An Enterprising Life

Book Description

This is the inspirational autobiography of Amway Corporation co-founder Jay Van Andel.

Customer Reviews:

An Enterprising Life.......2000-01-14

It reminds me of dreams and encouraged me to do something for that

Needed more Vitamin D.......1999-10-18

Were others reviewing the Amway business, Van Andel, or the book? I see that a few were of the book, and this is too.

I loved the first part where he talked about their other businesses and travels through S. America. Great detail and I could really feel the joys and pangs of their challenges. It was fun. I wish that the rest of the book had been this way.

What made Amway? What made MLM? What changed the course of business history in the US and possibly the world? The battle with the FTC! Amway winning this case alone has created thousands of millionaires in the US and possibly the world and has allowed for hundreds of other legitimate MLM firms to become successful. But this part of the book WAS ONLY ABOUT 12 PAGES!

Deciding to keep the book short to get more readers was the wrong way to go with this story. Like it or not, Amway changed business history. The story needed more detail and feeling for how they changed history.

The story further deteriorates as the writer chose to use the book as a soapbox (esp. towards the end). This took away from the suspense and flow. I expected an autobiography, not a pontification.

2 1/2 stars. Good book for those interested in business from a purist point of view. Van Andel was a good example of tenacity and no-quit in action.

A true story of an American Hero.......1999-03-23

This is a book which exemplifies true leadership & courage. It brings out the lost values in the current society. A business built on a strong foundation of honesty, Integrity and Godly principles will continue for generations to come.

The Best Kept Secret in America.......1999-03-02

Amway is an increadible opportunity and this is a great insight at one of the greatest entrepreneurs of our time. As a distributor I have often wondered about the history of the Amway opportunity. This book gave me some of that history. I am just glad that we live in a country where a great man such as Jay Van Andel is allowed the freedom to write what needs to be written, without the interference of government.

The sins of the fathers will be paid by the children.......1999-02-12

What a load of bull. This particular individual probably did not write the book, and the information is not exactly as history will prove. It is a shame that the souls of thousands of people have been touched by the Black Hats and the Scamway lot. I found the book too long, long on hipe, and the recollections? who cares? It is obvious that the enterprise that Van Andel and De Vos started is barely holding on, and books like this are merely a form of vanity press to remove actions of the corporation from the renegade distribution zombies- so much for free enterprise, Jay's views surely are bent toward the right with ultra christian "family breaking" values.

Enterprising Slaves & Master Pirates: Understanding Economic Life in the Bahamas

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How Culture and her Institutions Matter!

Enterprising Slaves & Master Pirates: Understanding Economic Life in the Bahamas
Virgil Henry Storr
Manufacturer: Peter Lang Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Economic Conditions | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0820470759

Book Description

Enterprising Slaves & Master Pirates is an interdisciplinary account of economic life in the Bahamas. The Bahamas' economic story is an interesting tale, full of vibrant color-a story of short-lived booms followed by protracted busts, where discussions of economic success force us to mention fanciful figures such as the pirates Blackbeard and Calico Jack, and where accounts of economic woe, such as the collapse of the cotton market, are punctuated by descriptions of the clamor of Sunday markets or the unique practice of self-hire. Since the almost simultaneous settling of the Bahamas by pirates and Puritan farmers in the 17th century, two ideal typical entrepreneurs have dominated the region's economic life: the enterprising slave (encouraging Bahamian businessmen to work hard, to be creative and to be productive) and the master pirate (demonstrating how success is more easily attained through cunning and deception). In addition to Caribbean Studies scholars, this book will appeal to students of culture interested in economic development, and economists interested in how culture impacts development efforts.

Customer Reviews:

How Culture and her Institutions Matter!.......2007-07-24

Does culture matter for the economic and social development of a nation?

V. Storr certainly believes it does. And in his "Enterprising Slaves and Master Pirates," he places culture as the most important factor in this contribution to the understanding of economic life in the Bahamas.

Contra most economists, Storr provides readers with a "thick description" of Bahamian economic life instead of the vogue - and ersatz - "thin" interpretation of "econometrics," or the method most historians have done away with "cliometrics." Storr sets the stage for his "thick description" by speaking to the work of Ludwig von Mises and Max Weber. These intellectual lions, and Storr, aver that practitioners of the social sciences ought not to ape the methods of the natural sciences due to the social sciences being causal-interpretive. And hence, the social sciences should be focused on meaning (verstehen), not naive correlation.

