5 comments about A Survival Guide for Working with Humans: Dealing with Whiners, Back-Stabbers, Know-It-Alls, and Other Difficult People.

1. This book is really great; I call it the Rodney King guide to the workplace because it really is about "Can't we all just get along?" And, if we can't....then it gives you the guidelines to follow to see heads roll, or sometimes, how to choose to lose your own head on the chopping block.
   
   I like that it doesn't give a "pat" answer, but provides several best/worse case scenarios & allows you to think the problem out, hopefully BEFORE you encounter it. If you are in the middle of dealing with one of these treasured co-workers, then this guide will be very helpful in giving you strategy for dealing with the problem in a real life way.
   
   Loved it!



2. This book has very simplistic ideas and lacks the constructive solutions that I hoped to learn. For example, her advice for dealing with people prone to explosive temper is "If you stay around someone and feel you are walking on eggshells, find ways to handle the eggs--and that person--more gently so the shells don't break." Reading her advice made me wonder what kind of education and experience she has that qualifies her to write such a book. Interestingly enough, there's very little information about that in her bio. It looks like her Ph.D is in journalism or English. I would love to send this book back and get my money back. I would probably spend it better on a book written by an educated, credentialed, psychologist who understands the difference between constructively handling people with behavior problems versus enabling them to continue to abuse others and make work life hades.



3. If youhave to deal with any of these type people you need to read this book



4. When faced with whiners, know-it-alls and other problem personalities in the office, this is book can be helpful with the many anecdotes and solutions that it presents. However, I rate this lower than other books out there. A better book, in my opinion, will "Dealing with People You Can't Stand: How to Bring Out the Best in People at Their Worst", author Rick Brinkman. I prefer the Brinkman book for providing an easier-to-remember template for identifying the types of problem-personalities, the possible underlying reasons as to their behavior, and a set of action-steps to deal with people who are behaving at their worst.



5. A fortune cookie will give you better advice than this book will. In fact, much of the author's advice sounds like it came directly from a fortune cookie... actually, maybe not, since fortune cookie writers are more creative and resort less frequently to cliches than does Dr. Graham.
   Each chapter follows the same format. She begins by describing in painstaking detail some scenario involving a difficult person. I would have been satisfied with a brief summary of what the problem was, but instead the author treats us to pages of "he said" "then she said" dialogue, and vivid descriptions of how the persecuted person feels about each of the "he said" and "she said" statements. I suppose in a way this technique did make me sympathize with the non-difficult person in the scenario, because after reading the accounts I started to hate the difficult person too.
   
   After the lengthy setup, the author then asks the reader what he or she would do in that situation. She presents a variety of possible actions, some of which are clearly stupid (the equivalent of cussing someone out in a meeting) and others which might be advisable. However, she gives no clear guidance as to the best course of action, which made me wonder "Why am I reading this book?"
   
   At the conclusion of each drawn out chapter are "take home messages," which sound like they came from the author's local Chinese takeout place... I suspect that she eats a lot of Lo Mein, and builds each chapter around whatever vague advise her fortune cookie offers that night.

5 comments about The Eagle's Secret.

1. For anyone struggling with the turbulance and stress of life in the 1990s, this book is full of helpful advice and insprational wisdom. I enjoyed the author's autobiographical references which gave me the impression that we were side by side in the trenches, working thins out together. This is also a very clear, readable book that does not try to make simple concepts difficult. It is a that works for anyone, from a teenager coping with the challenges of growing up, to a senior citizen trying to find renewal and purpose. This is sure to be a book that I will recommend and give to family and friends.



2. When I was given a copy of the Eagle's Secret by a friend, I was in the midst of a professional crisis. My marriage had deteriorated because I didn't give enough time to my family. Despite the excessive amount of time I spent working, my company suffered financial setbacks that provoked a hostile takeover - with no job security for me. Wile I was in a deep depression, I received this book. Even though I had not been open to "self-help" before, I thought I had better read it anyway. It became my companion out of the darkness and has since helped me to gain balance and renewed optimism about the future. Whether you are in crisis or just trying to live life more fully, make sure to read The Eagle's Secret.



