Book Description
Tips, techniques, and trends on how to use dashboard technology to optimize business performance
Business performance management is a hot new management discipline that delivers tremendous value when supported by information technology. Through case studies and industry research, this book shows how leading companies are using performance dashboards to execute strategy, optimize business processes, and improve performance.
Wayne W. Eckerson (Hingham, MA) is the Director of Research for The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), the leading association of business intelligence and data warehousing professionals worldwide that provide high-quality, in-depth education, training, and research. He is a columnist for SearchCIO.com, DM Review, Application Development Trends, the Business Intelligence Journal, and TDWI Case Studies & Solution.
Download Description
Tips, techniques, and trends on how to use dashboard technology to optimize business performance Business performance management is a hot new management discipline that delivers tremendous value when supported by information technology. Through case studies and industry research, this book shows how leading companies are using performance dashboards to execute strategy, optimize business processes, and improve performance. Wayne W. Eckerson (Hingham, MA) is the Director of Research for The Data Warehousing Institute (TDWI), the leading association of business intelligence and data warehousing professionals worldwide that provide high-quality, in-depth education, training, and research. He is a columnist for SearchCIO.com, DM Review, Application Development Trends, the Business Intelligence Journal, and TDWI Case Studies & Solution.
Customer Reviews:
Insightful material on Performance Dashboards.......2007-07-18
Overall this is a great book, which is extremely well presented... A key point to take home is, that dashboards are not just fancy displays with graphs/ RYG lights, but a set of applications to monitor, measure and manage business performance, with a solid business intelligence and integration infrastructure.... Also, author's point of views on different types of dashboards (strategic, tactical and operational), and the types of audience for each of these types, and their analysis requirements were very insightful.. This coupled with BI maturity model that the author presents, is an invaluable guide for organizations to assess their current state, and provide the roadmap for thier performance management needs... Three detailed case studies have been presented to explain three types of dashboards.
A lot of tricks and tips throughout the book... Strongly recommend this book...
Quo vadis?.......2007-04-12
For purposes of discussion, pretend that your organization is a vehicle within which you and your associates travel en route to a series of destinations; for example, various stages of progressively improved operational efficiency and progressively increased profitability. One key question arises: How well is your vehicle performing?
The three "dashboards" (i.e. operational, tactical, and strategic) that Wayne Eckerson offers in this volume can help to answer that question. "The monitoring application conveys critical information at a glance using timely and relevant data, usually with graphical elements; the analysis application lets users analyze and explore performance data across multiple dimensions and at different levels of detail to get at the root cause of problems and issues; the management application fosters communication among executives, managers, and staff and gives executives continuous feedback across a range of critical activities, enabling them to `steer' their organizations in the right direction."
The ultimate success of the cohesive, comprehensive, and cost-effective system which Eckerson discusses in this book depends on several factors: sufficient leadership and resources at all levels of implementation, correct and consistent application of the right metrics, a compelling graphical user interface, and contingency planning which ensures user adoption while driving the organizational changes.
I especially appreciate Eckerson's provision of three mini case studies that illustrate how -- in real-world situations - the three performance "dashboards" can achieve the desired objectives. Specifically, those that are operational (Quicken Loans, Inc., pages 127-141), those which are tactical (International Truck and Engine Corp., pages 143-158), and those which are strategic (Hewlett Packard Co., pages 159-177). I also appreciate the material provided in Part Three (Critical Success Factors: Tips from the Trenches) as Eckerson correlates various multilayered applications built on business intelligence and data integration infrastructure that enables any organization (regardless of size or nature) to measure, monitor, and manage business performance more effectively.
All executives recognize the importance of accurate and consistent measurement of what really matters. Obviously, the "what" varies (sometimes significantly) from one organization to another. In my opinion, the three performance "dashboards" that Eckerson recommends can be of substantial benefit, whatever the given "what" may be but if - and only if - the aforementioned success factors are present. To repeat, they are: sufficient leadership and resources at all levels of implementation, correct and consistent application of the right metrics, a compelling graphical user interface, and contingency planning which ensures user adoption while driving the organizational changes.
This book is by no means an "easy read" but it will generously reward those who absorb and digest its material with appropriate care. Then what? He fully understands how difficult it is to ensure adoption by others, and, to manage performance effectively throughout the given enterprise. In the final chapter, Eckerson notes that performance dashboards can easily backfire and cause performance to decline or stall instead of climb. He then identifies what he characterizes as eight cardinal sins " that can turn a performance dashboard into a performance quagmire." How to avoid them? Eckerson offers nine strategies to ensure adoption and eight strategies to manage performance.
I highly recommend this brilliant book as well as Dean Spitzer's Transforming Performance Measurement. Both are eminently worthy of thoughtful and rigorous consideration. However, that said, I also offer a caveat expressed by Peter Drucker in 1963: "There is surely nothing quite so useless as doing with great efficiency what should not be done at all." Invoking again the "vehicle" metaphor introduced in the first paragraph of this brief commentary, I presume to suggest that if you and your companions don't know where you are going, "any road will get you there."
Performance Dashboards.......2007-01-10
The first two-thirds of the book were extremely disappointing and added very little value to the understanding of how to create effective dashboards. Instead, the author spent far too much time discussing IT concepts and buzzwords such as datamarts, multidimensional databases, operational data stores and OLAP tools. Much of the book reads as a platform for why one needs to invest in IT to help manage your business performance. It wasn't until the final third of the book that some useful concepts were explored regarding how a non-IT person should go about developing a solid performance dashboard.
