Business Books

If you know anything about personality types from either Socionics (Rod Novichkov) or MBTI then you'll know who the Alpha Male is exactly (ESTJ or ISTJ personality types). This book shows you logical ways of dealing with people of these personality types. It's good reading.

Making a great team out of a group of driving and opinionated managers and professionals is hard; they need to trust and rely on each other when in fact it is more comfortable for them to stay apart. The Alpha Male Syndrome is a rare and valuable book that offers real solutions to these difficulties.

It is hard to not wax poetic about this book as I was so excited to literally walk into it in an airport store soon after it was published. Not one to usually look at hardback books, the title was alluring and the content took my breath away. Here were two top consultants working with some of the best and the brightest who had characterized the execs into four categories. Their process of categorization allows a much greater understanding by the executive than most of the others I have seen over the years.

Each of the four "types" (and most of us have a mix) have specific strengths and risks when it comes to leadership and effectiveness as a top executive. As an executive coach, I really like helping each "alpha" I work with to look at the "risks" of their personality traits rather than call anything a weakness. We play to our strengths and mitigate our risks. This offers a framework from which we can look at what is working, what isn't, and set very specific goals for behavioral change.

Every successful executive has some/many alpha traits. Kate Ludeman, PhD and Edie Erlandson, MD at Worth Ethic, offer an online test that is incredibly helpful as it provides very clear explanations of the specific strengths and risks indicated by the individual. The conclusions and recommendations they offer are extremely valid (from a practical point of view). Having worked with hundreds/thousands of alphas over the past 25 years, I wish I had the benefit of this screen and understanding of their conceptualization process for each client earlier. This is one of the few items I always use when working with a new client.

Breaking the traits into strengths and risks is really what it is all about. Although I have used a SWOT analysis for years in all levels of work (with individuals or with boards and strategic planning), I've always hated the "W" term, weakness. This is such a judgmental and pejorative term to most people, and sounds very permanent. The term "risk" is ever so much better to work with (and hints at the situational component). So even if SROT won't be a best seller, I now explain that what I want to look at are their personal risks, not weaknesses. Every exec is comfortable with risk. It's how we live, and really is an important part of what gives the fabric of life a certain richness and depth. A risk is something that one can assess and make decisions about. A weakness is just, well, yuck.

Very good book for those who want to understand what's going on in the management team. All managers should read this book. A must

Two management consultants have jointly written this book about alpha males who occupy some 75% senior management positions in America's business world. According to them, alpha males are indomitable, tenacious, and persevering enough to reach the apex of their career. They inspire awe and respect but could move people to fear and trembling. Despite having great career success, the downside of their traits and behaviours such as the `laws of the jungle' attitude, interpersonal impatience, and difficult controlling anger can have devastating effect to their health, marriage, and other people surrounding them.

Both writers marry hard data on some 1,500 executives and base on their abundant coaching experience with senior executives from Fortune 500 firms to figure out why such top dogs become pit bulls that snowball problems and expose their vulnerabilities. In short, alpha males are various in terms of their different traits they possess such as commander, visionary, strategist, and executor. Some are inclined to act like visionaries that often dream up exotic ideas but hate naysayers. Others have an uncanny ability to deal with crisis but tend to exercise their authority through intimidation and domination. Both writers conclude that Trump's `apprentice' mentality would do more harm than good. In today's business environment where trust, respect, and collaborative dialogue between corporate bigwigs and coworkers are vital for business survival and growth, both writers offer alpha males a list of `awareness of self and others' tools that could guide them beyond the `alpha triangle' trap and move themselves and their people to effectiveness.

This book is a comprehensive study of alpha males. It is also a landmark management study that not only fills need for alpha males but also provides an impetus for further research on this subject. Revealing the importance of tapping human potentials in teams to high performance, alpha males should learn how to involve the whole team that harness their intelligence, vitality, and drive without wreaking havoc on working relationships. They have to put aside their `zero-sum' jungle mentality as well as personal glory in pursuit of the alchemy of human connections. This book is accompanied by a website that contains an online alpha assessment to testify whether you are an alpha male or not and also your alpha strengths and risks. It helps readers undertake a self-awareness exercise in order to understand and modify their tendencies and risk areas. Chapter 8 provides alpha males with a repertoire of tools to practice emotional and physical reset such as stress relief and endorphin increments in order to achieve high-level health and wellness.

