Performance Books

Although it's called The LEADER'S Edge, a more appropriate title might be The PERSON'S Edge, as I think it's a must read for EVERYONE over the age of 18. It's a wonderfully easy-to-understand and deeply thought-provoking book about how we show up to the world (which is often quite different than how we think the world sees us) and how, through heightened self-awareness and feedback, we can enhance our personal brand in everyday situations - professional and personal. I've recommended this book to everyone from the leader of a 600+ person practice to administrative personnel, and the reactions have been equally positive and powerful. I can't wait for my children to be old enough to read it themselves. I truly believe the world would operate more effectively if we all invested the time to read this book.

This book is very well written. Susan clearly describes steps to take to assess and improve your job skills, then goes on to explain how to market yourself within an existing organization. After reading the book I understand how some people work hard all their careers, but never move to influential positions in a corporation. You won't do that if you read the book!
I am currently loaning the book to young co-workers as a "must read."

Excellent for leaders at all levels! This is an engrossing,informative & extremely helpful book replete with practical advice, guidance & wisdom. I highly recommend it to anyone in a leadership/management position.

This is a smart leader's tool--models, frameworks, examples, case studies. The author has clear real life experience which makes it different than theoretical approaches by those with no practical background.

An inside look at the casting process to help aspiring actors know what to expect, and give non-aspiring actors a chance to experience life behind the scenes in the acting industry. Anna Maniscalco-Blasi does an excellent job in exposing valuable insider casting tips, while bringing you behind the scenes of some major motion pictures and the HBO series, the Sopranos. Her experience as a casting director in New York City makes this a "must read" for newcomers trying to break into the industry. An enjoyable read for anyone.

This book was entertaining,informative & easy to read. If you are looking to get into acting,it zeros in on where to go & what to do.I would highly recomend "Lighs,Camera,Action".

Anna Maniscalco-Blasi does a tremendous job in inspiring a novice actor giving him/her a down to earth look into what it takes to be a successful actor. Her knowledge is from experience, and it is my opinion that it is an amazing resource and has opened my eyes to a lot of valuable information.

I highly recommend this to anyone who has a list of unanswered questions and no clue where to begin. This book really has every aspect of getting yourself out there covered. Very impressive.

I enjoyed this book, it has witty stories about the author's experences in the industry, and it gave me some great insight about launching my acting career! A must have for an aspiring actor !

This book releases some great thoughts into your subconscious mind .These empowering thoughts fill you with a realization about your true ability to control and accomplish the things you want.

It is great on helping you come up with a vision and gives you the keys to 'bringing on' the self-motivation you need to hit your mark.

it tells you how you should go about it and the subconscious mechanisms you already possesss which will help you get there.
it is a clearly enlightening book.

It was on the highly recommended 'to-read-references' in another book i read prior ,entitled:
'If How To's Were Enough, We Would All Be Skinny, Rich and Happy' by Brian Klemmer.
An equally worthwhile read.

other books (in the same sort of carriage) that i'd recommend to you without reservation are:
'Mastery' by George leonard.

one that also helped me put life & my time into much better perspective is:
'How to get control of your time & life' by Alan Lakein.( This is a great book ).

cheers :-)

I loved this book by Richard Brooke. I also read MachII starring you. Both are a must read for anyone in a network marketing business. This book has a very clear explanation of the law of attraction without all the cloak and dagger of "the secret" I especially loved his definition of vision: "To the degree there is a contrast between how we are performing now and how we envision ourselves performing, motivation pours forth.This is an automatic and natural effect. It flows whether we want it to or not." "If you think you can or think you can't you are right"
-I think Henry Ford said that. Anyway read the book. It's worth every penny.

Bought this without a lot of expectation but am pleasently surprised. It is clear, with a distinct approach and outstanding stories to support the Authors learning in the area of success. Not that anything is really new but it is presented in a refreshing and movivational and accountable manner. And the guy has obviously been there and done that ...

Some books are a must read for information. This book is a must follow or better yet a must do. If you will do what Richard says, "Change your movie, you will change" Results are guaranteed.

