Organizations Books

This is a book by an experienced principal and professor--- written for principals. Upbeat and positive, with practical ideas to use everyday. Want to know how to connect with your staff? Want ideas on dealing with tough issues? Have you forgotten why you wanted this job in the first place? This book is for you. Not a canned step-by-step program, but a handbook with easy to use sections. The advice in Straight Talk for Principals is caring and compassionate, full of common sense and yet inspiring. Anyone even thinking of being a principal should read this book. Fun to read, perfect on your resource shelf, this is a great book!

Dr. Lemley was my first administrative mentor. I worked with him in Madison, CT many years ago. The high school he very effectively lead, became an outstanding school managed by a team of exceptional educators inspired by Dr. Lemley. He has provided me with valuable insights, motivation, feedback, and support for almost thirty years. This book is a fascinating collection of the way Ray ran his school every day: with energy, honesty, and courage. Whether he was at a football game cheering, quietly observing a classroom, walking the halls with a big smile, or holding court with ten or fifteen students sitting in a hallway, he lived and breathed what he believes and what he speaks to in this book. At the time, I did not know I would go on to become a school principal. When I did, I wish I had had his book as a day-to-day reminder. The book very cohesively summarizes the key aspects of being an effective leader and maintaining a true community of learners. The best part for me is that reading the book is like sitting at dinner with Ray. The words are his and the message is the honest and true way he runs his schools and his life: with a joy and enthusiasm that is contageous. Today's schools are very different than the schools of thirty years ago, but Ray's words hold true. I urge every aspiring and current administrator to listen to the message and follow these simple yet profound principles. Your school community will thrive!!

"Straight Talk For Principals" is a quick read, chock full of practical advice from an accomplished school principal and nationally recognized leader in the field. Raymond Lemley's insight and passion jump off the pages as he talks about such issues as how to build and implement a school's vision, how to be an instructional leader, how to find and support new teachers, and how to develop and maintain a healthy organization. The checklists found in the appendices make excellent self-evaluation tools.

As a former principal and superintendent of schools, I can honestly say that this book is a must read for not only practicing principals and other educational leaders, but for apsiring school principals as well.

David H. Larson, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents
West Hartford, Connecticut

Upon reading this book, I remembered why I choose to become a principal! It reminds you what is important -- and that is the kids! I find myself picking up the book again and again to get "re-fueled" for the principalship. It is an easy and enjoyable read -- I found myself chuckling through out the book. It is straight talk "from the heart" on how to lead a school. Dr. Lemley gives it to you "straight" on what is important and what is not. It sharpens your focus and gives you direction, hope, and most of all -- inspiration!

Upon reading this book, I shared it with all of the middle school principals in my district. They, too, have found the book to be uplifting, inspiration and extremely helpful. This book is now required reading for my Assistant Principals and teachers in leadership roles.

If you are going to read anything about the principalship -- this is the FIRST book you should read!!!

I have been an educator for 35 years and am about to retire. Twenty-five of those years have been spent as an administrator in high schools. Being a principal is all I've known for most of my adult life and I've enjoyed every day. Only recently have I begun to reflect upon what made the job so enjoyable and then I read Dr. Lemley's book. There it was spelled out clearly, succinctly, and entertainingly. In a nutshell, the principal sets the tone of the school and is the prime mover in creating the culture. It is he or she who must live and breathe each day the beliefs that are the tenets of that culture. The principal is important. The principal does make a difference. People do care what the principal thinks about teaching, learning, students, teachers, and parent involvement. The principal can create the school of his/her dreams even while taking care of the day-to-day business of paperwork, purchase orders, discipline, meetings, budget and the crisis of the day.

Reading the book made me happy. I recommend it to anyone who is now a principal or is thinking of becoming one. Yes, the job has changed dramatically over the years. In my opinion it is much more difficult than it was when I started. The differences are all external, however. Being a dynamic principal is still very possible and just as much needed as ever before. Read the book to feel good about what you do. Read the book to help you decide to be a principal. Read the book to help you understand why American high schools are such wondrous institutions, creating magic often under dire circumstances. Read the book. You owe it to yourself.