3. Like most people, I let the day to day issues of life sweep me away. As a longtime student of spirituality, I know better than to get into the chaos and negativity around me. But alas, I'm human. It requires constant discipline to move from participation in dysfunction to focusing on what we really want for our lives. When I read David McNally's first book, EVEN EAGLES NEED A PUSH, I found it to be just what I needed to get through a difficult divorce. Now, I'm again in life transition, considering a radical career change and possible cross-country move. I'm blessed to have found THE EAGLE'S SECRET. It is almost as though this book was written especially for me. We all need to be reminded that although we don't have control over the circumstances around us, we DO have control over our thoughts. I'd like to make this book mandatory reading for everyone who is still breathing!



4. I had my technical writing class (11th-graders) read this book--they loved it and thought it was very worthwhile. It was a great springboard for discussion.



5. Unlike the author's earlier book, Even Eagles Need A Push, this book is about survivors and thrivers. The Thriving Inventory at the start of the book is an exercise well worth doing honestly. The score will give some perspective to your level of thrivership.The rest of the book is devoted to each of the seven components of thriving. To find value from the book, it would be useful to do all the exercises in the book. The book is an excellent workbook to discover more about yourself, your capability, talents and view about life. A useful companion to the author's earlier book, Even Eagles Need A Push.

5 comments about The ROGUE WARRIORS STRATEGY FOR SUCCESS.

1. I have read several business success books but none of the others even came close to this one. Marcinko cuts through all the politics and political correctness and delivers an excellent set of principles applicable to any industry. His war stories are more than just entertaining, they really drive home the points that he is making about the importance of planning, training, etc. This is must reading for everyone who is a warrior at heart regardless of their field of endeavor.



2. Another good motivational book from the Rogue, but I have seen much of the same ideas in a lot of his other books. I would still recommend it to anyone intrested in looking for a good motivational book.



3. Great book. I like Dickie's straight forward, everything goes approach. Very practical and useful advice you can put to use right away no matter what your career is.



4. When I first put this tape in I thought to myself what the heck is this guy going on about. But I kept on going. It will grow on you. Richard's navy seal strategy to success is definitely one of the original motivational tapes out there. With a warriors attitude and what the author describes as "Testical Fortitude" you know your in for a ride. The author takes real navy missions and turns them into business strategies. With a philosophy of breaking rules only hurts the person who made the rules Richard just puts a foot in the face of whoever stands in the way. Dont be a follower. Set the standard not live up to it. Its a very inspiring look at a different approach to success. Exciting and motivating.



5. Don't take everything he says literally and you'll be fine after reading this book.
   
   The book is entertaining and very well written. The stories used to illustrate the points made are usually an adventure in themselves.
   
   Richard Marcinko practices what he preaches and this book will tell you how to do the same.
   
   Buy this book!

2 comments about How to Master Life: The Science Behind "The Secret".

1. Save your money if you have bought The Secret. A better book is the Law of Attraction by Jerry and Esther Hicks on how to apply the secret.



2. This book contains some wonderful information. It explains in a few sentences HOW to create in a new way that finally gave me that 'ah ha' about this whole media frenzied "Secret" phenonomen. For that alone it was worth the price of the book.
   
   However the book goes on to explain some principles which are at work to support and allow 'The Secret' to work.
   
   Money was tight, so I put the book back on the shelf, but the information stayed with me, kind of haunting me with its wisdom. I went back the next night to buy it.
   
   Give it a try and see.
   
   P.S. I have the Ester/Hicks book mentioned by the other reviewer. Though the information in the Hicks book seems valid - I can't quite put my finger on why, but my gut feeling reading the channeled words is to not trust it 100%. Another reason for me why "How to Master Life" really spoke to me.
   
   Blessings....

5 comments about You Want Me to Work with Who?: Eleven Keys to a Stress-Free, Satisfying, and Successful Work Life . . . No Matter Who You Work With.

1. This is an excellent resource for anyone who is trying to sucessfully navigate the professional environment. The book provides straightforward guidance and handy tips for how to handle those challenging personality types. Wish I had this book years when I started working!



2. Julie Jansen gives solid advice on how to get a work life you like. I love her self-assessment exercises - they can help everyone.