I rarely read a book from cover to cover (including appendices), except for Barry Hampe's Making Documentary Films and Videos. I like the comprehensive coverage of the subject and the many practical examples. Expressing issues visually (rather than talking at the audience by voice-over or interviews) and the emphasis on verisimilitude are particularly helpful points. The book is well organized, well indexed and contains ample useful references. Emphasis on issues such as truth, what is evidence, and examining one's motives is particularly appreciated. The book is very well written, and I will likely re-read it and use it as a reference in the future.

I liked "Making Documentary Films and Videos" a lot. I am just getting into documentary film late in my life and I found Barry's book covered all the questions I had about making a documentary film. More importantly, it was very encouraging for someone just starting out. It was not overly technical and it covered every aspect of the documentary process. It was the best book on the subject I have read!!

The first half of the book introduces the concept of a documentary, what is and isn't a documentary, and covers the ethics involved in documentary filmmaking.

The second half deals with actually producing the documentary. He ignores equipment, which is good because that means it doesn't contain quickly outdated information.

The author does a great job at guiding a budding filmmaker through the process of making a documentary.

I am currently using the information he gives on securing funds using a proposal and treatment, planning the documentary, shooting, and editing. I've found it to be a great resource and has helped me feel like this is something I can do.

He doesn't make it sound easy, but he does make it easier for beginning documentarians by helping us avoid mistakes and plan to succeed. His insistence on planning is really helping me to get my stuff together to do this the right way.

It's an all around great book for anyone interested in filming a documentary.

I am starting my first documentary project and I picked up a number of books to guide me through the unfamiliar process. After reading and discarding several books on the topic, I was thrilled to discover Barry Hampe's book. It is by far the best written, most helpful and most informative guide to making documentaries that I have read.

The author is an excellent writer and the book is at all times succinct, but highly informative. It teaches you everything you need to know to make a great documentary, and also provides an extensive list of films to watch in order to demonstrate what is and is not desirable in a film. The author is an expert on the topic, and he does a fantastic job conveying the necessary information while making it simple and understandable to professionals and amateurs alike. He also devotes a portion of the book to documentary ethics, an important topic which gets too little attention from other writers.

In sum, I cannot recommend this book highly enough. It has been indispensable to me in planning my documentary. I believe it is the best book to help guide you, whether (like me) you are just starting out with documentaries, or are a weathered professional looking for some new tips and advice.

For anything related to training, I find Mager to be the best source. He speaks plainly and his books are easy to read.

Dr. Robert F. Mager may be the master of understatement. When you read his precise recipe for creating successful instruction, you are left with the realization that your life could have been much simpler had you encountered this wisdom earlier in your existence. Dr. Mager is not recounting some brand new theory or blinding discovery. He is communicating a logical and systematic process for defining what instruction can do. In the process, he helps you determine if instruction is the solution for your performance problem. He shows you how to set goals, identify task objectives and task sequences, identify the skills and characteristics of the persons you are teaching, and develop and refine your instruction into an effective change agent.

An easy reading reference for training professionals. It breaks down into simple terms, the complex process of developing training.

The 1988 edition of this book was the course reference text in my college classes on "training development, implementation, and evaluation ". I am still working in the training industry, and refer the the book frequently.

Mager has written an outstanding book for the beginner to intermediate trainer/curriculum developer. He addresses the skills and procedures necessary for designing instruction. The book is an enjoyable read, which guides you through each step of design, development, implementation and evaluation!

I found this book to be "right on". It targets the need-to-know information providing practical how-to techniques without the fluff. It is an excellent book for new supervisors and for those wishing to refresh their skills. I rarely write reviews and rarely praise a book, but I found this book to be an exceptional book.

This book will make an excellent addition to the reference shelf of any manager. Gene Mage challenges the reader to scrutinize the management techniques being implemented within his/her own organization, and to chart their course towards managing effectively and efficiently.

A quick read you'll be glad you picked up.

This book provides a step-by-step approach to managing correctly. The ninety page guidebook is full of "how-tos", solid advice and realistic business examples. In addition to informative chapters covering management fundamentals, there are exercises to help individuals assess their current management style and action plans so they can map out practical steps to improve their effectiveness. Anyone interested in creating a positive work environment and getting the job done right should own a copy of this book.

This book belongs alonside the One Minute Manager as a reference for all managers. As the writer takes you through every aspect of managing, the reader becomes more and more informed and effective. I've read it twice and passed my copy onto other managers in our office. It's an excellent resource that every business person should read. Gene's insight and ideas are to-the-point and effective.