This book provides a great understanding of the basic elements of brain and their interactions. It takes a radical approach of synaptic organization as the basis of brain functions. It is a must for everyone interested in neuro/brain/mind science.

This is a very good neurophysiology book from the morphological and physiological viewpoints. It's inexpensive and well written. Thanks Gordon.

my brain study group used this book for textbook. my major is traditional chinese medicine treatment of neurology disease, so i need some neuroscience part. this book is not easy reading, but this book gaved me many information for neuroscience.

I became acquainted with this book when I read the first edition, way back in the late 70s when I was a neuroscience grad student. I remember how impressed I was that here, for the first time really, different areas of the brain could be analyzed and compared by how the neurons wired up with each other. Later in life as a young neurologist I read through the 3rd edition, and now as a more seasoned one I've just finished reading the fifth. The book has maintained its basic organizational structure while greatly expanding its content, sometimes to the detriment of clarity being lost in the details, which is why I took off a star. The first two chapters are very helpful, with one of the best discussions of different ion channels and neurotransmitter receptors in the context of neural cell physiology I've seen. In subsequent chapters the basic circuitry of the spinal cord, cochlear nucleus, olfactory bulb, retina, cerebellum, thalamus, basal ganglia, olfactory cortex, hippocampus and cerebral cortex are discussed in similar fashion. First the neuronal elements--cell types--are defined, then the basic anatomy of the area, then the synaptic connections between different types of neurons, then the anatomy of the circuitry, then the physiology of the synaptic actions. Finally an attempt is made to relate all of these basics to how the brain area functions for the organism.
As others have pointed out, the book requires concentration to read, even to somebody with my long background. But it is rewarding to see how far the field has come in the nearly 30 years I've been studying it. It's only marginally clinically relevant for a neurologist, but for basic neuroscientists I'd consider it a must read.

This is an excellent book: clear, well-organized, and well-written. It examines how groups of neurons give rise to brain functions. The introductory chapter lays the groundwork, going over basic theories of how groups of cells perform computations and what mechanisms they use to do it. Subsequent chapters stand alone, each with a focus on a particular brain region (hippocampus, basal ganglia, cortex, thalamus, retina, etc.).

I agree with an earlier reviewer: this book is not for the uninitiated, although it is spectacularly helpful for theoretical neuroscientists who are modeling cell assemblies as well as experimentalists working at the cell or systems level. However, I disagree with his list of good introductory books. "Principles of Neural Science" in particular is a good reference but not terribly readable. I would recommend Nicholls' "From Neuron to Brain" as a more accessible book about brain function. The Scientific American series, including "The Scientific American Book of the Brain," is quite good factually and provides a more general overview including some psychology, but the quality of the writing varies. Finally, for kicks, a newcomer should try the enjoyable, controversial "How the Mind Works" by Stephen Pinker. He is biased and arrogant, but also clever and entertaining.

An accurate and comprehensive view of the proper strategies for shielding one's assets from everything from lawsuits, creditors, and scams. The author does a great job of keeping it simple and speaking in layman's terms without bogging you down with legalese. This information needs to be constantly reviewed as the courts render new decisions.

Great buy! Walked me through ins and outs of legalaties of forming different companies - pros and cons. Author includes relevant websites within the text and information seems very recent and applicable. Although a great resource, be sure to consult legal experts prior to making any big moves. Enjoy and good luck.

There may be a lot of scattered information available on the Internet, but Michael Spadaccini delivers all you need to form your business into a convenient all-in-one book.

I'm forming an LLC, and without the guidance in this book, it could cost a lot more money (and time I can't spare) for all the research and legalities involved. Use his experience, step-by-step guides and forms to get where you want to be. Well worth the purchase.

