People-Smart Leaders: Maximizing People, Performance, and Profits

Book Description

Much has been written of the importance of workplace social behaviors and values. However, "The missing link in the discussions about the importance of social values in the workplace is a process to measure and monitor the use of the behaviors contained within each value." Empirically defining behavioral performance standards makes it possible to measure, monitor and adjust in real time to improve the efficiency of working relationships, in a manner similar to that for improving technical performances. Quantifying such unquantifiables as open communication, cooperation, trust and mutual respect is the ambitious goal of authors Larry and Michael Cole: two respected business professionals who have made their lives and their livelihoods putting the MBC Software® methodology, as described in People-Smart Leaders, to work. Identifying the three working relationships key to the success of every organization, they provide organizational leaders with a fresh vocabulary and a plentitude of tools for fostering this "people operating system": the foundation for a revolutionary systematic process bringing organizations into a new "people age."

Customer Reviews:

People Smart Leaders.......2006-05-18

Dr. Cole is on target with his identification of the number one issue of leadership; one's basic beliefs about people. The book describes how leaders with a high belief in people and their development have the slight edge over the average leader. I liked the practicality of the book and the reality of potential application. This book is much more than theory or opinion.

Solid & practical information!.......2005-07-18

These authors present an intriguing concept, i.e., measuring to monitor the people or soft skills and to data to continuously improve interpersonal performance and working relationships as my organization uses data to manage and improve our service
delivery service.

If you are interested in personal improvement, you'll be most interested in Chapter 5 as these authors provide several examples of behaviors to create such important values as trust, communication and respect. Any one reading this book could benefit from integrating these behaviors into their day-to-day workplace. And for those of us who are interested in personal development, Chapter 13 is especially useful as it details the windows through which we can learn about ourselves. The authors make an interesting point in that the perception of others is more important than one's self-perception. Finally, Chapter 9, 10, & 11 provide excellent information and a
blueprint to manage the energy systems inherent in organizational change. One reason many organizations struggle with implementing change is not managing the energy systems within change. These authors provide a blueprint to manage these energy systems.

I would highly recommend reading this book.

Emphasis on the Value of People.......2004-12-12

Here's another book written by consultants to articulate their perspectives on the work that leaders must do to guide their organizations to success. Describing a systems orientation to leadership of people, the authors encourage the use of data, assessments,
team work value statements, and their software.

Recognizing that many executives concentrate on the technical aspect of management, using metrics that enable them to measure their performance, the authors focus on "making abstract social skills more empirical." I found the text to be similar to other leadership books, but not delivering new knowledge or breakthrough thinking. Chapter 10 (Blueprint for Change) includes an interesting presentation of the process of overcoming resistance and the impact of persistence on achieving change. There were a few other parts of the book that organized thinking in a helpful format, though the authors used a lot of the reader's time quoting other writers in the leadership field. I was hoping for more original work.

Parts of the book seemed repetitive and, while the authors' software may be helpful, it was mentioned enough that I felt like I was being pitched. Interesting, there was no appendix explaining the software and its applicability. There is an index, but not a bibliography of all the books cited in the text.

Book Description

The first major gold rush in the United States occurred not in California in 1848 but in north Georgia in the 1820s. The discovery of rich deposits of gold in the Cherokee Nation, later to become North Georgia, combined with the peculiar politics of the era to prompt the establishment of a branch mint in Dahlonega, Georgia. Then miners were able to bring their gold to the mint, have it assayed, and receive gold coins in return.

The story of the mint - its establishment, construction, operations, failures, and eventual closing - is a fascinating one, full of conflict and a compelling cast of characters. But this account of the U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega, Georgia is much more than a fascinating story. The cast of characters was involved in a much larger drama. The events surrounding the establishment and operation of the mint reflect the social, political, and economic history of the antebellum United States. In Dahlonega, Georgia, as elsewhere during the Age of Jackson, the social, political, and economic equality for which the age is so noted was more hoped for than real.

The U.S. Branch Mint in Dahlonega, Georgia pleased few people besides those who were fortunate enough to get jobs there. It never coined enough gold to serve the purpose for which it was created - the relief of the nation's chronic shortage of coin. So the director of the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia, the parent U.S. Mint, charged that it was merely a "neighborhood mint." Residents of Dahlonega, Georgia complained that it was not a neighborhood institution; they had no control over the appointments to its offices. Even those who did secure employment in the mint must have wondered at times just how fortunate they were when they had to defend themselves against all kinds of charges from people who were after their jobs.

