Breakthrough IT Change Management: How to Get Enduring Change Results

Book Description

This is a *different* book on change management. Using commonsense and practical advice tested in their work with hundreds of organizations, the authors walk the reader through clear guidelines and checklists to implement change that works.
Readers will develop a change management strategy
that starts by diagnosing the current culture and organization, then prepares for change carefully, addresses resistance to change, develops the change strategy, measures results, builds momentum for further change, and prevents deterioration and reversion.
The authors then apply their framework to two areas that are major targets for change management: implementing new technology and systems and implementing successful e-business strategies. Included throughout are real-world examples from a number of industries and government.

* This method has been used successfully in over 70 organizations in over 20 countries.
* Commonsense and jargon-free approach focuses on the realities of implementing change in real world
* Most of the book deals with getting the change established, measurement, and practical ways to sustain the change long-term

Customer Reviews:

Solid path through a political minefield.......2004-06-20

Changing IT is akin to herding cats because as a whole there is a legacy mindset at one end of the spectrum, and lack of discipline at the other. This book provides a workable approach to changing the culture and effecting real change.

As in their other books the authors take a project-oriented approach to the goals and objectives. Where other books that attempt to address this subject are focused on solely human factors and considerations, this one does that, but gives a structured approach as well. The set milestones and wealth of associated checklists are what set this book apart from others, and are the means of systematically changing IT in an effective manner.

To be sure, human factors are taken into consideration - the authors show a keen understanding of, and give advice for dealing with, organizational dynamics, politics and resistance to change. This is an essential set of knowledge and skill factors without which change cannot be accomplished.

The keys to the approach given in this book, though, are in the chapters dealing with defining your goals and developing an overall strategy, then selecting the approach that is most suitable for your organization. The project-oriented aspects are covered in chapters dealing with characterizing "as-is" tasks, planning, and working towards the long-term objectives. The approach also includes a viable measurement strategy with which to ascertain results, and advice on how to build enthusiasm and support - instead of resistance - as the change initiative is being implemented. A key chapter is "Prevent Reversion and Fallback", which all too frequently happens in the real world. By recognizing this particular risk in change and addressing how to prevent it the authors provide sound advice to avoid a major pitfall.

Overall this is an excellent book by two authors who I hold in high regard. I also recommend reading "RoadMap: How to understand, diagnose, and fix your organization" (ISBN 0964163527) in conjunction with this book because it contains information that will help you select and develop an optimum overall strategy for an IT organization that is customer-focused and efficiently run.

Book Description

Since 1973, Storey's Country Wisdom Bulletins have offered practical, hands-on instructions designed to help readers master dozens of country living skills quickly and easily. There are now more than 170 titles in this series, and their remarkable popularity reflects the common desire of country and city dwellers alike to cultivate personal independence in everyday life.

Book Description

From parents to executives to emergency-services personnel, fear is a part of our everyday lives. It can cause us to perform poorly in pressure situations or lead us to worry until we’re immobilized, panic-stricken, or just plain helpless. In Intelligent Fear, author Michael Clarkson presents an in-depth look at this debilitating force—from its prehistoric origins to its numerous modern incarnations—and offers effective formulas that help change fear from a weakness into a strength. In clear, concise language, Clarkson teaches readers how to adapt the fear response to the twenty-first century, change the mind-body chemistry in order to focus on the task at hand, hone mental powers to help handle pressure situations, and much more. Intelligent Fear shows that if handled correctly, fear can actually work for us, giving us strength and courage when we need it the most. Based on thirteen years of research, Clarkson’s own personal experiences, and interviews with more than 1,000 super-achievers, scientists, and crisis survivors, Intelligent Fear is a surefire formula for self-improvement.

Intelligent Fear: How to Make Fear Work for You

Average customer rating:

Intelligent Fear: How to Make Fear Work for You
Michael Clarkson
Manufacturer: KEY PORTER
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OJQ69G

Book Description

This simple 'how to' explains why the sea never changes despite the incredible progress of technology.

Customer Reviews:

NOT a narrative--this is a guidebook, or handbook.......2007-08-14

This is the last book published under Moitessier's name--he never finished it himself--of tips he had collected over the years. It's divided into three sections: (1) preparing a boat, (2) sailing, navigating, weather forecasting; and (3) how to become self sufficient once you reach your island paradise. It's a practical guide, NOT a story, but if you are interested in tips on how Moitessier learned to harvest coconuts, plant a garden on an Atoll, (he brought his own topsoil) or built many of his boats then this could be for you.

a little behind the times.......2005-09-13

In my opinion, a metal boat in the tropics, using 50 year old technology, is way behind the times. He does share some interesting ways of doing things, and has a unique philosophy.