In this work, Storr develops Kirznerian entrepreneurship by calling attention to a few ideal-typical attributes of the successful entrepreneur: Awareness and Discovery. In so doing, Storr makes known that while entrepreneurs are omnipresent, the numerous and varied opportunities open to them are circumscribed by culture. Moreover, and perhaps unwittingly, Storr provides insight into why the descendants of Bahamian "enterprising slaves" and "master pirates" outperform blacks born and raised in the United States.

This is an excellent work. The price is very high, but if you enjoy Weberian/Misean socio-economics, Enterprising Slaves and Master Pirates is a must own!

Enterprising Americans: Outstanding Christian Women of the Nineteenth Century

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Enterprising Americans: Outstanding Christian Women of the Nineteenth Century
Mary Calvert
Manufacturer: Upfront Publishing Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

General | Women's Studies | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

This book brings to life selected Christian women in the nineteenth century who pioneered in their particular sphere, women who had, perhaps, previously just been 'names', heard about but whose vitality and commitment merits further exploration. It focuses on their origins, the influences upon them, their work and an estimation of their contribution to and influence on American life through social work, education and evangelisation. It is ecumenical in approach - for example, Amanda Smith, black evangelist; Elizabeth Seton, educationalist, founder of the Sisters of Charity; Dorothy Dix, champion of the mentally disabled; Anne Judson, pioneer missionary to Myanmar; Rose Hawthorne Lathrop, provider of care for the terminally ill. No one can see these women as conforming to a stereotyped pattern. That they are individuals, not fulfilling some iconic role, shows clearly in the study of their lives and the diversity of the talents used in service to others. Mary Calvert has contributed several titles to the books in the Macmillan S.T.R. series; has written books on Celtic life and prayer, such as God to Enfold Me; short radio plays, children's adventure stories. like The Holiday at Woodford and biographies such as Tamara - A Memoir. She now turns in her biographical writing to women of note across the Atlantic.

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An Enterprising Life
Cyril E. Leonoff
Manufacturer: Talonbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Architectural | Photography | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0889222835

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Enterprising Life John Mcvickar
John Bret Langstaff
Manufacturer: ST MARTINS PRESS *
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PYGF0K

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An Enterprising Life, An Autobiography
Jay, (Paul Harvey & Rich DeVos, Foreword) Van Andel
Manufacturer: Harper Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000W4JW0I

The enterprising life: John McVickar, 1787-1868

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The enterprising life: John McVickar, 1787-1868
John Brett Langstaff
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Genealogy | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007DM4QS

THE ENTERPRISING LIFE:JOHN McVICAR 1787-1868.

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THE ENTERPRISING LIFE:JOHN McVICAR 1787-1868.

Manufacturer: St
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HI5VSG

Taking Control of Your Life (The Secrets of Successful Enterprising Women)

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This book changed my life..
from inside front cover

Taking Control of Your Life (The Secrets of Successful Enterprising Women)

Manufacturer: Avon Products, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

In My Wildest Dreams : Simple Steps To A Fabulous Life

ASIN: B000E1A3QG

Customer Reviews:

This book changed my life.........2006-12-01

The description of this book might lead one to believe that it is primarily geared toward the entrepreneur. But it should not be ruled out. Any person, woman or man, from any walk of life and from any type of circumstance can benefit from this book.

I read this book about 9 years ago and it LITERALLY changed my life. I read it from cover to cover and suddenly life was different. I was finally "living" after being somewhat of a recluse.

For anyone wanting to take control and make improvements to their life, I highly recommend this book.

from inside front cover.......2006-01-18

"Gail Blanke and Kathleeen Walas, executives at Avon Products, inc., offer a specific plan to help you gain greater control over your life. The authors explain their philosophy that every woman deserves to fulfill her potential.

"'Taking control of Your Life' demonstrates that change is possible despite enormous odds. Based on the authors' professional experience with Avon's Women of Enterprise Award program (also sponsored by the U.S. Small business Administration), which honors entrepeneurial women who have overcome significant obstacles to achieve success, the book shares case histories of exceptional womem who have demonstrated that determiniation, courage, and ingenuity can triumph over adversity.

other features include:
-the results of the Avon Report. Responses of 450 self-employed women reveal what makes them successful.
-business tips and quizzes. Are you really in control? what can you do now to change your life? Do you have an entrepreneurial personality? If your goal is self-employtment, how do you get started?
-Health and beauty information. How do you reach your optimim weight, and how do you stay in shape? How dfan you create an image that says your are confident and successful? included are the basics of hair and skin care as well as effective makeup techniques.