The Dahlonega Branch Mint closed in 1861, a victim of the Civil War, and was never reopened. But coins bearing the mint mark "D" have become collector's items in the twentieth century. In a story full of irony, that is the final one, for with all the obstacles that faced those who operated the mint, it is something of a miracle that coins perfect enough for circulation were produced there are all.

The authors' sensitivity to historical ironies and their careful and exhaustive use of rare primary source materials make this a useful book for all professional historians. But it is a book for everyone to enjoy. Its compelling narrative, its development of characters, its sense of humor, its lively quotations from the correspondence of the period, and it constant attention to conflict in the community combine to make reading the book a pleasure as well as a profit.

Customer Reviews:

Politics of the US Mint.......2000-06-03

After a recent trip to Dahlonega, Georgia, I'm became obsessed with wanting to know more about the U.S. Mint that had been there and it's history. To say that "The Neighborhood Mint" by Head & Etheridge gave me all the information I ever wanted to know would be an understatement. Their 200-page book is packed with facts, figures, stories, and bits of history that sometimes were overwhelming. At times you get the feeling the authors are "beating a dead horse", but I was never left with mysteries or unanswered questions. Being a student of US coins, I was fascinated as to the role politics played in the coinage of our money, establishment of mints, and whom the mints employed. The authors drill down deep into the personalities and motives of the individual players. Additionally, I was fascinated to learn that Dahlonega was the site of the first American gold rush, not California. The Dahlonega mint never did produce the coinage anticipated by its developers for numerous reasons, which is also explained. I wouldn't recommend this book to the fainthearted. If you are history buff, coin collector, or a student of politics, this is a good read. If you are not, stay away.

Book Description

The Internet has become a major communication medium, where virtually any kind of content can be transferred instantly and reliably between individual users and entire organizations located in any part of the globe. Consequently, more effective and efficient methods and technologies are needed to make the most of the Web's nearly unlimited potential. The new Web-related research directions include intelligent methods usually associated with the fields of computational intelligence, soft computing, and data mining. This book presents state-of-the-art developments in the area of computationally intelligent methods applied to various aspects and ways of Web exploration and Web mining. Some novel data mining algorithms that can lead to more effective and intelligent Web-based systems are also described. Scientists, engineers, and research students are expected to find many inspiring ideas in this volume.

Knowledge Mining: Proceedings of the NEMIS 2004 Final Conference (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing)

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Knowledge Mining: Proceedings of the NEMIS 2004 Final Conference (Studies in Fuzziness and Soft Computing)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540250700

Book Description

This book contains the papers presented during the 3rd International Workshop on Text Mining and its Applications held in Athens, Greece. This workshop is the final event of the activities of a network of excellence in the area of text mining and its applications. Knowledge Mining includes contributions in the areas of: Document processing, visualization techniques, Web mining, Text mining, or knowledge management.

Web Mining: : Applications and Techniques

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Simeonidis Review

Web Mining: : Applications and Techniques

Manufacturer: Idea Group Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Web Mining is moving the World Wide Web toward a more useful environment in which users can quickly and easily find the information they need. Web Mining uses document content, hyperlink structure, and usage statistics to assist users in meeting their needed information. This book provides a record of current research and practical applications in Web searching. It includes techniques that will improve the utilization of the Web by the design of Web sites, as well as the design and application of search agents. This book presents research and related applications in a manner that encourages additional work toward improving the reduction of information overflow, which is so common today in Web search results.

Customer Reviews:

Simeonidis Review.......2005-09-04

The book consists of papers which are writen from many different authors. So , there is an inconsistency in the way it is written. The basic writer has not done anything. He just gave his name.....

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Web Mining: Applications and Techniques.

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IBHROS

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Web Mining: Applications and Techniques.
Anthony Scime
Manufacturer: Scime, Anthony. Web Mining: Applications and Techniques. Hershey, PA: Idea Group, 2005. Quality paperback. 427pp. As new condition.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TAHE7S

Book Description

This small and exquisitely comfortable 16-room hotel has won more awards and has been in greater favor with travel writers than most of the best metropolitan and country house hotels around Britian.

