Review: Laura Garnett – The Genius Habit (S)

Posted on by
Reply

The Genius Habit
Break Free from Burnout, Reduce Career Anxiety and Double Your Productivity by Leveraging the Power of Being Who You Are at Work
Laura Garnett

“Both inspirational and practical, The Genius Habit introduces a methodology that has helped Laura’s high-profile clients at LinkedIn, Capital One, and Verizon transform their careers and their lives. The Genius Habit gives employees—from entry-level assistants, to middle managers, to CEOs of major companies—the tools they need to gain clarity about who they are and where they are going, and to proactively create the career of their dreams.”

I thought this book was about habits, but it’s not at all. For a book with such a long title, it still didn’t explain what it’s about. This book is about doing your strengths in work and life, which the author calls “your zone of genius”. It’s a drawn out way of saying ‘know thyself’ – this book focuses on building a career on those things you already do well and enjoy. The thoughts and ideas of this are fine but I feel like it’s also just common sense. I also feel this is not possible 24/7, there are always times you need to do something that you enjoy less, and it doesn’t give you any tips for this. The book also has a bunch of other wishy-washy topics on mindfulness, meditation, getting sleep, and perseverance.

One aspect I struggled with was the explanation of the “performance tracker”. The idea of measuring when you’re in your “zone of genius” makes sense, but the execution leaves much to be desired. Numerous variables such as location and who you’re working with are not thoroughly explored, leaving me questioning the reliability of this tracking method.

The message is fine, but I just didn’t feel for this book. It just wasn’t well executed? I found myself not wanting to continue to read it. It was a long book regarding only one topic, yet still didn’t get much out of it. It’s common sense and basic knowledge to me. Unfortunately the writing style was not super engaging for me and the overuse of words like genius made me not enjoy and connect with it as much as I would have otherwise. The author spoke a lot about their own experiences and in a voice that just annoyed me.

There was not any new or unique concept in the book that would make it stand out.
Overall the main points can be summarized very quickly and it wasn’t written in an engaging way. Basically, do work in your strength areas. 2 Stars for me. If you’re after a book on habits, try Atomic Habits instead. Or just try a few pages to see if the style works for you.

Review: Sean Ammirati – The Science of Growth (S)

Posted on by
Reply

The Science of Growth
How Facebook Beat Friendster – and How Nine Other Startups Left the Rest in the Dust
Sean Ammirati

“The lean entrepreneurship movement has captivated Silicon Valley and entrepreneurs across the country. It provided an agile framework to develop the right product solution for a given target market, and is now used by almost every fledgling company to do just that. The next challenge is growth – to achieve the financial returns and, more importantly, the impact they dreamed of when starting off on their adventure. Why do some companies realize the VC’s goal of a 10x return on investment, while others flounder? What differentiates the companies that become part of the fabric of our lives and remain responsive, no matter how big they get from those that quickly fade?”

The author gives us a big-picture view of how Facebook outshined Friendster and why nine other startups aced the game. The book, though, doesn’t go deep into the juicy details like numbers, how they thought, or the tools they used. Most of these companies are already big shots, and you might have heard their stories already.

The book’s structure is well-organized, guiding readers through the critical stages of startup development. From the initial idea to execution and scaling. The author did their homework, but it feels like it just scratches the surface. A lot of it is about the popular tech startups and viral growth. It could’ve thrown in different types of companies. The book has this thing where it looks back and says, “Look, this is why these guys made it!” but doesn’t really spill the secret sauce for success.

Overall, it’s okay. If you’re not drowning in business books and just want a quick rundown, it works. I’d give it a 3 star rating – not bad, not amazing. Just right if you’re starting out in the business book world.