"'Taking Control of your Life' will help you decide what you must accept and what you can change in order to work toward having a beautiful life."

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Taking Control of Your Life-the Secrets of Successful Enterprising Women.
Gail & Walas, Kathleen. Blanke
Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000S638EG

Customer Reviews:

Without Go Fish there'd be no L Word.......2007-01-17

Crtiticze all you want, but without Go Fish breaking the ground that it did, we'd have no L Word. While the production values are low, hollywood was not shelling out millions of dollars tomade for, by and about lesbian films. This film is historical and paved the way for lesbian representation. Hate ot or Love it...we are here because of it.

A must have for your collection!.......2007-01-11

This is a good movie that is well written, acted and a good message as well. A must have for the lesbian collection! It was a low budget film that was creatively done. I highly recommend it.

worst lesbian movie I've ever seen.......2006-12-23

My and girlfriend watched this movie and we hated it. It was senseless and we had to stop it when it was around 35 min. I couldn't watch it no more. It was horrible. My girlfriend gave it to her best friend and she said it was the worst lesbian movie she had ever seen... I agree!

Go Fish vs. The L Word.......2006-11-05

Like many of the other viewers who reviewed "Go Fish," I was initially so repelled by this movie that I shut it off half way through. At the time I had just begun to date women and I was disturbed by the way that this movie represented the lesbian community. I found myself thinking "This is not me. This is not how I want to walk through life. This is not how I want to be seen by others." The experiences of the women portrayed in this film did not (and still do not) represent my experience as a lesbian. Ironically, this is one of the main arguments made by critics of the L-word.
In a way, "Go Fish" is a foil of the L-Word; comparing these two features may be more interesting and enlightening than watching either one alone. It has been argued that the L-word is normalizing or "mainstreaming" the queer community and thereby misrepresenting the actual experience of lesbians--but by only representing a specific subculture of the lesbian community, doesn't "Go Fish" ultimately do the same thing? Wealthy, conventionally beautiful lesbians do exist and have sex with other wealthy, conventionally beautiful lesbians (even if they are a minority).

While in the process of figuring out my own identity and role in the queer community, I found it difficult to stomach a depiction of lesbians who are so completely removed from mainstream society. One reviewer suggested that people who write negative reviews of "Go Fish" have internalized the ideas that this movie is trying to dispel. I can see their point--many people who are gueer struggle with internalized homophobia and may shun a film that depicts lesbians without all the airbrushing. Plainly, many viewers (including myself) do not WANT to see themselves in this movie because it is unconventional and "unattractive."

It's no coincidence that one word which repeatedly comes up in reviews of "Go Fish" is "ugly." The lesbians in the L-word are "hot." Shane is "hot"--people of all genders and orientations want to watch Shane and Carmen having sex. The popularity of this show speaks for itself--I believe that the beauty of the characters in the L-word has contributed to making lesbians (and lesbian sex) appealing to mainstream society, and maybe it's a means to an end (the end being equal rights). But just because people will tune in to watch Shane and Carmen having sex doesn't necessarily mean that they're going to change their minds about gay marriage... And where does this leave lesbians like Max, Ely and Moira (not surprisingly, the LEAST popular character on the L-word!) who don't fit the model?

The big question is... Are we only acceptable to society when we're young, attractive and having hot sex--but not when we want to adopt children, pay taxes together or be politically active? By purchasing and supporting a the L-word and being repelled by "Go Fish" am I just buying into a revised version of homophobia? Do I only watch the L-word because it helps me feel better about being who I am?

