Over the last few months (maybe more), it’s normally taken me a week or more to finish a 200-300 page business book. And those are ones I find interesting. Contrast that with works of fiction.

Saturday, I saw The Hunger Games, a movie based on the book of the same name by Suzanne Collins. It was good! On Sunday I decided to read the second book, Catching Fire. On Monday, I finished the nearly 300 page book, and decided to read the final book, Mockingjay. I finished that today (Tuesday).

It probably helps that the fiction is well written, compelling, and paints a picture of a world we could very well become.

But, the other books I’ve read have been really good too – what’s the difference?

Compelling
Well written fiction is a page-turner. Always leaving you thinking, “What will happen next?” while also keeping the overarching conflict present in your mind. In a business book, very few chapters contain danger, love, or characters for us to get invested in.

Entertaining
Entertainment can be tough to turn away from. Not that those business books aren’t good, but there is a certain distinction between interesting and entertaining.

Makes you think
I never put down Catching Fire to wonder, “how would I handle President Snow at my job?” (Note: growing up I had a rather solid talent with my compound bow). But when I read Drive, I found myself stopping to make notes, or even send an e-mail to someone with an idea that the book generated. In a number of cases the books have led not only to a Book Review, but other blog posts on related topics.

There is certainly a difference in how we process entertainment vs. self improvement in our lives. So it isn’t surprising that reading books would follow that same pattern. But is there a solution? Do you need it a badly as I do?

First, accept the distraction. Do read some for entertainment as well as self-improvement.

Second, find the right mix. Even if that means stopping mid-book to read something different. I’m actually in the middle of Imagine right now. Don’t feel bad if this seems like trial and error…it is.

Finally, don’t get wrapped up in the hype. Don’t fall for every “great read” you hear about. In fact, try before you buy. I read the first two chapters of Catching Fire on my Nook for free (at B&N) before I decided to buy it.

There probably isn’t one good answer for everyone, but if you’re struggling to get through that business book, study guide or other serious work take a break and read something fun!

It’s harder to get an interview in 2012 than it was in 2007. Period. If you haven’t been job-hunting lately, I can tell you from experience that the landscape has changed. There are more people than ever out there “pounding the internet” looking for work. Once you get in the door, you need to be prepared.

Poundstone delivers on his promise of “Trick questions, zen-like riddles, insanely difficult puzzles, and other devious interview techniques you need to know to get a job in the new economy”.

The title implies these questions may be just for job seekers at Google. However, many of the examples of other difficult questions came from not just high-tech companies, but other names like KPMG, Johnson and Johnson, JP Morgan Chase, and General Motors. Also, this isn’t just about IT jobs, but some questions have been applied to positions in Marketing, Sales and Accounting to name a few examples.

One small caution – This is not an all-encompassing “how to ace and interview book”. Having said that, this book does an outstanding job of preparing you for the types of questions (including specific ones in each category) you may have to face beyond the mundane “what’s your biggest weakness” variety.

What’s great about this book:
This isn’t just for pain-stick seeking job seekers. It’s also entertaining to read. Plus, if you are looking for some great questions to ask as an employer, you’ll find out the why and why not of questions you may think are “cool to ask”.

Rather than telling stories of his own success, and maybe using some borrowed success stories from others, Robin Sharma gives us a fictional work that could easily be “based on a true story”.

Note: This is only available as an e-book, and it’s only available for free. Go to: http://www.heathbrothers.com/the-myth-of-the-garage/ to pick it up.

I read both of Chip and Dan Heath‘s previous books, Made to Stick and Switch (links are to my reviews). When I saw they had another book out, I jumped at the chance to read it. But wait, my credit card isn’t being charged…what’s going on? Oh, it’s a free e-book. Awesome!

The Myth of the Garage is named after an article the authors wrote about the true origins of the Apple computer. Specifically, how Wozniak and Jobs ended up in that garage. Hint: it isn’t “quit school, invent lasting icon in garage three weeks later”. This and the other short stories (17 in all) are quite compelling, and do a great job exposing the reader to the reality behind some widely-held myths in the business world.