It has been great and I have used some of the info to set up my single-member PLLC in Texas for my Real Estate Broker License that I recently reactivated. I also recommended the book to a real estate mentoring/investment group I am involved with. I was struggling with some of the concepts on an LLC until I read this book, it puts it all into perspective. I have corresponded with the author via email, he is very responsive. You will get real "go-by" documents that you can modify on WORD and actully put to use! A definte must if you are taking those first bold steps into your own business venture and want to protect your asssssets!

I like the book. It is very informative. I have started two businesses since reading it. No question it will help in deciding which type of business structure best fits your situation. The Author was very responsive to the fact that mine didn't come with the CDROM of forms it was supposed to. He has emailed me a link to the forms. I would have given the book a 5 but having to get the forms via email and internet along with the fact that there is no index for the forms in the online resource I coulnd't.

I have to say this is the best book written in a while. I admire Jerry Speziale. The author in this book details the sacrifice officers make when going undercover. People seem to forget what the officers give up to make a difference and the risks they take. The sacrifice the families go through when there loved ones are taking a risk with their lives. I admire Jerry and the officers who took the time to make a difference. I definitely recommend this book. It is realistic and it isn't exaggerated.

This is a very compelling book. It is the true story of NYPD undercover officer on "loan" to the DEA. This cop turned author, literally wrote the book on wiretaps. He risked his life to make major drug busts. However, by pursuing the Columbia drug cartels so aggressively, he also risked the lives of many innocent (and some not so innocent)others. He does not hide this fact in his book and he should be applauded for his honesty.

If you, read a "true crime" book only now and again -- buy this book. If you read "true crime" regularly this will be one of your all-time favorites.

Watching THE WIRE changed me and made me more sympathetic in general. I read this book as a result of THE WIRE even though I am not that interested in true crime or drugs. I am still not that interested but I feel that I should know. It's very straightforward and nondepressing despite the overwhelming odds. It's one man's story simply told although the details are sensational. Sheriff Speziale of Passaic, New Jersey was groomed by a real drug dealer from Brazil who also groomed a Brazilian entertainer known as Xuxa - this detail is not mentioned in Without a Badge but this book is written in a very pedestrian manner despite the extraordinary events and people involved. He spent many hours, days, months away from his family life. He was at the forefront of modern surveillance tactics. He is a friend to Bernard Kerik. And he is still making a contribution to fighting crime. Sometimes the antidote to the hopelessness of the fight is as simple as doing your own part and cleaning up your work environment and infecting others with a work ethic.

i dont like reading that much and it usually takes me a couple weeks to read this size book but i read it 3 days because once i started reading it i couldnt put it down. It is simply the best book ever written. You constantly wish you could read faster so you could see what the next page held. It describes in depth the cali drug organization and how they brought it down. I recommend this book to anyone, i guarantee you will absolutely love it.

This by far is one of the best books I have read in a while. I read it cover to cover in one day and I am a fairly slow and detailed reader. I could not put it down. Without A Badge takes you deep into the life of a narcotics investigator with such a zeal for cleaning up the streets that it is personally motivating. I am now reading for the second time. I can't wait until I see this one in the movie theater.

This book is a must read for those who are looking for a motivational reminder of our mission as a church. Whitsett gets to the point, with practical wisdom and insight. If you're looking for novel marketing techniques this isn't the book, but it you're wanting to know where our priorities need to be as the body of Christ, then you've come to the right place.

"I have read The Urgent Revolution over very carefully and learned a great deal from it. Your suggestions of how to approach people with the gospel are very helpful. "Being in a smaller congregation, where other books are too departmentalized, this book has so many practical applications for us both as individuals and as a congregation. "I find your book true to the Word, and an encouragement to us to adhere to God's truth. Truly any congregation and individual could profit from the study and application of The Urgent Revolution." --Trudy Barnes South Burnaby Congregation Vancouver, B. C., Canada

Dwight Whitsett doesn't use a magnifying glass to pick out the apathy and inertia present in the church today, but he does lay it on the line to any thinking Christian who is not afraid of an honest look at our situation. In An Urgent Revolution, Dwight gives a wake-up call to everyone who is truly concerned about the unsaved state of most of the human race now living on our planet. His observations and remedies for change are presented in such a readable and humorous way that it should offend no one, with the possible exception of "God's frozen people who will always give a cold reception to suggestions of change".