Must read for keen Performance Management specialists and Managers.......2007-01-10
The book delivered exactly what I have expected from it. It provides clear picture about how Performance Dashboards work. It is very well structured, blends theory with experience and targets keen developers and users.
When I purchased the book, I was asked to put forward a proposal for a comprehensive Performance Management system. I really benefited from the systematic approach used to build such system.
It recommend it for anyone who is implementing performance management system, or even business process management systems which also provides performance dashboards of the automated processes.
Best Description Yet of Dashboard Goals and Structure.......2007-01-09
This is the first book that I have read that gives a good overview of how and why you would use a dashboard. It has a good flow and give you information you can use. It is a little dry, but it is hard to make this too exciting.
Book Description
Some people are toxic: narcissistic, aggressive, inflexible, unethical, ready to scapegoat, capable of transforming any workplace into an unending nightmare. How do you cope with such individuals, while protecting both your career AND your sanity? Simplistic, cookie-cutter solutions don't work. In Coping with Toxic Managers, world-renowned psychiatrist and organizational consultant Roy Lubit shows you techniques that will. Drawing on his extensive experience as both a mental health professional and an organizational consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers, Lubit offers concrete, proven advice for subordinates, colleagues and superiors alike. You learn what's really driving your toxic manager or subordinate... how to cope with the emotional stress of dealing with them... and how to create a strategy that reflects their individual personality, while drawing on today's powerful new insights into emotional intelligence. The technicques Lubit teaches apply to personal relationships with toxic individuals as well.
Customer Reviews:
The reality of working with people.......2007-09-14
Recognising what is toxic to you is perhaps a good starting point. Many of us spend more time with the people we work with than those we've chosen to spend our lives with. Most of us make assumptions that what offends or upsets us is the same for everyone else. This is not so.
In this book, Dr Lubit provides - with humour - descriptions of different types of managers and of different management techniques that can make working life hell.
Being aware of toxic behaviour and being able to manage its impact are two quite separate things. Dr Lubit provides insights into the former and resources to help individuals and groups deal with the latter.
I've had this book on my management bookshelf since it was published and find it an excellent resource both on a personal level and as part of mentoring other staff.
Highly recommended.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Fascinating and practical.......2005-01-15
I wasn't sure I would like this book. The topic of workplace psychology can be done wrong in so many ways. You can present it too clinically and thus lack any practicality. And you can slide the other way and shower the user with pop psychology check-lists and acronyms.
This book walks the ideal path deftly and presents practical workplace issues with the right blend of psychology background and practical wisdom on how to handle individuals with personality issues.
The book is organized by disorder. Each type of personality is presented in it's own chapter with what to look for. As well as how to handle that individual as a boss, a coworker and as a subordinate.
A fascinating read on it's own, and practical advice for people stuck in tough jobs where they have to contend with coworkers who have personality problems.
Cultural organization managers, note!.......2004-04-13
Lubit's volume, "Coping with Toxic Managers and Subordinates," should be considered a standard reference for veteran and new professional staff, experienced and beginning managers, and leaders of all non-profit organizations, especially cultural ones. Colleagues have said that these conclusions apply to all organizations.
Non-profits and cultural organizations face major management challenges today. For example, while the number of museums has increased, there has been a great decrease in total funding. To stay competitive, these organizations have had to make fundamental changes in their operations and rely on a new breed of managers and professionals. This has been complicated by strong internal resistance to change. As a result, many cultural organizations find themselves unable to harness the talents of their staff and, instead, find productivity decreasing and morale dropping rapidly. High turnover, unhappiness and anger make for unmanageable environments.
Lubit's book contains excellent strategic thinking for dealing with the rapidly changing settings. Incorporating insights from experience in psychiatry, business management, and organizational leadership, Lubit provides a a comprehensive, hands-on guide for dealing with your superiors, subordinates and peers. This book is very complete. It describes the most troublesome types of negative and "toxic" personalities, explores the underlying reasons for the behaviors, and moves the reader from theory, to examples, to exercise sections called "Your Turn". The book is well organized, snappily written, and easy to use. It is complete with detailed "how to" sections, charts, and examples with both good and bad endings. This book will facilitate not just survival, but productivity and well-being in the workplace -- and elsewhere. I recommend it highly.
Practical guide for getting results.......2003-12-15
This book is an excellent handbook for managers who struggle with motivating 'challenging' people. It enables the reader to quickly identify types of toxic managers and provides guidance on effectively dealing with each type. Should be required reading for anyone responsible for improving company/individual performance.
Toxic costs: heal the pain........2003-12-15
This author offers clear, concise writing on a classic business problem: how to work with difficult people. Who doesn't work with at least 1 difficult person? What organization does not suffer productivity or financial loss from at least 1 toxic manager?
As I read the well-defined descriptions of Toxic Managers, I couldn't help but recall the many faces of those difficult people that have crossed my own work path over the past 24 years, and how I might have dealt with them differently under Roy Lubit's construct. Surely you'll experience similar learning and benefit, as you hear what the author has to say about how to deal with the difficult people that you encounter in your work life.
This book does a tremendous service by reminding us that work IS personal after all; that organizations are organic systems made up of human beings with personalities, traits, and problems that we cannot simply turn off or leave at home, like robots. These toxic behaviors and managers, as defined by the author, represent the hard HARD work that organizations must do to fix the illusive and, often substantially, costly problems.
