Organizations Books

This is one those books that can be hard to swallow because the message doesn't just question accepted thinking on the importance of homework, it shows that the use of homework does not increase achievement. The use of homework is amazingly a negative in the lower grades - some measures of achievement in the presence of homework were actually worse than not having any homework.

I loved this book, because I want to be right and do the best for my students.

This book has changed my life. I've shared it with dozens of friends and even got my husband to read it! It challenges the traditional reasons why children do so much homework. It asks parents and teachers to question meaningless homework. It asks us to also reconsider issues like rewards and punishments, traditional teaching, standardized tests, and grades. I've read four more of the author's books since starting with this one. It's a must for any parent of school-age children or for any teacher or administrator!

I ordered this for the professional library at the elementary school that I work at. I am also a parent at the school. I am trying to get some information as to why our kids are getting so much homework. This book seemed to have some answers for me. If I was an average parent with no school based knowledge, I might have found this book incredibly dry and hard to read. Alfie Kohn addresses a lot of the studies that say that homework is good for kids and tries to debunk this myth - which he did for me. If only I can get more of our teachers to read it.

We live in an achievement driven culture that is so obsessed with success we often don't question the value of those things we do to reach them. Alife Kohn's book The Homework Myth takes us down the rabbit hole showing us the flawed assumptions and conlcusions of numberous studies and how they shape school policy teaaching children not to love learning but to hate it. We categorize, grade and put our children into slots using homework, "standardized testing" and other devices that often are meaningless measures of true intelligence or success. As Kohn quotes one writer, grades are "an inadquate report of an inaccurate judgment by a biased and variable judge of the extent to which a student has attained an undefined mastery of anunknown proportion of an indefinite amount of material". Got that? In other words, grades are as subjective and uninformative as can be. The same can be said for homework and how it adds to our children's understanding of the material. Kohn takes apart multiple studies that have been done to support the concept of homework and discovers that these flawed studies were designed to prove their point rather than find out the true meaning and understanding of homework in our children's ability to learn.

Kohn suggests that a placebo like effect is seen in studies designed to evaluate the effectiveness of homework and he has a valid point. He points out the flawed thinking of teachers and school districts believing that homework correlates to academic benefit. There's no clear cut evidence of this. He also looks at the detrimental effect that homework has on family life, social interaction and questions the nonacademic benefits of the homework "system". He shows why homework persists based on miconceptions about how people learn, competitiveness and an essential distrust of children and how they spent their time (something you'll also find in the business world which is why "busy work" is assgined as well despite the fact that it burns out employees and makes them not enjoy the work they do. In a sense, I suppose you could argue that homework prepares children for the pointlessness of the work world--i.e., "better get used to it" as Kohn refers to the pointless tasks we'll be asked to do later in life).

Kohn also takes on the myths of testing (since homework often is preparation for testing particularly to make sure that children do well on standardized testing).

We find out nothing about whether a child's learning has improved or deepened but instead how well a child can memorize by rote. Every hour spent making sure that children do well on standardized testing is time taken away from true learning (you're teaching them to take the test well not to develop critical thinking skills).

For example, he looks at standarized testing and discovers that
1) Timed tests put a premuium not on thoughtfulness but on speed.
2) Tests that focus on "basic skills" are geared towards cramming facts that are useless without the connection to comprehension and ideas.
3) Most children under the ages of eight or nine are tripped up by the format because they don't understand its purpose and, as a result, don't do well.
4) "norm-referenced" studies are designed not to measure knowledge but, instead, to artifically rank students focusing on the competition not on comprehension. In other words, some children are better at taking these tests than others but it doesn't give us a sense of their depth or understanding of the materials and is useless.

This book should be required reading for school administrators, teachers and**yes**parents. It's a thoughtful look at how we are destroying the desire to learn with often untested or assumptions that we make about human behavior. I highly recommend this book for any school age parent simply because it will help you understand the system and its flaws.

It is refreshing to run across a business book that goes beyond generalizations. In How Organizations Work, Alan Brache deconstructs the business organization to reveal all the elements of which it is made up. He then examines each, methodically, raising questions that really enable an executive to take stock and stock planning for improvement.
I worked with Alan many years ago, and I'm pleased to say that he is as lucid and logical as ever--and remains just as witty. His writing is crisp and to the point, and the real-life case studies that he intersperses ensure that the reader is never bored.
Alan has done a fine job with a subject that, in other hands, could have been not only dull but also purely theoreti-cal. Instead, this is a book you can read once to get the big picture, then go back to again and again for practical day-to-day advice.

