Who Has Time to Read? Written by Paige Turner
Lots of speakers write books to further their speaking careers and some are more useful than others in producing real-world top- and bottom-line results.
I tend to prefer authors who have "walked the talk" by either having achieved phenomenal personal success of who use scientific methodology to follow trends and best practices of other organizations who produce real results. In other words, I want to make sure that the book is worth my time.
Blogging is new to me, so I'm creating my own rules. In an effort of full disclosure, let me say that I book speakers for a living and so my motives for promoting any particular author or speaking may be suspect by some. I'm limiting my reviews of books that I have actually read and speakers who I have actually worked with professionally. It's all just my educated opinion, but hopefully it may add some insight to speakers and author who will help your group reach new heights.
For my first subject, I'm choosing Jim Welch. Jim is the former Chief Marketing Officer from Hallmark Cards. I've worked with him about six times over the past 12 months. His recently released book, Grow Now ... 8 Essential Steps to Flex Your Leadership Muscles is an informative read but I would not say that it is an easy book that you whip through on an airplane. It takes some thinking. It's published by Powerhouse, LLC, but I'm not a publishing house snob, so the smaller press didn't keep me from reading more.
Before I even read the book, I admit that I liked the title. As a Type A achiever, it is appealing to think that there is a neat checklist of 8 items that once addressed will lead to ... well, leadership.
Another neat little tool that Jim incorporates is each Chapter concludes with a Hurdle Test to see if you actually understand the concepts from the previous chapter well enough to advance to the next one. Reminded me a little of textbooks, but it helped me make sure I would actually use the information he was giving me. Plus, he outlines 30-, 60- and 90-day Action Items around each concept. Again, it's a cool way to make yourself accountable.
One thing I wish it had was a bulleted Executive Summary to help me get into it. Alas, I have very little attention span anymore, and I did find that I had to really think about what he had to say and how to apply it. The concepts were not difficult, but they are very thorough and if you try to skim through them, you will find that you miss a lot of the value.
So is it worth the time?
I say yes, even though it is not easy. The big take a ways - are how to make the emotional connections with your current and prospective team members and clients that gives you an advantage in growing your business.
He doesn't advocate a Touchy Feely Philosophy of Kum ba Ya. He just states that people make or break you, and if they know you care about them and their success, then they will care for your success.
He even addresses specifically how to make this emotional connection to people of different generations - a very hot topic now given that for the first time ever, we have four generations in the workforce. Other issues related to the emotional connection include finding top talent, fostering innovation, executing on strategy, rewarding performance, listening to your staff and customers, and much more.
There is a wealth of great information that I would say applies to anyone who is leading a group of people or who aspires to do that job. EVEN if you have very little time, my tip is to read each chapter's Hurdle Test and the 30- 60- and 90-day plans for growth. Find those areas where you can make the biggest difference and dive in.
To Learn More about Jim Welch read visit FIVE STAR Speakers.
To Check Jim's availability or hire him for your next meeting Contact FIVE STAR.