Hit harder, kick faster and use martial arts fitness routines to maximum advantage with the use of Martial Arts Athlete, a guide which offers training and conditioning techniques to enhance a martial arts routine. These exercises are especially tailored for the martial arts and black and white photos throughout provide clear instruction on the steps.

The thing I liked most about this book is that everything that Dr. Seabourne demonstrates can be done in the comfort of your own home. There is no fancy equipment that you need nor do you have to go to a gym and find a particular machine to use. Dr. Seabourne also demonstrates a wide array of exercises. I cannot stress the diversity of exercises he offers in this book. The tips that Dr. Seabourne provides are invaluable. He offers imagery tips, relaxation methods, plyometric drills, weight training drills, the whole 9 yards. I am indebted to Dr. Seabourne for the information he has provided through this book. If I had one complaint it would be in the ordering of the photographs, they can be hard to follow from time to time.

The Martial Arts Athlete was one of the best all around fitness books I have ever read. It provides information about how to tighten your abs, stretch correctly, heal low back pain, and improve any sports skill, especially martial arts.

This book using great illustrations tackles much more than the details of martial art training. All info. can be applied to virtually any activity making this book the perfect guide for a novice to an elite athlete. Tom Seabourne is an excellent author and hope to see more in the future.

At first glance, I wasn't sure what to make of Mind/Body Fitness. It looked like a typical self-help guide with sort of a New Age feel to it, which immediately turned me off. But I gave it a chance and read through it, thereby finding it actually had a lot of good advice tailored specifically for martial artists.

The primary focus of the text is on the concept of "mindfulness", which is another word for awareness (and we all know how important awareness is). Lots of good insights on focus, setting realistic goals, discipline, and health. The importance of a calm clear mind is stressed throughout. Meditation, proper breathing, and nutrition are addressed in detail.

This was a good book, and if it hadn't come so highly recommended I would not have given it a chance. I'm glad I did.

Can you be relaxed and focused throughout an entire exercise routine? Do you take care of yourself, eat the right food, exercise on a regular basis but still fail to see the results you desire? If you want to improve your performance, your body can only take you to a certain point. Beyond that point, the mind and body must work together in harmony to produce superior results. Clinical studies have proven this to be true.

Tom Seabourne has written Mind/Body Fitness to show you how to integrate the techniques and wisdom of eastern disciplines (Martial Arts and Yoga) with western methods (visualization and stress-reduction.)

"The secret to success in martial arts, sports, fitness, and even life is mindfulness." -Tom Seabourne

This book will guide you into easy-to-learn relaxation and meditation skills you can practice anytime and anywhere. You will enjoy learning how to increase your focus, confidence and health using Tom Seabournes' techniques. He also includes dietary tips to optimize your mental and physical effectiveness. The easy-to-use checklist with strategies on mindfulness, goal setting and time management also make this book highly practical.

With a background in sports and martial arts, Tom Seabourne will show you that "mindfulness is not inborn." It is however, available to everyone.

One idea really stuck out in my mind. Tom explains how when we encounter a problem, we can 1. Become a Solution. 2. Go Away. or 3. Change. He is so right when he says that the more we focus on something the more you will become it.

This book will be a great motivation for your own progress and you will find a new perspective you won't find in most fitness books.

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection of
best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

This brand new (year 2001), 160 page guide is designed to help you improve your ability to relax, increase your focus, gain confidence, improve your health, set goals and manage your time. It's an easy-to-read guidebook, with clear strategies to help you be successful. Topics range from concentration, self-esteem, confidence and motivation, to handling fear, body language, and sleeping right. The specific strategies presented motivate you to follow the book's concepts, leading you to positive results. Everyone can benefit from it.

Mind/Body Fitness is perfect timing for the athlete or fitness person who is ready to move to the next level.

Strength, flexibility, endurance, and nutrition have all been thoroughly researched but the mind-body connection is still an amorphous concept

Mind/Body Fitness gathered the latest concepts in the sports psychology research and put it together with common sense principles to help me to finally get my program together. I was able to improve my ability to relax, focus, and prepare for my fitness and sport with renewed energy.

I highly recommend Mind/Body Fitness without reservation.