His call for "Radical Christians" to bring about a "radical change that reaches down to the very roots" (dictionary definition) to rid the church of "superficial, cosmetic worship" is based on the comments of people like Moshe Rosen, Executive Director of "Jews for Jesus", who says "The problem in the American church is a great deal of inreach and not much outreach"......"people who have retreated into sanctuaries to be entertained." Dwight points out with undeniable clarity the poor state of health in which the church finds itself today--a "Worship Society" in stark contrast to the early community of Christians whose practice of service was so different from the "services" we participate in today.

You will find this book hard to put down if you are immersed in the conviction that Christians everywhere are anxious to be able to give Jesus an affirmative answer to "the most searching question he ever asked: 'When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?'"

This book clearly portrays the necessity of becoming the church that we should be, without getting sidetracked on non-essential matters. It powerfully sets forth a path for the church of God to take. I recommend this book immensely.

Whitsett is right on target. The message of this book is so strong and pertinent and truly urgent. Hopefully, some of us are listening.

This book has a chapter about Goddard College, where I am a graduate student. This college (Goddard)is definately "Utopian" and progressive. These colleges have made higher education both interesting and challenging for individualized education. This book is helpful in focusing on this unique type of education.

As a young student in the late 70's, I attended what was then called an "alternative education" school for two years of my elementary education. The knowledge I learned in this progressive school is a valuable part of who I am and what I have become. My fondest learning experiences came from these two crucial years. I am a strong advocate for progressive education and feel that new methods need to be examined and implemented in order to give students a proper education; reading Constance Cappel's Utopian Colleges gave me a glimpse into some educational institutions that are doing just that. I found it to be both interesting and intriguing in showing how some colleges are trying to change how we educate young adults in our country. An easy yet informative read, Utopian Colleges will introduce students and educators to some alternative teaching methods and educational philosophies; more publications such as this should be offered so students can be aware of the different choices they have for selecting a college for their higher education experience.

Dr. Cappel's book addresses both the history of utopian education and its present incarnation in Utopian Colleges. Speaking from personal experience, I know many of the stresses that provide for both compromise and solidarity within a utopian educational community do exist and have been greatly affected by their manifestations. The underlying work ethic the author shows to be true in the diverse selection of educational institutions featured in Utopian Colleges is a very important aspect of education that is generally ignored in mainstream education. Utopian Colleges shows that the utopian ideal in American post-secondary education was not a counter-culture product of the 1960's, but a long-held tenet which has sought to nurture the creative and intuitive genius to be found within each willing student. The extensive background information provided as a prelude to the present-day and historical outlines of several utopian colleges, along with the discussion of the nature of "utopia" itself are of great enough value alone to offset the cost of this book. This is a great text with which to begin a critique of the American educational system.

At this time when large universities such as Harvard accept money from bin Laden, the need for smaller "Utopian Colleges" becomes evident. Not only are the missions of these colleges more ethical, but their history of progressive education and its values give hope to American higher education. This book examines these colleges that create independant thinkers rather than the corporate robots of the major U.S. universities.

Dr. Cappel's book provides a comprehensive glimpse into the higher education system at work in America today. She clearly explains what her criteria for a "utopian" environment are, and then goes on to describe how each of the chosen colleges reflects these. Her mode of investigation is fascinating, and it is apparent that she made the most of her experiences at all of the institutions she visited. This book proves that, even among the widespread mediocrity that has become evident in American colleges and universities today, there are a few schools out there that still insist on following a dream and a vision, and creating the perfect learning environment that provides students with the finest education possible.