This book is highly recommended for readers who are interested in understanding more about the upside as well as downside traits of alpha males. It is also a highly recommended book for alpha males who aspire to leverage their strengths and subdue their flip-side risks for the best interest of shareholders and their people.

Bill Wiersma has written a very compelling and insightful book. I know I will be referring back to many marked pages to help me work through some particularly challenging work project scenarios, some of which I used to think were primarily driven by other people's behaviors. But now I can see how my biases contributed to the problem and, at times, the onus was all mine (horrors). Thanks for shedding some very important light on these aspects of emotional intelligence.

The Big Aha deals with a destructive element in relationships and business that is much more prevalent than many of us care to admit. Reading this book was truly an "AHA" moment for me personally. The book helped me gain a whole new perspective on difficult work situations that previously I had assumed were outside of my control. On the contrary, I realized I was part of the problem. I was guilty hands down of what Wiersma identifies as "Telescoping". With this concept now clear in my mind, I realized that in situations where I had to deal with difficult colleagues, I was contributing to the problem by focusing only on facts, behavior and results that confirmed my earlier conclusions, suspicions and prejudgments. By applying the suggestions outlined in Wiersma's book, I have been much more effective in dealing with challenging team situations, subordinates, peers and direct reports. Many thanks to Bill for compiling such an illuminating book. I recommend this book highly to anyone who wants to be a more effective leader, team member, friend or spouse.

This is a "what they didn't teach you in MBA school" type of book. Extremely valuable for students learning how to resolve and prevent workplace conflicts, but perhaps the Big AHA is best understood by those that can draw from real life experiences. I found myself saying the next time I recognise this situation I'm going to shift my thinking. Thanks BIG AHA

What is special about Wiersma's book is the thoughtful way that he examines the nature of human conflict, and then the very useful ideas he presents to keep conflict from happening in the first place. Highly readable and worthwhile!

Bill Wiemersa has tackled some of the most destructive tendencies found throughout corporate America. The concept of "telescoping" not only applies in business relationshps, but I found that I also telescope many personal relationships. I predict this book and the concepts found in its pages will guide teachers, students, managers, executives, employees, spouses, siblings, coaches, politicians and ministers for many years to come. Can't wait to read the follow-up to The Big AHA.......

I'll tell you right off that it brought back a lot of memories of my production assistant days. Your descriptions of what one needs to survive in this industry are right on. I'm very grateful to you that it was written in a very clear and concise way with touches of humor and the incorporation of actual experiences. It was a very easy read.

I liked your suggestions for follow up letters. I actually used them twice already. The format is great: direct and concise.

I found it to be helpful and informative

I read the book twice and loved it! It has a wealth of information that anyone in this industry needs. I have already gain further info that will help me achieve the goals I have set for myself. I wasn't looking for it but while I was browsing through the bookstore, when I got to that section, it was the first to jump out at me. This book was a sign that I have been on the right path for the last four years. I thank you.

This book served no purpose other than it's nice contact indices in the back (for which I gave the 1 star). Other than that, it was a waste of money. I wish I had bought it at Borders so that I could have skimmed through it first. Then I could have also just ripped out the index list and taken it home. Shhh! Don't tell anyone.

This book captures everything true customer service should be about. This book will give you a ton of ideas how to make each and every client have a memorable experience that will result in a lot of referrals for you. You only need 2 books in my opinion to have a successful business: 1) How to Win Friends and Influence People and 2) The Celebrity Experience. Each will give you the tools and INSPIRATION to roll out the red carpet for your clients. What goes around comes around!

In today's market, personal touch, great customer service is a must. Today's consumers are able to find what they want with a click of a mouse. If you want to retain customers and your employees, you've got to let them know they're appreciated.

Lot's of great examples, enjoyable book to read. And it gave me ideas and inspiration how I can do better in this department.

Every small business owner, human resources department,and everyone in the services industry should read "The Celebrity Experience", and refer to it often! Donna Cutting cuts through the red tape, and reveals lots of delicious ideas for giving your customers a red carpet experience, thus increasing your bottom line. In a world that is highly competetive, if you apply these principles, you find yourself on the A-List in your customer's eyes.

Nothing in the Celebrity Experience was rocket science. But everything in this book are things YOU can do if you work in the service industry to provide great customer service for those you serve. The stories are relevant and easy to relate to. The insights Donna provides are priceless! With each section offering ACTION tips you can immediately implement, you can use this book as a guidebook for providing great customer service for your organization.

