paul@paulmisner.com

Cover of new Eminem book

My wife was nice enough to snag me a copy of the new Eminem autobiography, “The Way I Am”. From the size of the book, and the artistic cover, I thought that it would be a decent thing to look at while doing the jazz/coffee thang.
I was pleasantly surprised to find a somewhat short (=my attention span) story of hard work, creativity, perseverance, and insight.

I got more out of this read than I’ve gotten out of most of the “motivational” and “creative” how-to business books I’ve read this year.

I really appreciate that Mr. Matthers is honest about some of the mistakes he has made, and mentions that he still has some issues with anger management. The honesty added to the credibility of his story.

I used to do volunteer work with abused and neglected teens. With all the kids I worked with, Eminem’s lyrics struck a chord with them that I didn’t see with any other artist.  He had a similar upbringing to a lot of the kids that I work with, and he showed, by his example, a way to bust out of that life.

I’ll take motivation and inspiration from anywhere I can get it, and I certainly found it in this book.

I don’t know if I’d buy this if I wasn’t a fan of Mr. Matthers. The story is short, and you could probably finish it in a day or so. For the interested, non-fan, library’s probably a good choice on this one.

But if you leave this book around the house, it might become a way to sneak some positive values into a rebellious teen.

The politically correct and easily offended should stay away. This is not your book.

A good read, great artwork, a very nice gift for a fan.

Leadership, Management, Spirituality

I am a big fan of Vital Smarts books, training, and CD’s. Their first book, Crucial Conversations, contains essential skills needed for success working with other people. It was only later in my studies that I realized that Vital Smarts borrowed liberally from the world of non-violent communications studies.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/mH3Z4ME6TBUY2/ref=ent_fb_link

I wasn’t as enthused about the second book, (Crucial Confrontations), but felt it was worthwhile nontheless. I view it as a supplement to Crucial Conversations, which focuses mostly on the having conversations when there is a confrontation at stake.

Well, I’m extremely happy to say that Vital Smarts new book, Influencer – The Power to Change Anything, is not an example of the law of diminishing returns. This book is arguably the best thing coming out of Vital Smarts.

This book is a study of what works in the field of Influence, and borrows from social and positive psychology, management, sociology, and non-violent communications. The folks from Vital Smarts borrow from everybody, but come up with something that is cohesive, unique, and effective.

Mixed in with the data, are numerous examples and case studies that serve not only clarify the content, but make the book an easy read as well.

This book is a must read, (or a must listen to), if you want to understand the tools to make change in your life, your company, and your world. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or reduce disease progression in an impoverished country, Influencer has something for you.

www.vitalsmarts.com

Communications, Leadership, Management, Marketing, Sales

I went to the book store to get my latest basketful of business CD’s. Almost as a joke, I picked up Robert Sutton’s book, The No Asshole Rule.  I’ve worked with difficult people in the past, and hear stories from friends of mine inside and outside the industry about difficult people, including staff, coworkers, spouses, and others.  I thought that this would be fun, and as Fat Albert says, “If I wasn’t careful, I might learn something, too”.

I did have fun, and I did learn something too.  Sutton gives an overview of how assholes affect business, from a human relations, legal liability, operational cost, and in terms of loss sales and employee turnover. He does this using examples that are sickening, amazing, and (with the passage of time and no personal involvement) humorous as well.

These examples are also educational. Sutton gives a number of good tactics towards eliminating and disempowering the asshole. Sutton provides a number of good ways for companies and groups to avoid even hiring a difficult person.

Finally, Sutton steps into what is arguably dangerous territory. He talks about the positive side of the asshole, and turning on the inner asshole inside you.

The audio book is not without flaws. I didn’t think that the reader’s vocal temperment and pacing were in line with what Sutton was teaching. It just sounded a little bombastic to me.  I felt that Sutton should have addressed more the dilemma of dealing with an asshole you have no power to get rid of, asshole management, I guess.

Finally, it might not be an appropriate book to listen to when traveling with passengers occupying booster seats in your car.  So buy it, and put on those headphones.

How To, Leadership, Management

  I’ve been noticing that an increasing number of my customers are out of balance. Too much work, too much time at the office, not keeping things in balance. I got a copy of True North from the library, and found the book so important that I ordered a dozed copies for these customers.

This book is destined to be a classic on the level of How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and Napoleon Hill’s Think and Grow Rich.  As the compass on the cover shows, this book is about finding direction, and working with a leadership style that matches your soul’s purpose.

There are lots of resources available on the site. http://www.truenorthleaders.com/index.htm 

Leadership, Newsletters, Podcasts, Psychology, Videos

Wikiversity has a great outline of the subjects you need expertise in to advance you MBA.

http://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/Topic:Master_of_Business_Administration

Business Law, Economics, How To, Leadership, Management, Negotiating, Website

To me, TED.com is the pick of the litter. Go to this site, and you’ll have access to video lectures from innovative thinkers all over the map. I watch a lecture with my son every night.

www.ted.com

Extra Curricular, Leadership, Podcasts, Videos, Website

Those smart guys and gals over at Booz Allen and Hamilton have created a site with a lot of valuable information. You can see how smart those folks are at http://www.strategy-business.com/

A no cost way of getting some consulting help.

Leadership, Management, Podcasts

An audio supplement to the Harvard Program on Negotiation. Great articles on all kinds of negotiations, even raising your kids.

http://www.poncast.com/

Leadership, Management, Negotiating, Podcasts

A really great resource on how to stop “undecision making”. 

From the author:

Decisions are at the heart of leader success, and at times there are critical moments when they can be difficult, perplexing, and nerve-racking. However, the boldest decisions are the safest. This source provides useful and practical guidance for making efficient and effective decisions in both public and private life. Nothing succeeds a success better than another sweet success.

http://home.ubalt.edu/ntsbarsh/opre640/partXIII.htm

Leadership, Psychology, Website

I spend a lot of time online here. A great fountain of information on current business issues.

http://www.insead.edu/home/

Economics, Finances, Leadership, Management, Negotiating, Newsletters, Podcasts, Website