohue strikes a powerful chord in his book, "Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change" - the metaphor of a desert rather than an upward climb is far more logical and applicible to "everyman's" journey in life. I am not a reader of self-help books or even of much non-fiction, but do some in the course of my work, so in reading Steve's book, I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable and refreshing read. His story, told with humor and pathos, is easy to relate to and very comforting and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to any and every one.

If you are standing at the top of a mountain looking down and wondering how and why you got there? Then this book is for you. Take a compass rather than a map. Seek a topography that fosters change, gives you a soft place to fall and a wide angle view of a never ending expanse The desert metaphor provides the perfect lessons for life in the 6 rules of desert travel outlined by Steve Donahue in this book.
If you have spent half your life reaching for the pinnacle of success and are standing on your mountain top wondering which way to go now, then you will appreciate Steve's wonderful story of his travels through the Sahara Desert. He has woven his true story of his trek across the desert into a guide to help you discover your direction and purpose. It's time to start enjoying the journey, stop at all the oases, travel alone together, step away from your campfire and call the border guard's bluff.

Steve Donohue strikes a powerful chord in his book, "Shifting Sands: A Guidebook for Crossing the Deserts of Change" - the metaphor of a desert rather than an upward climb is far more logical and applicible to "everyman's" journey in life. I am not a reader of self-help books or even of much non-fiction, but do some in the course of my work, so in reading Steve's book, I was pleasantly surprised to find an enjoyable and refreshing read. His story, told with humor and pathos, is easy to relate to and very comforting and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to any and every one.

This book is like a cool drink of water on a desert-hot day for those of us who are trying to make it in a world where the climb to the top doesn't always go as planned -- and the world itself seems topsy-turvy, too!

I picked up Shifting Sands for my husband who's been experiencing the longest mid-life crisis in history. I ended up not only reading it but loving and benefiting from it myself.

Steve Donahue offers an alternative to setting and reaching goals the way mountain (and corporate) climbers tend to do -- the way we've all been taught. I was able to immediately put to use his gentle suggestions for navigating through a world in which change is the only constant (hence the "shifting sands," desert metaphor).

Careers...marriage...parenting...chronic illness -- all are deserts. This book offers some counter-intuitive suggestions for using change and adversity to your advantage.

The story of Donahue's own Sahara Desert crossing makes it an easy and enjoyable read, too. It's a self-help book that reads like an adventure novel...what more could you ask for?

For those who have come to know and enjoy Merton's writing, this collection of edited early journal entries provides a great deal of insight into the man and why he was able to remain so committed to Trappist life in his later times of trial. Much of the smugness of some parts of The Seven Storey Mountain are already gone, and we can see him maturing in his thought and his observations.

The epilogue, titled "Fire Watch," is worth the price of the book by itself. In addition, there is a pre-figuring of his famous experience at "Fourth and Walnut" in Louisville in his account of his first trip outside the monastery, approximately seven years after he entered. By following a typical journal format, one can follow the development of his thinking. (By contrast, a later similar book, Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander, is not necessarily arranged chronologically, which makes it more difficult for me to follow.)

Those who enjoy Merton will treasure this book.

Sign of Jonas is a marvelous interweaving of three themes. Merton's love of nature is vividly described while he also relates his own spiritual growth as he moves through the years preceding and following becoming a priest. He tells of life at the monastery in a clear and,for the most part, affectionate way. The book moves smoothly from one of these arenas to another and back again. His explanations of his spiritual experiences are so very honest.It was my first Merton book and remains my favorite. When I finish the last page I turn to the first and start again. Reading and re-reading this book is like having a close friend.

THE SIGN OF JONAS is a collection of journal entries written by Thomas Merton between 1946 and 1952. The purpose of the book was to introduce readers to the daily life of a monk, though the gifted Merton was hardly a typical monk of his day or any other. Readers will get a glimpse into this spiritual seeker and see the ups and downs of the life of someone who was truly in search of union with God. Since readers of this text are encountering Merton nearly forty years after his death, we read it with hindsight and can see the complexities that are Merton. We have many spiritual nuggets, his daily struggles and his restlessness and the conflicts both within himself and with monastic life. We also see someone who was trying to persevere in the spiritual life which may be one reason why Merton appeals to so many and his life captures so much interest. Perhaps what I enjoy most I enjoy most about THE SIGN OF JONAS would be the references to his writings and the publication of THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN. We hear him speak in some entries about edits that have been made by the publisher, references to portions that were edited by the monastery itself (often referred to as censored, but since he was writing it for the benefit of the order, the order did have the right to do some editing) and his love/hate relationship with the book that made him a well know figure.