Rory’s concept of “Taking the Stairs” is all about finding success. Rory likes to say, ” Success means doing things you don’t want to do.” He uses the comparison of taking the stairs vs. the escalator as a metaphor for choosing the more difficult path now to yield the better life in the long term.

This is not about fitness, it’s about success in every aspect of your life. Rory used some great personal examples and stories in his presentation. Many were also in the book, including other interesting and inspirational tales.

He started by discussing how pervasive procrastination can be in our lives (“we live in a ProcrastiNATION”). This probably isn’t news to you. But when he provided some eye-opening, and specific, figures on what the cost can be in the workplace (on Page 11 of the book) that grabbed the audiences attention.

He broke down procrastination into 3 areas, classic, creative avoidance, and priority dilution. These are from the third principle – The Magnification Principle of Focus:

Classic – Consciously delaying what you should be doing (who hasn’t been there?)
Creative Avoidance – Unconsciously filling the day with menial work in order to be busy being busy – also called distraction
Priority Dilution – (un)consciously delaying by allowing your attention to shift to less important tasks – also called interruption

He told us that “Attention Span isn’t as important as Intention Span.” Sometimes we have to remember that, as his mother told him, “enjoying it is not a requirement of doing it.”

He went on to talk about 3 of the other 6 principles in the book:

1. The Paradox Principle – Rory discussed how taking the easy route in the short term (i.e. the escalator) led to long term difficulty. More importantly, he provided examples of how short term difficulty (i.e. the stairs) can lead to long-term ease.

2. The Buy-In Principle of Commitment – the most important aspect was how we need to shift our attitude from asking, “Should I?” to “How will I?”

6. The Perspective Principle of Faith – Rory gave a powerful story of how one seemingly negative event in history actually led to him being where he is today, which I won’t ruin for you since it is also in the book.

His other points: Integrity, Schedule and Action have similarly well-written stories. If you’re a fan of Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, you’ll find many of the principles to be similar.

What I like about Rory’s take is that it isn’t quite so business-centric as Covey, and as a speaker I can identify with his stories and experiences. He puts his points into words many people can identify with. ”Success is never owned; it is rented – and the rent is due every day.”

I also liked his definition of intellectual dishonesty (page 115) – Allowing someone to believe something you know to be not true. I’ve heard it referred to as “a lie of omission”, but I think “intellectual dishonesty” crystalizes the concept better.

Even if you aren’t ready to change your whole life and blow by the escalators, you can use just one or two principles here and see results. He’s still touring, so if you can see him in person, that would be ideal. If not,  pick this book up on-line or at the store and read it today.

Rob’s Rating system (bolded, the rating is)
Buy now at full price (although it’s already discounted on-line)
Buy if you get a discount
Wait for the paperback
Wait for someone else to be done with the paperback
If you’ve read my review, you got the gist of it

Editors note: I first met Rory in 2009, and consider him to be a friend. That being said, I recommend the book not for that reason, but because it was worth recommending.

Also: Here is my 2009 review of his first book, No Laughs to Know Laughs.

More than once I had to put the book down to make some notes or go and do something as the author suggested. There is a consistent thread about your Conditions of Satisfaction. This drives much of the discussion in the book, and is an insightful way to think about whether or not you’re getting what you want out of ________ (a project, job, life, etc.)

What’s great about this book:
It’s well organized. The information is provided in short chapters. This worked well for me since I tend to think about what I read. When I’m presented with information I can use, I stop and make a note, send an e-mail or take some other action. Short chapters make it easy to take a quick break and pick up where you left off.
The real-world stories and examples from others made the advice feel real and helped drive the author’s points home.
The 118 concept is a great take-away  - Grab their attention in the first 8 seconds, then sell them in then next 110 seconds. There’s a specific formula for putting this together that you can use right away.
If you haven’t read much on change, this makes a great first book. Lots of topical coverage and interesting examples.

