Business Books

The DNA of Successful Leaders takes readers through a personality profile and the diagnosis of the results, which, based on the title, probably isn't surprising. Personality profiles aren't what you like to read in your leisure time, nor are books about them. I felt the same way about personality profiles, until I picked up this book.

The DNA of Successful Leaders is what I would call the "real-life personality profile." Mr. Tate's philosophy is simple - you were born to lead and influence others for the better, but your leadership will only be effective if it is true to who you are.

The information in this book is invaluable, and is a must read for everybody to use in business and in life. It encourages readers to be authentically themselves, and to allow others to be the same. As a Coach, this insight alone made me cheer!

I have never seen a "personality" profile that is so insightful and provides such practical application. I have found it to be very helpful to me at a business level as well as a personal level. As a doctor it has helped me to have insight to my patients and understanding how to communicate certain concepts to them more effectively. In my personal life it has given me a lot of new insights to my friends and loved ones. A must read!!

An incredible insight to understanding yourself and how you relate to others. Tate's book shows how easy it is to adapt, relate, and influence others while all along being true to yourself, associates, clients, and friends. A "must read" no matter your occupation!

You'd be a fool not to read this book. Mr. Tate- what a difference you have made in my company!! A month ago, one of our most valued employees resigned. Since reading this book, I have been working on all of our relationships within our company in order to improve communications and cooperation. When she quit, we were devastated. Knowing she was a pure 'red' I re-read the chapter on reds and worked to understand how a "blue" should work with her. After a deep conversation following literally exactly the words of Mr. Tate, our employee reconsidered her position and rejoined our company with a completely renewed outlook on her job and the company. Mr. Tate, you single-handedly saved our company. I appreciate everything you shared in this book. It has been the most relevant and practical guide for my business. Thank you!

I got this book for Christmas and honestly, I'd have prefered socks. I don't mind personality quizzes. I, like most educated people, find them droll and amusing, a light-hearted folly, something to do on a rainy day in lieu of sudoku. This book, though, is such a heaping pile of psycho-babble and business-speak it made me want to grind glass into my eyeballs. Why? It's basically a rehash of The Hartman Personality Test, popularly called "The Color Code," reworded just enough to avoid litigation. (Mr. Tate was, after all, a lawyer in a previous incarnation.) In addition, there is absolutely no bibliography or evidence of any actual research, meaning that Tate, with his aforementioned law degree, has about as much academic sanction to write a book about psychology as I do. Third, Tate makes no attempt to hide his deeply held Republican and rightist views, painting Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush in blindingly favorable light and maligning such former Democratic leaders as Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter. Finally, he claims to apply his "methodology" to the Beatles, claiming that each one had one of the four colors in his test, attributing their massive popularity to that alone. No Troy, they just played great music.

If you're a banal mid-level managerial type whose anonymously boring career is stuck in a rut and who buys into the "I'm Okay, You're Okay" malarkey pop culture continues to force feed the masses, than this might just be the book for you. If you're a thinking human being with a personality more complex than a coloring book, look elsewhere.

This book is about breaking through into a world where you don't accept number two status but you focus every element of your business into being the best of your own category.

Don't accept that this book is just for marketing executives, it should be read by everyone in business to comprehend how crucial it is to change your way of thinking. The entire book is summed up on page 264, where there is a clear four stage process outlined visually. The book is full of stories to illuminate Morgan's theories and outlines 'think tank' processes in order for your business no matter how big or small to 'break with your immediate past' and forge a new way of doing things.

Brilliant book that changed the way I approached business and marketing. I'd not have the drive and success without it.

This book did great things for my understanding of a challenger brands greatest strengths and strategies. Not to turn this into a forum, I have a few questions though: Does anyone know more about Adam Morgan? Did he work for TBWA? Any other agencies? What was his discipline? Any info would help.

I don't know how to explain the insightful ideas I have taken from this book.

I have read tens of books on branding and how to gain a competitive advantage, yet none were as ground breaking as "Eating the Big Fish".

While others will tell you "what" marketing approaches they used...this one explains the "why".