Dale Corey, Business Writer & Researcher

Reading "How Organizations Work" was not only an "easy read" [as was promised in the foreward] - but provided far more meaty content than one might expect.

In the game of golf there is an expression called "sneaky long". This is often used in reference to a golfer who seems to effortlessly swing at the ball and drives it much further than one might expect.

I would call Brache's book "sneaky profound". It makes a series of key points in such an easy way that if the reader is not careful - one might miss the nuggets of intellectual gold.

The book is full of valuable self assessment questions - which are easy to tailor to any given organization - given the investment of a little thought.

The repeated references to the central role of business processes have substance and meaning in the context of the "Enterprise Model".

This book is really worthwhile reading not just once - but two and maybe threee times to get full value.

Using a model of an enterprise, this book is a guide for exploring key aspects of organization, revealing how they are interrelated, and assessing them. The work focuses on: the external environment; leadership; strategy; business processes; goals and measurement; human capabilities; knowledge management; organizational structure; and culture. There are self-assessment questions throughout the book and numerous guidelines for diagnosing and designing a healthy organizational. Illustrations are used to flesh-out the diagnostic process. The work is a how-to guide; it is well organized, comprehensive, and highly useful. As a management consultant in organization analysis and design, as well as editor of Stern's Management Review, I seldom have encountered a book on this subject that is as straight-forward in its delivery of value as this work. Highly recommended.

How many times have we been disappointed in the content of a book after having been impressed by the slick words on the jacket? Well, prepare yourself! Sometimes things really are the way they are stated. No illusions. And this is just such the case with Alan Brache's new book "How Organizations Work."

From his opening quotation of holistic unity from Chief Seattle on the jacket to his final inspiring words at the conclusion of the book, Brache ties all the elements of improving organization performance together in a scholarly, yet easy to read creation. His "Enterprise Model" for organizations, provides an impressive blueprint or x-ray for understanding the "complex network of interlocking factors" which contribute to How Organizations Work.

Using a model analogous to human biology, Brache has provided a framework within which we might better understand our organizations and the various factors that influence performance.

It is a great, easy read -- just in time for our serious summer reading list. Enjoy!

Coaching is a concept that is being utilized in a wide spectrum of human activity. It is however essential for cell churches. Proper coaching can spell the difference between successful cell leaders or those pushed to the edge and ready to jump ship. Joel is a coache's coach ready to impart a lifetime of experience in the cell church arena. Why did you ever think of not having one? Buy, buy!

I am a small group/cell group coach in my local church and this book has helped me a lot. If you have not read it, you should get it and apply what Comiskey recommends.

I see Joel Comiskey is sincerely want to inform anyone who wants to lead the cells of the church effectively. I think it's a good book. The only thing is it replicates some of the points of the author's other publications.

This book not only explains the importance of the cell coach, but then goes on to explain the practical things a cell coach should do. If we did not read this book, we would not be putting an emphasis on coaching, and our cells would be dying off. Instead, our cell leaders are being challenged.

Fast read, easy to understand concepts of church leadership being presented, seems to speak mostly to ministers. Probably could have been done in half as many pages.

This book leverages the "Leading Change" model of John Kotter in a highly effective manner within a ministry context. Paul speaks as a real leader with successful experience in coaching, equipping and releasing real leaders in the mission field.

If you have never visited an organic church this is the place to begin! And even if you have visited or belong to an organic church this is the book to help you better understand and implement the effective, yet fluid, approach to ministry that is producing so many fruitful disciples and churches. Dr. Whitesel gives an academic, practical, and applicable introduction to twelve emerging organic congregaions from across the U.S. with examples from England and Canada as well. As a pastor and former youth minister and Christian school teacher, I greatly appreciate the author's insights into philosophic background, worship style, and church growth mechanisms of these multi- and younger generational churches that are effectively reaching the post-modern thinkers. Having just spent a week with thirty other church leaders in the San Franciso area of California studying and experiencing emergent worship and ministry with Dr. Whitesel, I can say this author lives out and teaches with an authentic passion to help all Christian leaders communicate the Gospel of Jesus Christ in a culturally relevant way without marginalizing the Biblical message of redemption. Everyone interested in growing the church in a post-modern and often, post-Christian society needs to read this book!