You don't have to be in the service industry for this book to be relevant to you. Many of the stories shared are things you can relate to if you've ever gotten great customer service. My favorite is the "consider it done" phone at the Gaylord Opryland that Donna discusses in great depth. Donna recounts stories of picking up the phone to "consider it done" and the person on the other end going to great lengths to ensure everything is taken care of to your satisfaction.

Fun stories...actionable tips...and common sense! BUY THIS BOOK!

I really enjoyed reading this book because it is packed with real life examples of businesses that utilize red carpet customer service. And I have personally seen positive results and more income in my business by using the tips in this book.

Donna combines easy to implement action steps with solid company wide strategies to make your customer feel special.

She also reminds us how we can be sure we are doing our part as an A list customer too.

For any business owner, this book should definitely be on your bookshelf. And given to each team member in your company.

Such a delightful book!

Teresa Morrow
Owner of Key Business Parnters

How could Southwest Airlines achieve 23 consecutive years of record revenues and profits while other airlines were hemorrhaging red ink? How could GE produce refrigerator compressors at a cost substantially less than its foreign competitors, despite an unfavorable cost differential of $15 an hour? This fascinating book suggests an answer.

In 1996, authors Bill Catlette and Richard Hadden noticed that every single one of the top 15 companies listed in Fortune's "Most Admired Corporations" were also widely recognized as exceptional places to work! Hmmmm.... Catlette and Hadden conducted a study of such companies over a ten year period, with interesting results: Compared to their top competitors, the "Contented Cow" companies consistently enjoyed big financial gains in every important way--productivity, revenues, and growth.

The book is not without its flaws. For example, Wal-Mart is listed as one of the "Contented Cow" companies--a designation that Barbara Ehrenreich's Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America certainly puts the lie to. Still, CONTENTED COWS makes a strong case for the connection between sound human resource management and successful financial management--a connection far more direct than many managers think. So in my opinion this book is highly relevant for today's globalized-and-outsourced Corporate America.

Doni Tamblyn is author of Laugh and Learn: 95 Ways to Use Humor for More Effective Teaching and Training and The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)

Don't be deterred by the title (initially I was) because it is appropriate to the authors' purposes in their essentially serious analysis of why only some companies sustain market supremacy and profitability...and why the others don't. Years ago, Jack Welch (then CEO of GE, one of the six companies featured in this book) explained why he admires entrepreneurial companies:

"For one, they communicate better. Without the din and prattle of bureaucracy, people listen as well as talk; and since there are fewer of them they generally know and understand each other. Second, small companies move faster. They know the penalties for hesitation in the marketplace. Third, in small companies, with fewer layers and less camouflage, the leaders show up very clearly on the screen. Their performance and its impact are clear to everyone. And, finally, smaller companies waste less. They spend less time in endless reviews and approvals and politics and paper drills. They have fewer people; therefore they can only do the important things. Their people are free to direct their energy and attention toward the marketplace rather than fighting bureaucracy."

These remarks are directly relevant to the key points which Catlette and Hadden make in this book. It is no coincidence that the most highly admired companies (i.e. those for whom employees of their competitor companies prefer to work) are also the most profitable as they dominant their respective marketplaces. They include FedEx, GE, Hewlett-Packard, Southwest Airlines, 3M, and Wal-Mart. Revealingly, each of these six was founded by entrepreneurs and each has since retained its entrepreneurial spirit. They are among the "Contented Cows" which have outgrown the "Common Cows" (e.g. Consolidated Freightways, General Motors, Texas Instruments, United Airlines, Xerox, and Sears) by a margin of roughly four to one. Catlette and Hadden explain why.

At one point in their book, they assert that "just as productive employees are not always satisfied, satisfied employees are not always productive." A "Contented Cow" company offers generous employee benefits, including those which address personal needs. For example, EDS has a car repair facility, bank, store, day care center, and dry cleaners on-site. However, a "Contented Cow" company also has leaders (at all levels) who recognize the importance to their employees of meaningful work to do, high standards to which everyone is held accountable (a "level playing field"), a clear sense of purpose and direction, feeling appreciated, and finally, meaningful opportunities for professional growth.