Moitessier thought.......2000-05-05

When the great Moitessier died in 1994, was working to his "manual", and " A Sea Vagabond's World ", finished by his companion Veronique and printed in 1996, is the result, the summa of his thought. You have to forgot electronic equipment, regatta tactics, crowded moorings... and enter in his philosophy, in his primitive method of rigging, in his innumerable astuteness that at the right moment may be your salvation. Feel how is a life in an atoll, in harmony with everything and everybody. If you will follow his philosophy even only in a Sunday sailing, you will feel better, more autonomous, free and you will understood what beautiful and big is the world and you will wish only to set out and sail on it.

Amazon.com

Musicians practice. Athletes practice. And so, too, argues Judy Reeves, should writers practice. Her Writer's Book of Days provides a "writing prompt" for each day of the year, and then some: "Write about a time someone said yes"; "Write about leaving"; "Something seemed different." The more you practice, says Reeves, the more you write. And writing from a prompt, she adds, is like having "someone provid[e] the music when you want to dance." The prompts are the backbone of this book, but its pages are fleshed out with advice, inspiration, quotations from writers, encouragement, and a profusion of literary tidbits. Write from the sense, Reeves recommends. Audition words. Take risks. And when all else fails, amuse yourself with these astonishing tidbits from literary lives: T.S. Eliot, we learn, preferred writing with a head cold; Flaubert kept his lover's slippers and mittens in his desk drawer; and Friedrich von Schiller liked to invoke his muse by sniffing rotten apples. --Jane Steinberg

Book Description

Playwright and editor Judy Reeves has taught writing, led creative writing workshops, and participated in writing groups for years. A Writer’s Book of Days is a compilation of all that she’s learned from getting together to write with other people. She says, “the book came about because I saw the difference ongoing, regular practice could make in a writer’s life.” Practice makes perfect, and this book makes practice easy by providing writers and would-be writers with stimulating topics, helpful instruction, monthly guidelines, dozens of inspiring quotes, writerly lore, and tips for special writing sessions such as marathons, cafe writing, and other ways to make the work of writing more creative and fun.

Customer Reviews:

Outstanding book.......2006-03-14

This is wonderful for kicking of thoughts or story ideas with a suggested topic for each day. Fantastic!

Great Help to Young Writers.......2006-01-29

This book is an excellent tool for the young writer. It gets you writing every single day with all kinds of helpful prompts. Also in this book are helpful hints, looks at how other writers work, quotes, and exercises. This is by far the most useful book on writing I have bought thus far. I highly recommend it for writers who want to write everyday, but struggle with it and don't want to keep an actual journal. Through these exercises, I have had more story ideas this month than I did all of last year.

like an old friend...........2005-04-14

This book is one of my favorites. The author has such a friendliness about her writing, as if she is holding a conversation with you over a cup of coffee.
Her writing prompts are creative and lively, and will get you writing.
I love the quotes. Just about every page has a quote from a well known writer about writing.
Judy has plenty of advice in this book. She also fills it with hers, and others writing experiences.
Although the book is arranged so that it follows the twelve months, it doesn't have to be read that way. Many times I've just flipped to a page and started reading. I always came out of it inspired and ready to write.

Fantastic for the Writer in You!.......2005-01-26

Every writer should have this book in their Library. The prompts can be used in any way but I like them as they are planned out by date. If you enjoy prompt writing or are just in need of extra support this is a fantastic book.

I do not recommend buyin her Kit as it is very similar to this book. And this book is the Gem to complete your Journal topics.

The Perfect Writing Buddy - Lots of Ideas and Inspiration.......2004-12-08

I am always on the look out for quality writing books which will inspire me as a writer and that I can recommend to others to inspire their writing as well. Judy Reeve's well received book is successful on both counts - exceeds my hopes and expectations in every way (except, perhaps for the unusual color choice of orange for a highlight color in the layout of the book.)

The book is simple to understand and implement. Each month of the year has a guideline, some interesting content with fun facts like James Michener started writing at age 40 and easy to follow tips of the month.

There is a writing prompt for every day of the year. No writer would be lost for ideas with this book close at hand. I can see myself using it and re-using it and re-using it.

Reeves comes across as a writing buddy sharing thoughts and guidance in perfectly reasonable and re-readable doses.

Book Description

The Punisher discovers a strange society that lives in the subway tunnels of New York and their tie to the rampant disappearance of homeless people, and meets the one person maybe even deadlier than himself - Elektra!

Customer Reviews:

Not a great book, but an ambitious one..........2004-08-24

This one can't quite live up to Business as Usual, but continues to merge the two sides of Garth Ennis (the "Preacher" side and "The Punisher" side). The story of corrupt cops is slightly generic. The story of the man and his search for a giant squid feels like filler. What makes the entire book worth it is the disturbing tale of the homeless and their hunt for victims used for unthinkable purposes. This one story is probably the best writing Ennis has given us since Preacher. Not a great book, but an ambitious one.

