Performance Books

During the past ten years I have worked with a nunber of methodologies in the area of Root cause analysis. During this time I have seen none as effective and cost efficient as the PROACT methodologies showcased in this book.

Bob has written a classic RCA manual for all people in all industries. I personally have used both the methodology and software to great effect and would recommend them to anyone.

If you are serious about a reliability growth program in your site, then you need this book!

This book gives you the tools to develop a strong reliability program. In my 35 years as a mechanical engineer (P.E.) in the chemical industry, I have seen several "programs" come and go. Reliability, when proactive as taught by RCI, is the one program that consistently documents very large savings to cost ratios. In order to survive in the 21st century, industry must have a strong reliability program. RCI is a pioneer (since the 1950's) in reliability and in particular teaching and training industry in using this valuable tool.

Closing the gap between the goals companies set and their actual situations is the overall focus of this book. Written by two experienced executives from the Reliability Center, Inc., the book helps readers identify, resolve, and eliminate the chronic plant floor issues, such as repeated equipment or system failures, that hinder the attainment of organizational goals.

Specialists in root cause analysis methodology, the authors discuss the roles of management and a root cause analysis team in prioritizing the problems to analyze, automationg the process, and helping to uncover the physical, human, and latent causes of undesirable workplace events. They point out that the gap between goals and reality that exists in virtually every industry leads to undesirable outcomes, failures, and incidents that siphon profits from the corporate coffers. To close the gap, they explain, companies must reinvent the way they work, understanding why errors occur and how to prevent them.

The book explains root cause analysis, which is a structured process designed to uncover the cause of any undesirable workplace event. The PROACT steps outlined in the book teach companies how to preserve event data, order the analysis team, analyze the data using logic trees, communicate findings and recommendations, and track for bottom-line results.

Case studies are used to illustrate the potential of root cause analysis, showing its effectiveness in particular in steelmaking, customer service, and manufacturing. Software for automating root cause analysis is also discussed. Informative, well-illustrated and well-organized text is worthwhile reading for any plant engineer seeking to understand why errors occur and to eliminate them, and have a direct positive impact on his company's bottom line.

I have now been involved with RCA for several years and it's the way to go in the future. This book is a good example of what Root Cause Analysis is all about. The book focuses on the use of the PROACT system and I imagine would they would work very well together. I am looking at trying PROACT as well, not just yet! Good book easy to read and gives good definitions to those foggy terms. I enjoyed the book and I use it for my job which speaks for it's self, it doesn't hide in a cupboard or on a shelf. I get the feeling this book is one of the better ones in the bunch, not just someone who has jumped on the RCA bandwagon because it's a flavour of the month.

I co-ordinate a root cause troubleshooting clinic at a major engine manufacturer. We have had moderate success with our investigations and have developed several powerful methodologies. This book has taken our procedures one large step further with a coherent, effective method to analyse and document a problem to root cause. The combination of system diagram, logic tree and verification log described in the book is exactly the kind of methodology we needed and is proving very useful. The book is well written and is filled with useful guidelines for such required activities as information gathering and selection of the most productive analyses to perform. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in root cause analysis.

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!

My newly discovered hobby is tucking this book under my arm, stuffed with an array of bookmarks, old business cards and straw wrappers -- to help seek out these cinematic gems when I enter my video store. Author DiLeo has unearthed a wealth of fantastic performances in films that I never would've thought to view or even knew existed! I actually called in sick to work one day after viewing three of his recommended classics back-to-back till the wee hours. What a glorious night! Mr. DiLeo... you're gonna cost me my job! BUY THIS BOOK!

John DiLeo's opinions and quips are quick, tart, and fun. But this book wouldn't be as fascinating if that was all that was going on. The depth of his film knowledge, his obvious love of movies, and the acuteness of his recommendations make this a wonderful book for anyone--from cinemaniac to cultural reader.

My newly discovered hobby is tucking this book under my arm, stuffed with an array of bookmarks, old business cards and straw wrappers -- to help seek out these cinematic gems when I enter my video store. Author DiLeo has unearthed a wealth of fantastic performances in films that I never would've thought to view or even knew existed! I actually called in sick to work one day after viewing three of his recommended classics back-to-back till the wee hours. What a glorious night! Mr. DiLeo... you're gonna cost me my job! BUY THIS BOOK!

