A brilliant set of principles and a great book
359218
I bought this book in the 70s when I was a young manager.  I have used the principles contained in it throughout my career and have subsequently passed its wisdom onto my trainee managers.  It was, and still is a brilliant book.

Roy Baxandall London England
265033
All businesses are evil right? The author of this book (and others) think that is wrong.

The subtitle refers to "Conscious Capitalism", which seems like a new-agey concept, but it is actually a very profound movement that is happening in business, with world-changing implications. No small statement, but Jeff Klein's new book manages to capture a relatively complex idea in a simple, easy-to-read fashion. With each page dedicated to a different concept that forms the tapestry of Conscious Capitalism, it's one of those books that you can flip through to any page and learn something interesting. Though it's written in a cumulative structure, it also benefits the non-linear reader like myself.

If you want more clarity on ideas such as stakeholder orientation, business-as-ecosystem, the power of purpose, conscious culture, and Jeff's own "the process is the product", then this is the best book for you. It serves as both a wonderful primer for the uninitiated and a great easy-to-reference book for the more adept.

"It's Just Good Business" is separated into 4 sections. The first is the history and context from which Conscious Capitalism emerges. The second is the definition of Conscious Capitalism and its related concepts. The third is a sampling of a few companies who have embodied its tenets. The fourth is a refinement of the practices in his first book, "Working for Good"; exercises that promote the mindset, lifestyle, and philosophy that is congruent with Conscious Capitalism. These exercises are quick, varied, and effective means of putting these ideas into action. What I like most about them is that they are holistic, including meditation, journaling, exercising, and eating right. But this isn't a self-help book - these practices are put in the context of how individual health relates to the health of the entire capitalist system.

Special mention must be made of design of the book itself. Though kindle readers won't experience this, the physical book is light, almost perfectly square, and has a laminated cover - like a mini magazine. These things combine to make it quite an accessible book - quite apart from the tomes of other writers on this subject. Inside, the magazine motif extends to the pages. First of all there is a good amount of white space that separates the text, but also the pages are meant to be opened and read side by side. Often times a simple quote will occupy the left page, while a description of the same concept will be on the right. Sometimes the pages will even refer to each other, in one example with the heading of the left page, "Success" corresponding to the right page, "at a price". All this is to illustrate that great care has gone into both the content and the presentation - all leading to a greater user-friendliness.

There are some caveats. This book is as much philosophical as it is practical, and those looking for the step-by-step ways in which to build a business (assessing a market, creating a corporation, networking, etc) will not find that here. This is more of a foundational book for the mindset and the practices that will lead you to create a conscious business, or even a conscious lifestyle. One thing I did find great, is that he outlines examples of companies that embody these ideals and how they do so. As a lover of the movement of Conscious Capitalism, I would have liked more in depth analysis on this subject, but there is plenty here to get you started and give you the tools to learn more.

This is the kind of book that has the potential to usher Conscious Capitalism into the mainstream. I recommend this book wholeheartedly for anyone who has the slightest impression that business can be used as a force for good and it's the first book you should read if you are interested in Conscious Capitalism.

I look forward to his next work,
3450378
This is just a really good book.  There is no breakthrough new information contained in this wonderful book, but you would be hard pressed to find another source of so much good advice collected and presented so well in one place.  Many of the ideas about play or nature or going barefoot or touching I have read about in other books in much greater depth.  But what Sisson does in this book is provide the essential summary of those ideas with enough information to convince you of their value all in one place.  He then adds very practical suggestions on implementing them.  A better guide to living well and in peace would be hard to find.