I am delighted to add a practical approach and book to my toolbox to help executives and managers take compassionate, actionable steps toward solving issues that typically impede business performance and progress. This book, I project, will help heal the hearts and performance of many organizations and professionals who seek a cure for whatever ails them.
Book Description
For more than two decades, Dr. John Hoover has written books on leadership, creativity, and organizational performance, extolling the virtues of flattened organizations, collaborative leadership, and shared responsibility. His clients welcomed him, praised him...yet (he felt) completely ignored his advice! This book contains the confession of a recovering "I-Boss" (Idiot Boss). After decades of writing and consulting, Dr. John finally realized that the vast majority of people he kept trying to "energize," "motivate," and "enlighten" were, well, idiots. Also he was an idiot for trying to change them. Instead, he has decided to enlighten you, who actually have to continue working for difficult and demanding bosses. You cannot change them. You cannot challenge them. Yet, you can survive them, even thrive under them, if you learn how to deal with them using this book. It offers hope for the spirit and strategy for the mind to help you deal with your work place situation.
Customer Reviews:
Thrive and keep your sense of humor.......2007-06-13
This book is a quick and easy read that kept me laughing while providing solid practical advice about how to handle a difficult boss. There were a few silly parts that I breezed over. But overall, the tone is light, and the tips are useful. The author helps you reel in your rage by reminding you how unproductive anger is. And he helps you realize that making your boss comfortable around you is the best way to get what you want. If you're a person who's passionate about your work and you just want to figure out how to get around the brick wall of incompetence and idiocy that exists in so many workplaces, check out this book. Save yourself an ulcer and years in therapy and learn how to put your passion to good use.
THANK YOU, DR. HOOVER.......2007-04-03
I would like to thank Dr.Hoover. He came to help me at the right moment...Well I almost became a serial killer who is after I-bosses. His friendly and humorous style makes the reading fun while teaching you to keep your anger at bay.
Turn the other cheek.......2007-03-01
I guess I had expected a bit more practical advice than to simply accept the fact that life isn't fair and to let my boss take credit for all of my accomplishments. Funny thing though, I DID feel better after reading the book as it made me realize how incompetent leaders can survive and even thrive despite all their shortcomings.
if you don't see the value through the humor, might want to check your inner idiot.......2006-12-20
I, like others, picked up this book while waiting in a kinkos for the latest i-boss crisis to print. The value of the laugh I got when I shared it with several co-workers and consultants was worth the price of the book right there. But it wasn't until a couple weeks later that I picked up the book in utter desperation to talk me out of killing my boss that I realized its true value: the advice cleverly packaged inside the sarcastic humor (is there any better way to proffer advice?)
I know if I say this it will sound like I'm exaggerating for effect, but I'm not kidding when I say that this book saved my job. I've always been the one in the room willing to call attention to the white elephant in the room...not something most idiot bosses particularly appreciate. Dr John's book allowed me the ability to let go of my mission to "state the truth with humor and sarcasm" without feeling that I've completely surrendered to the corporate suck-up rules. Okay, so maybe John simply speaks my language, but I really do need to know how to be a teensy bit more political (aka telling my boss that his stupid ideas really have value so that I can get back to work and maybe even get ahead someday) in my job without feeling that I'm cooperating with the evil empire.
Even a comment like, "wear a large suit to make it look to your boss like you don't make enough money" has a hidden message that indirect, nonverbal clues might be a better way to make a subliminal statement because some bosses just can't handle direct communication.
Thank you, Dr John, for your insight, humor, and liferope. I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to look inside to their own inner stupidity and find grace there to deal with others'.
Pretty mediocre.......2006-06-04
This book wobbles between weak attempts at humor, brief examples of Idiot Bosses which aren't used to demonstrate any points, and inane advice on how to get along with "idiot" bosses. The author doesn't succeed in any of these areas.
I'll save you the money: His advice on how to deal with "idiot" bosses is to not get upset about their idiocy, which I think is better summed up by the Serenity Prayer:
"Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference."
Of course, he doesn't really give any advice on how to actually DO this. I think anyone who is really having problems at work dealing with a difficult boss look at another book, since this one won't help them at all.
Book Description
``Harold's diligent and scholarly approach to investing theory makes Wealth Management a thoughtful book that should be on every advisor's reading list.''--Charles R. Schwab, Chairman & CEO, The Charles Schwab Corporation. Wealth Management outlines the current state-of-the-art in financial planning, and describes respected financial planning speaker and author Harold Evensky's effective, optimal asset allocation policy that is designed to account for each client's unique goals and constraints. It provides you with concise yet thorough information on current investment theories, along with detailed reference for further study.
Customer Reviews:
A Great Treatise on Wealth Management.......2001-07-20
Mr. Evensky's book has had a profound impact on my wealth management philosophy. He is very effective in blending the broad scope of investment management theory with "real world", practical application. I found it particularly useful because it is not a book written by an academic who has never sat across the table from a client and held their hand through the good times and the tough. This is a must read for any serious manager of wealth.
A. Todd Black, CFP
Excellent mixture of practical advice and theory.......1999-02-27
I had expected a typical fluff, despite Evensky's fine reputation. I has very surprised at this mixture of practical advice and theory. Pointers are given to other sources for those more theoretically inclined. Some of the practical advice (software recommendations and such) won't age as gracefully as the text itself, these packages will become obsolete before the book. Nevertheless, I'd highly recommend it for anyone who is looking to understand the basics of risk/reward, the importance of asset allocation, and the theoretical material that led to these ideas.