Anyone who loves watching classic movies should buy this book! The author gives thorough reviews of all one hundred movies. He doesn't focus on just one genre and there is a good mix of comedic, dramatic, and musical performances. Some of my favorite performances are here including Jeanette MacDonald in Naught Marietta, Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge, and William Powell in Libeled Lady. After reading this book there are many more films I want to see.

Overlooked performances from the movie stars of old or the present crop, take your pick. Whichever you prefer make sure you read John DiLeo's book. He captures the performances in such a way that you feel you are watching the film while reading his eloquent, captivating description. It is an absolute joy for any movie buff.

His uncle Felix Blumenfeld was a Horowitz teacher.
Some of Neuhaus students among many others:
- Sviatoslav Richter and Emil Gilels, both considered top 10 world pianists.
- The first teacher (the mother) of Andrei Gavrilov.
- Radu Lupu.

This book is funny as exemplified below by some excerpts:

"Thinking about art and science, about their mutual relationship and contradictions, I came to the conclusion, for some reason or other, that mathematics and music are situated at extreme poles of the human spirit, that these two antipodes limit and determine the whole spiritual and creative activity of man and that situated between them is everything that mankind has created in the field of science and art".

I found his above childish thoughts very interesting, perhaps meaning that everything is a linear combination of pure logic (math) and pure emotion (music). As I work with math and like to play piano I will tend to be a "complete" human being :-)

Other of his "jokes":

"When Emil Gilels came to study with me in the Moscow State Conservatory, I was once forced to say to him: You are already a grown man, you can eat steak and drink beer but so far you have been fed with a baby's bottle"

"I remember that when Glazunov was about fifty his mother used to tell the washerwoman to be careful with the child's linen"

"To play the piano is easy. I mean the physical process, and not the summit of pianistic art.It is obvious that to play the piano very well is just as difficult as to do anything else very well, for instance to pull teeth or macadam a road".

"I must once more apologize for this excessively long history about myself; that is always somewhat indecent. But what can one do?"

"Carl Czerny, the "dry and methodical genius" who has tortured generations of pianists wih an inexhaustible stream of studies and exercises..."

And many more...

His jokes are almost everywere. Otherwise the book has several useful recommendations and analysis about the art of piano playing and has chapters on "artistic image of a musical composition", on tone, on technique and on teaching activity.

But be advised: Sometimes the book is a bit verbose, repetitive and philosophical. It is not directed only to technical problems.

The Art of Piano Playing such a terrific book that every pianist should have it. I've read it through and will read it again and again. The information in this book is to the point. You can't help but come away with a better understanding of the art of piano playing

I'm sure anyone shopping for this book knows that Heinrich Neuhaus was the mentor of such giants of the piano as Richter, Gilels and Lupu. Well, here between these covers you'll find the reason why. Neuhaus possessed a great mind and an ability to express himself like no other pedagogue I have read. While reading his book I kept thinking I was reading Tolstoy, not for any similarity of style or substance but because I got the same feeling from both their works, that here is a great man who had lived a full life, and then had the patience and wherewithal to sit down and commit it to paper, thereby enriching piano posterity. This book deserves pride of place on any pianist's bookshelf. I thank the previous reviewer who said that it was a crime that this book is out of print. I paid a hefty amount for what looks like a slim volume, but it is packed with such profundity that I have to consider this a seminal addition to my library. Get it wherever you can, this is one for the ages.

I havent heard anything bad about this book. Neuhaus is a very cultural and wise man, and great sense of humor. After reading this book I have found myself quoting it quite often.
Its not perfect, but nothing is so... Just read it and you will know what I mean, Its very well worth the read, and it will make you laugh several times.

Lets put it this way.... this is not light reading (is the slang word an airplane book?). It is though one of the best books on playing the piano. Neuhaus is concise, to the point and likes to put out interesting anecdotes, some humorous.
This is also pretty advanced so I doubt non musicians could find any utility apart from historical tidbits. Neuhaus taught Richter who taught many others.... and just like we do with other disciplines - we have to pay tribute to the forefather of this lineage/legacy, especially since he helped produce Richter.