Highly Recommended.
490245
An excellent book on the underlying principles of America as intended and practiced that made America exceptional. Sandefur's books are all very valuable because they are understandable, accurate, and logically presented with verifiable evidence. His viewpoint is both scholarly and practical at the same time. An ordinary person can read them and understand the issues presented.
2929763
This book lays down some really useful principles about how to benefit from anti-fragile things in our uncertain and complex lives -avoid things with unlimited potential downsides and limited upside and conversely go for limited downside and  big upside, when it comes to food & drinks stick to what is being consumed for thousands of years (avoid  new 'food' like carbonated drinks etc.), the principle of subtraction (remove or avoid what is unnecessary) and so on.

His take on religious fasting is also very counter-intuitive and interesting.

Taking off from his "Black Swan" and "Fooled by Randomness", Taleb develops a general approach to livinbg in modern times.

A great book!
1460131
I have enjoyed Professor Muller's previous book, and the podcasts also based upon his Physics for Future President's book.  I always knew Professor Muller was brilliant, I just never realized how truly brilliant he is until reading this book.  He is able to condense an enormously complex subject into a readable text.  "Now" is the time to read this book.  Professor Muller's first book focused on bringing common sense to the policy decisions being made by our politicians.  This book focuses on the decisions being made by all of humanity.  I only hope humanity will listen better to the ideas professor Muller illuminates in this book, more than our soon to be future presidents have to his previous book.
3994590
This is an excellent book .I can honestly say once,  I started reading it I didn't want to put it down. I recommend this book for the following;  motivating, inspiring and informative..The principles really work
2736274
Excellent -- Applying Eastern philosophical tenets to problems that are decidedly Western, Gregg Krech not only provides valuable and insightful principles and applications, but manages to impart a very personal, immediate connection to the material that makes the principles come alive. His humanity and desire to help are palpable, and it's almost as though he reaches through the book to connect directly to the reader. I've just finished the book and plan to re-read it at least twice more -- it makes me wish I was a student again, and that I had access to a mentor like Gregg Krech on a regular basis.
721162
I highly recommend this book. Not that I could fully mine its wisdom in the short time I've owned it, but I think it is excellent.

It is simple and direct, and does not take years and years of customer service training to understand. It is grounded in sound theory about how museums, zoos, and other attractions actually work and how guests interact with those places (and each other in those places). Most importantly, the author approaches the entire work from the viewpoint of guests. I know that sounds simple, but her approach disarms some of the traditional barriers to building great guest service by framing the entire book the way she does.

The book is oriented toward action, versus often unfruitful and empty intellectual exercises.

It is by far one of the best works on the subject I've seen.
4153618
This classic sets forth the most basic principles of successful human to human interaction.  It might as well be listed in "self help," "leadership," "marriage counseling," and a wide variety of other categories.  There are so many useful lessons in this book it is no wonder that for the last 70+yrs it has been a staple among top leaders reading lists.
3823584
In this great book, you will find the essence of Level 5 leadership ("Good to Great" by Jim Collins), the core principles espoused by Steven Sample in "The Contrarian's Guide to Leadership," and the leader-as-water concept echoed in Peter B. Vaill's "Learning as a Way of Being: Strategies for Survival in a World of Permanent White Water." Indeed, this small text contains a bookshelf-worth of leadership wisdom. I only wish that the book editor and corrector were a bit more diligent and took out the numerous typos, before this book was published.
3643952
Great expansion of the Twelve Steps into the underlying principles.
1982856
I cannot recommend this book enough.

Amazon users are no doubt aware of the proliferation of books about leadership. What makes the Leaders Bookshelf different is it provides a rich how-to guide for using books to your advantage and developing nuanced leadership skills.

On its surface, the Leaders Bookshelf appears just to be a book about great books. But it is far more than just a mere listicle in hard binding. Each book overview includes quotes from one of its four-star recommenders, providing a window into their thought processes, and a brief synopsis of the books main lessons for the time-starved.

Many reviewers, and even the books authors, remark on the inclusion of books which are not part of the traditional leadership canon, including Mark Twains A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthurs Court and Isaac Asimovs wonderful Foundation series. Finding these hidden gems is another great value of this book because it doesnt shy away from finding value in unlikely places. The diversity of fiction and non-fiction titles on the list provides variety to the reader, a much-needed quality for those tired of trawling through the rote talking points of conventional leadership books.

