In Print

True leadership is recognized universally, regardless of bipartisanship, differences in style and strategy and desired outcome. True leadership is recognized by everyone, and we would be hard pressed to find anyone that would not recognize it in Colin Powell. Oren Harari does a thorough job portraying that character in his book, “Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell“. Harari wrote this book without collaboration with Powell; he used direct quotes from Powell and based his stories on a previous relationship he held with the General. This book is not a biography, a book by Powell, or intended as a tribute to him. It is rather the depiction of the character of true leadership which Powell fully embodies. [Read more…] about Oren Harari: “Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell”

I still remember the short and fidgety instructor we had that day. He was there to teach the 1-day course for discovering your strengths, based on philosophies and ideas on Buckingham and Clifton’s book, “Now, Discover Your Strengths“. I went to the very front and took my seat. If I am here, I want to be very present. I had been waiting for this course since I signed up for it months ago.

He was not a particularly good or effective instructor. Yet he is secured in my memory for his courageous approach to teaching. [Read more…] about Marcus Buckingham & Donald O. Clifton: “Now, Discover Your Strengths”

Recommended Dr. Stephen Covey, one of my all-time favorite authors and speakers, this book is refreshing in its organizational leadership ideas and problem-solving approach. Over a dozen business and leadership books later, I am able to confidently say this book presents ideas rarely seen in its genre.

The premise of this book focuses on one’s own limited view of people, relationships, and organizational dynamics and clearly shows them as obstacles to one’s optimal performance and productivity. The Arbinger Institute reveals the new thoughts and debunks false notions around leadership. The best leadership and business books weave the concepts into a story rather than [Read more…] about The Arbinger Institute: “Leadership and Self-deception”

If you don’t want Japan to buy it, don’t sell it.
– Akio Morita

I was first introduced to Michael Crichton by complete accident when my husband brought “Travels“ to our Hawaii vacation and I promptly stole it away for my own reading pleasure. Or perhaps more accurately put, Crichton stole me away from all present plans and captivated me in his world instantly.

[Read more…] about Michael Crichton: “Rising Sun”

Sometimes we all have a bad day. Sometimes a really bad day. When I had one of those really bad days a few weeks ago, I needed a big distraction. I picked up Finder’s Company Man and delved into yet another of his thrilling corporate dramas. In comparing Finder’s novels, I enjoyed High Crimes best, followed by Paranoia and then Company Man. In Company Man, Finder gives us a decent thriller, and a page turner with a solid plot, as well as the good writing that always follows – but this is still a story that lacks the kind of imagination and originality he gives us in Paranoia or the shocking ending of High Crimes. [Read more…] about Joseph Finder: “Company Man”