There is a "Summary" at the conclusion of each of the 14 chapters. These lists of key points will be invaluable to those who may wish to re-read the book (all or in part) as they attempt to formulate strategies and tactics to transform their own organization into a "Contented Cow." I hasten to add that these key points are relevant to ALL organizations regardless of their size or nature. "To become Contented Cows. companies must realize that just as they have choices, their employees (particularly the better, more skilled ones) do so. The new rules of the game have been set, and now it's only a matter of time before everyone learns how to play, and play it to their advantage." Quite true. Contented employees should never become complacent employees. I am among those who believe that great leaders inspire rather than motivate others: they activate in them what is, in fact, self-motivation. Davenport and Beck address this in The Attention Economy, correctly suggesting that there is a form of ADD in the business world which has serious, indeed profound implications for managers at the executive level.

Decision-makers in "Contented Cow" companies understand full well what will attract the attention of those for whom they are responsible. The challenge is to involve and then engage them productively and enthusiastically, indeed passionately in the given enterprise. Only if and when they are can the nature and extent of relationships with customers ensure sustainable profitability. Those who share my high regard for this book are urged to check out David Maister's Practice What You Preach. His key point, with which Catlette and Hadden obviously agree, is that individuals as well as organizations must have impeccable integrity. "Contented Cow" companies are nothing more and nothing less than human communities within which such values are constantly affirmed, not merely in word but in deed.

We are using this wonderful book as a tool for understanding why companies are successful. As future investors and entrepreneurs this book will always be our guide. Want to know how and why a workforce is happy, get a Contented Cow. ZM Stevenson, 7th grader

Having spent eleven years in one of the winning companies profiled in Contented Cows, I can personally vouch that the strategies and methods recommended by the authors will truly produce a world-class, highly-motivated workforce that will in turn produce exceptional customer service and financial results. Not occasionally, but every time! What is so impressive about the authors approach is that they first thouroughly researched the "people" practices of truly great companies, then show how those practices in turn naturally and inevitably lead to great bottom-line performance. Too many business authors first create a "neat" model or premise, then go out and find examples to validate what they hope will be the next management "magic pill," establishing correlations that in reality, if they exist at all, are quite tenuous. These guys have done their work the old fashioned way, and you can (and will) take their recommendations to the bank!

This is not rocket science! No matter what our managerial "level", we all have a boss somewhere. Don't we perfom our best when we are treated as some who is valued, someone who matters? That's all this book is telling us, with facts and examples of successful companies, large and small, who "walk the talk"! Read this book and them commit yourself to leading your folks based on it's simple principles (which are not new, we just just needed the authors to write them down for us!)

Corporate America is a refreshing book desperately needed in the business profession, where morals and faith often take a back-seat to success and greed. Corporate America is a must read, especially for anyone in the business world. Whether you are new in your Christian faith, been a Christian for many years or know nothing about Christianity, all can benefit from reading this enriching book. In this quick read the author breaks down each chapter into a different aspect of how the Christian faith can be lived out in a business sense. The author, although a young businessman uses many good illustrations showing the parallels and contrasts between the corporate world and the Christian faith. The author, through his genuine humble approach, does not claim to be some great scholar, but it becomes evident that his intentions in writing the book are pure: that people may grow in their faith.

This book is definitely a good read. Not only does the author discuss different aspects of the business world, but he also ties them in to Christian values and principles. This book is an excellent source for anyone who wants to attain good, moral values. The author ties in many different stories of the business world that he personally encountered to different passages of scripture and Christian teachings. Although the author is a firm believer in the Bible, he successfully teaches the principles that are taught in the Bible. The author displays a sense of humility as well by claiming that he sometimes doesn't "practice what he preaches." However, that shows that he does not claim to be a perfect individual, rather an ordinary guy who values what is good. Overall, this book is a must-read and is a good reminder of what strong, moral values are.

This book is definitely a good read. Not only does the author discuss different aspects of the business world, but he also ties them in to Christian values and principles. This book is an excellent source for anyone who wants to attain good, moral values. The author ties in many different stories of the business world that he personally encountered to different passages of scripture and Christian teachings. Although the author is a firm believer in the Bible, he successfully teaches the principles that are taught in the Bible. The author displays a sense of humility as well by claiming that he sometimes doesn't "practice what he preaches." However, that shows that he does not claim to be a perfect individual, rather an ordinary guy who values what is good. Overall, this book is a must-read and is a good reminder of what strong, moral values are.

This book is definitely a good read. Not only does the author discuss different aspects of the business world, but he also ties them in to Christian values and principles. This book is an excellent source for anyone who wants to attain good, moral values. The author ties in many different stories of the business world that he personally encountered to different passages of scripture and Christian teachings. Although the author is a firm believer in the Bible, he successfully teaches the principles that are taught in the Bible. The author displays a sense of humility as well by claiming that he sometimes doesn't "practice what he preaches." However, that shows that he does not claim to be a perfect individual, rather an ordinary guy who values what is good. Overall, this book is a must-read and is a good reminder of what strong, moral values are.