In "Watching Weather," Tom Murphree, Ph.D. and Mark K. Miller hit a home run! They've succeeded where many scientific writers have failed; Murphree and Miller were able to translate this complex subject, i.e., atmospheric dynamics, into plain English. As an operational meteorologist and educator, I highly recommend this book. A must buy!

Mary K. Miller and Tom Murphree explain the science of weather in easily understood terms and concepts. There's nothing "accidental" about these scientists. Everyone who ever had a picnic ruined by a sudden rain storm should read this book.

Tom Murphree and Mary Miller have explained the facts about weather in an easy-to-read text with everyday applications addressed. This meteorological book would be beneficial to middle school through adult ages. The book encourages you to watch the weather daily and try your hand at being your own local weather forecaster.

"Watching Weather" is a wonderful introduction to weather. The authors explain the basics and build on it to cover "el Niño" and other contemporary events. The book is well designed with clear graphics and interesting sidebars. The "Rules of Thumb" are particularly helpful in gauging the weather in your everyday life. The book ends on a strong note with a sobering, but not hysterical, discussion of the Greenhouse Effect. This comes after an engrossing look at past global warmings and ice ages. The hothouse world of the dinosaurs and the glacial planet of the cavemen give you some sort of reference for modern changes. "Watching Weather" is a quick and entertaining primer if you want to start learning more about weather.

Tom Murphree and Mary Miller lay out valuable weather concepts in easy to understand terms. In fact, I've read several weather books and this rates at the top for ease of understanding, flow and entertainment...yes it's entertaining!

The graphics are very nice as well. They give it a "personally drawn" look!

Anyone in meteorology, or just wondering about weather should have this book on their shelf!

Who would have thought this would be an interesting book? I flew right thru it. I will keep it for reference. This book is needed for anyone conducting meetings on any level. Want to impress your boss? Want to look like you know what you are doing? Want to put others in their place? Read this book. Know the Rules.

I am the CEO and CHAIR of my Organization known as the Canadian0-Kurdish Association for Human Rights, INC. and we have our own set of "by-laws", this book, "Robert's Rules of Order is simple to read and very easy to use. I am very please and satisfied with it's contents. Is very easy to understand as well and easy to follow instructions and examples to use. I am glad I have purchased it. Thank-You.

The Ladies Auxilliary sought to engage me in a hennish, parliamentarian pissing contest. I won.

I accepted a position as Board Administrator in a charity organization in Seoul, South Korea. Prior to that, I had heard about Robert's Rules of Order, but had never used the book as a reference. In my time as a Board Administrator, I referred to this book often for a proposed amendment to our Constitution and By-Laws, procedures for notifying members of the Annual General Meeting, and to clarify the motion-making procedure for Board members. Robert McConnell Productions uses sample scripts to give readers can get a sense for how to conduct a board meeting (Chapter 2, "A Business Meeting in Action"), how to debate a motion (Chapter 4, "Rules of Debate"), and how to vote (Chapter 5, "Ways the Vote Can be Taken"). I passed my copy to the next Board Administrator and just ordered a new copy for myself. Board members have a significant advantage in Board negotiations if they are intimately familiar with RRO.

Do not be confused. This book is not Robert's Rules of Order (RROO). It is a companion volume designed to explain RROO. It is, however, a very good companion which I found to be very easy to understand and contained some very up-to-date information like how to vote by e-mail.

It has some other nice features like scripts to use in meetings. However, it lacks a simple table of motions, something that is included in most versions of RROO.

Unfortunately, the most up-to-date official version of RROO (the Newly Revised, 10th edition) is a huge book compared to the original volume that Mr. Robert wrote in 1876 as a pocket guide. To me, the large size makes the newest edition virtually useless. If you are interested in parliamentary procedure for a PTO, club, or church business meetings, you are also unlikely to need the most recent edition.

