 A Life-Changing Book for All Ages
Background: I purchased this book on Amazon, knowing the different insight and approach to leadership. Currently, I am in College and I don't quite have a position in a business organization or company, but I do have to prepare myself and become better at getting the best out of my fellow school organization officers. In a few months, I will be the President of a cultural club on campus, and I've encountered several situations when I felt that my leadership and way of treating people could have improved. That's where this book came in and changed my perspective and outlook on treating people.
The book does start off a little bit slow and dry, but it builds on considerably after a very can-relate-with -the-leader type of a story. Also, the pictures are very helpful in this book(who doesn't love pictures when you're trying to learn something?). Overall, the conversational style of the book is very easy to read and understandable. I don't feel lectured; I feel like someone experienced is talking to me personally and telling me all of this invaluable advice, and leaving me with the choice of what I can now do with the knowledge.
Progressing through the book, many examples appear (You'll have to read that yourself). Constantly, again and again, the motiff seems to be that it's not always about OTHERS, but it's about you, yourself. Sure, people have problems and can become a problem, but it's not helpful to the situation in provoking others (another motiff). Ultimately, when we become angry or treat someone in not the most nicest, fair, or helpful way, we are betraying ourselves. We all have values, virtues, and morals, and when we act out of character in treating someone, you betray yourself, hindering progress, and in turn, creating problems.
At the end, there is a list that tells us what we can't do when we're in the box (In short, in the box means that we betray ourselves, provoke others, act against what we feel is right, and justify problems)
When we are in the box (basically, we betray ourselves)
You cannot:
1) Change others
2) Do your best to "cope" with others
3) Leaving
4) Communicating
5) Implementing new skills or techniques
6) Changing my behavior
Once you finish this book, and perhaps reread it, you will understand why you cannot do the stated guidelines.
Overall: This is definitely a good read and a life-changing book. I haven't read such a book before. Read it now! It will help you whether or not you need it at the moment. You won't regret it!
Enlightening
What an eye-opening, enlightening book this is! Written in novel form rather than boring, dry text, this book explores how we get trapped in negative interactions and how, with a simple change in our internal outlook of others, we can create a more positive, communicative interaction. I really loved that the authors continued that line of education by reminding the reader that we're all human and all capable of mistakes, and that it's okay if you don't succeed in your efforts every time. This book, and its companion book, have made a huge difference in the way I perceive the world and other fellow human beings in my everyday interactions. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in making the world a better place in simple, easy to apply steps.
Leadership and self-deception
I must say I didn't know exactly what to expect in this book. The 2 names don't seem to go together; however, it was a national bestseller. I think the way the book explained the problems alot of us have is really amazing! It is a fast read and it draws you in so that you want to know more of what is going on. I think it reveals to us the root of alot of our social problems we have with our spouses, jobs and friends. It explains how we can correct it and feel more at ease with our lives and less stressed. It points out and shows us how our lives can be better and more satisfying if we just apply one thing to our life. The last thing is, it pinpoints the problem and explains where it originates. One thing, however, its pretty easy to understand just difficult if you haven't studied how to present it. But just read it!! excellent and infomative.
Truth at the heart of the matter
This story challenges the reader to become aware and acknowledge the often hidden truths (from self and others) about what one REALLY believes about their approach to life. Selfishness, fear, unacknowledged anger, pride, et.al., can stand in the way of leading a productive and joyfilled life. Leadership and Self-Deception tells the story of one man's journey to truth about himself and his relationships, not for truth's sake, but to improve relations at home, work and with others. I found the book to be challenging and thought provoking. If you are open it's process, you will be challenged to change and grow to create more healthy relationships.
What is in my job description?
I think this book is wonderful. The basic concept is that all of us have had a bad day, even bad months or bad years. If we all work in the same organization it is everyones job to support the person who is having a challenging time.
It encourages all of us not to point the finger, but to look within. Is there something we could do to help? Is there a reason why we aren't doing are best to make other peoples lives easier? Isn't the overall goal: success for the organization? Even a successful marriage / family life.
We need to focus on "helping others/giving" rather than "pointing a finger". I struggle with it every day. But I am a better person because of this book. Employees who read this book are better employees. I am asking people to read this book prior to a job interview with our organization. We are a small non profit in Tampa, FL called Community Stepping Stones, and everyone needs to be a "team player".
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