A must read for all investment advisors!.......1997-03-16
Harold generously shares his knowledge, not only in solid investment thought, but in practical application. If you've ever wanted to know how to practically apply investment research to your own portfolios, this is the book that will do it
Product Description
In recent years many smart investors have exited the stock market because they have essentially lost control of their investments. They have relied on the advice and skill of their brokers, bankers, and financial advisors. Many retirement accounts have dwindled or not increased. Fortunately, there is a great but little-understood alternative: the self-directed IRA. This new book will teach you how to turn your IRA into a wealth-building tool that you control 100%! Take control of your investment future, and make sure your investments are performing for YOU, not someone else. Why haven t your banker and broker ever told you about this new IRA? Because they will no longer make any money on your retirement account! New IRS regulations and the new self-directed IRA make it effortless to build up and keep hold of IRA money. Inside this new book you ll find out how to benefit from the new IRS rules and how to stay away from problems. With a self-directed IRA you can purchase real estate, buy a business or franchise, invest in high-yield mortgages and notes, invest in tax liens and foreclosed homes, manage property purchased by your retirement, rental property, ocean-front property, lake-front property, probate property, commercial property, REO property, tax-lien property, repossessed property, foreclosed property, apartment communities, and storage facilities. You can invest in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or virtually any investment allowed by IRS regulations. The self-directed IRA lets you act as your own investment manager. We will show you how to set up your account with a custodian or IRA administrator to deal with the day-to-day activities, such as depositing contributions and executing and settling investment transactions. It s easy, fun, and puts you back in control of your retirement account. Retire Rich with Your Self-Directed IRA combines essentials, insight, and insider secrets to secure a financial victory after retirement. **Award-Winning Finalist in t
Customer Reviews:
If You Didn't Know Before, Now You Do!.......2007-03-23
From the moment you start reading Nora Peterson's book, Retire Rich With Your Self-Directed IRA: What Your Broker & Banker Don't Want You to Know About Managing Your Own Retirement Investments, you cannot help but feel at ease. It is clearly arranged in a very orderly fashion and very easy to follow. The use of her fictional character Jo, made it easy for you to follow along as if you too were walking along with Jo in her journey to financial stability after retirement. This book offers great insight into a world that many are afraid to even venture near, myself included. The step-by-step approach with the aid of the IRA Primer would help even the most common person with no prior knowledge or understanding of finance. It forces one to think about their goals in a long-term sense. The discussion around estate planning is one that is seldom addressed when planning for the future. It is necessary for a person to understand the tax codes and laws governing IRA's and other forms of retirement investment, especially when trying to avoid penalties and other losses to future income. The non-traditional forms of investing using the self-directed IRA were also very clearly explained and encourage the reader to think for him or herself. We are the arbiters of our own destiny! I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has questions or have not previously thought about preparing for their financial future.
Irate with your IRA? Read this book!.......2006-12-19
Are you 20-40 years old? Do you have $100,000 in liquid assets? Does your company provide a 401(k)? How about IRA's? Are you a current contributor to one? Would you like to retire in comfort, preferably before you are 70?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this is the book for you. I'll admit up-front that I only answered yes to three of these myself - and the liquid assets and 401(k) were not them. I bought this book, but I was afraid it would be filled with technical mumbo-jumbo that would make my eyes glaze over in defeat. Luckily that was not the case at all. In fact, I read this book in less than 24 hours, and plan on reading it again and again and . . .
Peterson starts out slowly, explaining assumptions and terminology. Then we get to meet Joanne Moneymaker (that's Jo for short) who, after being a victim of corporate downsizing, has to decide what to do with her 401(k) funds. The author walks her through all the choices, explaining them in simple language with plenty of illustrations and charts - and the benefits and disadvantages of each. For those of you who are more advanced than I, you can skip the first few chapters and plunge right on in to the hard numbers. Penalties, taxes, and general IRS red flags are covered and warnings are peppered throughout. That being said, this book walks a person through taking charge of their own retirement and finances by moving to a self-directed IRA and using said funds to:
1) Buy and sell real estate - traditional versus nontraditional real estate sources
2) Become a landlord
3) Become a lender
4) Owning a business
5) Buying precious metals
Additionally, Peterson covers areas within these divisions such as risk management, repossessions, REO properties, subcontractors, and credit risks. The book ends with planning for distributions and quite a bit of information about estate planning. Unfortunately, I am not in a position where I can go out and buy properties or make loans or buy precious metals. However, now I know what is out there and what I need to work towards. Whether you're just starting to plan your retirement or are well into the process, there is something here for you. Call it IRA's demystified!
At Last! A Book That Leads the Way to Financial Independence!.......2006-12-16
I'm not an investment expert--far from it. Truth is, I'm a Baby Boomer who's been ignoring one important financial fact for way too long: I'm getting closer and closer to the age when I'm "supposed to be" retiring comfortably. And I'm only now starting to worry about not being able to afford to retire.
Imagine my relief when I discovered Nora Peterson's Retire Rich With Your Self-Directed IRA and learned that it's never too late to put a game plan in place to accumulate greater retirement wealth. I can still chart a successful course to financial independence. Using a fresh, conversational tone that makes no lofty assumptions about the reader's investment smarts, Peterson delivers solid, nuts-and-bolts guidelines for finding and using the money-making tools and techniques we've all had access to all along--but didn't know about!