This book is definitely a good read. Not only does the author discuss different aspects of the business world, but he also ties them in to Christian values and principles. This book is an excellent source for anyone who wants to attain good, moral values. The author ties in many different stories of the business world that he personally encountered to different passages of scripture and Christian teachings. Although the author is a firm believer in the Bible, he successfully teaches the principles that are taught in the Bible. The author displays a sense of humility as well by claiming that he sometimes doesn't "practice what he preaches." However, that shows that he does not claim to be a perfect individual, rather an ordinary guy who values what is good. Overall, this book is a must-read and is a good reminder of what strong, moral values are.

I love starting the day with this, eveyone wants my old ones when I finish. I think Dilbert seems to relate to every office.

This daily comic helps to relieve the stress and tension in my office. Scott seems to have his finger firmly planted on the pulse of corporate America with Dilbert, Asok, the "pointy-haired guy", Dogbert the evil HR guy, Catbert and more. If you need a therapeutic laugh to make it through your sometimes insane days at work, this is the calendar for you.

You'd think Scott Adams would run out of material. Sadly, today's workplace seems to provide plenty of fodder. Good calendar.

i look forward to getting to the office a little early, tearing off yesterday's sheet, reading today's calendar sheet, and laughing out loud. i use the old sheets to write notes for colleagues (instead of stick-it notes), which usually are apropros to the office goings on that day. i love adams' creativity - the ironies and utter stupidity are something that we all can really relate to at work! for the amount of laughter that this calendar has given me and my colleagues, it was well worth the price and i'm destined to purchase it again next year!

I've had this on my desk the last 3 or so years. This time around I ordered the desk diary by mistake.
I tried to persuade myself that I could use that one, and do without the daily, but I caved in, and ordered this again. Makes the working day get off to a routinely funny start, always a chuckle. A great gift too.

I can't fault it.

This is definitely not your typical self-help entrepreneurial book. It's pages are filled with inspiration and enlightenment, encouraging you to listen to the inner you..your "Inner Samurai".

An easy read with great real life examples of how to apply the philosophy to your own situation. It's changing my life. I'm listening more to my Inner Samurai and it's leading me down a path I intuitively wanted to follow a few years ago, but had decided to pursue something else instead.

If there is one book that should be on all women entrepreneur's shelves - it's this one.

This is a must read for any woman thinking about taking the leap into the entrepreneurial ring.

boy-did i ever need to read this book an apply it to my life listen-for-lessons! 'samurai was the book to wake-up call myself into paying attention-and pay myself pat on the back, for getting through dark times
and know my identity accounts for my best interest at heart-to have power
and meaning-on purpose
thank you infinetely!
jannew

In all of the self-help books I have read, (and there have been so, so many) I have never read one that has had such an impact, or that I was so compelled to keep on reading to the end. The first time through, I didn't even take time to hi-lite, I just wanted to absorb all of the accounts and information. When I read the part about "Multiple Streams of Passion" I nearly cried realizing that she was writing about me. Susan said, "My journey is your journey!" At first I thought "yeah right", but now I realize how true that is. Thank you Susan. I can hardly wait for your next book!

This book is a must read for any entrepreneurial woman, and indeed, is a valuable guide to any woman. While women are the intended audience, men reading this book will gain valuable insight into their partners, friends and colleagues that will help them relate to and support these women.

Reid guides the reader through the most essential part of starting a business: preparing herself! Reid's gentle insightfulness helps the reader explore her own thoughts and feelings that pertain to business and personal success. Each chapter holds new gems that help unfold the readers potential and remove self-created barriers. Reid inspires, guides and empowers readers to greater self-awareness and greater success.

I had the pleasure of meeting Bill Jenkins at a conference in Portland,Oregon last August, and his book and his talk made an immediate and lasting impact on how I viewed organizational needs. I have used one quote over and over as I have worked with my retired teachers organization. "Individuals and organizations that continuously change are the ones who experience lasting success." I am 73 years old and I know that we must view change as a positive and explore new possibilities if we and our organizations are to prosper. "We have always done it that way" is not an option. I have shared my book with others and now find it has disappeared, but I will find another copy someplace - it is a "keeper."