Limiting Factors:
If you weren’t sure before reading this, you’ll learn multiple times (I stopped counting) that the author also wrote a book called The Mirror Test.
The sports analogies seem a bit off. In one case, an american football analogy morphs into the business lesson, and is concluded with the need to “swing and swing hard, not bunt safely.”
If you’ve read multiple books on change, this one may not feel like a revelation to you. But you’ll still get a fresh perspective on change.

Great Quotes:
“Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good”
“You can’t be cool and look like Elmer Fudd”
“What’s your 118?”
“A brand is nothing more than a promise delivered”

Recommendations:
This book is an excellent eye-opener, and if you find yourself struggling with nay-sayers and other obstacles to change, then this book is a must read. Of course, unless your the one human out there who doesn’t need to change to stay competitive.

Rob’s Rating system (bolded, the rating is)
Buy now at full price
Buy if you get a discount (of course, it’s already discounted on-line)
Wait for the paperback
Wait for someone else to be done with the paperback
If you’ve read my review, you got the gist of it

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/mcgrawhillprofessional?sk=app_129982580378550

Note: This was a different experience, because the publisher (McGraw Hill) contacted me, said they had read other book reviews I’ve done and asked if I would read this book and post a review on Amazon. I’m telling you up this so there’s no misrepresentation. I’d post this review whether or not I recommended the book.

Are You Smart Enough to Work at Google?: Trick Questions, Zen-like Riddles, Insanely Difficult Puzzles, and Other Devious Interviewing Techniques You … Know to Get a Job Anywhere in the New Economyby William Poundstone. I picked this up at the local Barnes & Noble and looked at it. Very current and relevant advice for any current or future job seeker. The Kindle and Nook editions will be available January 4th, so I’ll be reading it then.

Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman. I recently read a review of this in Scientific American Mind (Jan/Feb issue). I like books that give me an insight to how people think (Like books from Daniel Pink and Dan Ariely). For instance, how the aversion to loss is a greater motivator than the possibility of gain. It’s sure to be an interesting read, if you like to know how people think.

Blah, Blah, Blah: What to do when words don’t work, by Dan Roam. Another book I peeked at while roaming my local B&N Bookseller. This looks like a great resource for speakers on how to make your point with fewer (and more descriptive) words.

Execution: The discipline of getting things doneby Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan. This is one a friend recommended, and I’ve read other titles by Ram Charan. I also read the Executive Summary of the book a while ago, and I especially liked the three building blocks of execution.

These are just a few ideas for books in the coming year. If you have any ideas, or have read any of the books I’ve mentioned, please leave a comment below.

Alan uses a methodical approach to defining the role of a coach, building a foundation of trust and value, developing your skills and marketing yourself as a coach. Of particular interest to me was his defined difference between the mentor and coach.

Alan’s definition of coaching includes a defined goal and an agreed upon definition of success. This includes a finite time limit as well. The concept of “life coach” doesn’t fit this model. Important note: If you want to be a life coach, don’t buy this book.

The best part is the real world questions for topics like defining coaching, qualifying clients, and developing yourself (just to name a few).

A useful definition of Trust – My firm belief that you have my best interests in mind.

Great quote – Requesting help is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. We all need help. Asking for it is a healthy sign.

I could fill a book with all of the wisdom in this book. But, since Alan has already done that, I’m suggesting that you buy his.

Check out www.summitconsulting.com to get some more information, and subscribe to Alan’s newsletter. Go here for the book’s page on Alan’s site.

Rob’s Rating system (bolded, the rating is)
Buy now (today!) at full price (unless you want to be a “life coach”)
Buy if you get a discount
Wait for the paperback
Wait for someone else to be done with the paperback
If you’ve read my review, you got the gist of it

The premise of this book, why right brainers will rule the future, may not leap out at you. However, the assertions he makes will likely wake you up. While left brain work (logical, mathematical, or process driven) will always be needed, the right brain activities that are High Touch and High Concept are going to be where the jobs are in our future.