The book contains good overview information and good sample cases. The sample for future CRT sections seem to disconnect from the current CRT. This is very strange. Overall is good.

The short and sweet is that I have read many books on TOC and this is at the TOP of the heap. It covers the whole range and makes for one stop shopping.

As someone who read the entire series of Goldratt's books and as someone who has been practicing TOC in project management for a few years, I rate this book '5 stars' only because six is not an option.

Step-by-step and in a didactic manner, Mr. Dettmer takes the reader into the world of TOC. If you read Goldratt's books and left with the test but without the 'know how' then this is the book for you.

Mr. Dettmer explains the basic building blocks and the terminology of the 'Thinking Process Toolkit' and he then, step by step, explains the 'how'.

How to build a Current Reality Tree - The tool for understanding the one core problem (few root causes) preventing your organization from achieving its goal.

How to discover and solve conflicts that cause your company to stagnate.

How to systematically verify that the solution you want to apply will actually lead to the desired effects, without causing other adverse ones.

How to systematically understand what conditions should be fulfilled in order to reach the company's goal, and how to build a 'winning plan' to achieve the goal.

I also read the first book of Mr. Dettmer on the subject (Goldratt's Theory Of Constraints) and I liked this one better.

At last, I think that every executive who wants to do something beneficial to his company should get this book.

Tip: Read Appendix D first and then go back to page one.

Contains an step by step general methodology for analizing problems by identifing the chains of causes and effects. It can be applied to solve business problems and analize personal situations. It is a very practical thinking process that you can use in a diversified variety of situations. Really powerfull. The book is very well written with examples of the use of the different tools of analysis: the current reality tree, the future reality tree, the conflict resolution diagram, the negative branch, the prerequisite tree and the transition tree.

"Breaking the Constraints to World-Class Performance" "Can this book really tell me how to do that, Man that would be great. Well yes I believe it does.

So what is stopping your company from getting better? Do you know? The body of knowledge called the Theory of Constraints says there is usually only one constraint stopping you from making progress toward your goal, maybe two. Well, if you want a way of finding out what it is, it is in this book. But more can be done than just finding it. This book will teach you how to eliminate or manage the constraint to your advantage.

This book explains in general and in specifics how to change. You must answer, what to change, what to change to, and How to cause the change. These are the beginning thoughts. But think of it if you knew the answers to these questions.

If you want to learn HOW to do Theory of Constraints, no matter what level of experience you may be, this book is a must have. It is one of the most valuable resources on TOC that exists. It shows you step by step how to do things and also why they work. It is easy to use; Mr. Dettmer has a remarkable talent for clarity

How long do you stay on top as a world-class performer if you are just sitting back enjoying it. Not very long these days. This book is about making dramatic improvements with simple solutions. But it is more correct to say it's about a continual improvement process. I recommend you read this book and give it strong consideration. You just may find a Gem for your company, a whole new culture of winning.

The story began on the Triad Huntership Vaxxar. Captain Tasha "Sass" Sebastian had many secrets in her past. And that was where she wished them to remain! Her best friend just happened to be the ship's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Eden Flynn. Stories abounded about the trouble the often found themselves, as well as, the unique ways they got out. Eden was an emplath with telepathic abilities which greatly helped her in her profession.

Admiral Branden Kel-Paten was referred to as the Tin Soldier. As a teen he had become bio-cybernetic, more computer than human. He was not supposed to feel emotions. So if anyone found out how he felt about Sass, he would be in for a "Section Forty-Six."

After surviving a vortex, they picked up the human pirate Jace Serafino, who was a rogue telepath with a deadly brain implant. Jace and Paten had known each other before. Neither like the other. However, after being attacked by Illithian fighters, they were thrown into an unknown section of space where they must put aside their differences if they intended to survive!

***** A remarkable piece of work! Sass and Eden each have a pet that resembles a cat with telepathy and intelligence. I especially loved those two fury creatures! Each character has their own quirks and personalities, that readers can easily come to care for. The only problem I have found with author Linnea Sinclair is that she cannot write fast enough for me. Highly recommended! *****

In 2003 I downloaded a copy of this excellent novel by Linnea Sinclair. As other reviewers have already described the plot, I will not do so again. I was captivated by the story of Sass and Kel-Paten, but be warned: this romance has not really started in this novel... and not ended either. Just when the plot thickens, when it gets interesting and some things are about to be revealed (and Kel-Paten and Sass are getting together), the story ends with a 'to be continued' and I have been waiting ever since December 2003 when sequel 'Command Decision' was to be published. It seems the new publisher of Linnea is stalling publication and all of the fans have to wait and wait. That is a real real pity....
because after 2 years I would really want to see this story to continue! I have only read half a book.