Its a must to read for all aspiring to be a General Manager in their organization. The Performance Cockpit bring you back to the reality of the corporate world. It offers tremendous practical insights into management and leadership. Christo's experience and observation could save you many man hours of learning on the the job and understanding potential pitfalls of leading people and managing upwards.

This is an excellent, easy-to-read guide to excellence in management. The Performance Cockpit book should be a required reading for all new managers and also for senior managers who think that may need to freshen up their skills once in a while. The author, Mr. Christos Kartalis, is an old business pro, and he shows this in his book. It is profound, that everything in the book has been implemented, tested, and proven to work. Kartalis presents many of the proactive approaches of practicing General Managers, offering succinct and straightforward advice on each. Although he avoids the boredom of theory, his advice is well grounded in it. This serves the new manager quite well by not complicating his quest for knowledge with unnecessary complications. Therefore, the book can be easily used as a reference by busy people and this will be greatly appreciated.

I personally recommend this book for any new manager or anyone interested in pursuing a career in management.

Athens, October 13, 2007

Basil N. Tsaras,
President and Managing Director,
Prothesis Business Consultants SA

"The New General Manager's Performance Cockpit" is a terrific distillation of Christos Kartalis' insights into successful management.

Even though he's still relatively young, the author has had an enormously successful career. What has allowed him to stand out, in part, is his ability to see the big picture.

"The Performance Cockpit" share this insight. New general managers often come into their jobs with wonderful preparation but not always with a lot of experience in putting their preparation into practice. This book provides that last piece of the puzzle, showing how new general managers can apply their skills, talents, and knowledge in the systems-based stucture of many large corporations.

Many of the areas Kartalis highlights are critical to successful management in the 21st Century. Understanding benchmarks and corporate expectations, navigating and managing change, controling the pace of change, setting appropriate targets, responding to feedback, allocating resources and investments...Kartalis shows how to manage all these areas in the larger context in which a general manager must function.

This is an excellent book. New general managers will come away from reading it with confidence that they can do the job. Experienced managers will benefit from the reminders of what is really important in the jobs.

In "Performance Cockpit", Christos Kartalis has assembled a powerful & practical toolkit for general managers. Many general management books elaborate on business theory, really few can advise on the executional aspect. If, once in your business life you didn't hit your annual targets, read Chapter 17 : "7 systems to Beat your Targets ...", and you will have the perfect roadmap, not to miss any target again.
Christos Kartalis has a unique way to combine concept, strategy & execution. The outcome is not a pile of thoughts & documents, but, with his "systems & principles" based approach, creates a framework that drives to sustainable success (see the "pressure mapping" system in Chapter 12 as a perfect example).
What is special to this book is that it comes from real life & an active general manager, not from a general manager theorist. Every system included has been torture-tested in real business life. I have witnessed that -since I had the opportunity to work with Christos in the past-, and believe me, this book can be read as a diary from Christos's colleagues.

Do you sometimes think to yourself when you're doing a project, "I wouldn't mind doing this for a career." Then the one question you must definitely ask yourself is, "What procedures must I take in order to develop a career out of my talent?" This book can get you started in the right direction.

Opportunities in Arts and Crafts Careers offers you a clear understanding about the various careers available, the skills needed, and how to get started. I wanted to read this book to find out if it would help out fellow woodworkers who would like to pursue a career with their skills, and if it had information for them to get started in one. I've found that not only does it provide information for these two avenues, but also an understanding of the history of the craft.

I extremely recommend this book for those who would like to seek a career in the arts and crafts. Elizabeth B. Gardner has performed an exceptional measure of research, in order to write this book with the facts provided in it.

Excellent advice on how to pursue careers in the arts and crafts fields and professions. It is practical and fun to read especially since so many opportunities in these fields are discussed. The histories of these fields are very good as are the processes involved. It makes one want to pursue one's interest in arts and crafts!

This book is a valuable guide for students considering a career in the arts. Each career path includes a brief history, a description of the actual processes involved in the work and discusses training options and job potentials. A particular strength of the book lies in including some of the more unusual crafts like book binding, stained glass design and weaving.

I applaud Elizabeth Gardner for authoring Opportunities in Arts and Crafts Careers. This book is a very engaging and accessible reference to a multitude of careers that are too often overlooked by students, their teachers, parents, and counselors. The book covers a broad scope of career opportunities including fine art, applied art or design, and craft. The result is a career reference book with great collective strength.