Review: Alexis Ohanian – Without Their Permission (S)

Posted on by
Reply

Without Their Permission
The Story of Reddit and a Blueprint for How to Change the World
Alexis Ohanian

“As Alexis Ohanian learned when he helped to co-found the immensely popular reddit.com, the internet is the most powerful and democratic tool for disseminating information in human history. And when that power is harnessed to create new communities, technologies, businesses or charities, the results can be absolutely stunning. In this book, Alexis will share his ideas, tips and even his own doodles about harnessing the power of the web for good, and along the way, he will share his philosophy with young entrepreneurs all over the globe.”

I absolutely loved reading this book. It hooked me right from the start and kept me engaged throughout. Alexis writes just like I do, saying what’s on his mind and giving us a raw account of events. I have to admit, he does go a bit overboard with the use of brackets (but hey, I’m guilty of that too!)

The book wasn’t exactly what I expected, though. I thought it would be a straightforward chronological story of how Reddit came to be. Instead, the story of Reddit is brief and not presented in order. But once I got past that initial surprise and understood the book’s style, it was all good. Alexis takes us on a journey beyond Reddit, sharing his experiences with other companies and providing what he calls “the blueprint” for creating your own successful internet startup. So, if you’re looking for insights and inspiration in the world of internet startups, this book has got you covered.

I should mention that this book is very focused on internet startups, so it might not be as applicable to other types of businesses. Don’t let that discourage you. It’s still a fascinating and entertaining read. I genuinely enjoyed it from start to finish. I’d give it a solid 4 stars.

Review: Abra Pressler – Love and Other Scores

Posted on by
Reply

Love and Other Scores
Abra Pressler

Noah’s just drifting from place to place in Melbourne – the best part about his life is his older adult housemate and the drag queen who drops in to visit him at his job. Gabriel is driven from country to country in pursuit of a Grand Slam tennis title – barely thinking about anything other than his sport. A chance meeting at a bar starts some heat between them – but what secrets are each of them hiding?

The blurb promised me twists and turns, but it really was exactly what I expected it to be (including Noah’s delay at various crucial points). I think it still counts as a ‘meet-cute’, and apart from the sex scenes (pretty tastefully written, nothing too racy) it doesn’t have that much new to offer. I did read it pretty quickly, just to see if it would turn out as expected. It did.

This book is good in that it presents monogamy, but not in a boring or ‘they settled for it’ way. I’ve read a LOT of books with sex happening all over the place, and it’s refreshing to have two men (rather than teenagers) interacting and not having it all about sex or teenage hormones. I also liked the individual charm that was included in the scenery, and I could see them sneaking (both huge men!!) through the backstreets of Melbourne.

I HATE TENNIS. I find it super boring, I don’t understand the rules and I can’t think anything too positive about a sport that regularly leaves people vomiting on the court from heat exhaustion. Oh, and don’t mention the huge amount of traffic the Australian Open causes in Melbourne. I associate tennis with hot summer nights and a lack of sleep.

If you are looking for an Australian novel with a gay sporting protagonist, this is it! It gave me echoes of Anything But Fine and Take a Bow, Noah Mitchell, but for an adult audience rather than a teenager one. I’m not excited by tennis, but this book was still a good solid read.

Pan Macmillan | 28 November 2023 | AU$26.99 | paperback

Review: Patrick Lencioni – Getting Naked (S)

Posted on by
Reply

Getting Naked
A Business Fable about Shedding the Three Fears That Sabotage Client Loyalty
Patrick Lencioni

“Another extraordinary business fable from the New York Times bestselling author Patrick Lencioni Written in the same dynamic style as his previous bestsellers including The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, Lencioni illustrates the principles of inspiring client loyalty through a fascinating business fable. He explains the theory of vulnerability in depth and presents concrete steps for putting it to work in any organization. The story follows a small consulting firm, Lighthouse Partners, which often beats out big-name competitors for top clients. One such competitor buys out Lighthouse and learns important lessons about what it means to provide value to its clients.”

I am a fan of this particular author, having delved into several of his captivating works. As I embarked upon “Getting Naked,” I found myself comforted by the familiar cadence and structure that I had come to associate with his novels. This book also adheres to his trademark style of weaving a fable throughout the narrative, imparting invaluable lessons to the characters and, by extension, the readers.