By putting readers in the imaginary shoes of Joanne Moneymaker (Jo), the book steps us through a broad range of real world scenarios and little-known, proven strategies for taking control and steering past, present, and future IRA retirement funds toward greater wealth. Through Jo, we learn the secrets of paying less taxes, keeping what's ours, and building strong and sustained return on our investments. Nora Peterson's Retire Rich With Your Self-Directed IRA has arrived just in time with good news for us "boomers": A comfortable retirement is within our reach. And by using the know-how contained in these pages, we'll get there!
Take Control of Your Retirement Investments!.......2006-11-02
It's a revelation! I happened upon this book and it revealed to me retirement options that I had no idea existed. The author, Nora Peterson, explains that unlimited opportunities exist for increasing the value of retirement accounts through the use of a self-directed IRA.
Instead of traditional approaches to investments, she says, consideration should be given to a self-directed IRA . . . a method of investment that is significantly more flexible than conventional IRA and 401(k) plans, conforms to IRS rules, and offers the investor full control over his or her accounts.
The book compares the results of investing using conventional strategies with the self-directed IRA and explains the route and rules for setting up a self-directed IRA. Ms. Peterson also describes investment options that I had not before considered, like investing in real estate-secured notes, real estate purchase options and precious metals, and includes chapters on estate planning and planning for distributions for the IRA account.
This books presents a novel approach to retirement investments, and presents it comprehensively. It's a more than worthwhile read.
Retire Rich with Your Self-Directed IRA: What Your Broker & Banker Don't Want You to Know About Managing Your Own Retirement Inv.......2006-10-21
Retire Rich with Your Self-Directed IRA: What Your Broker & Banker Don't Want You to Know About Managing Your Own Retirement Investments by Nora Peterson, published by Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc.
Rating: 5 stars out of five.
If you've ever lost money in the stock market while relying on a broker, banker, or other financial advisor, this book is for you. Retire Rich with Your Self-Directed IRA describes an alternative to letting others manage your retirement investments, the self-directed IRA. This book explains in 345 pages how to use an IRA, usually a Roth IRA, to build wealth through your own control. It covers setting up an IRA, the kinds of funds to invest, and how to move funds from a standard IRA to a self-directed IRA. It also describes how to manage your investments while allowing an administrator to handle the day-to-day paperwork, the laws of which to be aware, and how to avoid pitfalls in very specific advice. Insider secrets are included.
The author, Nora Peterson, has been involved in investing in financial markets for more than 30 years. In this excellent resource, she discusses a wide range of investments brokers don't offer and estimates potential returns. The returns she projects are much larger than earnings from stock market investments would be. In addition, she explains that there are no taxes on investment income from a Roth IRA, because the investment has already been taxed. This results in significant tax advantages of which I had never been aware. Everyone planning for retirement should read this book. It opened my eyes!
Book Description
BUILDING A PARTNERSHIP WITH YOUR BOSS The Boss and The Assistant. It's a basic business relationship, and the structure is easy: The Boss gives orders, and The Assistant obeys. But there's an alternative that's better for both assistant and boss, and it's called "partnership." In this eye-opening book, assistants learn how they can break out of old, narrow roles and enjoy working with a boss instead of for a boss. This change liberates creativity and self-confidence, and reveals hidden skills and interests. It also makes an assistant more valuable (and promotable) to the boss and the company. Readers learn specific techniques for how to: ** initiate the transition to a partnering relationship ** understand their boss' work style and adapt to it -- without losing their sense of self ** become a proactive worker who takes responsibility for mistakes and credit for successes JERRY WISINSKI (San Antonio,TX) is a consultant with expertise in interpersonal skills, assertiveness training, and team building. He served as Executive Director of International Trainers, Educators, and Consultants at Trinity University, and is the author of Resolving Conflicts on the Job (Amacom).
Customer Reviews:
Good for nothing!.......2004-08-08
I bought this book thinking it would provide pointers on how to handel specific, everyday, and even "ordinary" situations assistants encounter with their bosses, and others in the workplace. Pointers that when carried out correctly would prove that you indeed are a "take charge assistant".
Instead, this book focuses on getting on your bosses good side, which is great, if all you want to be known for is being the dependable "worker". I was expecting somethig way more contrete, This book was too wishy-wasy for me.
I give it one star because eventhiugh I don't think it specifically states it there is an underlying message of the importance of communication.
An essential starting point.......2003-10-09
Being a corporate coach who specializes in the relationship between executives and assistants, I find this book very useful. While it is not the end-all, be-all solution, it is a perfect start to building a partnership. The book is easy to read with realistic tips; I give it to my clients to augment our coaching sessions. I especially like the stages of partnership model explained in the book. It builds on the basic stages of management and is useful for both the executive and assistant. Well done! righthandresources.com
Eh?.......2003-08-15
There are better books out there about being an assistant to a boss. This book does not go into depth. It's too basic, and not meaty enough.
Essential to Partnering with Your Manager.......2002-07-27
This book is outstanding. I highly recommend it if you want to take your working relationship with your manager up to the next level. If you think you're working relationship is great now, this book can make it even better. I liked the way the author lists the steps in preparing this concept to your manager. It was easy to follow and really makes you put a good deal of careful thought in the preparation process. I also liked the idea of action items not just for the assistant, but for the manager too. Remember a good working relationship involves both assistants and managers. Just working through this process together improves the relationship. Luckily, my boss endored it!
Good for Beginners.......2002-05-01
This book is helpful for people new to their jobs. If you don't have anyone who can give you good advice, try this book and you will gain understanding and wisdom about how you should act in your workfield.