This is a sci-fi...fantasy novel, and is rather unusual in the way it moves between the various genres. Itýs a dual romance story, that of Dr Eden Fynn and space pirate Jace Serafina and Captain Tasha Sebastian (Sass) and her commanding officer Admiral Branden Kel-Paten, who is a cyborg otherwise known as 'the tin soldier'.

The novel moves along at a good pace and has interesting main characters. The thing I found most disconcerting about this book was the lack of any real development for any secondary characters. At times itýs like the entire universe consists of four people and two cats despite the fact you know that they are living in a heavily peopled environment like a space ship.

In many ways this is more of a character novel than it is an SF story despite what appears to be a strong SF universe at the start of the story. If you like the novels of Catherine Asaro you may enjoy this book, though that strong SF universe gets badly diluted half way though the book.

COMMAND PERFORMANCE ends with an unexpected story twist and there is a 'to be continued' note stating that the story will continue with another, yet to be published novel, called COMMAND DECISION.

I'm not going to describe the plot again, since the other reviewers have done it. But, I will tell anyone who likes Space Opera that this is one of the best I have read. It's funny, poignant and action packed. Don't miss one of the best books I have read in a long, long, time.

I have to agree with the many other reviewers who found this story exciting, romantic and a can't-put-it-down read. I would also add that Ms. Sinclair has managed the difficult task of blending solid, 'hard' sci-fi with a wonderful romance, and sacrificed neither. A major accomplishment from a very talented writer.

The book takes you through the author's project to upgrade his brand-new RV. He goes the expensive route, starting with special order equipment, then adding a super charger, replacing the exhaust system, getting a custom engine control chip made, and doing dyno testing at many stages of the project. It's well documented and clearly written.

Unless you're going to drive many miles each year, the full treatment probably won't be worth it. (By my estimate, the modifications will cost perhaps $10,000 to $15,000.) However, the back of the book deals with reality for the rest of us and he makes suggestions for less amtitious projects. I will follow many of his safety and easy-to-do suggestions, but won't go "all the way".

I would recommend this for anyone contemplating changes to his/her RV to increase performance of economy. Read it from cover-to-cover so you know what's possible and what each modification will do, then decide what's right for your rig and situation.

KPFK radio in Los Angeles praised "Cousin Eddy" as "unusually interesting, of good quality, well done, has good illustrations, and gives good advice" on its "The Car Show/LA" program Saturday, July 17, 1999. I listen to the show every week, and couldn't agree more!

A must for the serious motor home maniac, the author takes one on a journey through the ins and outs of making your home the fastest on the highway. Beyond the excellent mechanical scope, "Cousin Eddy" makes any gearhead laugh out loud.

after reading this book based on motorhomes I feel that I have acquired a well rounded knowledge and respect for the common motorhome. This book should be classified as the Lucasian of motorhome infomation guides. Good Show I must say!!!

I loved this book. After taking some of Lindberg's tips, my motorhome went 7.2 mpg to 11.9 mpg. That doesn't sound like a lot, but it is saving me a ton of money this summer. Hope he writes another!

This book is a treasure. Sure, there are lots of books and programs around that talk about the importance of bringing the heart and head together in life and work, however Bruce and Doc have documented in scientific language and case studies what many only have intuited.Many of us have"known" the power of the heart, but not had the evidence to back up our gut feelings. From Chaos to Coherence is the first book I know that truly integrates sound practical applications of the intelligence and wisdom of the heart with the power of the mind. I have experienced the results for myself, my family and business. I encourage you to read this book!

every executive, actually anyone in business today, will benefit from the tools described in this book. I've taken the HeartMath program many times, and they have created simple, powerful tools that have made me a more effective leader, a better listener, and much more balanced in all aspects of my life. Even during periods of intense challenge and stress. I handle things much better than I used to. Some people don't need all the research and data HeartMath does but it's great to know they've done their homework. This is one of the most practical, useful business book's I've ever read.