There's a Small Hotel (from on Your Toes )

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There's a Small Hotel (from on Your Toes )
Lee ; Rodgers, Richard Evans
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ILHGK8

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There's a Small Hotel
Stan Cd0048 83357 Getz
Manufacturer: EMPIRE MUSIC GROUP
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 6306252851

Book Description

The latest data on training and education
Stories of success from each field
Advice on assessing job skills and marketing them well in an interview
Expert advice on finding and getting the job
Resources for further career exploration in each specific field

Download Description

The inspiring Careers for You series shows career explorers how to examine the job market through the unique lens of their own interests--and find new happiness in the workplace. Vital information on each job includes: The latest data on training and education Stories of success from each field Advice on assessing job skills and marketing them well in an interview Expert advice on finding and getting the job Resources for further career exploration in each specific field

Careers for the Stagestruck and Other Dramatic Types

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Careers for the Stagestruck and Other Dramatic Types
Lucia Mauro
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OGIYJY

Book Description

PRAISE FOR GETTING YOURS

"Believe it or not, you won't want to put this book down once you get started. That's rare for a book on investing, but this one's a gem."
-Ed McVey, Chairman, Templeton Private Group

"I've known Bambi for many years and have read and enjoyed her first two books, but Getting Yours is the best yet! She inspires her readers to take easy steps to achieve their financial goals. I highly recommend this book to beginners and investment pros alike."
-Victor Norton, Principal, Managing Director of Advisory Services, Kayne Anderson Rudnick

"Finally, a book on personal finance that's fun to read! I'm buying copies for all my friends and family-it's that good!"
-Gloria Mayer, President, Institute for Healthcare Advancement
Coauthor, Goldilocks on Management

Book Description

Despite much talk of being market oriented, few companies have harnessed the full range of their capabilities to serve the customer. In fact, the traditional organization of corporate activities into separate functions with marketing controlling primary access to the customer has widened the gulf of knowledge and understanding between the enterprise and its markets, and within the firm itself. This book provides a practical blueprint for creating dynamic, market-based decision-making mechanisms that lead to competitive advantage. Drawing on his thirty years of executive experience at Eastman Kodak, Xerox, General Motors, and in the public sector, Vincent P. Barabba demonstrates that when companies use systems thinking to view customers and the market as an extension of the firm, they achieve a meeting of the minds--creating value for customer, community, and enterprise. Barabba rejects the path of organizational restructuring and instead presents a unique framework for creating unity of knowledge and purpose across functions and for linking them with the markets they serve.

Customer Reviews:

Want to be market-oriented?.......2002-03-19

This book started with some basic management concepts and marketing concepts such as organizational structures to give you basic ideas on an organization. Then, in the latter chapters, the author introduced the concept of ideal market-based enterprise and brought in the ways to become a market-based enterprise. The Listen-Learn-Lead approach suggested by the author is practical and easy to understand. I love that approach personally since it would be useful for my future career.

As the author possess over 30 years executive experience, you can definitely share his experience in this book. As in this cyber year, the market trend always keep changing, thus being market-oriented is essential to maintain competitive. This book is worth to read if you want your organization to be market-oriented.

