Comments on: Book Club On A Blog? No Way!

By: Danielle Blugrind

Danielle Blugrind — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 20:55:28 +0000

I completely agree that while change is possible, the speed and extent of Katie’s turnaround was sugar-coated and contrived. However, that doesn’t mean that I can’t learn anything from this extreme example. I will never be so 100% perfect as Katie, that I exemplify the “win them over” and “blow them away” principles 24/7. But I do think about it more actively now, and seek opportunities to demonstrate this behavior. It is amazing to me, always has been, that if you compliment people on something personal and ask them a question or two, you can spur a 10-minute response… people like to talk about themselves, and/or the things that are important to them, and it makes them feel good. Moreover, it isn’t that hard of a thing to do for someone.

Silliness like the baffling marriage to Dr. Allen aside, I did enjoy reading this book and I am glad I joined in, even if I have kept most of my comments to myself until now. I guess that’s because there was no chapter on “simplifying your life and finding time to do it all”. I think it was a good reminder of “what’s important”, and the difference you can make in a workplace and in relationships without a lot of effort. Just like Katie’s personal life affected her job - and that is a human truth, it happens - what works for your job can also work for your personal life. There is a lot to be said for smiling at home, too, even if you have had a hard day at the office or a frustrating commute home. You need to compliment and engage your family members just like your co-workers. These are basic lessons that apply everywhere and are inspirational to me.

By: Tammie Frost-Norton

Tammie Frost-Norton — Mon, 20 Aug 2007 01:13:36 +0000

BOOK SUGGESTION:

Getting Things Done
By: Allen, David
Published By: Penguin Group Inc.

“The personal productivity guru” (Fast Company) delivers powerful methods that vastly increase your efficiency and creative results-at work and in life In today’s world, yesterday’s methods just don’t work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen’s premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effective productivity and unleash our creative potential. In Getting Things Done Allen shows how to: Apply the “do it, delegate it, defer it, drop it” rule to get your in-box to empty Reassess goals and stay focused in changing situations Plan projects as well as get them unstuck Overcome feelings of confusion, anxiety, and being overwhelmed Feel fine about what you’re not doing From core principles to proven tricks, Getting Things Done can transform the way you work, showing you how to pick up the pace without wearing yourself down.

By: Tammie Frost-Norton

Tammie Frost-Norton — Sun, 19 Aug 2007 21:51:21 +0000

I have enjoyed reading every comment above (and apologies for lack of involvement to this point). Overall, this blog is a success - great exchange of ideas and personal stories. I really appreciate what has been shared here. I agree that the book is simplistic but inspiring. While the story is cheesy, it joins the successful books that affect the “business” world via story instead of lecture. It felt like everyone here responded to the belief in caring, in listening, and in appreciating, with varying degrees. I admit the book struck me, as I walked into my front office with my usual smile and hello for our receptionist. I remembered seeing her in the parking lot giving a box to her daughter, which she had previously asked if it would be ok to take. So when I walked in, I stopped and asked if this was the weekend her daughter was moving. I got quite a story, and at the end, she thanked me for asking. It wasn’t difficult, but I have to thank the book for even inspiring me to take this extra effort, with someone I had always been “just pleasant” with. So I guess I’m in two camps - change CAN be sudden and appreciated. And I do think the “allegory” part of this book allowed the authors to feel it was ok to exaggerate to send an inspiring message. But for us in the trenches, we could always use more specific examples. I know I’m struggling with a too large staff, and a recent comment in an exit interview made me realize that I am holding back, not connecting with everyone, as it feels overwhelming. I have been a bit defensive lately, about being “just human”. So this book made me ask hard questions of myself about how much you can give at work, and how a simple lesson with a receptionist can make me realize how much I may have slipped into not “caring” while still thinking myself a caring manager. So Thank YOU Merrill, for blowing us all away with this idea and your generous offer to provide the book. I hope we can try this again - I also would be very happy to buy my own copy, and ask you only for your blog questions and blog coordination!!

By: JM

JM — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 17:09:36 +0000

My turn to make a comment as I’ve been out on vacation.