The last edition that Robert himself was personally involved in before his death was the 1915 Revised edition (not to be confused with the Newly Revised versions). This was the official version for many decades and I think is still good enough for most users. I purchased a paperback re-print of this edition from 1970 which also added a new preface by Robert's grandson.

Some supposedly modern editions of RROO are really just re-writes of the original 1876 version. I assume that as the original book is so old, it has long run out of copyright, so anybody can publish their own RROO. This may be a good thing as people looking for a more slimmed-down book may be happier with a modernized version of Robert's original pocket version. However, the 1915 edition, while expanded significantly over the original, is not so huge and I think a reasonable compromise.

So, to make a long story short. I would recommend purchasing some official version of RROO (again, I like the 1915 edition) along with Webster's book.

This book really impacted me and the direction to go in my administration and teaching roles! I am a better leader and teacher b/c of the principles taught in this book! Gives a great approach on how to inspire others to accomplish more and succeed. Easy book to read! It is set up in a fictional story. The story was slow to grasp at first because I kept saying, "get to the point". Once the story was set up it began to pour out applicable information that the fictional story really brought out insights into. I really liked it after that. that is why i recommend this book to all educators. It doesn't make you feel like a failure. We are just normal and trying to do the best we can and wonder why everyone seems so exhausted and bored in schools. This book gave me a great approach to create energy within others! And it is a very simple approach.

Note: This book doesn't really talk about discipline or methodologies or theories, but provides a practical approach of how to improve the quality of instruction, and increase student and teacher satisfaction. Through the fiction side of the book it allows you to observe a successful school and one that is failing and how the failing school becomes a success! I now am going to take my classes to a new level of energy b/c of this book!

Easy read! At first it doesn't seem like it is going to apply b/c it is building the story. Then it catches steam and flows with good stuff.

Clearly, one of the best books I've ever read regarding education. This book was a required reading for a graduate course, but it should be required for any educator who truly wants to help make children more successful. It made me examine how I have been ZAPPING (encouraging, motivating) students and colleagues and SAPPING (demotivating, discouraging) students and colleagues. Although I can't go to the 12th dimension with Ralph, I'm hoping I will look at my students, my school in a way that will allow me to be more of a ZAPPER and less of a SAPPER.

This easy-to-read book sends a powerful message concerning the importance of empowerment and ownership in education. The lessons that can be learned from this publication will remain beneficial as long as education is an existing institution. Everyone should place himself/herself in the shoes of Joe Mode and see how the empowerment process can and should be implemented. To see firsthand how empowerment can improve teacher and student performance is totally astounding.

This book should be required reading for every school administrator starting with the State Commissioner of Education.

This book is light-hearted and easy to read. It provides the reader with a real sense of how to empower employees to create the best school possible. After reading this book, you will feel empowered to make a difference in your school. A must for all practicing school administrators.

Zapp! should be required reading for every educator in the USA. Its an easy read and an inspirational account of a principal who wants more for his students, staff and himself. The power to empower is underestimated in our schools today. Zapp!could change any educaator with the desire to grow.

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspects of change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsection of the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the dropping and picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline', will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this type material.

I have always been interested in culture and human aspects of the firm. This book was highly recommended by my teacher on strategic management as his favorite on change management. It's an easy read on the human aspects of change and is helped by a novel structure in the book (each subsection of the chapter reads like an individual chapter, which assists the dropping and picking up). It's no nonsense. Anyone who liked 'The Fifth Discipline', will much appreciate this as well. I hope to read more of this type material.

very updated, helpful in managing change in big organizations

If the Business environment is as smart as it should be this book should be a Best-Selle

The Accelerating Organization is an excellent resource of ideas on how to develop a constantly learning organization. Maira and Scott-Morgan provide many clear and concise concepts in developing a new organization or moving an existing organization into a learning system. Every point is illustrated from a plethora of international business situations. Not only is "The Accelerating Organization" informative, it is "do-able."