I have been recommending the first edition to friends in the field of management. The authors are admirable in their willingness to make a fair amount of revisions and expand on their book in less than than 2 years. Such is the speed of change! This is a very satisfying and useful book. It is interesting and easy to follow. Given many good reviews, including those for the first edition, I'll refrain from adding more praise or give any summary ideas. As Scott Shuster, the Founding Director of Business Week, has said well in the Foreword: "There is no limit to the potential of HeartMath because at root it is a simple, physical act: a mental formation, a thought with physical effects. It is neither philosophy, faith, nor belief. The essentially physical character of the practice enables its easy application across all the barriers that customarily divide humanity.... Within this potential universality lies HeartMath's immense promise: If everybody did this, what a wonderful world." It won't be surprising if HeartMath becomes as widely known and used as the Microsoft of the world of emotional coherence.

This is an important book. At some level we all know there must be a better way to be in the world. Quite simply this book, and the simple but powerful tools it provides, can help you to transform the quality of your life. It has for me.

The Freeze Frame tool, and its associated variants, can be applied quickly and easily in a wide variety of situations to improve one's performance, productivity and personal satisfaction. These tools are based on the simple fact that it takes only a minute to shift your focus and change your perceptions. From Chaos to Coherence invites you to see for yourself what such a shift in focus and perception can mean in terms of your ability to deal with stress effectively, enhance your creativity or improve your leadership abilities.

Whether you are an employee trying to cope with change and an increasingly demanding work environment, a middle manager who is trying to balance many conflicting forces, or an executive who is seeking to inspire excellent performance this book provides many valuable insights and practical, powerful tools. What's more these approaches have been tested and proven to be effective through careful research in many Fortune 500 companies, government agencies as well as many private businesses.

This is an important book because it presents a simple technique that is so fundamental and sound that I have trouble understanding why everyone isn't already using this approach.

The Freeze-Frame methodology is sure to provide a significant competitive advantage for those corporate leaders and managers who are interested in creating healthier and more productive environments in the information/internet age. God knows we need such approaches to help us keep pace with the demands and changes of our times.

I highly recommend this book, and the HeartMath tools and approach. Bruce, Doc and the staff at the Institute of HeartMath have done a great job in developing and bringing these approaches into the corporate arena. It is now up to us to use them to determine the fruits they can bear in our own lives. I encourage you to buy this book and try these tools and see for yourself what they can do to increase the quality of your life and the performance of you, your team, and your organization.

This CD gives almost two hours of video clips, mostly by Bruce Cryer with Rollin McCraty, who has done much of the research behind HeartMath and Alan Watkins and many others. Though the image is small and resolution poor, it is a great help to attend lectures by these outstanding personalities through this CD. [Bruce seems to use a predominantly left hand gesture in talking. I wonder if that would indicate more right-brain dominance. When he speaks about coherence, he tends to use both hands more often.] Key points are summarised in bigger power-point slides that help you to grasp what is being said. 6 relevant questions on the use of HeartMath and IQM (Inner Quality Management)are answered in video clips by many experts. In the "Tools" section, you get guided audio exercises on Freeze-Frame and Heart Lock-in, various forms for practising HeartMath skills and "Needs Assessment" on when to do what. Internet links are given to the HeartMath websites and for more case studies and a bibliography of 48 books. The section "Getting Coherent" gives you various textual tips on being a coherent: "you", "you as manager" and "your organization". "Deep Content" gives most of the book (first edition) in text. There is a search function for these two sections. In a revised edition, I hope the texts will be based on the new edition. If Doc Childre could also appear in the video clips, maybe playing some pieces of HeartMath music, together with all the other key HeartMath personnel, that would really enhance the heart feeling of appreciation.

This book is not only about a golfers struggles with his game but also his focus in life. The book takes a professional golfer through his golf swing and the teacher helps in understand the golf swing rather than make him a mechanical golfer. This is important because the more a golfer can understand the golf swing the better he/she can adapt during the course of a round of golf. The last part of the book discusses the importance aspects of ones life which have nothing to do with golf. I plan to purchase this book for several friends that need to hear the message. The only issue I had was at the end I felt like I was being "sold" to by the author. Read this book and it will have a positive impact on your life.