Average customer rating:
- Owners Manual For Managing the Muti-generational Workplace
- For managers, with a grain of salt, please
- Very good read
- Real Generations
- You can fool some of the people, all of the time.
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Generations at Work: Managing the Clash of Veterans, Boomers, Xers, and Nexters in Your Workplace
Ron Zemke ,
Claire Raines , and
Bob Filipczak
Manufacturer: AMACOM/American Management Association
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When Generations Collide: Who They Are. Why They Clash. How to Solve the Generational Puzzle at Work
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Connecting Generations
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Managing the Generation Mix: From Collision to Collaboration
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Boomers, Xers, and Other Strangers: Understanding the Generational Differences That Divide Us
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Managing Generation Y
ASIN: 0814404804 |
Book Description
Walk through the tightly packed, hierarchically flattened corridors of America's businesses and what do you hear? Not the sounds of harmony. Instead, you'll probably hear the grumbles of irritation as people with wholly different ways of working, talking, and thinking have been tossed together side by side, cubicle by cubicle. It's the teeth-gritting sound of generations in collision.
Charlie, for example, is 61 and desperate for some clear, straightforward guidance from his 43-year-old boss Mary, who, in turn, is using her trademark heartfelt, buzzword-laden management style in an attempt to radically alter Charlie's work processes. Jane, meanwhile, the 29-year-old technical wizard of the team, sits sullenly in her cubicle, unimpressed with either of them, and they with her.
None of them understands the other. None of them knows how to communicate with the other. And it's causing headaches and havoc for managers trying to mold this hodgepodge of ages, faces, values, and views into a productive, collaborative group.
Now, with GENERATIONS AT WORK, there's clear, concrete help. Written by a team of distinguished cross-generational authors, this groundbreaking book supplies fresh, provocative insights and practical solutions for understanding differences, resolving conflicts, and managing effectively in today's age-diverse workplace. Both sweeping in scope and highly specific, the book gives you:
* Astute profiles of four distinct generations: Learn about the Veterans (b. 1922-1943), Baby Boomers (b. 1943-1960), Gen Xers (b.1960-1980), and the Nexters (b.1980-), including their demographics, the events that shaped their lives and times, predominant traits, work styles, and key messages to keep in mind when recruiting, developing, and motivating these members of your workforce. * Illuminating case studies in generational peace: Go behind the scenes of five major companies that treat generational mixing as an asset. * A powerful practice exercise: Solve the plight of Charlie Roth, a fictionalized manager facing a cross-generational crisis--then read how 7 outside experts tackled the problem. * Hardhitting answers to the 21 most frequently asked questions about managing in a multigenerational workplace--plus much more!
For anyone struggling to manage people who just don't see work (or life) the same way, GENERATIONS AT WORK helps you understand the gulf that separates the generations--and offers practical guidelines for building a harmonious workforce where people rally together for the organization, not against each other.
Download Description
Supplies fresh, provocative insights and practical solutions for understanding differences, resolving conflicts, and managing effectively in today's age-diverse workplace. Profiles four distinct generations and their prominent traits and work styles, and offers key messages to keep in mind when recruiting, developing, and motivating members of each generation. Includes real-life case studies of five companies working in intergenerational harmony.
Customer Reviews:
Owners Manual For Managing the Muti-generational Workplace.......2006-08-04
The Year 2006 represents a unique place in time in the history of our workplaces in the United States. We now have four different generations in the same workplace and that has presented many challenges to business owners and managers. This book could be called an "Owner's Manual" in the sense that it provides some practical advice on how to deal with this age-diverse workforce. If you are looking for some help to "muffle" the loud sounds of colliding generations, or to bring those loud sounds into harmony, then this is a book for you. The book is a must read for business owners and managers to help understand the differences in the workforce; how to resolve conflicts and how to fully utilitze the diversity of ages to achieve success in business.
Reviewed by: J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr., Founder & Chief Executive, J. G. EBERSOLE ASSOCIATES and THE RENAISSANCE GROUP (tm), Lancaster, PA. and Author of "Glenn's Guiding Lines - Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Coach" newsletter www.renaissanceman4u.com
For managers, with a grain of salt, please.......2006-03-04
Never before has there been such diversity in the workforce. This is particularly true of the range of ages that co-exist on the job. In Generations At Work, the authors identify the four generations, the particular problems you may encounter managing them, and potential solutions. As the employee pool matures, this is knowledge every manager of a cross-generational workforce will need. These categories are, of course, cut rather broad. This book is probably better used as an idea toolbox than gospel writ.
The Generations:
1. Veterans (1922-1943): The World War II generation's dedication to the values of civic pride, loyalty and respect for authority have become a continuing influence in the following generations.
· Veterans tend to be more directive in leadership roles.
· Veterans are used to working in teams under strong leadership.
· Veterans can be prone to the "we've never done it that way before" mentality.
· Veterans often find technology intimidating and confusing.
2. Boomers (1943-1960): This generation tends to be idealistic and driven.
· Find out how they want to be managed.
· Expect a reaction if things don't go well.
· Motivate them with lots of public recognition, and involvement in decision-making.
· When mentoring them be tactful, let them tell you how they're doing, and think of yourself as a friendly equal.
3. Xers (1960-1980): The Xers are deeply cynical about management and the driven attitudes of the Veterans and Boomers. It is, however, possible to motivate Xers.
· Make your work environment as flexible as possible.
· Provide them with up-to-date technology.
· Give them lots of simultaneous projects and let them prioritize.
· Give them constructive feedback on their job performance.