Surprisingly Good.......2006-07-15

It's funny that a lot of people are claiming they were "duped" by the cover of this movie, thinking it was going to be about two hot straight-looking girls getting it on. That's exactly what I thought when I saw the cover, which is why I never rented the movie after years of seeing it in the video store. Then after seeing almost every lesbian film there is, I decided, finally, to watch Go Fish, and was shocked when I realized the main characters weren't straight-looking at all (accept for Turner, who seems a little akward playing a butch but tries to pull it off the best she can). I was surprised that I actually ended up liking this movie a lot better than a lot of other lesbian films I've seen, even though the acting is stale. But you have to bare in mind that the movie was extremely low-budget, didn't have any big-name backing, and was basically homemade. I was also a little shocked to find that this movie was made in the early 90s, revolutionary for it's time. As for the comments people have made about the attractiveness of the actors, grow up. The whole point of the film is that looks aren't everything, and yes, in real life, we do sometimes fall in love with people who are, godforbid, unattractive. And you'd think that in the 21st Century people, especially within the lesbian community, wouldn't be as misogynistic as to say "we only want to see hot girls making out." As far as the "duping" cover of this film, I think it's sad the producers had to use it to trick people into buying it, since so many people are too shallow to see past the fact that the characters in this film, except for Turner, aren't beautiful, and that's the whole point, by the way. It's also ironic that so many people who posted hear are saying "Go Fish" sucks, rent the "L Word" instead, when the writers and directors of "Go Fish" are two of the "L Word's" creators (Troche and Turner). The story line is a bit immature but fun, and the film brings up a lot of important issues about gender and sexuality and includes people from all different races and backgrounds (another rarity, even in lesbian films). Anyway, this film is going to remain a lesbian classic inspite of its amateurishness and the bad reviews people have given it.

Book Description

One of the world's most respected sociologists updates his classic work on public views of popular and high culture.

Is NYPD Blue a less valid form of artistic expression than a Shakespearean drama? Who is to judge and by what standards?

In this new edition of Herbert Gans's brilliantly conceived and clearly argued landmark work, he builds on his critique of the universality of high cultural standards. While conceding that popular and high culture have converged to some extent over the twenty-five years since he wrote the book, Gans holds that the choices of typical Ivy League graduates, not to mention Ph.D.s in literature, are still very different from those of high school graduates, as are the movie houses, television channels, museums, and other cultural institutions they frequent.

This new edition benefits greatly from Gans's discussion of the "politicization" of culture over the last quarter-century. Popular Culture and High Culture is a must read for anyone interested in the vicissitudes of taste in American society.

Customer Reviews:

Gans and Swirski.......2006-11-18

I dont want to belabour here the greatness of Gans's study: it's an acknowledged classic and needs no further recommendation. But I would like to draw attention to a slightly less known study by Peter Swirski, called "From Lowbrow to Nobrow" (published about a year ago) which in many ways continues the line of inquiry spearheaded by Gans. As a matter of fact, Chapter 2 in "From Lowbrow to Nobrow" leans on Gans's book when it provides a thorough review (and a wonderful debunking) of a multitude of accusations raised against popular culture and popular fiction over the decades. Swirski tends to be more humorous and colloquial, and focuses mainly on literature and film, whereas Gans takes a more "wholistic" and sociological approach to popular culture. Otherwise, it is hard for me to decide which book I learned more from.

Amazon.com

Following their previous success (The Conversation Piece) Bret Nicholaus and Paul Lowrie suggest 300 Christmas-themed questions designed to bring any gathering back to the core purposes of the holiday: love, reflection, and merriment. The Christmas Conversation Piece is based on the belief that the right questions can spark understanding, humor, and connection between friends and loved ones. Try them out when entertaining, mingling at the office Christmas party, or simply having dinner with your family. Here's a sample: "What is your favorite Christmas scent?"; "What's your all-time biggest Christmas shopping disaster?"; "What is the most unusual Christmas tradition you ever heard of?"; "What has been the greatest blessing in your life since last Christmas?"

Book Description

What one Christmas tradition would you never want to give up?

If you could spend Christmas anywhere in the world, where would you most want to be?

If you could have visited the Christ child just as the Three Kings did, what would you have brought as a gift?

You've been chosen to host a sensational Christmas celebration on TV: What three guests would you choose to make it the best Christmas special ever?

The Christmas Conversation Piece offers these and many other questions to pose and ponder during a season of both deep reflection and unabashed merriment.  This charming volume--the perfect stocking stuffer--will provide you, your family, and your friends with twelve days of surprising and amusing Yuletide questions.  Who would you most like to meet under the mistletoe?  Your answer just may change by Christmas Eve!

Customer Reviews:

Great conversation piece.......2006-08-28

We get this book out every Christmas and share our answers. Sometimes our answers change from year to year so we can continue to use the book for years to come and continue learning about one another, friends, family, children. In fact, I have had people request to borrow it for church lock ins and other family events.