Are you a golfer or do you just enjoy watching? Are you a fisherman? Are you a Christian or do you have an interest in spirituality? Would you like to talk to a friend about your beliefs but do not feel that you are qualified, or you just do not have the confidence to do so.

Give them this book but first read it yourself. A truly thought provoking and straight forward story that prompts you to close it up on occasion and say "I got it!".

Bet you can't buy just one!Golf's Sacred Journey: Seven Days at the Links of Utopia

This is one of the best books I've ever read! The story is entertaining and provides tools for golf and life. I highly recommend this book. I usually don't read books more than once and I've found myself reading this book more than once and each time finding new lessons!

This is an awesome book for any golfer at any level of play. I found this to be an interesting format (a novel) to give vital information on improving a person's golf game. A good read and one that you should pass to a friend or relative! They'll thank you. It's helped me think differently and relax when I play. I'm sure it will improve my scores.

This is my all time favorite book about golf - and life! I have read this book numerous times, and have recently shared it with my two children ages 8 and 12 who are junior golfers. On the surface, Golf's Sacred Journey is a story of an aspiring golfer dealing with the insecurities, frustrations, and failures of trying to make it as a professional golfer. But the deeper message in the book is how we travel through life, and how we touch others is the true measure of success. You can tell the true character of a person more by how they deal with adversity, challenges and failures, than by their golf score.

Each chapter is a lesson about life, and Dr. Cook uses the metaphor of golf to clearly illustrate how our decisions and convictions have brought us to the place we now reside. Patience, humility, forgiveness, and love will help us all to have a rich and rewarding life, and will also help us with our golf games. Plan and visualize your life's journey, practice patience and balance, and hold on to truth and tradition and you will live your greatest dreams.

See it, feel it, trust it!

Great book that clearly explains how to define and use appropriate and impactful marketing measures. A must read for those tasked with developing marketing measurements.

This book is a great resource for anyone who wonders what C-level executives REALLY think of Marketing - and more importantly what they want Marketing to deliver.

Naras Eechambadi's prescriptions and models provide a useful roadmap for marketers at all levels seeking the route to success - and he uses case studies and examples extensively to illustrate his points.

A very worthwhile read for anyone - at any level - struggling to express and deliver on the true value of Marketing.

There's no doubt that marketing is under pressure to perform better and perform with proof. Naras Eechambadi does not indulge in the standard marketer's whine about being underappreciated and underfunded. Instead, he provides a very comprehensive description of marketing's challenges along with evidence of early accomplishments in the form of case studies from Samsung, Gillette, Harrah's, Royal Bank of Canada, Starbucks, Bank of America and more.

His commitment to marketing evolution--through assessment to strategy to discipline, all the way to greater organizational investment--is not overenthusiastic but grounded in the potential inherent in current marketing metrics. Loyalty and retention efforts need to be translated into the financial terms of reduced service cost and increased profitability, and presented with requests for marketing budgets, for example. Use High Performance Marketing as your primer to the New Marketing.

I had the pleasure of hearing Naras speak earlier this year and was very interested in his explanation of Marketing today. High Performance Marketing sets the pace of marketing initiatives today and is a must read not only for marketing executives but for senior executives who must be involved for a marketing program to be successful.
Naras walks you through the process of today's marketing landscape and brings clarity to the realistic expectations, execution and marketing success. Marketing is an art and High Performance Marketing is a great handbook to guide you through with best practices case studies and metrics.

Marketing is in crisis, and Naras Eechambadi has revealed one of the main reasons: There's a wealth of marketing information out there, but not enough managers qualified - or willing - to use it.

Yes, sixty years after the wide acceptance of the "marketing principle," that is, that companies succeed by selling customers what customers want, we see more unhappy consumers than ever before. Because of globalization and Enron-type scandals, finance has again risen to top priority in corporate boardrooms, at the expense of marketing. In other words, marketers can't even market marketing! And ironically, the financial bean-counters are leaving money on the table by driving customers away.

As a business educator, I accept some blame for this. I'm glad to see Eechambadi put forth these good remedies.