I got my copy almost free using a coupon from UnderTag.com

Author Adam Morgan went hunting for the second most successful brands. He sought commonalities among them to develop guidelines for those who are challenging the number one brands in their fields. In other words, if you are coming into the battle in the number two slot, here's your strategy for winning the marketing wars. Morgan is very adept at breaking things down into precise action steps. Witty and engaging, he offers a detailed analysis of the current consumer attitude about brands plus strategies you can use to market your second or third rank brand. We recommend this compilation of competitive ideas to those who want to boost their "Challenger" brands.

I own (oooooh) probably between 80 and 100 books on marketing, some are obligatory read for my masters in marketing, some are handpicked in stores and on amazon and I stand by the title of my review. What can you take out from this book: YOU CAN compete with big brands, there are attitudes and ways of running your business that can knock down the goliath in your industry, and this book explains how, giving numerous examples from various industries. Only negative, if I can call it that, is author's writing style, which was rather hard for me, but then again, I am croatian, so it could be my english, not mr Morgan's :). A MUST!! have.

Get rich schemes are out of control today. Beyond the schemes, many people seem to use the lottery their own personal retirement plan.

This is not a get rich quick book, but a common sense guide to becoming wealthy over time. Told though thoughts of a "wealthy barber," this book goes back to basics to teach wise saving and investing techniques. It also reinforces ideas that many have learned over time.

There are several powerful concepts to investing in the book. One of the most important concepts is: Pay yourself first. Although simple, it has profound implications on becoming financially secure.

Another powerful concept is how to invest wisely. The Wealthy Barber talks about the good and bad sides of stock market investing, real estate investing and more. The book also exposes some of the wasteful ways of spending money such as buying cash value life insurance as opposed buying term insurance and investing the difference.

I found the book refreshing and insightful. Great for the beginner as well as advanced investor, these ideas should never go out of fashion. I try to apply many of these principles in my own life and encourage others interested in doing the same.

Overall, this is an excellent book to re-discover common sense and learn the basics of saving, investing, patience, and the magic of time to become wealthy. Highly recommended!

The Re-Discovery of Common Sense: A Guide to: The Lost Art of Critical Thinking

I really liked this book. I read it as part of a workshop for school. The author made the subject matter easy to understand for everyone, and in a format that was fairly enjoyable. It made me see the importance of good planning.

Pros:
-covers a broad range of topics
-gives great financial tips
-reads like a novel
-concise and quick to read
-is easy to understand
-inspires you to start your planning right away

Con:
-could have written a little more about a couple of the topics

The bad news first: The author had a great idea of putting sound financial advice in a novel format. The characters are boring and one dimensional save for the fact that they are sports fans. The dialogue is forced and fast, but for the purpose of getting to the lessons where the dialogue is disruptive at times.

The good news: If you can forge through the pages of banter and witticisms you will find some things that you'll be glad you found such as a proxy [check it out] and some things about investing and insurance.

The outcome: This story takes place in Michigan, which is also the state who's company's representatives (AmWay, now Quixtar, Inc.) launched a major dealing in the distribution of this book. It appealed to their wide client/distributor base and sent its sales into the stratosphere.

My son picked this book up many years ago. Both he & I read it. It made an imprint on my life, as well as his. I am financially independent & semi retired at age 57.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know anything about money. It is really easy to understand and doesn't skip over the basics. If you know the basics you may not find it an interesting read.

A story presented in comic book form that follows an ordinary Joe (named Gray)in uniting his company's division to make changes before the division is eliminated. Tremendous wisdom presented in thinking about others viewpoints and dealing with sensitive (ie aggressive) egos in getting things done. Humorous and engaging -it's a great way to introduce those who are entering the work world or the world weary who have forgotten the subtleties it takes to motivate others. Questionaires and questions, specific recommendations about what you can do to help with sales or cost savings.

"I never really wanted to be a PM but the company recognized my efforts in supporting Widgets XYZ and therefore they decided to promote me by becoming a PM!!" I am sure most of u ended up like that. Well I certainly did. I will tell you that this job is not easy and especially if u are not an IT background PM, u r in trouble!

This book believe it or not I used to read in between trips to Italy before I took this new job I am in. Forget PMI (well don't forget but ...) this book will give you're the instant PM Adernialin u need and it will also manage your expectations of how things should happen. It ahs a people side in this book which most other techs books fail to see. It was allot of fun to read. I have been 12 months on the job now and I think I like it now!

This is the first business book I've read that teach you great lessons about how to succeed in business and in your career in a humoristic manner.