Daniel talks about the modernization of manufacturing, which shifted jobs in the United States from building things to knowledge work. Yes manufacturing still happens in the United States, but not to he extent it did in the past. Knowledge work is moving in the same direction. You’ve seen it, the ability to automate or outsource that kind of work (think Turbo Tax and help desks) is causing the next coming shift in our skill sets: the move to creative (i.e. Right brained – high concept and high touch) activities.

Think about it. What gets outsourced or automated? Other people jobs? Not anymore. Now, any tasks that can be repeated, directly measured and doesn’t take creative thinking can truly be done by anyone, anywhere.

Of course, the more important question is this: What are you going to do about it?

Daniel goes on to say that the MFA (Master of Fine Arts) is becoming the new MBA. MFA programs are becoming more popular, more prolific, and more preferred by the business world.

This isn’t an all-or-nothing concept. Imagine there are (hypothetically) 50,000 positions this year for new MBAs, 40,000 of them are outsourced and 100,000 people complete their MBA. Completing their MBA looked like a great idea for the 10,000 that find MBA-related work. I’m just thinking that if you’re considering being one of those who pursue the MBA, but your not sure you’ll be in that top percentage, you might want to rethink that investment.

What are you going to do about it?

Daniel’s six senses: Design, Story, Symphony, Empathy, Play and Meaning are described in this book, with ideas you can use to incorporate these concepts into your life, and start catching up with an ever-changing world. It’s not too late, but should you keep waiting, expecting that you will be the exception to the coming wave?

Look around. Daniel Pink is right about the change that’s happening. We’re seeing it every day, across diverse disciplines and industries. If you don’t find a way to add the value of high touch and high concept in your work, then someone else will soon be doing your job, and another person who has prepared will be handling the high touch, high concept work that is needed. Pink gives some poignant examples throughout the book.

If you find yourself thriving in a left-brain life style, you may be able to live out your days without change. But, it’s not the same certainty it was just a few decades ago. Now is the time to jump-start your right brain thinking and get ready for what is already happening to us. Read this. Today.

Do you have an old mind?

I always enjoy books that give me insight to how others think. Actually, this gave me insight into how I think too.

Of particular interest to me was the information on Altruism vs. Greed. The fascinating point that was made had to do with how our brain processes these opportunities. For example, say you are a mechanic and a friend says, “I’m flat broke and I need to fix my car. Can you come over and fix it for me?” Even if the labor was worth $1,000, the altruistic part of your brain is activated, and you would likely make a decision to help your friend in need. But, if the same friend offers to pay you $50 for your help, studies have shown that two things happen:

1. The altruism center (there’s a real medical name for it, trust me) shuts off.
2. The Profit minded part of your brain takes over, says “that’s a bad deal”, and you likely turn him down.

Of course, the final decision could have other factors (schedule, “c’mon man” pressure, etc.)

The real point here is how our brains work. It turns out we’re hard wired to evaluate charitable opportunities and profitable ones from totally different points of view.  And activating the profit center has the potential to shut down the charitable part of the brain.

If you’ve ever worked with volunteers, this news can make a huge difference in how you recruit help. (i.e. give rewards after vs. offer rewards up front) This insight was worth the read for me.

There’s more, like another explanation into the $10 experiment I commented on in a previous post. Also, there were numerous references to some interesting and recognizable stories, and how the power to sway someone or group made a difference. I’d give you more specifics, but I don’t want to ruin a good read for you by giving everything away.

Check out their web site for more insights.

If you like to understand how people think, this was a pretty interesting and easy read. Grab it.

Rob’s Rating system (bolded, the rating is)
Buy now (today!) at full price
Buy if you get a discount
Wait for the paperback
Wait for someone else to be done with the paperback
If you’ve read my review, you got the gist of it