In order to best appreciate this book, I would read it after THE SEVEN STOREY MOUNTAIN. It would also be a good idea to be familiar with the expectations of religious life as well the rigors of the life of a Trappist prior to the reforms of Vatican II. Without a basic knowledge of Merton's life, as well as the circumstances of his life would probably make THE SIGN OF JONAS somewhat confusing. For Merton lovers, this book has so much to offer. I usually like to read it slowly: an entry or two at a time and try to understand what was happening in Merton's life at the time. For me this approach makes his spiritual struggles not all that different from the struggles of the rest of us. Using this approach Merton goes from being a spiritual giant to a fellow traveler which is probably what he would have preferred.

What a wonderful way to start my new year with this book! A Benedictine Sister kindly gave me this book on my New Year's Eve retreat with them, after she learned that I love Merton's writings. How pure Merton's faith was, and how intensely absorbing his writing!

"All my desires draw me more and more in that direction. To be little, to be nothing, to rejoice in your imperfections, to be glad that you are not worthy of attention, that you are of no account in the universe. This is the only liberation. The only way to true solitude."

I highly recommend this book to anyone who is honestly in pursuit of the true faith.

Often referred to as "The Seven Storey Mountain: Part II", the "Sign of Jonas" is a nice collection of Merton's journal entries that chronicle his life after joining the Trappists.

"The Sign of Jonas" answers the simple question: "what happened after Seven Storey Mountain?" While some have been disappointed by the difference between his most famous autobiography and this collection of journal entries, I have to step forward and disagree.

I think this is a great book that speaks to the hearts of those who know what it is to struggle with your state in life, discerning your vocation and living the Gospel message to the best of your ability with all that it brings.

Give this book a try!

Brilliant synthesis of hundreds of books detailing the Establishment's deadly war against the American people, their liberties, and their families.

My highest recommendation!

Mr.Gurudas has created a very informative decription of the corruption of america.Bush is not impeached because the coporate state,big and small business do not have to pay tax,or be regulated.This includes anyone who benefits from the selling of america.The supreme court,senate,congress are corrupt and bought by industrialist and commercialist.Big and small contractors less not forget.Free Trade circumvents the laws of the U.S. and the constitution.The senate and congress let this happen.CAFTA fast tract vote.Dubai 6 ports,sell oil company to china,sell technology to china that can be used by military.The coporate state and our representatives are in violation of the constitution they are commmitting treason,violating the security of U.S.Illegal immigration,violation privacy act,and allowing coporate to get around the constitution,also not following constitutional law for the congress resulting in subverting the U.S.for Greed and corruption,blackmail,etc.The war we are in is illegal because there were no weapons of mass destruction.The war is for Isarel,U.S.,England,for security profit and control of oil.Coporates benefit at expense of the people,senate and congress support the coporate state which buys them.This is update since Mr.Gurudus wrote this book.The book title Treason The New World Order is appropriate and the references are available for research 833 foot notes.The statements in this book are true.The coporate state is a thing of the past,but does not know it.They will not succeed in the NWO.Federal Reserve is in violation of constitution,we would not have deficit if the government was in control.We would not be paying interest.The bank of england is a city unto itself.It rules.We have a constitution.Why did they let the feb be private,so
they could ripe us off the elite and rich.it works for them.Thats why.People are affraid to say anything.Power corrupts.The governments need to take back their banks.International bankers need to stay with their merchant banker friend.International bankers are the controlers of the world.They control by shares and front men puppets.