It references stuff like the 8 commandments for selling people on your ideas, and the 7 Deadly Workplace Sins and how to overcome them.

This is definitely a must read book.

I approached this book with an attitude of "I know this content already," "I could have written this book". . . . But a few pages into the book, I realized I was learning.

The content is surprisingly complete. When skimming the Table of Contents, the topics did not seem comprehensive. But after reading this book, the important things were covered; including sensitive areas that are usually not discussed.

I appreciate that much of the content is in comic strip format. I know, I know, this doesn't sound good. But I have so many books that I've started and stopped because I don't have time to read it all. So it's very gratifying to get through the content of the book in one evening.

In summary, I learned some important stuff from this book and know that I can return to this book for reminders and details. Five stars!

Gray matters is disappointing in many respects. First, the cartooning is crude and not up to standards set by syndicated strips. Second, there's not a single laugh in the whole book -- this is no Dilbert. Third, the advice is common sense to the point of being patronizing -- it features such brilliant insights as "listen to people." Wow, who'd ever think of doing that? Finally, several character actions are highly unethical and could get you in hot water if you did the same, such as breaking into a co-worker's computer, or moonlighting without your boss's knowledge at a customer company strictly to get inside information. You want to talk lawsuit? Read "The Dilbert Principle" instead -- its insights are hilarious and telling.

When I got Matt s book in at my office, I could not put it down. Matt has it broken down and very easy to understand on how to implement managed services in your business. Matt has made me rethink about how to go about doing business in my IT consulting firm. If you want to shorten the path to managed services this is your guide. I got his second book and I cant wait to devour that one.
Great Job Matt! Look forward to anything you put out! Anything!

Alex Rodriguez
Director of Business Development
On Time Technology Solutions, Inc.

Matt has put together the perfect guide for someone who is starting out learning the sales process effectively. Most providing technical services didn't set out to become sales people, but need to become ones in order for their businesses to grow. Matt lays out an entire sales process, designed exactly to teach a solution based sales process, including learning to overcome objections and how to manage the basics of sales.

Matt lays out how to be a good sales person, doing something "for" your customer rather than "to" your customer, helping non-sales people become effective sellers in a way that fits perfectly with their needs and personalities. Selling is something you need to know how to do, and Matt can teach you how to do it. Worth every penny.

This book is an exciting read for any IT professional providing break fix or already doing some type of managed services. It's always comforting knowing the issues that we face are the same as others in the industry and this book does highlight the advantages of an alternateive managed services model - it provides ideas and solutions. It will definitely be a future point of reference in our business. The book was also well summarised and easy to read. Highly recommended.

A Guide to SELLING Managed Services - faster, easier & for greater profit
After reading this book, you will get an idea of the successful way to capitalize on the idea of Managed Services. More importantly, you will have a concept of presenting the professional manner needed to position your business for success. Matt has a great way of communicating very basic business concepts that everyone should know to be successful. The book is written very well for a fast read which equates to quicker implementation. Don't delay, buy this book.

If you are new to the industry or have been in it for over 20 years like me, you know that you need to do all that you can to understand what does and doesn't work for others. To those new to the business he offers a real road map for success. To those who have been doing this for years, he presents some very compelling reasons to re-think the way you do business. I can't say I agree with everything Matt has put forth here, but I will say he has produced a very well written and organized guide to all the critical components of a well run managed services business. It helped me to clarify my position on all the issues he presented.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in staying in the IT services business over the next five years.

This is an important book for anyone starting a home staging business. I started a home staging business before I read this book. However, upon reading it I realized how much I did not know and decided to go through decorate-redecorate.com for home staging certification. The book is detailed, current and full of relevant pointers, tips and information on the art and business of home staging. Anytime Barbara Jennings publishes a book on this topic I will read it (after reading this book I bought two of her other books: Decor Secrets Revealed & Where there's a Wall there's a Way). Jennings is clearly a consummate authority on the subject.

I loved this book- it is very thorough and contained everything I needed AND more that I haven't even gotten to read yet- I am still implementing ideas from what I have read! Barbara is not trying to impress people with her credentials, she is trying to help them with her experience! If you are considering staging for a living- get this book!

I recently bought 2 books on Staging, since I'm currently wondering wether to pursue it as a new career. Right off the bat, this book is very inspiring in it's voice and the writer's accomplishments. I'm barely into it, but it's already gotten me back to feeling excited about the possibilities. As opposed to the other staging book i'm about to review, and ended up returning.