This book should be required reading for all teenagers, and any adult going through personal or work-related upheaval would also benefit tremendously. It contains lucidly crafted, accessible principles that do much more than state the obvious home truths expounded in most such books. I am now circulating my copy among the "survivors": my newly formed team, created after a painful and protracted process of "right-sizing" and re-organization. I believe it will help us as a group to create afresh and avoid the predispositions, mindsets and mistakes of our predecessors. To the author : THANK YOU!

A simple but excellent way to remind that change is evident, and dealing with change can and will cause one to reflect on the inner self and admit strengths can also be weaknesses. It was great to be reminded that teamwork is so very necessary in all success whether professional or personal.

This book focuses on two issues that are crucial to relationships, working and personal, in today's society. The principles of worth and trust are key in any relationship, and as I read the book and reflected over previous experiences, I realized that, more often than not, the problems began because I was missing these two aspects. The Eagle & the Monk presents these and other principles in a simple, yet not childish manner. I found the questions at the back of the book especially helpful in focusing on the areas in which I personally need improvement. I think that everyone can find at least one of these principles in which they are deficient. The book helps readers recognize and address these problems.

E&M provides an innovative approach to an important topic. Easy to read and thoughtful in guiding content discussion, this book will be a particularly welcome change for students interested in leadership.

You will be surprised by this book. Economics will be so much easier to understand. If my economics teachers required everyone to read this book instead of the textbooks we were given it would have been a better class and more students would have really learned economics.

He explains through example that nothing in life is free.

Henry Hazlitt is best known for this brilliant work, one of the most concise and persuasive defenses of the free market ever written. One reason why socialism and statism appeal to the common man is that government actions are immediate and dramatic: they give the impression that something is being done about a specific problem or crisis. To show that government intervention in the economy isn't wise, one must "look not merely at the immediate but at the longer effect of any act or policy; one must trace the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups."

Hazlitt proceeds to apply the above lesson to numerous government actions. By drawing the reader's attention to the unseen effects, the failure of socialism is exposed. Take for example government "jobs programs." If the government employs 500 people, one might think that government has "created" 500 jobs. However, government had to tax its citizens to fund these jobs. Had the money been left in the hands of taxpayers, their spending would have resulted in an equivalent number of employed individuals. Government didn't "create" jobs - it merely destroyed jobs in the private sector. On issue after issue, Hazlitt demonstrates that government intervention in the economy fails to achieve its stated goals (although its real goal - an increase in government power - is always achieved). In addition, many basic economic falicies are refuted, such as "machines destroy jobs," and workers need "to earn enough money to buy back the products."

If you are new to the study of economics, don't stop here. Be sure to read Rothbard's "Man, Economy and State"; Von Mises' "Human Action"; and Reisman's "Capitalism." They are the twentieth century's "big three" works in economics.

This is a great introduction to economics that ranks up there with Hayek's "Road to Serfdom".

the joy - the joy! this book opened my eyes to the wonderful world of economic thinking, especially socalled political economy. this book, using insights of the austrian school of economics, totally debunks the great myths of the social democratic economic policies, showing them to be utterly destructive and almost always counterproductive, even from the eyes of those advocating the policies. in this line of thinking hazlitt echoes the great genius ludwig von mises who with rigorous logical arguments set out to prove that economic interventionism (or what we today refer to as the mixed economy) can not work.

hazlitts book is inspired by the proto-austrian thinker frederic bastiat (ca. 1800 - 1850) and his famous essay 'what is seen and what is not seen' - the essence being that any good economic policy should always take account of the long term effects on every group within society and not only the short term effects on some special interest group.

after finishing this really easy to read introduction to economic reasoning you should continue with the just as easy to understand 'economics for real people' by gene callahan as well as the essay collection 'planning for freedom' by mises.

Henry Hazlet's "Economics in One Lesson", makes a powerful and persuasive argument in favor of a free market economy. Written in a very lucid style "Economics in One Lesson" makes the usually dry subject of economics easily understandable and a pleasure to read. Hazlitt doesn't obfuscate the truth with cumbersome graphs and math. For non-economists like my self it makes a great introductory book to the subject. Even though the book was published in 1946, the topics covered by Hazlitt are still pertinent and examine issues that still confound us more than 50 years later. Chapters include inflation, tariffs, taxation, price fixing, labor unions, savings, and the importance of profits, rent control, and more.

As a retired Army officer and student of political philosophy, I found "Economics in One Lesson" a great book for anyone who wants to understand basic economic theory.