I’m with everyone where we say that this book servers as an excellent reminder that we (managers) need to connect with our staff, demonstrate respect, and show our appreciation on repeated basis.

I agree with the “win them over” and “keep them revved” approaches. My skepticism comes into play with the “blow them away” concept. The book does not exactly list many examples of how you can “blow’ someone away. It only mentions showing a letter of appreciation to your boss and your boss’ boss. You can show appreciation throughout the year, but exactly how often can you go “over-the-top” in recognizing staff (in a given year) without diluting its effect. I would have liked to see more tactical examples of this. Otherwise, we’re just talking about being consistent with taking opportunities to single out individuals and recognizing their accomplishments, whether it is during an awards ceremony or a department meeting or even using simple thank you notes.

By: Patricia Wakim

Patricia Wakim — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 13:15:15 +0000

I enjoyed the book - definitely an easy read - but did find the pace at which Katie turned her attitude around and the marriage at the end a little unbelievable. The overall message of the book is great and a good reminder to smile, listen, care and be polite. Non of that is hard - it’s just forgotten sometimes.

Reading the book has also stirred the creative juices of my mind to figure out ways to blow people away - it will be fun to practice.

Thank you for the experience, Merrill!!

By: Elizabeth

Elizabeth — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:42:30 +0000

Overall, I think the message of the book is great. I will definitely try to practice these 3 steps!

However, I did not really like the way they explained the 3 steps. The Katie/Dr. Allen story line seemed a bit contrived and overly “cheesy.” There was plenty of times I thought to myself “Yeah right.”

I liked the experience of the book club and would love to continue to participate.

By: Fee Sepahi

Fee Sepahi — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:13:29 +0000

Hi Merrill,
Thank you so much for this experience. Similarly, I found the book a bit anti climactic. I think I would have more pleased if she was promoted to be CEO or some such thing, but alas we all have our stories..
I must say that I find myself, more often than not, introducing myself to all. Whether it’s on the phone or a regular passer by, I stop and say, “I’ve seen you many times, but I’m sorry that I can not recall whether we were ever introduced….and I’m Fee…..” or some such thing. It’s AMAZING what people have to share. Similar to the book, I find out things about people that I can actually contribute to their goals and missions, in just a brief interaction.
It’s really fabulous. Thank you Merrill and I will look forward to the next book, should I be invited!!

By: Merrill Dubrow

Merrill Dubrow — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:42:59 +0000

Marisa,

Thanks for your comments. I actually thought the first 60 pages were much better than the last 40 - I thought it was just me but I guess not.

On interesting side note is that we share the building with another company and I always say hello when i see someone in the hallway but only about 1/2 the time is it acknowledged.

I am so glad you enjoyed the experience. I wasn’t sure how it would go over but it did seem to work out well.

Merrill

By: Marisa Pope

Marisa Pope — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 20:29:37 +0000

I kind of saw the ending coming and decided to ignore it. Perhaps they started it with a personal thing and wanted to end it that way as well. It didn’t sit that well, but it also didn’t take away from the meat of the messages. More interesting to me was the the authors appeared to lose steam in the final chapters…it was almost as if they tried to take their core message to a level it didn’t necessary belong on. Al in all a valuable book, and easy enough read, and my staff is going to start looking to be blown away soon, I can tell.

I did enjoy this Merrill; what a great idea. Checking in periodically and reading others’ thoughts, ideas was the most valuable part of this experience. I now I’ve gotten a lot out of everyone’s insights and I appreciate the opportunity to participate.

By: Paul Kirch

Paul Kirch — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 19:55:00 +0000

I found the book to be a really good reminder. We all get busy and often focused on work and forget about the people we’re interacting with. Greeting people with a smile or making that effort to listen to what they are really saying can make all of the difference in the world. The ending with the marriage was a little hokey and irrelevant. All in all, the book provided some great advice that most of us know, but might forget to implement. I actually liked the message. Not unlike Alice, I have made a more conscious effort to greet people with a smile and take the time to say hello. I have a lot to smile about in my life right now, so it isn’t hard. Still, it’s something I intend to focus on as time goes on. Thanks for organizing the book club. I look forward to the next read.