Few in the North American church scene have as much experience with local church turnaround as Paul Borden. What makes Direct Hit so useful is that Borden addresses why turnaround is so often talked about, but so rarely achieved. He gives very clear rules about: the timing of turnaround, the role of pastors and leaders, using outside help, and the necessity of mission. Many congregations do not look to the deep issues behind why their church is the way it is. Not so with Direct Hit. Borden is up-front and passionate about his subject. A previous reviewer has put in this space a review of some other book about "Organic Church", not by Borden. There are a few typographical and syntactical errors here, but a lot fewer than his previous book Hit The Bullseye. The Appendices are worth the purchase price alone. Five stars.

I've been a grantmaker for approximately five years now. During the course of my on-the-job training, I've heard certain maxims over and over again until they've become ingrained in my mind and in my responses to applicants for grant funds -- now, after reading this book, I actually understand the philosophies behind them.

Every grantseeker who bemoans the fact that foundations don't want to fund ongoing operating expenses should read this book simply for the explanation of the difference between charity and philanthropy and where foundations fit in.

Likewise, the tips on meeting etiquette, attributes of a good grant proposal, and top four reasons proposals are denied will benefit professionals on both sides of the proposal.

Had the opportunity to see the author speak -- if you get the same opportunity, don't pass it by.

Dr. Joel Orosz continues his tireless efforts on behalf of philanthropy and those interested in philanthropy in his current book.

The Insider's Guide to Grantmaking is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in seeking funds from a foundation, or anyone interested in a career in a foundation. His years of experience give both experienced and inexperienced readers a window into a sometimes-shadowy world. Orosz lets the light shine in a way that is understandable and justifiable.

This long over due body of work is a must have for everyone in the third sector and especially should be required reading for those working in and leading foundations.

It's an art, it's a science, and it doesn't need to be a mystery -- since there's no academic training for a career in philanthropy (it's harder than you think!) Insider Orosz bridges the gap with this warm and rewarding User's Guide.

Outsiders will read it for its clear-cut description of philanthropy worklife and practice; insiders will find themselves affirmed or inspired. Both will enjoy the author's mix of humor and scholarship. Sure to be a classic in its field.

This is a much needed look at life in foundation grant making. As a retired executive director of a corporate foundation,books such as The Corporate Contributions Handbook and Corporate Social Investing were extremely helpful to the corporate grant maker. This book is a well-thought out look at foundation reality. While it is not meant to help those seeking grants, it certainly gives the donor a window on the inside process. It will serve as a good reference for those who wish to enter this field and provides sage advice to those who have been there for some time. The historical research was a plus.

This book was a wonderful resource to me. I had been asked to install the officers in an organization to which I belong, and I was searching for the perfect ceremony. I came upon this book by chance, and it proved to be a lifesaver. All of the ceremonies are easy to follow and complete, and I had many rave reviews over my clever ceremony. Thanks for writing this book.

I have found this book to be an excellent resource for non-profit and volunteer organizations of which I am a member. With 26 different installation ceremony ideas offered, it's easy to find something relevent to your group or organization. The ceremonies are set-up for a standard grouping of officers, but can be easily adapted if your oganization does not have the same positions. I have been present when at least 6 of the different ceremonies were used, and they have worked well. It can liven up a portion of a meeting agenda that can become dry without something to add a spark.

After hearing the same two installation ceremonies for many years, it was a delight to find this book with its many unique and easy to do services. It's just what every organization needs. Each ceremony is complete from start to finish.

A good addition to church or public libraries, as a well equipped resource for civic clubs, religious and women's groups. Instructions for ceremonies are simple and complete from start to finish, providing creative ideas for installations of all kinds. Everything you need for an innovative and meaningful installation ceremony.

This approachable book by leadership consultant Stever Robbins is packed with real world examples and practical tips about the people side of leadership. Written in chatty sound bites, it's like having a conversation over coffee with Stever to tap into his insights about how CEO's can do a better job at leading.

Each of Stever's stories illustrates an important lesson about how (and how not to) lead. He reveals how one CEO went on vacation while her staff was working overtime on a product launch, while another kept his staff on full pay after a fire leveled the business. His examples communicate essential leadership principles like accepting responsibility, sharing your vision, and creating a culture of mutual respect.

As a business coach myself, I found this book filled with valuable material for working with my executive clients. I recognized many of their management faux pas in Stever's pithy stories, and have been able to pass along much of his sage advice to people who badly needed it.