Mr.Gurudas uses term multiculturelism,which means immigration legal,elegal.He states that this is used to destroy our culture.One of the means to overthrow the constitution for the new world order.Education another The U.S. is amoung the lowest in the west in science and math.Student today do not know their history.They do not know who they are.Civis,physical education,english,being proud to be an american are not encourage especially if you are western european.Mexicans say they are taking back southwest.We have foreigners from all over the world telling us what we can do in our country,and the U.S.government supports them,they have more rights than a U.S. citizen.Welfare benefits,school,elegallly working.Protected by police.The tax payer pays.You have company unions,jewish organization,protestant,catholics,bishops,and others crying let them come in even if it cost your job, security,culture,and bankrupts the states.We should be ashame to be western european.

The banana republic are the fault of the coporatesThe coporation exploit these countries so they come to U.S. to work.These people who come here gererate 25 to 35 percent of revenue for their country.You the tax payer subsidize the elegals country,and support them when they need help here.Look at outsourcing by U.S. to boarder towns.At last count there was only 10 million industrial jobs left in U.S.El salvador contra were given green cards and now are worst gangs in LA.Compliments of U.S. governmentThis is the way you destroy the european culture in U.S. and western europe.Immigration.

Back to education.we have to go back to prior 1963.If a person does not have the ability to learn there is no point in keeping them in school.They need to go to tect school or to work.This can be done in government programs age 14 8 years of school.They can work in programs to help the country until 18 yrs.50 percent probably do not have ability to finisn high school.Allowing people to be in school that cannot perform is crazy and a disruption to those who have ability.Everyone has the right to opportunity,and to be treated fair,but,you are born with your IQ,and it will influence your life greatly.This does not mean you have to do demeaning jobs.All should do what they do best.The military uses IQ test,and the have been proved to be a good gage of ability,there are always exceptions,you can retest at a specified later date.

Multiculturelism is not working,and everyone knows it,but greed pravails.Third world people need the world bank and IMF to help them at home.The coporates have to be regulated.We support dictators all over the world.Shell oil in Africa now with uprising of people that shell totally exploited,gave the country nothing.Slave labor.General Butler in thirties stated that the coporates are criminal.It is worst now.Those university grants,and rich families,no wonder the educated are worthless.Brainwash and stupid like the rest of us.They have the knowledge to change the government.Batra The great Depression 1990.Gives method to control the coporations.Alternatve energy,a just distribution of the wealth.Take care of the environment.Did someone say I love those excessive profits to much,let them eat cake.That is what the King and Queen of France said,the aristocracy took a fall too.You know last man standing,with elite every body can go down.

Westpoint Mr.Gurudas hopes you will help us you are suppose to uphold the constitution.The other military schools as well,you are not stupid,you are well educated now.Of course the elites buy those with potential.It could be necessary to kill your family,and friends.Mr.Gurudas says government people a military installations were tested and ask if they would fight for UN ,and do what they were order to do.No UN forces should be in america that have authority over our own military,or for any other reason.The UN will be the international army,and you will do its bidding.Are you getting alot of floride in your drinking water.Marine base San Diego,NOV,DEC 2005 had dangerous amount of lead or some poison in their water,Maybe it help the jarheads.WE need a draft for brotherhood.Let everybody do two years no university exceptions.

Mr.Gurudas wants us to form organizations,join the minutemen,
boycott,have marches,report elegals,form unions,voteout those who support immigration,Free Trade,out sourcing,importing,and selling the U.S.

HR4437 stop immigration and take back america.The coporate say they have to have slave labor,the upper classes need them to,baby sitter, maid in the garden.Do not feel sorry for anyone.The coporate will hurt if it can.It is infantile.It needs to go to the wood shed for a talking to.The gang of four B,C,R,L should be in jail and Blare,straw,Isarel has to stop being on land that is not theirs.Fox guards hen house,bring in U.N. troops .A terroist is a terroist.Stop spying on U.S. Start paying back all that money you owe U.S.POllard,USS liberty.Who is a racist,anti,Dubai.we are racist because we do not want 6 ports.Veto.