Punisher Vs Wolverine.......2004-05-09

This was a great volume in the Punisher series.
Though the Wolverine/Frank Castle Team was a little odd but comes back to pace around the end of there conflict. Mob bosses that are shorter than an 8 year is funny too.

This isn't Ennises best but it is one of his finest.
This one also had some pretty violent scense. Poor wolverine is what I can tell you. If you're a fan of the punisher series check this one out. Its a great one for some one who wants to see wolverine get what he deserves.

decent feature story, poor back-up.......2004-02-06

I had come to hope for the best from Garth Ennis, who many have said is the definitive Punisher writer. For the most part I have enjoyed his other Punisher stuff (including Born and Welcome Back Frank), unfortunately this one falls short of the mark. This trade starts off pretty well with a standard story about corrupt cops and how Frank should handle it. Not bad, but nothing I havent seen before. The next one around is about a mob enforcer who is obsessed with finding a giant squid, he looks for it off the East River or something. It was pretty strange, but I liked the change of pace. The third story was terrible, it revolves around bums from the tunnels of New York kidnapping people for some strange purpose. How many times does this lame plot have to be rehashed? Everyone from Neil Gaiman in his novel Neverwhere to Todd McFarlane have done this story to death. It also takes a turn for the pointlessly grotesque when it is revealed that the leader of the bums was trapped for days under his enormously fat mother after she had a heart attack. It may sound interesting but the story just ends up being disgusting. Big dissapointment there. Not the best of efforts from Ennis, who can be provacative but here trades his edginess for standard plotting and stupid gross outs.

"Filled muh pants for Jesus, Captain!".......2004-01-14

Although I've enjoyed the latest Punisher comic series for the most part, I feel that writer Garth Ennis-- known far and wide for penning some of the most bizarre and sickeningly funny stories in the four-color realm-- is tryin' TOO hard to be bizarre with each new issue that comes out, and it just isn't working like it used to. I also think he might be suffering from a bit of burnout and/or is slightly miffed with Marvel placing certain limitations on what he can do in the book, and thus isn't making as great an effort to really cut loose like he usually does. Which shouldn't be too much of a problem anymore, as the Punisher and Ennis move on to the gore-splattered, obscenity-laden, and nudieful Max line next month (as of this writing)...

Oddly enough, this collection starts out with a rather normal and surprisingly down-to-earth story arc. It's a "cops-on-the-take-vying-for-redemption" tale that plays out and ends in pretty much the same way as most "cops-on-the-take-vying-for-redemption" tales do. For the most part, the titular anti-hero is an observer and pot-stirrer of the events as they unfold, although he does get a few kills in to keep in shape.

Following the police corruption story is a one-shot featuring a mobster with a strange hobby who is haunted by the ghosts of colleagues recently taken out by the Punisher. The spirits eventually harangue the guy into taking revenge on their killer, and he almost succeeds in carrying out his vengeance. That's when the Ennis-trademark "bizarre" element comes into play to seal his fate. Which wasn't quite as bizarre or as amusing as one would usually expect from the writer...

Winding things up is the main man running through the NYC subway tunnels followed by a soup kitchen attendant, searching for the "man down below" who is recruiting street bums to... well, you'll hafta see it to believe it. The "bizarre" element here is the origin of the "man down below" shown in flashbacks to his childhood and a mother who makes Rosie O'Donnell look like an Ethiopian. Speakin' of mothers: half the dialogue the "man down below" utters are loud shouts of "MOMMMEEEE!" Which most likely is Ennis' response to the fans who were gettin' a bit sick 'n' tired of previous Punisher characters-- mostly mobsters and allegedly macho men--uttering "mommy" just before they get waxed in some unusual fashion. Or it could be a culmination of the scribe's frustration with Marvel over the somewhat watered-down dialogue he was allowed to write for the pre-Max books. Of course, I could just be looking a bit too deeply into the whole affair... but I doubt it.

'Late

Never quite kicks into full gear.......2004-01-01

Volume 4 of the Punisher TPB series; Full Auto collects three stories that are alright but never quite kick into high gear. The first story concerns our favorite vigilante on the trail of two cops that may be dirty, the second tale focuses on a mobster obsessed with what may be an urban legend, and the final story finds Frank going toe to toes with a horde of homeless people underground. The first story is worth the price of admission alone, but the second story is disappointing to say the least. The final story manages to be effectively creepy and reminiscent of Garth Ennis' Preacher series. The art in all the tales is solid, but this TPB collection actually manages to show Ennis at his best and near worst as a writer. All in all, this isn't the overall worst Punisher collection of Ennis' current run, and is worth a look for Punisher fans.

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