Beyond the books themselves, the Leaders Bookshelf provides advice on curating your own library, writing, publishing, and managing your intellectual development in the rigor of our busy lives. These bits of wisdom remind the reader that writing, reflection, and thought leadership are just as important as successfully managing daily work activities.

Five stars for utility, originality, and good writing.
4623968
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph. D.

Jim Collins has a great reputation going into the writing of this book: "six books that have sold in total more than ten million copies worldwide!  Wow!

It is clear why he has been successful, even though I have not read any of his previous bestsellers: Good to Great, Built to Last, and How the Mighty Fail.  Great titles, too!

If those books provide a template for this one, it is easy to see why they are bestsellers.

Great by Choice has 38 pages of incredible notes.  There are 14 pages of "Frequently Asked Questions."  There are 52 pages on "Research Foundations."  And the "Index" is nine pages long.  In a book that totals 304 pages, the actual text (narrative) is only 183 pages.  This is not an indictment, because the book reads well, the research is effectively presented, the examples are expertly injected into the content, and the "Key Points," "Unexpected Findings," and "Key Questions" used to end each of the seven main chapters of the book are valuable, helpful, and insightful additions.

I loved the emphasis on the discipline, empiricism, and paranoia of leaders (as opposed to the risk takers, visionaries, and more creative).  I thought the examination of a leader's ability to scale innovation and blend creativity with discipline in a chaotic and uncertain world is a useful finding.

When you contrast the kind of leadership style of George W. Bush with that of Barack Obama (or any intellectual), you quickly discover that leading in a fast world does not require fast decisions and fast actions.  The best leaders are thoughtful, analytic, patient, and intuitive. That is precisely the kind of leadership that will protect businesses and help them survive.

I loved the thought provoking nature of the book, the numerous practical concepts, and the fact that the findings here are data-driven.  There is no question that the authors clearly prove that greatness happens by choice--and they effectively establish how choice can be directed, managed, and controlled.
4305332
The concept of the book is amazing and its executed perfectly as a balance of academic elements as well as the fun side of technology. The chapters are very well organized, along with the practical exercises to incorporate hands on work. I especially liked the segments of thought leaders which added a very personal touch. I think the book represents a new paradigm for technical training, and I hope there will be more topics planned for future editions.
1515788
I cannot think of a better manual for life, its principles applicable to everything from the tiniest minutiae to the most important decisions you will make during your days on earth.  It is a compelling, at times overwhelming, collection of experience, anecdotes, and wisdom; if read with a willing mind and heart, it will change your life.

Dr. Peck brilliantly does in this work exactly what he compels the reader to do, which is to express consciously that which is normally hidden under many layers of denial, confusion, or downright lies.  He tells us the many things that we already know about life, and we immediately recognize them as true, yet somehow the ideas themselves seem novel, and at times foreign or impossible.

I recommend this book if you have ever stepped foot into an incompetent therapist's office, if you know there are things you should do that you just don't (and don't know why), or simply if you are yearning for direction in your spiritual growth.  Don't try to read it cover-to-cover; take it in pieces, and its deeper meaning will reveal itself to you.
512373
This is one of these rare books, where one does not even know how to begin writing a review for. This book provides content about handling people, influencing people by making them like you and win them to your way of thinking and ultimately lead them. What I like about this book particularly are, first, it is very direct. The concepts are laid out in a very concise, precise and simple manner. Second they are supported by an onslaught of examples both from history and the author's personal experience. Finally what takes this book to another level are the unlimited applications of the principles presented: in one's personal life, professional career etc. This book will definitely be one of my staples go to books on people skills for the years to come and my top recommended reading. I am looking forward to read Dale's other work. If you are still reading, please go read this book!