4. Nexters (1980-2000): The most studied generation in history, Nexters are likely to be more like the veterans than any other group. When recruiting Nexters, keep the following principles in mind:
· Forget gender roles.
· Focus on teams.
· Mind the gap: there is likely to be a large generational gap between the Xers and the Nexters.
· Grow your training department.
· Establish mentor programs.
Very good read.......2006-02-27
I liked this book since it gave me an insight into the different components of each generation and how to deal with them at work as well as in general. I manage early boomers to nexters and am a Gen Xer and this book will help a great deal with that challenging task.
Real Generations.......2005-08-23
I enjoyed this book, even though I orignially got it for a class of mine on diversity. It is a great book, but as a Nexter I wish it was a little more updated on things about my generation, but it is understandable. I found that the generational stereotypes are very much in tune with my personal experiences.
You can fool some of the people, all of the time........2005-01-25
Have you ever read a "study" that contains tiny bits of truth (usually things that are obvious) but the rest is false? That's the case with Generations At Work.
If you remove the stereotypes all that remains is stuff that ought to be obvious. It may be that some CEOs with large numbers of disgruntled employees are unaware of even the most blantant trends and conflicts in the workplace but the lesson there is to fix the workplace, not the employees. All generations will be cynical if they are contstantly in danger of being laid off.
From my own experience, 3 examples that are completely the opposite of what this book describes. (1) People in my age group are supposed to be driven overachievers. How I wish that were true. Must have come from astrology or something. (2) I worked for a company that hired two young "golden collar" tech experts. These kids were outstanding. There were no personality conflicts. There were no generational conflicts. And the fact that they were so knowlegable made us worship them! So what if they preferred rock climbing to golf? (3) Speaking of stereotypes, the company shut down and we all got laid off. According to this book, young IT professionals can write their own ticket, right? False, again. Four months have passed and one of our young geniuses has a boring job with a long commute and big pay cut. The other has refused to take a crummy job and remains unemployed.
The book is not without humor, perhaps unintentional. Apparently Lucent is a good example of how waring generations can make peace. But I wonder how many managers want their company to perform as Lucent has.
In the end, the key to a productive harmonious workplace is for people to have jobs they enjoy, pay well and are reasonably secure. In a lesser work environment all managers can hope for is to tap into the stereotypes in this book to try to keep the dust down.
Book Description
Managing and Motivating Contact Center Employees reveals how to boost morale, streamline business processes, and inspire outstanding performance from frontline sales and service staff.
This creative and practical book gives instant help to anyone who knows the difficulties of managing in the diverse and dynamic contact center environment.
Download Description
Managing and Motivating Contact Center Employees reveals how to boost morale, streamline business processes, and inspire outstanding performance from frontline sales and service staff.
Customer Reviews:
An Insult to Every Contact Center Employee's Intelligence.......2007-05-24
I have now worked at two separate contact/call centers and I am always mystified as to why management has to treat employees so shabbily that it predisposes them to hate the company. It seems gratuitous and stupid, but I suppose that the "geniuses" who come up with these so-called employee motivating tactics never think for a moment that the employees might just have brains/feelings. Motivating techniques that I have seen first-hand involve infantile and immature contests that remind one of elementary school, and not of a serious company running a business. Prizes are often balloons handed to employees, blowing whistles and clapping when an employee receives a compliment from a customer while the managers/leads stand around the employee's desk for the whole call center to see and emulate, or an occasional sandwich/pizza delivered to the office for employees to partake. Of course, these are meant to take the place of REAL recognition like paying employees wages they can actually live on, or promoting them to higher jobs. Working conditions at call centers are notoriously bad: employees are expected to handle each call in 2 to 3 minutes at most while at the same time maintaining a high degree of quality service. Goes to show you how "sincere" companies are about keeping customers happy. The end result is a high employee turnover rate, and for those that stay, tension and fatigue is the order of the day.
So, the next time you call an 800 number to reach your bank, utility company, supermarket, or department store, please keep in mind what is going on behind the scenes. Hopefully, some day the government watchdog agencies that regulate the workplace will realize that much needs to be done to improve call center work.
Excellent advice based on reality!.......2007-02-11
From the moment I opened this book, I could tell the people who wrote it had worked in call centers. The advice is comprehensive and throughout the book they offer resources for additional information. If you have to give feedback to call center employees, get this book! If you are a new or seasoned call center manager, get this book. If you need to motivate call center employees, get this book! It is worth the money. I have purchased several books in this genre. This book and the book "Why Employees Don't Do What You Want..." by Fournies have turned out to be the most useful.
Good information with actionable suggestions.......2005-09-06
I was able to implement the ideas from this book in my call center.
A must have for your contact center library.......2003-12-12
Impact Learning International has done it again! There is no contact center topic more important than that of focusing on the biggest expense and the greatest asset...your people. Impact Learning provides excellent advice and practical help in a fun and understandable way. It is based on their many years of experience coaching and training in the contact center industry. I refer to my copy all of the time and have given away several copies to contact center managers. You MUST have a copy of this book in your business library!
Book Description
Because wealth management encompasses a variety of disciplines--the management of personal risks, prudent investing, reduction of income taxes, and ensuring appropriate estate distribution--traditional performance measures are misleading and ineffective. In this landmark book, Ross Levin presents the Wealth Management Index T M, an innovative tool for financial advisors to quantify their clients' success in financial planning. The index helps financial advisors establish rational goals with their clients and measure their progress toward achieving goals. Wealth Management Index includes: Guidelines and strategies for determining your clients' unique needs; A detailed discussion of each section of the index--asset protection, disability and income protection, debt management, investment and cash flow planning, and estate distribution; Step-by-step procedures on how to implement The Wealth Management Index TuM in a financial planning practice.