Lencioni expounds upon the concept of vulnerability, urging us to embrace it both in our interactions with employees and clients alike. While this book didn’t quite achieve the same level of gripping suspense that some of his other works possess, perhaps my familiarity with his narrative structure contributed to my ability to predict the end. Nevertheless, it remains an engaging read, with the author skillfully interweaving his principles within the fable.

The Three Fears:

  1. Fear of losing the business
  2. Fear of being embarrassed
  3. Fear of feeling inferior

The core principles presented in this book, particularly those surrounding vulnerability and the 3 fears, hold significant value, particularly for those in the service industry. It is rare to find a book that caters specifically to businesses that offer services as their primary product. In this regard, the author excels, providing practical insights and guidance for service businesses.

Overall, “Getting Naked” is a commendable addition to the author’s repertoire, although it may not stand out as his most exceptional work. Admittedly, the topic at hand is not new, as other authors such as Brené Brown have also explored the importance of vulnerability. The fact that multiple authors have tackled this subject underscores its significance and relevance in our lives. Taking into account its strengths and its place in the broader literary landscape, I give this book 4 stars.

Review: John C. Maxwell – Developing the Leader Within You (S)

Posted on by
Reply

Developing the Leader Within You
John C. Maxwell

“In this repackaged bestseller John Maxwell examines the differences between leadership styles, outlines principles for inspiring, motivating, and influencing others. These principles can be used in any organization to foster integrity and self-discipline and bring a positive change. Developing the Leader Within You also allows readers to examine how to be effective in the highest calling of leadership by understanding the five characteristics that set “leader managers” apart from “run-of-the-mill managers.” In this John Maxwell classic, he shows readers how to develop the vision, value, influence, and motivation required of successful leaders.”

In this book, there are both commendable and average aspects. Some sections can be skimmed through, while others provide valuable insights. Unfortunately, the author’s frequent use of poems, motivational and self-help language didn’t resonate with me.

I was captivated by the first portion of the book. However, it then went downhill and didn’t improve for the rest of the book. Although there is a wealth of valuable content within these pages, locating it can be challenging due to poor organization and vagueness. Certain sections suffer from being overly general, and much of the information presented seems to rely on common sense rather than groundbreaking ideas. Examples and stories would have enhanced the reading experience. It’s worth noting that the book does incorporate thought-provoking questions and self-evaluations regarding one’s leadership abilities.

Overall, I rate this book 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Quick Reviews of Non-Fiction Business Books #3 (S)

Posted on by
Reply

The Conversation Yearbook 2017: 50 Standout Articles from Australia’s Top Thinkers – John Watson

I was really hoping this book would be all about fascinating individuals or businesses considered as “top thinkers.” Instead, it’s filled with essays covering topics like climate change, same-sex marriage, public school education, Indigenous issues, and Australian politics – and all of them are from 2017, which makes them feel pretty out-of-date now. A bunch of these essays are just plain boring and hard to get through. I managed to read most of them, but there were a few that I had to skip. Plus, the way the book is organized feels a bit messy. The themed chapters don’t flow together smoothly. If these essays are supposed to represent the best thinking from our top minds, I’m not feeling very optimistic. I’d give it a 2-star rating.

The Golden Passport: Harvard Business School, the Limits of Capitalism, and the Moral Failure of the MBA Elite – Duff McDonald

Who would be interested in reading this? It’s essentially a history of Harvard Business School (HBS). It comes across as quite dry and unengaging, and I fail to see its purpose. I initially expected more content related to prominent business figures, akin to a textbook, but even those sections fell short. For instance, when I saw the discussion of Frederick Taylor in Chapter 3, I hoped to have fond memories of his accomplishments for that era. However, this book somehow managed to render his historical contributions as mundane and uninteresting, not reflecting Taylors true significance. I would rate it with only one star, as I was unable to finish it, but I do acknowledge that it might appeal to a different audience, warranting a two-star rating.