The layout is like reading a term paper, but it's kind of nice reading on such a big format for a change. No color pictures to speak of, but if you're buying this, you're not looking for color ideas. Just tell me what the biz is all about, and what i could expect from giving it a go, is all i'm looking for.

I'm really enjoying the way that it's written as if the author is talking to you. It's much more entertaining, and it makes me feel like she's there for any questions, which she says she is!

So based on the 30+ pages or so i've read, this book is a definite for those looking for some insight into this growing business.

I'm in the process of reading 2 of Barbara Jennings books.
Am finding her to be highly thorough and knowledgeable.
Every bit of info is useable. Let you know later if I
make lots of money putting her techniques to use.
Many thanks, Gerri

I ordered the book based on another review about it. I was pleased with the information contained in it, however, I will say that it is written like she is speaking to you and feels at time to be unorganized as to topic. With the subtitle leading you to believe you can be up and running in 7 days, there really is not a Seven Day plan as such, but you need to extract what is needed from each chapter. I also found a few of the things she suggested in staging to be a bit odd, ie: cleaning out gutters. Although I realize this would be necessary in selling a home, I do not feel this should be the job of a Home Stager. There is a lot of marketing information and some good ideas as to how to market the business, which I did find helpful. Most books like this on this topic generally tout the products of the author and this is no exception to that. However, unlike another well-known home stager-author they are not mentioned on every page. I would recommend this to anyone wanting to start this business, but I also feel that if you have no design background, this book will not help in that. My suggestion is to read all you can on the subject, take what works for you, then build your business.

I made this book a required read for my MBA Business Research Method class. It addresses some of the key falacies in thinking about the research for decision making. I have a more detailed review on [...].

Measuring seeming intangibles can be a very tricky task, and Hubbard does a masterful job walking the reader through the process of moving from a position of limiting their applicability of measurement to a position where they can essentially quantify anything. This text is very well written and only basic math skills are needed to apply the content. In a few isolated instances, the author walks the reader through some calculations that require knowledge of statistics beyond basic math, and even limits his discussion to Microsoft Excel functions in at least one case where he feels the math might be a little too inaccessible to the reader, although even in this scenario the math is by no means very advanced. In this reviewer's opinion, this feat is rather incredible, because the resources typically available on this subject matter are typically saturated with statistics, and the method of problem solving the author presents should make most readers very comfortable regardless of background. While this book can help measure tangibles, the intent here is to guide the reader to a point where they can measure what are typically viewed as intangibles, such as risk, quality, performance, value, demand, etc. While the background of the author is technology, and much of the discussion can be applied to nonfunctional architectural qualities, the book demonstrates that there really is no limit to measuring traditional intangibles. As Hubbard indicates in his first chapter, "anything can be measured. If a thing can be observed in any way at all, it lends itself to some type of measurement method. No matter how 'fuzzy' the measurement is, it's still a measurement if it told you more than you knew before. And those very things most likely to be seen as immeasurable are, virtually always, solved by relatively simple measurement methods". The author is careful to point out that this work is not intended to cover every single subject matter, but "focus on measurements that are relevant - even critical - to major organizational decisions and yet don't seem to lend themselves to an obvious and practical measurement solution. The book addresses some common misconceptions about intangibles, describes a 'universal approach' to show how to go about measuring an 'intangible', and backs it up with some interesting methods for particular problems". The author explains that the key obstacle to overcome in this space is the very definition of measurement itself: "a set of observations that reduce uncertainty where the result is expressed as a quantity". Measurement does not need to be exact. In fact, it is often the case in many fields of work that exact measurement is not even possible, and in other cases the cost is too high or time is too short to arrive at exact measurements. Probability calibration is one of the tools presented in the early chapters of this book to prepare the reader for what follows. Essentially, the goal of this tool is to help the reader assign levels of confidence to numeric estimates of quantifiable items in order to help move to estimates of the seemingly immeasurable. Many practical examples are discussed throughout the book. Diagrams and sidebars are extremely well placed. Very well recommended.

