This book is the follow-on to First, Break all the Rules. I don’t think it is as well written as the first. The target audience is the individual. If you buy your own copy of the book, you get a code with which you can take their Strengths Finder online survey (this is also true with First, Break all the Rules). That tool gives you your top 5 strengths, in order, which is what is missing from First, Break all the Rules. My opinion is if you have read the book(s), then take the quiz, that can skew your quiz answers. I believe the strengths it identified for me, just not sure that the order wasn’t affected by my having read both books in their entirety first. (And no, you can’t just pay $$$ and take the quiz online, they are VERY adamant you buy a book.) I would recommend start reading this book first even though it is second in the series UNLESS you are a manager; then I would take the quiz using the code from this book when they tell you to (around chapter 4), put the book down, and read First, Break all the Rules.
Category Archives: Needs Review Date
First, Break All the Rules
You can’t take the title seriously (some of the Amazon.com reviewers did). The book is about what Gallup has found makes effective managers of people during its research for various clients over 10+ years. I really agree with the general findings. After reading it you will be even more disappointed with management around here than you could have thought possible and will realize where HR found some of the latest changes in the performance review process (such as twice a year dialogues). The book is targeted more at managers than at the individual. It has a whole chapter devoted to interviewing which I have used. It is well written.
Why does it make my must read list? The book is really about expertise, that a successful business values and develops experts, and assembles teams of experts.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
I didn’t like the Audio CD presentation of this book. It is a recording of a live presentation by Covey. Covey’s presentation style is something of a broken record which detracts from the message. Largely the messages I got were how to effectively deal with people (including yourself first and foremost) to create success. The practical tools are EQ competencies which is why I put the review there. Understanding / mastering yourself first is the objective of habits 1-3. The theme that self confidence is a requisite for good leadership isn’t new, of course. Covey’s contribution here is the seven habits and related practical advice to put them to use. I can’t list them off a couple months after listening to the CD. I was already doing the first 3 (self directed), but needed to work on the next 3 (group directed).