3. I was a big fan of Julie Jansen's after reading her first book, "I Don't Know What I Want, But I Know It's Not This." In fact, reading that book at an important juncture in my life helped successfully propel me forward to go back to school for my MFA and to reignite my passion for writing. So I just had to read "You Want Me to Work with Who?" when it came out. There is a real longevity value to this book. It's not trendy or too "today." I think the advice given will apply ten years from now, and I also think it can be applied to a lot of different situations (not just "the office" - in fact, I thought about how helpful this book can be for everything from going back for an MBA or joining the PTO - situations that attract very different personalities!) What I love most about Julie's books are that there is a depth to them. The experience is not just about reading words, but you have the opportunity to do exercises that let you look inside yourself and how the concepts she writes about apply to you and your situations - while giving realistic advice about what to do.



4. I left the corporate world several years ago to escape drudgery
   and daily bickering with employees. Now I hold my client's hands instead of my employees!
   
   Ms. Jansen's no nonsense approach to dealing with difficult individuals really resonates with me. Whether you answer to a Board of Directors, or to Yourself, read this book! She asks you to examine YOUR behavior as well. Bravo Julie!!!!
   
   Keep your sense of humor, remain optimistic, breathe & get this book for your or your company's library!!!
   
   Chris Cold Spring NY



5. Just got off a cross-country trip, where I started/finished this week.It's a great "plane book".
   
   In all honesty, wish I had read this some years back at a time when I had a very difficult boss.
   
   It's an easy read with some good, practical suggestions.
   
   There is also a self-assessment component, something I usually dislike, but here I really got into it and found the "results" sometimes surprising (to me).
   
   Even if you don't hate your boss/job, I think it's an interesting read. Also a perfect gift for those friends who are constantly whining about their bosses!
   
   I rate it a 4 out of 5 because, at least for me, it got a bit wordy at the end. If you start skim-reading toward the end, it's a def 5!

3 comments about Faith.

1. I am so surprised that these books are not more well-known... There should already be ten reviews here. I've read all three of A. C. Ping's books in this "series": BE, DO, and FAITH. Now, I am going to re-read them all and try to put what I've learned into daily practice.
   
   Not that Ping is trying to give you 5 easy steps to enlightenment or anything like that... rather, he provides clarity and insight on many of the things that hold you back and drag you down, and points the way toward a healing, all-encompassing kind of faith--not limited to a particular religion or religion in particular.
   
   What makes Ping's voice so unique: He walks a tightrope above New-Age, Pseudo-Science, and Religion... but walks the tightrope exceedingly well. He never falls into the safety net of what has already been said a million times in a million self-help books. His voice is fresh without being trendy or commercial. He spices things up with the occassional curse word or two.
   
   He's down-to-earth, witty, and doesn't try to be your guru.
   
   He's more like a great friend who offers wonderful perspective and insight without coming across as a flawless, know-it-all. So rare!!
   
   I recommend these books highly! Start with BE, follow up with DO, and then feel the refreshing healing in FAITH. You won't regret it!



2. As a fan of Alistair's "Be" and "Do" series, I looked forward to reading his recently released "Faith." I suspected he'd shared most of his practical, real life wisdom in the first two books, and wasn't expecting hugely revelatory insights in "Faith."
   
   Instead, I found myself dog-earing page after page of brilliant quotes, revelatory life stories and universal perspectives. Every interesting conversation I had for the following weeks related back to something I'd learned (or remembered) in Ping's "Faith."
   
   It isn't just that he has mastered (and shares) the basics of life, but that his presentation style is amazingly engaging and entertaining. What more could we ask?
   
   As an attraction coach, I recommended it to every client I work with who could benefit from one all-encompassing down-to-earth text.
   
   Jeannette Maw, Good Vibe Coaching



3. Like many, my e-mail box is stuffed with aphorisms, witty sayings, proverbs and quotes from friends, students and colleagues. Many of these say pretty much the same thing, but use different kinds of expression. So I just delete most of it.
   
   As well, in picking-up Ping's little book, I thought I would find in its pages pretty much the same old thing - a colorful and perhaps even childish account of the nature and meaning of faith. But I was wrong. Ping's book is neither a collection of feel good pap, nor is it a complicated essay filled with obscure theological "insights." His messages are simple, powerful, democratic - and needed. What are those messages? We have a reason to be here even if we don't understand it. Our lives matter, even if we don't think so at times. We can change our lives radically, even when we are afraid, or we can let the fear control us. We will face challenges when transforming ourselves, even loneliness and despair and thoughts that we have done something monumentally stupid, but all of that can be used to teach us important lessons as we look to become what our spirits are calling us to become. We can stop being afraid, because there is nothing to be afraid of - not really. And, we must learn to trust events rather than try to control all the details of the journey.
   