Written in a crisp, clear and straightforward style, this book pulls no punches when it comes to defining the moral and ethical responsibilities of leaders.

Amongst other things, Stever is an executive coach, President of Leadership Decision Works Inc, entrepreneur and executive trainer at Harvard Business School. He's therefore well qualified to comment on what makes a good or not-so-good leader. He uses real life examples throughout to illustrate key points and to drive home the messages.

While other leadership books often give only conceptual information about leadership, this book goes much further and deeper by identifying specific, practical steps you can take to become a better leader. In addition there are thought provoking questions to challenge your current paradigms and down-to-earth recommendations for improving how you lead so that you can get the best out of yourself and your team.

I particularly enjoyed Stever's conversational and humourous style of writing. It flows well and his focus on total leadership responsibility means there's no place to hide if things go wrong. The buck stops firmly with you.

Stever's holistic approach to both organisational and individual development and learning is like a breath of fresh air to those of us who believe that helping people to stay healthy is a key to organisational wellness.

I believe the book will be equally useful to developing leaders as well as those in unofficial leadership roles. Applying the recommendations to how you might "lead" your life or any community or sporting body is also valid.

With 3 parts, 30 short chapters and 163 pages, it's easy to find your way back to those things you've decided to work on first. And no doubt you'll dip into the book regularly to support your journey to leadership excellence.

This book reads very much like an advice column, which is refreshing because the other leadership books I've bought read like science journals. What I liked most was that Stever left the boring case studies out and provided a lot of short but enlightening examples from his experiences as a start-up entrepreneur, technologist, and executive coach. You can pretty much skim this book and learn something about leading people you didn't know before. As someone who makes a living helping people stay organized and focused, I particularly liked the part of the book where Stever offered tips for keeping your head cool and clear when faced with a million deadlines (and Post-it notes). I recommend this book for anyone who runs a company, or plans on running a company in the near future.

I purchased this book after having read several of Stever Robbins' columns on leadership in a Harvard Business School newsletter. His approach had struck me as practical and on the mark for his audience of (aspiring) effective company leaders.

The book is an extension of the newsletters, synthesizing Robbins' learnings from his years of executive counseling into a well-organized and comprehensive how-to approach. Robbins draws on his experiences in a variety of industries and contexts to illustrate his points with real life examples. The book is a good resource for either young managers who aspire to become leaders, newly promoted execs, or those who have been at the top for awhile but feel they could be doing a much better job at it.

One caveat is that the book includes quite a lot of material. I think managers should focus on one chapter at a time, incorporating the recommended approaches into one's work week before taking on another chapter. For most readers, this means proceeding in a linear fashion starting with "The Rights and Responsibilities of Being at the Top," then tackling the action steps contained in "Leading with Vision - Getting Things Done through Other People," and in "Staying Organized, Focused and Sane."

I have been a development professional for over twenty years, but Mr. Poderis' book has been, and continues to be, right at reach on my desk as his insights and encouragement have been key to my success as a developmen director of a large arts organization.

A more than handy, practical, reference tool which is timeless and always relevant.

Often fund-raising experts understand an organisation's structure well enough to keep it
a float. Tony Poderis, understands the passion and personalities behind the story of each of his non-profit clients / institutions. Tony's insight positions him to get inside their mission as well as the motivations of prospective funders. It helps FUNDERS to GIVE in a way that catapults the financial futures and visibility of non-profits.

"It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise" is utterly brilliant in several ways:

A manual for Trustees.

A companion to non-profit directors.

A crucial first step for prospective board members.

A guide for current board members.

A conclusive resource for FUNDERS helping them to identify non-profits in key areas mentioned in this book.

"It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise" helps non-profits raise more than funds, they gain and raise genuine friends, who will love and care for them through thick and thin.

Wendy Cheltenham

Tony Poderis reminds all of us who have ever been development officers that it's not rocket science. In his words, "It's just hard work." He's right.

Poderis's "Nine Basic Truths of Fundraising" are worth the price of the book alone. But then he goes on to tell us chapter and verse just how to organize a development department, run a fundraising campaign, and work with volunteer leadership.

With over 30 years of fundraising experience, Poderis knows what he writes about. He's done it all and run a major operation as development director for the Cleveland Orchestra.

Newcomers and old hands alike will derive tremendous benefit from this book, and every board member should read the Nine Basic Truths.