A fantastic introduction into probabalistic way of thinking about what you know or think, and how you can develop this into usefull objective measurement frameworks for those things your previously thought were "intangible" or "unknowable"

One of the primary challenges with managing and governing IT effectively is that many of the questions that we need to answer are difficult to measure. What is the expected value of a new software project? What is the chance of success? How long will the project take? What architectural strategy is best? How effective is a development technique? What is our level of quality? How good is our production data? And so on.


Although these questions are hard to answer, luckily this book provides some proven advice for easily taking measures that enable us to improve our decision making. To understand the value, and ease of, taking presumably difficult measures, in Chapter 2 Hubbard works through examples from past of great thinkers who didn't give up in the face of the "impossible". For example, around 200 BC Eratothenes estimated the circumference of the Earth by observing the lengths of shadows, Enrico Fermi estimated the power of the first atomic bomb by observing the distance that it blew confetti, and at the age of nine Emily Rosa (who became the youngest person to publish in a scientific journal at the age of 11) measured the ability (or more accurately lack there of) of people claiming to have the ability of therapeutic touch. Chapter 3 goes on to discuss the illusion of intangibles, motivating you to abandon the self-defeating belief that some things are just too hard to measure. Chapter 4 clarifies the measurement problem, focusing on uncertainty and risk, putting you in a better position to effectively reduce business risk through relatively simple measurement.


Chapters 5 through 7 describe more of the fundamentals behind measurements and the value of improved information, and chapters 8 through 10 describe strategies for doing measurements. Being a firm believer in strategies which reflect human behavior, I was particularly interested in chapters 11 through 14 which cover the human issues around measurement, making a hard science soft again.


If you're tasked with improving your internal metrics program, improving your governance strategy, or simply want to learn about strategies to find out what the heck is actually going on within your organization or industry then this book will prove to be a good idea. Hubbard uses straightforward, easy to understand examples throughout the book, thereby simplifying many complex ideas for the reader.

"I wrote this book to correct a myth that permeates many organizations today: that certain things can't be measured." Douglas Hubbard goes on to note that he has made a career out of measuring the sorts of things many thought were immeasurable. Intangibles, for example, "that appear to be completely intractable to be measured...in a way that is economically justified." Hubbard notes that there are several common misconceptions about intangibles. He offers what he characterizes as a "universal approach," Applied Information Economics (AIE), to measure an intangible, providing with that explanation some "interesting methods for particular problems."

He duly recognizes that only what is most important (tangible or intangible) should be measured; also, that what is currently most important may not retain that importance; and, that information needs change, sometimes significantly and unexpectedly. That said, basic questions must constantly be asked and answered:

1. What are our most important information needs? Why?

2. How best to obtain and then verify that information?

3. What will we then do with that information?

4. How can we then measure (accurately, consistently, and sufficiently) the impact of actions taken based on that information?

To his credit, Hubbard makes every effort to provide information, explanations, and recommendations that are (in his words) as "simple as can be"; nonetheless, some of the material may prove daunting, at least it did to me. I appreciate the inclusion of dozens of real-world examples that illustrate key points. Hubbard also makes effective use of other reader-friendly devices, such as checklists inserted throughout his narrative. In his own words, here is how he organizes his material:

In Section One (Chapters 1-3), he "makes the case that everything is measurable and offers some examples that should inspire readers to attempt measurements even when it seems impossible."

In Section Two (Chapters 4-7), he "begins to get into more specific substance about how to measure things - specifically uncertainty, risk - and the value of information."

In Section Three (Chapters 8-10), he "deals with how to reduce uncertainty by various methods of observation including random sampling and controlled experiments."

And then in Section Four (Chapters 11-14), Hubbard offers "an eclectic collection of interesting measurement solutions and case examples."

Many readers will appreciate having the Appendix (Pages 269-278) which provides both the questions and answers for various calibration tests, including "Calibration Survey for Binary: B" that also includes percentages to indicate degree of confidence that the respondent is correct.

Earlier, I suggested that this is by no means an "easy read." It isn't. Nor will this book respond directly to every executive's immediate needs and objectives. However, it will generously reward those who need assistance with finding and measuring the intangibles in business if they absorb and digest the material with appropriate care. To those about to begin reading this book, Douglas Hubbard offers this recommendation: Write down those things they believe are immeasurable or, at least they are not sure to how to measure. "After reading this book, my goal is that you are able to identify methods for measuring each and every one of them." I presume to add another recommendation: Highlights key passages and titles of checklists. By doing so, you will be able to facilitate, indeed expedite frequent review of key concepts and insights later.