Great for Parties, Family Gatherings, Journaling, Reflection.......2004-01-16

and its really not just for Christmas time. I have grabbed this little volume many times and modified the questions for non-holiday (and also without solely using the 'Christmas' word out of respect for people outside my belief system.

I have used it in parties where I type the questions onto strips of paper and pass around a basket with each person pulling a question and then answering it... it never fails to get people thinking, creating connections with one another and otherwise seeing the holiday in a different light.

I have also used the questions to guide my own inquiry... especially when I (for whatever reason) don't have the desire to ask my own questions...for a busy entrepreneurial writer Mom, sometimes I take all the help I can, even if it means employing a simple book in the process!

Enjoy this one, refer to it regularly.

Fun! Fun! Fun!.......2003-11-05

As a lover of Christmas and all things holiday, I cant recommend this book enough. It is ideal as a coffe table book that can be opened onto any page in no particular order, with questions that can be read at random or one after the other--which usually happens becuase the questions are so much fun. Its delightful to hear friends and family pull from thier memories, their traditions, perceptions, and beliefs about christmas, while you share your own. It is bound to leave you with a happy feeling, and an anticipation for the holiday. This small book accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do--It is a wonderful converstaion piece and I highly recommend it.

Fun & Thought Provoking!.......1999-12-20

I found this book on my mom's coffee table and couldn't put it down. I would say I drove my family crazy, asking one question after another, but they enjoyed it as much as I did!

This book asks questions ranging from silly to serious - and though many of the questions don't ask you to explain your answers, invariably, explanations are offered. It really is a great "conversation piece."

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The Christmas Conversation Piece

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0345416961

Product Description

EXCELLENT pages--clean & look UNREAD, Tight binding, Mild DJ edgewear

The Conversation Piece Collection (Includes The Conversation Piece, The Mom & Dad Conversation Piece, and The Christmas Conversation Piece)

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Fun little book

The Conversation Piece Collection (Includes The Conversation Piece, The Mom & Dad Conversation Piece, and The Christmas Conversation Piece)

Manufacturer: Ballantin Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Christmas Conversation Piece

ASIN: 0345914643

Product Description

Measures 6 X 7 X 1 inches. Creative Questions to Tickle the Mind. Special Edition Created for Books Are Fun. 3 Books in 1: The Conversation Piece, The Mom & Dad Conversation Piece & The Christmas Conversation Piece.

Customer Reviews:

Fun little book.......2006-04-22

I really enjoyed this book and still do often, especially when I meet new friends and feel a little shy. I use questions out of this book to break the ice and get conversation flowing. It's also great for self-analysis, I often read and think about how I would answer questions myself.

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Christmas Conversation Piece
Paul; Nicholaus, Bret Lowrie
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVEL7S

Book Description

Streetwise Motivating & Rewarding Employees teaches you that giving someone a jar of candy with their name on it is not what true motivation is all about. It's about making sure employees know what they're doing, why they're doing it, and then giving them some control. It's about giving employees appropriate challenges. And it's about creating a positive, informative feedback network that lets employees judge for themselves how well they're doing.

Customer Reviews:

Motivation does in deed relate to productivity.......2006-04-22

I recently picked this book up on the discount rack at one of my local bookstores. It only cost me $3 plus tax. I'm glad I bought it because it does a nice job explaining the important role an employee's motivation in doing his or her work can have on his or her productivity. Leaders and managers should not underestimate his or her employee's motivation level to perform and be productive while at work. Most of this book explains ways that leaders and managers can raise employee motivation levels.

I highly recommend leaders and managers give this book a quick read. Unfortunately, the book is kind of wordy and uses the first person way too much. What took 319 pages could easily have been done well in about 150. And I don't think the title is entirely accurate when it claims that the book will provide "New and Better Ways to Inspire Your People." There is nothing "new and better" included in this book.

When a person is not motivated much to do something, then that something usually does not get done very quickly. And the slower something is done translates into lower productivity. Workers can be motivated to do their work by encouragement, praise, rewards, and other positive means, or they can be motivated by negative means, i.e. punished, threatened, yelled at, or intimidated. The author suggests that positive means are better than negative means, but he fails to acknowledge that it is not always practical.

When positive means are used to inspire, then both employees and managers benefit. When negative means are employed to enforce compliance, then managers benefit more than employees. The author seems to make a judgment call in his book that positive means should be used exclusively. But the author does not mention that not all jobs are created equal and motivation of employees at jobs cannot always be increased by positive means. Some jobs are lousy by definition, and nobody can be motivated positively to do them. One such job that comes to mind is a crew job at a fast-food restaurant. I think the author should have avoided making a judgment call that positive means of increasing employee motivation is better than negative means. That topic was really beyond the scope of the book.