This just could be the best book ever written on fundraising.

The problem with Tony Poderis is that he is terribly tardy in writing "It's a Great Day to Fund-Raise!" If I had read it 20 or so years ago, when he should have written it, I would have avoided some of the blunders he warns against. I wouldn't have taken nearly so long to become effective as a fund raiser. And I wouldn't have quite so many gray hairs today, each earned in the hard school of "experience." But (sigh) he wrote it only recently. Of course, there is a good reason for the interminable wait: Tony first had to rack up an incredible 20 years as director of development for The Cleveland Orchestra, where he was responsible for the largest annual institutional fund-raising campaign in Cleveland. Oh, and toss in another four or five years subsequent consulting experience, as well. I note, with some satisfaction, that the author has even more gray hairs than do I -- each one earned, no doubt, in the same "school." As evidence, I present Exhibit A: the picture on the cover (there's Tony standing before, of all things, an open bank vault!). That experience shines through in the book. His simple, pragmatic writing style patiently mentors the reader in the art of effective fund raising. The reader may be new to the field, where a book like this is invaluable and where I suspect Tony directed his focus. Or the reader may be well-experienced, where the book reaffirms lessons learned and truths well tested. Did I use the word "pragmatic"? "It doesn't take a genius to raise money," he states early on. "The process is a combination of common sense, hard work, preparation, courtesy, commitment, enthusiasm, understanding, and a belief in what you are selling." See? As expected, the book starts with goal setting and leadership (Chapter 2). But this is not an academic "text." Rather, the author reaches into his bag of experiences and pulls out the time a board trustee got up and announced, "What we need is more endowment. We ought to have a $50 million endowment campaign." Gulp. Wasn't his hair dark brown just before that? This guy has been there. Done that. That's where mentors come from. Well, actually, Tony starts even sooner than goal setting and leadership. Chapter 1 covers the Nine Basic Truths of Fund-Raising. Here's one: "You don't wait for the 'right' moment to ask; you ask now." I loved that one. How many fund raisers are captivated by the word "cultivation," so much so that they don't seem to understand that fund raising also requires "reaping," too? I often wonder how many fund raisers, were they farmers, would leave their carefully cultivated crop to wilt in the field, season after season? Tony's "Nine Truths" are as close to "theory" as he gets. After Chapter 1, he moves methodically through what it takes to succeed. Chapter 2, on goal setting and leadership, is quickly followed by an admonition to "know your organization" (Chapter 3); creation of a general development plan (Chapter 4); funding sources (Chapter 5); prospecting for donors (Chapter 6); rating and evaluating prospects (Chapter 7); annual campaigns (Chapter 8); endowment campaigns (Chapter 9); capital campaigns (Chapter 10); sponsorships and underwriting campaigns (Chapter 11); developing a campaign plan (Chapter 12); preparing for a campaign (Chapter 13); managing a campaign (Chapter 14); assessing and reviewing a campaign once it's over (Chapter 15); and developing the development team (Chapter 16). Clearly, this is a useful book that I'd wholeheartedly recommend for the fund raising professional -- new or seasoned. But it is also ideal for any other person involved with an organization's fund raising. Tony's simple, straight-forward, no-nonsense style will be welcomed by board members, volunteers, and others who will appreciate being able to get through it over a couple of evenings or a weekend.

This is a great product that will really help your family. I think one of the best things about it is the peace of mind you get when you realize you are saving your family from the awful task of dealing with all of your little slips of paper as well as your possible death. It even helped me organize my own finances better. I highly recommend it! J. Lindsay

No one really wants to think about their death or the death of a loved one, but in today's complex world, you must. Think of all the various pieces of information that make up your life: keys, passwords, account numbers, policies, statements, valuables, etc., and try to imagine your most beloved family members trying to find and make sense of all of that days after your death.

Now, add to that the stress of planning a funeral without knowing what someone's true wishes are. After someone dies is not the time to be trying to figure out if he/she wanted to be buried or cremated; it's too overwhelming.

The author has provided a comprehensive resource. You might not need every page, but you will find value in the pages of your book and someday your family members will thank you for taking the time to put everything down in writing for them. I already bought copies for my family members and can't recommend this book enough.

This book pulls both facets of your life -- your final wishes and the basic details of your day-to-day operations - into one, easy-to-access reference tool.