Flying Solo: How To Go It Alone in Business Revisited – Robert Gerrish, Sam Leader, Peter Crocker

I found this book to be quite good. It’s an enjoyable read that covers all the basics, so don’t expect groundbreaking insights. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth checking out, especially if you’re looking to embark on your journey into self-employment. The book provides essential tools for planning and starting a solo venture, offering a mix of motivational advice and practical strategies. Despite being released a few years ago, the content remains surprisingly relevant. It challenges the old assumptions of the 9-to-5 grind, introducing concepts that are increasingly gaining popularity. The book not only gives you the basics but also includes some practical examples, making it a valuable resource for those considering or already navigating the world of self-employment. 3 stars.

Review: Jeffrey Hull – Flex (S)

Posted on by
Reply

Flex
The Art and Science of Leadership in a Changing World
Jeffrey Hull

“Based on his popular classes with Harvard Medical School physicians and New York University business students, Hull has identified the six key elements that leaders in this new workplace need to succeed, known as Flexibility, Intentionality, Emotional Intelligence, Realness, Collaboration, and Engagement. From start-ups to universities to Fortune 500 companies, he’s been able to help leaders across the board develop the skill sets that have advanced their careers and won them accolades.”

This book is a thought-provoking book that truly inspires its readers to become better leaders. The author introduces the concept of beta leaders, a unique approach to leadership that challenges conventional thinking and encourages introverted collaborative leaders in an ever-changing world.

While the concept of beta leaders is interesting I found myself occasionally distracted by the abundance of case studies within the book. These real-world examples provide valuable insights, but their sheer quantity made it somewhat challenging to keep track of each individual and their unique circumstances. I often wished for more in-depth exploration of a single character’s leadership journey and the theory that goes with it. Then I could have been following the character through various scenarios to see how they evolved.

The book excels in presenting a collection of coaching tips, each bundled with profound leadership insights tailored for the modern workplace. It highlights numerous areas where anyone can enhance their leadership skills. I found myself particularly engrossed in the sections that resonated with my own leadership style, while some other sections didn’t capture my attention as strongly.

One of the book’s strong points is the well-crafted summaries and practical takeaways at the end of each chapter. I will re-read these again later. These sections offer a concise and valuable outline of the key ideas, making it easy for readers to reflect on and apply what they’ve learned.

In conclusion, “Flex” is an inspiring book that challenges traditional leadership paradigms and equips readers with the tools to adapt and excel in today’s work environment. The overall impact of the book is undeniably positive. It’s a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and navigate the complexities of a changing world. Especially in an inspiring way! I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

Spotlight: Chopped Scene from The Trillias Gambit by J. V. Hilliard

Posted on by
Reply

Today we welcome back Joe Hilliard, a prolific writer who has previously been showcased here! There’s an interview with Joe here, and a previous chopped scene from The Last Keeper here.

This time I’m sharing a deleted scene from Joe’s newest work in The Warminster Series, The Trillias Gambit. 

“Don’t bite your thumb at the vermilion,
for to survive would be one in a million.”

– The Ballad of Eldwal

IT WAS MIDDAY, and King Godwin had been summoned to the walls by his guards amidst a great fanfare and ringing of bells, as was customary to greet a notable arrival to the city. Godwin saw them first from the battlements of the great castle, approaching at speed across the plains. For a brief instant, he worried that it was a military unit, but the numbers were too small and they flew the white flag of peace, as well as their own colors.

He recognized them immediately. They were flying the crimson banner of the Vermilion elves, a recluse race whose eyes and hair matched the hue of their standards. They were riding their signature horses, powder white stallions that had well-earned reputations as the finest mounts in the whole of Warminster.