Leaders with subordinates who are just putting in their time at work will learn a lot about how to motivate their subordinates to higher productivity levels by reading this book. Leaders with subordinates who are working hard, but not smart, will benefit from reading this book. But managers with subordinates who are working hard and smart probably will not. And it doesn't matter if this last group of subordinates is motivated by positive or negative means. However, it they are being motivated by negative means, then you may be able to figure out how to motivate them through positive means by reading this book.

Excellent Reference Book for Managers.......2006-03-09

As Hiam puts it, "Life in the workplace is increasingly like a Dilbert cartoon."

Most managers are blinded to some extent by the common myths of management. Even though many authors have been loudly proclaiming what the guiding principles of management should be - Drucker, Buckingham, Blanchard, among others - the noise of other discordant models is drowning out their message. Too often, managers fall back on the use of traditional controlling modes of management, sacrificing long-term gains for short-term advantages.

Hiam provides practical advice for how to manage people in a more human way. For example, three important points I took away from the book:

1) Use empathy and understanding over excessive control and inappropriate delegation - Hiam advocates developing your own emotional intelligence and supplies an emotional checklist in order to practice emotional motivation. This requires work. As Hiam points out, "In general, people have to raise their own interpersonal intelligence quotient in order to get more and better efforts out of their employees...because it simply takes more than average interpersonal intelligence on your part to create higher than average motivation and performance in others."

2) Design work around your team's strengths - Hiam advocates changing the job to suit the person and defining tasks jointly with the employee: "Once you have the detailed information about the task requirements and the employee's competencies, it will feel perfectly natural to adjust their work to make sure it is appropriate." This is sound advice and agrees with the conclusion Buckingham comes to in his book, "The one thing you need to know," which is: "Discover what is unique about each person and capitalize on it."

3) Use informational feedback over negative or positive feedback - Hiam recommends tapping into intrinsic motivation, rather than relying on rewards or punishment, arguing that "The coaches who get the best developmental results are the ones who track individual needs and set individual goals, then provide constant feedback about how their players are achieving their individual goals. They create lots of little scoreboards, each one unique to a player's needs."

Hiam was a professor at business school for a number of years, and then worked as a manager before founding his own company focused on corporate training and business consulting. As a result, his book covers all these perspectives and supplies everything you need to know about motivating your team.

The author has read widely and uses well-selected ideas from Drucker, Blanchard, Csikszentmihalyi, Seligman, Goleman, Herzberg, and others. This furnishes the work with solid context, content, and philosophical depth. This is in contrast to some of the more popular business books, which take an overly simplistic approach to their subject. I think it is a mistake to read any one of these books without drawing on contrasting views from other writers and other disciplines. Management is a complex human problem and there are no shortcuts.

Hiam has provided enough signposts and warnings that it's unlikely you'll fall into the trap of thinking this stuff is easy; if anything, the book is overloaded with content. Although I strongly recommend this book, it doesn't have a single, simple, underlying model like the Belief System in Thad Green's "Motivation Management," and it's not as focused as it could be.

The style is also too conversational for my liking, which in my opinion obscures the depth and value of the content. But don't be put off by that. Motivating and Rewarding Employees is, in fact, a very serious, almost scholarly work. It is one of the best I've found on motivation and if you study it well, you'll get a good grounding in the subject. It's one of the very few books I would actually recommend buying and keeping as a reference.

Graham Lawes

One of the best motivation books ever written........1999-06-09

Streetwise Motivating and Rewarding Employees is one of the best books about motivating that I have ever read. It is full of so many great ideas for motivating employees. I highly recommend it!!!

A practical and inspiring collection of methods and ideas........1999-05-27

I recommend this book as a problem-solver if you have a difficult employee, or for boning up on how to be a more effective manager and supervisor in general. Lots of useful methods and guidelines, covering everything from how to give good feedback to how to design effective incentives and boost performance. Hiam goes much farther than other authors to articulate the core elements of employee attitude and motivation. A user-friendly framework for time-pressured managers to help their people become the best they can be. Just paste a Post-It note on this book saying: 'No smoke 'n' mirrors here...only solid content.!'

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