An outstanding tool that allows me to gather all the thoughts, wishes, records and important details of my life now and my wishes and needs as I get older into a simple record book. I was able to get a comprehensive start in an hour! Now I can add things in a minute or spend more time on larger topics.I promised them I would get everything together, and now I have finally made a meaningful start. So comforting to know that my family members will have such clear access to the threads of my life, whenever I need the help...or they do.

It's hard to ponder the unthinkable: a parent dying or losing a spouse. But when it happens, you don't want to spend grief-filled days tracking down papers and guessing what the person wanted with their affairs/assets. Mark Gavagan has created the perfect organizer that every household should have. It's a comprehensive collection of forms and decision points to manage one life's affairs--before or after death. It's well organized, easy to follow and asks many questions I never thought of. I picked it up and am planning to send copies to my parents, in-laws and family members. While I can't see them needing every form or section, this easy-to-read guide will get them organized and ready just in case. You may have a will and life insurance, but I suggest this tool is the next thing you should get for smart estate planning.

From a deceptively slow start, this book weans the reader through the basics fundamentals of lean and leaves one adequately armed with sufficient knowledge of said concepts at the pulsating end. It serves as an excellent introduction for the lean novice and a great refresher for the self-proclaimed lean expert. The most amazing part of this book is the excellence in simplicity. This is a book truly for all levels within any given organization. Brian Leonard has shown his quality in this publication. Such an easy and precise lean read is a must for your collection.

I think people are able to learn a topic much faster if they can either see the topic in action or at least envision it clearly. This is only the third book I have read on lean and the two other books I read also used examples but they were both from auto manufacturing. I work in a hospital and had trouble envisioning lean in the other two books because I have no clue what goes on in car manufacturing! Because this book used examples that do not require me to be a veteran in manufacturing I was able to make a connection between lean and what it means in at least a basic sense. I was not swamped with language that only further confuses me. I did notice a couple of minor flaws in the print on 2 pages. Nothing major and I'm assuming that is a printing company screw up. But even so, it was a very good book and I do recommend it. I'm now passing it around the office and so far we all seemed to learn something from it. This reminded me a little of the book Who Moved my Cheese about change in the work place but not quite as simply written. There was more to the story and more information but it was simple enough to understand. I wish the author had explained smed more though. He touched on it briefly, the basics I guess, but I'm still not entirely clear on smed. If anyone can suggest a book on smed and how it can be used in a hospital let me know.

Finally a book on lean manufacturing written for someone without a Phd! Well, not exactly lean manufacturing but lean anyway. I read the book over the course of 2 days and feel I have a good idea of what lean actually is. This book will not leave you an expert but if you have no clue what lean is and want to understand the bare bones of it I do recommend it. We were just told after our company was sold that we are going lean. The new management gave us copies of this book and suggested that we read it through a couple of times just to get us ready for what they said was a big change in culture and a new way of doing our jobs. They first gave us another book but honestly it was too complicated. I read 2 or 3 pages then put it down. They then gave us copies of this book. I thought it was all going to be about layoffs. That's the only thing I had really heard about lean so at first I was a little fearful. As it turns out only a few people, poor performers, were let go and the rest of us I think will have a better chance of fitting into the new lean company thanks in part to this book. The author did a good job of explaining things in a way that myself and my coworkers were able to follow.

Most of the books I have "tried" to read on this topic are a bit tough to get through and are not written with the employees in mind. This will prove a great tool for preparing employees and managers alike for improving productivity and quality. Another great quality is the readability. It reads like a short story, still delivers the information effectively, and is even quite entertaining. I like the fact that this book is written in story form, in a simple setting, and is not written specifically for manufacturing. It follows a lemonade stand run by two children and their parents which ends in a chain of stores as a result of thier lean approach. Despite the simple setting and story I must admit that I do now have a better grasp on what lean manufacturing is about. It proved to be an interesting perspective on lean. Much of the information is really eye opening. Other points in the book made me think "Why didn't I think of that?" After reading this book I have decided to pick up copies for my employees. It is a one-day read and described lean in a way that will make sense to the hourly employees. We are planning to go lean and this should give our employees an idea of what to expect. I do not recommend this book for "advanced" lean training though, but do give it a thumbs up for learning the basics. If you are looking for complex terms and definitions this is not the book for you. I am now kind of wondering if using the lemonade stand idea might be a good idea for an offsite lean training idea. Worth considering I suppose.