This book gives a good description of the theory behind different valuation techniques. It is very detailed and very helpful. The only downside is that it is hard to get through at times.

An overall excellnet text on valuing any asset. The author does a wonderful job of highighting the only 3 rational ways to value any asset: discounted cash flows, relative valuation, and the options pricing model. This book may help you consider the value of assets using all 3 methods to arrive at a true valuation for your purchase or divestment.
A must have for anyone who values assests.

From dozens of valuation books I've read, this is the best one. All different views and theories are explained with good examples.

Great, perfect step by step valuation instructions!

Like other reviewers have said, this book should not be used as an undergraduate textbook. But as a reference book it is among the best for reviewing valuation principals. It covers many asset classes, including equities, bonds, options, futures, and real estate. This book also does a good job of breaking down principals used for valuing various firms (private, start-ups, takeover targets).

The real value for me, however, was its explanations of various DCF models and how they are used: adjusted present value, equity valuation, and firm valuation. The material does a good job of getting to the reason behind the numbers and not just how to use them (such as its explanations on how to determine a terminal value).

In summary, a great read for an undergrad or graduate finance student who wants to get familiar with valuation techniques, or even for an analyst who needs to brush up.

Just thumbing thru the book already has me laughing out loud. The business plan in disarray... the Family Friendly policy... and my personal favorite - the office thermostat! I wish I had Alice's chutzpah." I wouldn't be freezing to death all day!!!

Journey to Cubeville is a 224-page collection of Scott Adams' hilarious Dilbert cartoons. Dated between 11/1/96 and 1/4/98, these cartoons include all of the normal Dilbert crew: Dilbert, Alice, Wally, Asok, Dogbert, Catbert (a personal favorite), and so forth. The cartoons themselves appear as they did in your favorite newspaper, with the big Sunday ones printed in bright color! Plus, as a bonus, this book includes pop-out finger-puppets, which includes Dilbert, Wally, Alice, Dogbert, Ratbert, the Pointy-Haired-One, and a cubicle. (Dilbert wouldn't be Dilbert without a cubicle!)

This book is great, a must-have addition to the library of any Scott Adams fan. And, the finger-puppets make it that much better. This is perhaps the best Dilbert book of them all - buy it!

Dilbert is the perfect hero for the modern office, which consists mostly of cubicles, or cubes as we frequently refer to them.

What happens in a cubicle? Oh, you know. The boss comes around and indicates that he is the great power behind everything, though he actually knows nothing about the product. If anything goes wrong, downsizing of those best suited to fix the problem follows.

What of marketing? Well, they are selling a product we have yet to build, for a price we are unable to achieve, with features that marketing neglected to tell engineering about. When all else fails, hire a consultant!

But Dilbert also has to face things like synergies. What are synergies? Ah, well, Dilbert can tell you that when you hear a cliché word like synergies, down-sizing is sure to follow in Cubeville, along with additional doses of cluelessness.

Any Dilbert book is perfect for a modern office worker, especially if they are in engineering, as Dilbert is. This collection of cartoons published from 9/1/96 to 1/18/98 are sure to give you more than a few chuckles as you recognize behaviors from an office you once worked in, or, if you are unfortunate, an office your are currently working in. At least you get gain some perspective and humor from your misery!

Enjoy!

JOURNEY TO CUBEVILLE is the absolute best collection of Dilbert comic strips!!! The whole hilarious gang (`specially Wally,Alice and Dilbert et. al) just saturates every single page with their best laughs.So whether you`re wandering through a bookstore,or on the net,DO NOT miss out on JOURNEY TO CUBEVILLE.It`s worth the money!

It's amazing how Scott Adams is able to produce hundreds of hilarious Dilbert strips that revolve around just a few themes -bosses are stupid, engineers are geeks, and the whole purpose of management, marketing, and the like are to squash productivity. This book is proof that Adams is a genius because not a single strip fails to produce at least a chuckle. Get this book and laugh your a** off.

As you should expect from a book that claims to 'make strategy work' this book for me does exactly that. Make it work. It borrows principles and concepts from other major works over the recent years, like Good to Great from Jim Collins and elaborates on them in several chapters, most of them focusing on singular subjects that prevent the strategy from working: culture, leadership, behavior, structure etc.