Godwin was already in a sour, gruff mood from court the day before, and the sight of the Vermilion banners flying high in the wind threatened to push him over the edge. He paced the battlements for several minutes, his brow furrowed and his footsteps heavy as he retraced the same path backwards and forwards while the horsemen grew ever closer. And then, as though he’d arrived at an important and irreversible decision, he leaned over the battlements and spat on the grass far below. He hustled back inside and rang the bell for his servants before examining his surly visage in a looking glass. His face bore the telltale signs of fatigue, but it still projected the calm, regal authority for which he was known.

There was a sound and some movement from the hallway, and Godwin noted the arrival of Meeks Crowley, his personal butler. Crowley was a skinny human, standing over six feet with brown hair, brown eyes and a closely managed moustache. His bony frame was hidden by his servant’s tunic, thick boots and gloves.

“Sire?” Crowley said.

“Ah, Crowley,” Godwin replied, offhandedly. “Please arrange for a welcoming party to receive the Vermilion contingent at the gates.”

“Of course, sire.”

“Damned Vermilion.” Godwin shook his head, anticipating ill omen from them. “A visit from them is never good.”

“Quite, sire,” Crowley simpered. His eyes were watery, as though he’d just received devastating news, and he seemed to hang on to every word that the king spoke as though it was some sort of holy decree that had to be taken down for the benefit of future generations. “They rarely bother with any race, let alone humans.”

“Remind me,” King Godwin asked, “when was the last time that we had dealings with the Vermilion?”

“It’s been a generation, sire” Meeks replied. “Back when your father was on the throne. “The last time they were seen in this part of the realm, it was to help Sir Hertzog Valkeneer to prepare to defend the Bridge against a great alliance of trollborn tribes.”

“Ah, the Battle of the Bridge,” King Godwin remembered. “You’re correct, of course. The attack was repelled through an alliance between the Valkeneer and the Raven elves. We must make the Vermilion feel welcome. Go, send the welcoming party. And have my wife and the nobles summoned to court.”

“Of course, sire.”

Quick Reviews of Non-Fiction Business Books #2 (S)

Posted on by
Reply

SMART Time Investment for Business: 128 ways the best in business use their time – Kate Christie

I’m sorry but I didn’t love it. The 128 ways to best use time felt very basic and repetitive, some were also not explained enough. The book is meant to be short and to the point, and “time saving” which was fine. It then had a bunch of quotes from each business person after each point. I don’t mind a few quotes, but that many seemed to lose its point with not enough context. I find that quotes can be very contradictory, there seems to be a quote for every situation. There were a few short case study examples but again not enough context to really get the point across. The 128 ways to save time were not new tips. Maybe you’ll pick up a handful of new tips by the end but that about it. I recommend it for anyone who is not an organised person. 2 stars.

Superminds: The Surprising Power of People and Computers Thinking Together – Thomas W. Malone

This is an intriguing book that explores the concept of collective intelligence. While not aligning with my typical reading preferences, it managed to capture my attention to some extent. The beginning of the book was challenging to get through, but it improved as I progressed. Some sections stood out as particularly engaging, shedding light on the possibilities and implications of collaboration between people and machines. However, I found it lacking in substantial takeaways and not engaging throughout. It was very general and referred to already fairly outdated technology. I felt this book was much longer than it needed to be, with lots of repetition and multiple examples illustrating the same issue. Overall I give it 2 stars. It was not intriguing to continue to read it.

So Now You’re a Leader: 10 Precepts of Practical Leadership – Peter Stokes and John James

Since the book is quite old, it’s hard for me to give it a proper review. I guess it was okay back in the day, but in today’s world, it feels pretty outdated. The principles it presents are still relevant, but the stories and writing style feel old-fashioned. It’s written in a very textbook-like manner, and it even throws in theories like “SMART” goals and Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. It’s a bit dense and dry, but the points it makes about being a better leader are valid and serve as good reminders. However, there’s nothing really new or groundbreaking here, just the basics. I’d give it two stars.