True Patriot Love – Four Generations in Search of Canada

Michael Ignatieff
Penguin Books
$30.00

book-house-cards I’m not certain why Ignatieff wrote this book but it is a cleverly disguised means to help create his own political identity. At the same time, he tells a very interesting story and as a result, he raises some very interesting questions …..just what kind of Canada do we want? He also helps the reader to see how unique Canada truly is. Ignatieff gives his own opinion on what politicians should be doing to maintain and build a strong Canada. I am sure we will see some of these thoughts  in the next election.

 

 

Inspire your career: Strategies for Success in Your First Years at Work

Patricia Barbato
Insomniac Press
$19.95
book-house-cards Written in a down to earth manner, almost as the author is speaking directly to the reader, Inspire your career is full of wise counsel from a young lady who progressed quickly in her career. Using personal experience and reflection exercises, the author takes readers on a journey that touches on the many areas new workers confront early. For instance, she provides advice and tips on understanding the bigger picture, the importance of avoiding assumptions, and the importance of recognizing and dealing with personal frustrations. Finally, the author deals with various transition issues that individuals will face in their career. This is an enjoyable and helpful book especially for new job entrants so don’t let the dense internal layout detract from the value if offers.
 

JACKED UP…the Inside Story of How Jack Welch talked GE into Becoming the World’s Greatest Company

Bill Lane
McGraw Hill
$26.95
book-jacked-up While Bill Lane was Jack Welch’s speechwriter for 20 years, I frankly don’t know how he lasted that long nor do I understand why he even wrote the book. Using communication style as a framework for his story, Lane simply presents a rambling recollection of a thoroughly abusive and intolerant persona. Is this what Lane suggests we need to emulate?  GE may have been very successful under Welch’s leadership style, but breeding a culture of absolute fear just won’t cut it in today’s world. If there were any nuggets of advice on communication or lessons on world class business presentations in this book, they certainly were lost on me. Don’t waste your money on this book!
   

Leadership in the Era of Economic Uncertainty

Ram Charan
McGraw Hill, 2009
$22.95
Ram Charan’s hard punching guide to survival focuses on one word and that is “cash, cash and cash”.  He rightly points out that this global economic crisis is the biggest management challenge in decades and that most people don’t know how to deal with it. Each chapter suggests practical guidance and includes such tips as pursuing every source of cash possible, being prepared to make the tough decisions and to aggressively practice the new mantra of “head in-hands on”.  The book is well written, examples are very current and the advice very practical. Charan’s book is not just for the CEO but is a must read for managers at all levels of the organization.
 

Leadership the Barack Obama Way: Making Change Happen

Shel Leanne
McGraw Hill, 2010
$24.95
book-leadership-obama Most leaders have studied books and taken courses on the fundamentals of teambuilding. As well, many of these leaders have stood in awe as they listened and watched Barack Obama mobilize toward the US presidency. Yet, how did Obama accomplish this? "Leadership the Barack Obama Way" provides the answer by offering an indepth analysis of Obama’s strategies and tactics as he planned and forged his path to power. Peppered with real live examples, the book is excellent reading and can act as a template for business leaders, aspiring politicians and/or public speakers who want to develop and master the art of influence.
   

Say It Like OBAMA: The Power of Speaking With Purpose and Vision

Shel Leanne
McGraw Hill
$21.95
book-leadership-obama Anyone who has heard Obama speak during the recent presidential election campaign will agree with me that he is indeed a very distinguished speaker, mesmerizing in fact.  As such, it is interesting to read this thorough dissection of all the strategies and techniques Obama uses to make his point and to inspire his listeners. Ranging from the effective use of body language and the use of repetition to drive his point home, to energizing his audience through voice and intonation, Obama appears to have mastered the craft of speaking.  As a result, this book is a must read for any executive leader, politician and/or platform speaker who relies on communication to convey their vision.
 

Seducing the boys Club: Uncensored Tactics from a Woman at the Top

Nina Disesa
Ballentyne Books
$15.00
book-boys-club Disesa is a “been there, done that” lady who has successfully clawed her way to the top of a renowned advertising agency in New York. Her story is one of a hard hitting, crafty leader who refuses to be toppled by the battle ready male tactics she encounters. Instead, her strategy of seduction and manipulation which she calls “S&M”,  is a combination of psychology, mothering and stubbornness. All 220 pages are full of real examples of personal success, failure and advice. While the book is directed to women, men should read it to at least learn how silly their power antics really are. 
   

Relentless: The True Story of the Man Behind Rogers communications

Ted Rogers with Robert Brehl
Harper Collins Publishers Ltd., 2008
$20.76
A folksy, easy to read book that brings the reader right into the life and times of Ted Rogers. It is a positive and upbeat personal reflection inclusive of an attempt to explain his reputation for temper tantrums. There is much to learn from Roger’s experience, particularly the need to focus on what can be done and not why something can’t be done, the importance of good time management and the need to make decisions quickly. The many trials and tribulations Rogers faced on the path to business success were very interesting and provides for a great Canadian story. 
 

The Millionaire Mindset: How Ordinary People Can Create Extraordinary Income

Gerry Robert
Bob Proctor Life Success Publishers
$32.95
book-millionaire-mindset If you went by the title alone, you’d think this book is only about making money. It’s not. Gerry Robert provides a comprehensive process that demonstrates to readers how their earlier family beliefs might be impeding their success. He helps readers to understand themselves, build a new and positive personal attitude and take control of their life. In his view, a positive attitude serves to attract people, job opportunities, friends and financial success. It helps people to find solutions to problems rather than wallowing in defeat. The book is full of interesting and supportive quotations, personal anecdotes, simple common sense strategies and helpful diagnostic worksheets. Combined with  Robert’s down to earth writing style, the reader is engaged right to the very end.
   

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