I personally like the mix of conceptual models and basic tips and tricks, but this can also lead to a middle of the road book that the more practical-minded or the more academic might not fancy. Take your pick.

Keeping implementation in mind when creating strategy is a sound strategy. Packed with excellent case studies, Making Strategy Work is a fine guide for managers and leaders to get things done. I recommend this book along with Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap... and Others Don't, starting with the "Who" then moving on to the "What".

"Making Strategy" contains tons of topics, case studies, and specific methods to improve the implementation aspect, after planning and, how to make change and then manage the change. Each chapter has several detailed related sub-chapters.

Chapters:

1. Strategy Execution is the Key
2. Overview and Model: Making Strategy Work
3. The Path to Successful Execution: Good Strategy Comes First
4. Organizational Structure and Execution
5. Managing Integration: Effective Coordination
and Information Sharing
6. Incentives and Controls: Supporting and Reinforcing Execution
7. Managing Change
8. Managing Culture and Culture Change
9. Power, Influence, and Execution
10 Summary and Application: Making Mergers and Acquisitions Work

Hrebiniak first notes the education system where minds are molded. MBA programs focus on the formulation of strategy and functional planning: competitive strategy, marketing strategy, financial strategies, and so on. Execution gets little attention. Most managers delegate the implementation of plans to the employers under them. A key point in this book is that planning and execution are interdependent. Execution is a process, and it involves more people than just strategic planning does.

Many factors influencing who and how things get done emanate from the organizational power structure, the leadership climate, style of approach, and centralization vs. decentralization.

Some of the companies and examples listed are Johnson & Johnson, Citibank, South West Airlines, Phillip Morris, 7-up, ABB, GM, Dell, Kraft, and more. Case studies and Hrebiniak's personal experiences add relevant points and examples.

When certain companies such as Microsoft interviews applicants they are generally not concerned with academic achievements (grades) or professional accomplishments but instead focus on how the applicant, if hired, would fit in and jell with the team he/she would be joining. This is called "cultural due diligence." And Hrebiniak emphasizes that within companies culture is not homogeneous. Even moreso when M&As occur. Or, when a company has different and autonomous decentralized Strategic Business Units (SBUs) producing vastly different products in different markets (e.g. Johnson & Johnson).

This is a helpful book on how to do things more efficiently and effectively. One quote I recall from the first page of this book is, "The problem with poor performance typically is not with planning, but with doing." And this goes for about everything. The questionnaire in the back is a survey and is helpful to those who conduct it and those who respond. "Making Strategy Work" is highly recommended.

I have been somewhat confused by complicated strategy map like approaches. I love the simplified and common-sense approach to making strategy work presented by Dr. Hrebiniak. One can use it in developing strategy for execution, and improving success rate of strategies from 10%. I plan to use it in making strategies for business intelligence and innovation work!

Considering the high ranking and the established name of Warton School, I bought this book. Whether you like this book or not, depends mainly on what you are looking for.

The author says, making strategy work is more difficult, than finding a suitable strategy for the business you are in. Following my own experiences I doubt this. How many companies do we really know, that have a sound strategy that can be simply expressed and proofed right by many years of succes? Go to the shopfloor and ask your employees simple things as e.g. why your customers buy from you and what your business is or should be about. Although the author does not focus on how to build a strategy and covers the aspects of strategy implementation, a good strategy will first of all decide, whether any implementation has a chance for success.

A good strategy gives you answers on:

1.) Who are we and where are we actually (not only internal view) ?
2.) Where do we go ?
3.) Why will we be succesfull ?

Answering this questions will cope with the core question of strategic marketing as positioning and differentiation as well. Implementing any longterm strategy is mainly dedicated to leadership, preliminary people development around core competencies and step by step project management by having easy and consistant measures defined.

There are to many basic statemants in this book and definitions - just common sense. Focus on analysing your current external position and the internal view, the strategy definition and the strategy implementation will be much easier. Change has mostly to do with communication and telling the story as it is, the rest relays on your leadership and how convincing the need for change is. Eliminate the "jerks" and develop the "right" people and your strategy will move forward. The question about the "right" people is linked to change management and leadership, but non of this books will provide you the answer of this question.

Even though softfactors are important, any book about making strategy work should first of all rise a few questions what preliminary answers on important questions need to be on hand?

Best Regards,
Oliver