   Regardless of your religious tradition, Ping's words can ring true. But first, you must have a little faith. Just a little. For, according to Ping, a little faith goes a long way.

No comments about Letting Go of What's Holding You Back: Maximize Your Happiness in Work, Love, and Life.

5 comments about True North: Discover Your Authentic Leadership.

1. I particularly enjoyed reading about the different leaders highlighted in this book. I liked that the authors included leaders from so many different walks of life and illustrated both their triumphs and defeats. This book is a really good resource for leaders in any industry, leadership scholars, and students of leadership.



2. This book can be boiled down to one piece of advice: be nice. That's it.
   
   That was the good part of the book. Everyone benefits when everyone is nice. To get that far, however, the reader must find his way through hackneyed sayings, inept metaphors, and blatant self contradictions.
   
   Here are two examples of the above, to be found in the first 5 pages of the book. 1) The central metaphor of the book is that the aspiring leader must follow his internal compass to find his "true north". Well, had Mr. George done any research other than citing himself, he would have found that a compass does not point to true north. Granted, this slip has nothing to do with his central thesis, but it is representative of the general intellectual laziness with which Mr. George has infused his book. 2) In the very beginning of the book, Mr. George claims that there is no way to categorize different types of leaders. The last chapter is a description of different categories of leadership!!!
   
   But the most insidious part of this exercise is that fact that Mr. George presents himself as an academic in the center of management research. If one looks at the references in the back of the book, fully 75% of them are citations of Mr. George's earlier works!
   
   So in sum, what one gets in this book:
   1) Common Sense advice for $20
   2) Lazy metaphors
   3) Self Contradiction
   4) No intellectual rigor. How do we know that his study was broad enough to support his claims?
   5) A self aggrandizing work typical of the current generation of academic management snake oil salesman.



3. One of the greatest books ever written on Leadership. Not just in leading others but a true book on how to lead yourself. If you cannot lead you, no one will follow you. True leadership is defined by your ability to turn those under you into leaders themselves. True North also helps define where you are in your every day process, how to recognize those distractions that sometime seem like opportunities, that really only take you off of your True Course and destiny.



4. One of America's most successful executives Bill George (Medtronic) and Peter Sims provide, in "True North," us with a manual on "how-to" discovering and build on our unique and authentic leadership story. Their approach is based on what is most important to you, your most cherished values, your passions and motivations, the sources of satisfactions in your life. Your "True North," according to the authors, is the internal compass that guides you successfully through life and helps you stay on track. When aligned with one's True North, one finds coherence between their life story and their capacity to lead.
   
   George and Sims interviewed 125 leaders, ages 23 to 93, from many walks of life as foundation for "True North." All interviewed described a turning point in their lives - a crucible - that transformed them into the leaders they are today. There are over 100 such stories in this book including those of Howard Schultz, George Shultz, David Gergen, Charles Schwab, Andrea Jung, and Wendy Kopp. Their leadership success emerges from their life story.
   
   These stories point out the reality "that no one can be authentic by trying to be like someone else." Leaders are defined by their unique life stories and the way they frame their stories to discover their passions and the purpose of their leadership.
   
   The book is segmented into three major sections: I., Leadership is a Journey; II., Discover Your Authentic Leadership; and III., Empowering People to Lead. A practical five-part program is outlined in Section II for developing one's best self and shows how authenticity and integrity shape great leadership. This five part development program includes:
   
   * Knowing yourself
   * Practicing your values and principles
   * Learning what motivates you
   * Building a support team
   * Staying grounded and integrating your life
   
   "True North" not only provides a path for authentic leadership but highlights why this type of leadership is both necessary and wanted...it is about a very different kind of leader, one who is ethically grounded, one that we can be proud to follow. Ethically grounded leadership is possible and it is, most often, the most effective (authentic) leadership of all.



5. "True North"- Discover your authentic leadership"- the mere title grabbed me .
   Perhaps there is an inherent desire for people to be truthful and to seek true direction.
   
   The book has an appeal for everyone. Everyone is in some way a leader. This book is most assuredly one for anyone.
   