Brainwashing police tactics coporate games,NWO end.There are people that imply that we are quilty even if not born.A nation is quilty for what the government of their country brainwashed them to do.These people use this tactic to stop any criticism.There are laws to stop people from talking about the subject.These people commit acts every day that are criminal,yet it is okay.The UN said they were racist they had it remove with help of U.S.What do you see on TV,they say stop the terroist,which ones,which side.No you are not responsible for the past crimes of your country,if that were so we would all be in jail.Human nature is bad,pain is the normal state,pleasure is abnormal,happeness is very temporary.Hobbs said we are liberated in the second we acknowledge our wrong,and are sorry.Hume said character is fixed,and to change it would cause damage,and when you were not on guard,the old self would return,mans nature is one.We are of the same making.Do not expect other wise.WE know that if Hitler was in charge we would do what he said,he would be the authotity.Cornel University,or other proved that people will on a percentage do what authority says.Also they will kill you if you do not do what they want.Would you say kill me,or would you comply.Do you want to go to Russian Front,or be hanged.

Mr.Gurudas talks about government,military experiments.Biologica
l,chemical weapons,radiation exposure.He gives many authenic cases.Aids,smallpox,Gulf war illness,agent orange.LSD,and other mind experiencements.many of these studies were without consent,or they were not given correct information.They also put agents in the air in towns no warning.Hypnosis and drugs to have a fall guy,VA has cause many veterans problems,refusing to acknowledge the problem,agent orange which resulted in many defects,and long term suffering,as did the Gulf war illness that is causing same suffering.Gulf war injection was past by FDA without before full trail was completed.People who did not want injection and refused were in trouble.They did not follow up in many programs so they did not no ramifications to individuals.

Restoring Constitutional government.Democratic socialism is solution.The government has to have power over the coporation,they must be regulated.The people have the right to full empoyment with a decent living wage.Free medical.Government
car insurance,and pensions.The reason why you do not have this now is your stupid.The profits of the coporates and business you would not believe.It an employer cannot pay decent wage he should not be in business.Did you not know that France the work 35 hrs maybe 6 weeks vacation,Germany very good benefits.England and U.S are worst for social benefits,and england has socialize medicalEngland the want them to work long hours.Has anyone wanted to know why germany is doing okay now,but was in a depression.The vote no for EU did the bankers and coporates depress the economy until the no vote.They will do anything.They want slave labor.The elite care nothing for the people,we should treat them in kind.The governments have the money,or they can get it start taxing the coprations and make the rich pay there fair share.Stop free trade,immigration.The coporates will fight,but we will win,if they violate the laws they can go to jail,they can get out of the country and stay out.International Bankers these are not the people we want in our government.

Mr.Guruas talks about the CIA,FBI,NSA,ets These are the police for the elite,Police work for business interest all over the world and do the dirty work.There are no limits.morality does not exist.There is no compassion,explotation is the game.What mr.Gurudas says about them is sufficient,the real world.

Mr.Gurudus would tell you hr4437,stop immigration,no free trade.No compromise,SAVE AMERICA,VOTE THEM OUT

This book covers pretty much everything in a well documented fashion. If you only read one book on the new world order, this should be it. The author doesn't just spout out claims and expect the reader to believe him, he backs them up with reliable footnotes that you yourself can use to corroborate his info. This is a far cry from books from people like David Icke, who while he writes interesting books, I just can't take him seriously. This book goes into the Oklahoma city bombing, Ruby Ridge, Waco, the militia movement, CFR, bilderburgers, etc... This is a book written by a serious, entirely sane NWO researcher. If you're looking for UFOs and reptilians, look elsewhere. It's a shame he is no longer alive to write more.

I ordered it 5 months ago, and STILL haven't received it.
It MUST be good!
I'll give it a 5 star rating, since apparently it's inaccessible.
I mean if Amazon can't get ....
THAT tells me something!

Book is a Tour de Force in revelations ! I can understand now why he was executed. This man was a brilliant writer and this book is a crowning achievement. This book triumphs None Dare Call it Conspiracy !, which should be the 1st conspiracy book you read.

10 thumbs up on this one !

If you have a martial arts school or just a club, this is a must have book! Go for it immediately!

If you are a martial artist who wants to make a living full time and not just do martial arts on the side then you NEED this book. You'll learn how to set up a very successful school that you can be proud. Every instructor no matter what should get this book!!