Customer Reviews:
Required reading for anyone concerned with enjoying life........1997-03-16
Ross Levin's Wealth Management Index is a paradigm shattering exercise. Almost all investors (and many professionals) keep their eyes glued to the wrong benchmarks (i.e. investment returns). As a result, they significantly increase their risk of failing to achieve their goals. By assisting the reader see the "forest instead of the trees," Mr. Levin provides thoughtful guidance and a detailed process for developing a system of measuring success unique to the needs of the reader. Mr. Levin, Certified Financial Planner, has been one of the nations leading financial planners for the last 20 years. He has served on numerous national professional organizations, the last as President and Chair of the International Association for Financial Planning; the world's largest professional financial planning organization. With this experience, it's not surprising that he has written a book that should be read (and reread) by anyone serious about the quality of the balance of their life
Book Description
There's a good reason project risk management is one of the most vital of the nine content areas of the Project Management Body of Knowledge (TM). Important projects tend to be time constrained, pose huge technical challenges, and suffer from a lack of adequate resources. It's no wonder that project managers are increasingly focusing their attention on risk identification.
Identifying and Managing Project Risk is a practical guide to minimizing the possibility of failure in critical projects. The book takes readers step by step through every phase of a project, showing them how to consider the possible risks involved at every point in the process. Relevant figures and diagrams support the text and illustrate key scenarios. At the end of each chapter is an analysis of how the principles just discussed applied to a supreme example of what many once considered a truly impossible project: the building of the Panama Canal.
Packed with real-world information, this book is essential reading for any project manager seeking to complete projects smoothly and successfully.
Customer Reviews:
A pretty good book.......2007-05-26
While I'm using this as required reading for a grad school class on Risk Management, I'd read this even if it wasn't required. Engaging for a not-so-easy subject to talk about, along with good and relevant examples. Talking about big and small projects, you get a feeling as you read that this book is for you, not just "big time companies" with mega projects.
Easy to Read.......2007-05-07
The book is very well-written and easy to read. I work in a high-tech start-up company and this book was quite applicable to some of the tasks we do.
Good overview, heavy in IT & scheduling.......2007-03-24
This risk management book provides a good overview of the risk management process from start to finish, and provides examples from technical projects. The text guides the reader through the three steps of risk identification, assessment, and management, and discusses the difference between macro-management of risk at a corporate or portfolio level, and micro-management of risk at the project level.
The book stresses the need for an understanding of each facet of the project in order to identify areas of risk. There is a very strong emphasis on scheduling, with many good suggestions regarding risk reduction, and the timing of risky activities during the course of the project. The information provided is largely qualitative, with some brief discussion about quantitative analysis, methods, and risk assessment tools. Some of the quantitative methods described are specifically for IT projects, with criteria such as technology, architecture, and system complexity. The material in the book relies heavily on the PMI Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge, 2000 edition (PMBOK).
The bulk of the book focuses on good risk management techniques, decision-making, and project planning. Management tools, such as root cause analysis, diagnostic project metrics, and financial metrics, are described in detail. The author provides the reader with a broad scope of information regarding risk management, and the book is an excellent resource for those who seek an introduction or refreshment of good project management and risk management concepts.
Essential.......2006-07-28
Very readable. Great reference. Includes explanations of Why you do things, not just How to do them. This book also takes a broad view of Risk, and when it is about 'Risk' it relates the planning and controlling to the other PMBOK processes and knowledge areas. Risk management as a comprehensive concept. Wow, who'da thunk. Kendrick impresses; I own and use his PM Toolkit almost daily.
A "Must Have" for Your Library.......2006-05-11
As the other reviewers have indicated, this book is an excellent addition to your library.
It is well-written, well-organized, and supported by real-life data from his PERIL database (compiled from hundreds of projects, world-wide, over the past decade). The book makes good use of bullets and diagrams to emphasize and/or explain important points.
I particularly liked the way he correlated his material with the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s PMBOK.
Further, I appreciated his discussion of some of the most difficult issues that arise when implementing a formalized project management methodology (including some that are seldom addressed in books), e.g.:
o Tips for persuading senior level management of the necessity of a formalized project management methodology
o Recognizing the power shift that occurs within a company when formalized project management/portfolio management processes are implemented and followed
o Metrics, derived from the PERIL database, relating to things such as the impact of the permanent (or temporary) loss of a project team member. (I'm always looking for metrics to support some business case, or other request to senior management, for additional ... time ... resources ... budget, etc.)
o The Appendix, which listed some of the Schedule, Resource and Scope risks from the PERIL database
o The sample Risk Questionnaire, and the many other tools, tip and procedures included in the book
Overall, I give it five stars and expect that it will become "dog-eared" very quickly, from heavy use, as I refer to it often in my work.
Books:
- Practical .NET for Financial Markets
- Professional Practice for Interior Designers, 3rd Edition
- Professional Stock Trading: System Design and Automation
- Quantitative Methods for Investment Analysis
- Rising Above the Gathering Storm: Energizing and Employing America for a Brighter Economic Future
- Scenario Planning: The Link Between Future and Strategy
- Shelter Dogs
- Small Business Management: An Entrepreneurial Emphasis (with CD-ROM and InfoTrac®)
- SPIN Selling
- Start Your Own Wedding Consultant Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success
Books Index
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