Best book on marketing as organisation-wide learning.......1997-03-04

From Chris Macrae wcbn007@easynet.co.uk Join 100 marketing opinion leaders from 15 countries currently discussing this book's vital lessons for organisations with a marketing future. This is where we have got to as of March97... Which are your favourite books or other texts which mesh marketing and learning organisation principles together in such a way that a marketing practitioner will add "learning organisation" constructs to his/her tool kit without worrying whether other people would classify them as marketing work? Two votes for Vince Barabba's book "Meeting of the Minds" come from Tim Ambler ("excellent book and his approach has inspired some quite sophisticated market research in GM") and myself. Below, an abstracted historical summary of how and why marketing stopped working in many Western companies of the 70s/80s. Finally, my concluding questions are tabled......Words are directly abstracted from Barabba except some linking paragraphs of mine in parentheses: Page 43 THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MARKETING CONCEPT The late 50s and the 1960s, a period of economic expansion, were the golden age of marketing. It was a period in which (US) companies like General Electric, Pilsbury, and Procter & Gamble were guided by executives who actively integrated marketing into every phase of the business. Peter Drucker writing at about the same time, likewise identified the central role of marketing and innovation. To him, marketing encompassed the whole business and meant more than selling products and services or creating a marketing department. "Marketing" he wrote "is so basic that ...it is not a specialised activity at all. It is the whole business seen from the point of view of its final result, that is from the customer's point of view." The marketing concept held the highground in management thinking for almost two decades, and these were great years for American business. Personal incomes and markets expanded dramatically between the 1950s and 1970." (Then marketing as organisation-wide learning and customer-oriented innovation process stopped in thw West... until the Japanese woke all would-be world class businesses up. The Japanese lapped up marketing as an inter-disciplinary concept with tools as TQM, Quality Function Deployment, Hoshin Planning, as recent revelations of knowledge-creation being an essentially Japanese corporate advantage (Nonaka et al, The Knowledge Creating Company), and target market costing as an organisation-wide process which the Japanese use (instead of accountants' measures) so that an informing consensus integrates all decisions for new product business development (Robin Cooper, When Lean Enterprises Collide)) (page 47) One example of a Japanese management technique now widely adopted in North America is Total Quality Management (TQM), a customer-focused philosophy and strategy that seeks continuous improvement in business processes through the application of analytical tools and teamwork. Quality is considered from the customer's viewpoint , and quality demands constant sensitivity to customer demands and perceptions to market information. According to one author's description of TQM , "The voice of the customer is integrated into each process and system in the organisation...(and) meeting and exceeding customer demands is the ultimate objective". Essentially, the many Japanese management techniques that found their way to North America and Europe in the 1980s shared two common understandings: first, that all business activities represent processes, and second, that these processes have only one purpose, to satisfy customers. The methodologies that underlie Japanese management techniques are at their core ways of fine-tuning and continually improving those processes to the point that they contain nothing that does not create value and satistaction for the customer. (BUT if you have for a generation of management lost the marketing concept, your organisation may need to unlearn and then do a lot of new learning just to get back to scratch. As Chris Argyris has explained - in Organisational Learning 2 - enormous commitment is needed to reverse short-term culture and short-termist measurements and the political structure these condition -all this at a time when companies really do need to reflect on today's extraordinary strategy change drivers. Is this too much hard work for many old board directors to (have the will to) get down too?...) page 37: "In its traditional form, the functionally organised enterprise, in which command and control emanates from the top, is ill suited to the demands of the modern marketing place. It separates decision making (at the top) from doing (within the functions). It links decision-makers and customers by means of a single, narrow, and inadequate channel - the marketing function. Worse still, it provides few opportunities to move knowledge and knowhow between the functions. allowing what we call organisational knowledge. We may find the best of both worlds if we redesign the decision-making process from the command-and-control tradition of the past so that it draws from and links the functional silos in which information and knowledge ultimately reside. This process will require trust between functions, the sharing of information and knowledge, and enterprise-wide knowledge creation. CONCLUDING QUESTIONS Three sets of questions and one speculation to conclude are: Q1) Apart from Japan, are all countries-headquartered companies starting from an equal handicap in this race to learn marketing organisation-wide? I don't think so. In the US quality prizes like Baldrige woke companies up to process methods and information exchanges, books like Barabba's get written, and "learning organisation" is increasingly a serious topic on many CEO's minds. I don't think it is yet in eg the UK, a country where our lack of appreciation of the intangi But maybe you'd like to vote on countries you know best? Q2) More importantly, if an organisation has built up two decades of inertias as marketing dumb and over-deparmentalised, what approaches do people suggest to help a company iteratively and urgently experiment with becoming a new marketing learning organisation? Q3) Would you agree that the great irony is that - with the new information era - we are entering the fastest wealth producing era mankind has known? But one in which countries, regions and companies will not all gain? The lion's share will go to those who direct value added learning with Unique Organisation Purpose aligned by the quality/trust of marketing relationships (whose feed-forward measurement is far removed from past performance transactions that accountants and old economists count on)? I would speculate that for many big Western organisations, the only chance of catching up with world class value adding networks will be to establish a virtual university of interdisciplinary management practices with a marketing soul. We know that the Japanese have some leading tools/approaches for this sort of curriculum, and to work any of them properly practitioners need to exchange experiences. Brand Chartering is an action learning approach they might also try out; there must be many other experimental approaches worth trying too. But perhaps most importantly, shouldn't we be constructing websites as experience-hubs in marketing learning organisation where practioners can : -download training modules from the internet on to company intranets? -exchange in e-mail groups with other practioners creative ideas on how to plant these interdisciplinary tools in their companies so that organisation-wide learning takes off? Chris Macrae, editor of Brand Chartering Handbook & MELNET www.brad.ac.uk/branding/ E-mail me at wcbn007@easynet.co.uk

Book Description

This panaoramic work describes how Japan's centuries-old fascination with China has been a platform for its post-war growth strategy as well as a magnet drawing Japan back into a deeper relationship with Asia. The author argues that after years of self-imposed isolation Japan is actively seeking new alliances with its Asian neighbors that may ultimately supplant its Cold War pact with the United States. She tracks the enormous recent outpouring of Japanese investment and official assistance to Asia as part of longstanding efforts to enhance Japanese security. And she suggests that the culmination of these efforts has been the invention of a new capitalist ideology that runs counter to the convergence theories of free market capitalism and creates a powerful current against globalization.

How Asia Got Rich: Japan, China, and the Asian Miracle

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How Asia Got Rich: Japan, China, and the Asian Miracle
Edith Terry
Manufacturer: EAST GATE BOOK
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OLOGTQ

Book Description

An enclyclopedic view of doing business with Korea. Contains the how-to, where-to and who-with information needed to operate internationally.

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