...and this time around it should at least ruffle your feathers!

John Graden, Martial Arts Master Teacher, has gone to the heart of what it takes to be an effective Martial Arts teacher today. Without completely disgarding the training ideas of the past, he instead shows how to build on these ideas, how to use what we know about the psychology of learning, the physics of motion and the economics of the 21st century to create a learning environment that firmly turns it's back on the "Dungeon Dojos" of the last century and creates a modern, safe atmosphere where serious, effective and (dare I say it?) FUN martial arts training can take place!

(Lest any naysayers regard the concept of "safety" and "fun" as somehow being contrary to "real" martial arts training, I refer them to the summary chapter entitled "A School Full of Pooh Bears"--it will open your eyes!)

There are lots of things to learn here, lots of great writing, too. If nothing else, I will always remember Mr. Graden refering to the war-like aspects of the Martial Arts and explaining that this doesn't mean that every class is devoted to destroying the enemy. He explains: "...that our foundation is one of peace through superior firepower."

I like that. Get the book. You'll like it, too.

John Graden has a unique way of showing you everything you need to successfully run a top martial art school in today's age.
He does it with the insight of someone who has obviously "been there and done that".
This new book can be used by any martial arts instructor, regardless of style, as a step-by-step blueprint for everything from how to negotiate a lease for your school up to how to train and compensate an employee/instructor.
No one else in the industry has his superb talents. The martial arts industry will forever owe a huge debt to this man for showing us how to be a professional success without selling out!

The content of this book accomplished two very important things for me, as a martial arts businessman - 1) it re-affirmed what I was already doing in my business and, most important, 2) it provided me with new concepts, methods and ideas that will help take my business to the next level. Awesome resource!

This is a good book, but the title is misleading in that it is written for the non-profit board member. A good basic review regardless.

Thank you Kay for reminding us that this is noble service. This easy to read guide is a must for any board member, new or experienced. Kay's straighforward, non-nonsense style helps the reader understand the importance of their work and the value it brings to their organization and to their community.

This is the most essesntial companion a board member could ever want. Its the best quick reference filter I've seen for leading, governing, and advising. Powerful, simple, concise, and 21st century relevance. Bravo Kay Sprinkel Grace !

We give this book to all our Board members at Board Retreats. It is a quick read and our Board members rave about it. Yours will, too.

A short, but by no means superficial, review of what makes a great Board Member...and how great Board Members can build great institutions. Filled with practical advice--and a dose of inspiration as well--it's an engaging read, appropriate for both the novice and the seasoned hand. Highly recommended.

We teach what we know and have learned through many life-lessons. But unfortunately, our "words of wisdom" may translate as "war stories" in the retelling. "What's Your Story?" helps keep that from happening. This book helps you frame your experience as stories that can mean as much to your audience as they do to you. Wortmann follows his own formula of teaching by example, using vivid vignettes to dramatize key points. It's great "airplane reading" when you're on your way to make a speech. Keep a pen handy because you'll think of things you'll want to do differently.

As a new business owner, I found the book to be very helpful. As we grow, I've used Craig's techniques to to develop a unique story that will establish our identity.

Craig Wortmann has an amazing ability to connect with his readers from the very first page to the last. He reveals exercises and tips to help get the creative juices flowing so that we, too, can find our own powerful stories to tell. His acute awareness of the current state of the business world allows him the ability to offer positive steps people can take to get out of their ruts and become more effective leaders. "What's Your Story?" is a must read.

As with many epiphanies in life, this one had to be delivered by, of all things, a book about how stories "ignite performance." I never paid much attention to my use of stories or their power until I read Craig Wortmann's book. Like a new car owner who spots their recent choice EVERYWHERE, I am now gratefully aware of stories and their powerful role in our lives and work performance. I have even a few times chuckled aloud as I witness a story capture an audience or even as I begin one to a few listeners. But more importantly, Craig was spot-on with his thesis that "we become more aware of our stories, and that we embed our stories in our communications, because this is a great way to...manage our information and increase our performance."
Craig makes his argument carefully, taking the reader by the hand. He takes his time stating the problem, and then turns on the overhead light for us just when we need it: the answer to all those bits and bullets and cacophony in our busy lives is...the story. That's right, what has warmed us and kept us safe since childhood is the key communication element in our adult world! Like all great leaders, Craig also models the behavior he is recommending; "What's Your Story" is awash in steady argument, clear communication and story-after-anecdote-after-story. This is a great read for anyone looking for that communication elixir or that missing leadership piece. Great work, Mr. Wortmann. Now you have one more story to tell!