   During a recent hospitalization my surgeon told me the title of the book he was reading .He said it was "fascinating" . He said he gets up at 5:45a.m. to read a portion each morning.
   When I was home and able to get to the computer I ordered it.
   
   It is broken down into segments. It can be used as a periodic but ongoing exercise to improve one's lifestyle. It can confirm, correct and/or inspire.
   
   My overall impression was - being a good example is "powerful", contrary to- being "powerful" is a good example.
   
   As soon as my son returns the book- I will read it again. My hairdresser
   wanted to borrow it as well.
   
   My doctor was right- it is a fascinating book.

1 comments about The Sexual Ecstasy Workbook.

1. This is a clearly-written little book with fun suggestions for exercises in intimacy. I highly recommend it!

5 comments about Profiling Your Date: A Smart Woman's Guide to Evaluating a Man.

1. Im the kind of girl who allows her heart and her head to both have a say in her dating decisions. This book helped me do it in a thoughtful, evidence-based way. Most people have certain personality traits which causes them to behave in predictable fashions. The book descibes these traits and explains the behaviour it causes. It really helps you get into someone's mind. And being in someone's shoes (or mind) helps you understand them and communicate better. On the flip side - if some guy is trying to pull a fast one on you or has serious psychopathic tendencies- this book clues you into the tell tale signs to watch for!
   The best part of the book is way the author has integrated the science with humor and wit. Easy read with tons of good advice!



2. I bought this book and have read it all the way through. It has great tips that even I can use. Just because I'm a guy doesn't mean I can't use these tips on how to profile someone and then use them to profile women.



3. Who said that thinking like a therapist was a pre-requisite to dating? No one did, and no one should take this book seriously. Why?
   
   "Profiling Your Date" is one of those types of books written to help you solve a problem where a problem does not exist, chiefly, how to determine using a pre-set guide what red-flags to look for as you, the woman, begin your "analysis" of your date.
   
   What the "doctor" fails to understand, or perhaps simply does not understand is that, whether you are a man or whether you are a woman isn't the heart of the matter. Both men and women have preferences in their desires for members of the opposite sex, and in the dating arena it simply is ludicrous for any one (again, man or woman) to base their prefernces on psychological criteria developed by someone else, aka, the "doctor".
   
   Quite simply, the "doctor" has forgotten that dating was and is as natural and as much a part of normal life as waking up in the morning, shaving, showering, getting dressed and going about your business. It is second nature: there isn't second guessing or guess work. You don't need to buy a book, take a course or read a seminar. The doctor forgets that there are no "dating" experts: they don't exist, because there is no need. I mean, come on: who learns how to drive, gets their license and still drives around with an instructor in the car? No body.
   
   If you want to date, just do it. Be yourself, and take as little personal baggage into the adventure as you possibly can. Both men and women (mature men and women) prefer others who, yes, are attractive, appealing and possess physcial traits that they admire and adore. But equally as important, men and women intrinsically know, from their unique perspective, if you, the member of the opposite sex, know yourself, like yourself and offer to yourself and to others the harmony, passion and romance which are key ingredients in making dating or a long term relationship work.
   
   Believe me...please believe me! This book will screw you up into thinking your date has problems, when in fact, if you discover anything wrong with him or her, it will actually be a reflection of the short comings you have failed to come to grips as being your own.
   
   Doctor - do us a favor...don't become an M.D. Thanks.



4. Had the pleasure of meeting author YEARS ago when a friend of mine, C. Guajardo was her friend and lived in Ohio. Mrs C G recommended this book after my divorce and making my way back into singlehood. Boy did this book give me some clarity on my former marriage.. Hope it helps for the next one too... A MUST READ For SINGLE GIRLS!!!!



5. Sometime's even smart women need a little guidance! I really liked the approach that Caroline took with this book, not following the trend of other dating books by trying to be quirky with catchy lingo or too hip. She came across like one smart woman to another...even a little therapist thrown in but not in an obvious way. I felt like I was listening to a friend tell me like it is, someone who actually cared about my well-being so I was willing to sit and listen. She hits on all the basic topics but still allows the reader to make up her own mind. Certainly every situation out there can't be black and white so it was refreshing to read that I had options for once. I was most interested in the commitment phobic men chapters and how to see the warning signs rather than someone who just isn't interested in me. I felt that I learned something by reading this, all without feeling juvenile. This book works for all ages and I hope other smart women will pick it up!