Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Community; the structure of belonging.
Training and development consultant Block discusses how to foster community in organizations. His ideas are based on the following principles: that the essential work is to build social fabric for its own sake and to enable accountability, strong associational life is essential and central, citizens who use their power to convene other citizens are what create an alternative future, the small group is the unit of transformation, and all transformation is linguistic and community is therefore essentially a conversation. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Crunch; why do I feel so squeezed?, and other unsolved economic mysteries.
Bernstein (Living Standards Program, Economic Policy Institute, Washington, DC) rails against other economists as having been "hijacked by the rich and powerful." In the engaging non-technical approach he uses as a media commentator, he responds to questions drawn from the public and his own experience of being perplexed as anyone about such questions as why the US health care system is such a mess. Applying his principles of "crunch-point" economics, he demystifies his field, its key players, and problems due to economic inequalities. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Driving growth through innovation; how leading firms are transforming their futures, 2d ed.
Based on Tucker's experience working with and researching companies, this volume explains how to design and implement an enterprise-wide innovation strategy by describing the practices of 23 companies such as Citigroup, Proctor & Gamble, and BMW. He outlines five essential practices that these companies follow, while detailing the process of creating innovation. This edition has been revised and updated, adding new companies to the discussion, and a new self-assessment tool to evaluate innovation culture and practices in an organization. It also details the position of chief innovation officer. Tucker, the author of six books, runs an executive training and consulting firm. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Love 'em or lose 'em; getting good people to stay, 4th ed.
In its fourth edition this title contains updated information to help engage and retain talent in the workplace; new sections include frequently asked questions about the book's approach and a compilation of anecdotes and research findings that support the book's method. Authors Kaye and Jordan-Evans, both in the private sector of career training and development, provide managers with easy-to-implement, inexpensive, research-based strategies to cultivate a talent-focused mindset with the intention of hiring and retaining the best employees for a company. The writing is straightforward and easy to read, with frequent bullet point sections for emphasis on certain points. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
The nonverbal advantage; secrets and science of body language at work.
Goman draws on the latest research and 25 years of experience as a consultant, coach, and therapist in this guide to body language. Cartoons, b&w photos, anecdotes, and simple exercises help readers gain control of the messages their bodies are sending so that they can project a more accurate and compelling picture of who they are to their colleagues, clients, and partners. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Performance consulting; a practical guide for HR and learning professionals, 2d ed.
This work helps readers master the science and art of performance consulting, looking at analytical and assessment techniques as well as consultative and partnering practices. This second edition covers dozens of new tools and techniques, with numerous templates, checklists, and graphics available on the publisher's web site. There is a new chapter on how to proactively identify performance consulting opportunities. Another new chapter answers questions the authors have been asked frequently in the years since the first edition was published. Exercises, key points, and a glossary are included, along with real-life examples of people who have put the techniques described in the book into practice. The readership for the book includes professionals in training, human resources, and organizational development. The authors are consultants. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
Putting our differences to work; the fastest way to innovation, leadership, and high performance.
Kennedy identifies five leadership practices that recognize differences generate new ideas and breakthrough thinking, and reframes how innovation, leadership, diversity, and inclusion connect to accelerate problem solving, team building, and decision making. Examples from both small and large companies illustrate a six step process for creating a diverse, inclusive environment that thrives on putting differences to work. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
The she spot; why women are the market for changing the world — and how to reach them.
Public communications professionals Chen and Witter consider trends on American women with regards to all sides of politics and non- profit efforts and discuss how social change organizations can better appeal to and address women's concerns. Studies include women's use of online media sharing and social networking sites, the long discussion of reproductive choice as the women's issue, demographic trends with regards to donating and volunteering, and the power of simply not assuming that women want to hand over control of important parts of their lives. Case studies from corporate entities and non-profits demonstrate techniques in practice. (Annotation ©2008 Book News Inc. Portland, OR)