This is a great book about a simple concept - which is why it so valuable! Stories provide context that help us all learn. This book provides very helpful suggestions for how to use stories to affect behavior in any organization. I highly recommend it!

Excellent and well written. A collection item for university level instruction and home library.

William H. Watkins writes about the power of education and how it "can be used both to oppress and to liberate." (pg.1) Watkins shares with us how research and science in the last century validated the belief that Whites were the superior race. This belief has played a great role in the development of the school system and curriculum we have today in America. The "White Architects" have used the school system to keep races of people oppressed. He clearly defines who the architects were and the role they played in orchestrating the school system we have today.

I believe that in order to see more success among minority students in schools today we have to restructure the whole school system. Watkins book strengthens my belief. He states "public education was product of historically, politically, and socially constructed ideas." These ideas need to be updated and remade to include all races equally.

Mr. Watkins walks us through an historical and turbulent era of education that continues to have ramifications in our present educational system. Watkins journey through the maze of black education exposes the political and socioeconomic influences of the dominnant and affluent white culture of the north. He reveals to the reader the influences of the corporate magnets of the north who wanted cheap labor and subserivent workers. They used their philanthropy and the educational system to imposed their own philosophy of education on the black population;while promoting subserivent lifestyles for those who participated. Mr Watkins is able to convince the reader about the political and economic hold that the corporate world imposes on the black population and the disregard these men had for how the black population wanted their education to progress.
Mr. Watkins continues to show us the need for continued political and socieconomic justice for all people and warns us of the continued influence that corporate America has on all of us.

William H. Watkins is subtle in his story of the "white architects" who developed Black education beginning in 1865, just at the end of the Civil War. Watkins shocks you with his "scientific racism" platform that he explains "presented human difference as the rational for inequality" and that it "can be understood as an ideological and political issue" (pg. 39). The reader senses a calm attitude about the author as he speaks of the Philanthropists, beginning with John D. Rockefeller, Sr, who was most concerned about "shaping the new industrial social order" (pg. 133) than he was for providing a useful education. "The Rockefeller group demonstrated how gift giving could shape education and public policy" (pg. 134). In their support of Black education, by 1964,the General Education Board (GEB) spent more than $3.2 million dollars in gifts to support Black education. This captivating book begins with a forward written by Robin D.G. Kelley who reflects that she learned one lesson from Watkins, "If we are to create new models of pedagogy and intellectual work and become architects of our own education, then we cannot simply repair the structures that have been passed down to us. We need to dismantle the old architecture so that we might begin anew" (pg. xiii). Why don't the school reformers who mandate educational laws experience such an awakening?

William Watkins pointedly and proudly explains how people other than the African Americans have guided the principles of Black education in the United States from the Reconstruction era to post World War II. Whether these people acting philanthropically as John D. Rockefeller or as "evil geniuses" (Chapter 6), they have shaped Black education then and some would argue for all time.

In his writing, Watkins shows that there is a view of the history of American education that does not come from the larger culture. Watkins view is from the "other side of the fence" that is not written by the victors but rather a survivor. This view is equally important as it establishes the fact there are always two sides to every story. "History is made by people in struggle" (p.179).

Generalizations tend to pervade Watkins' writings as the use of the words "few" and "many" are consistent. But this is understandable considering little or no empirical research was being conducted regarding Black education during this time period.

Pointing to the past for blaming is not the purpose of Watkins in his book, but rather an enlightenment of the history presented by a survivor of slavery, segregation and racial inequalities that have existed for generations. Truly, Watkins has offered a view of history in which we can reflect upon and use to help guide a new generation of architects.