Reader Views

Talent Management Technologies: A Buyer’s Guide to New, Innovative Solutions

One of the biggest challenges of any successful business today is the way of managing and supporting the available and potential workforce. This field is oftentimes confusing, particularly in view of fast changing, frequently baffling and perennially evolving tools and solutions available. The three authors of “Talent Management Technologies,” Allan Schweyer, Ed Newman and Peter DeVries, represent almost sixty years of combined experience in this field, and together they wrote a very comprehensive buyer’s and user’s guide to integrated solutions in Human Resources (HR).

The book opens with a chapter on identifying and understanding the trends shaping the future of HR and talent management. The four critical trends (demographics, diversity, globalization and global economic reconstruction as well as technology and innovation) are clearly presented and discussed in an engaging manner. The next two chapters deal with the present and future of technology and talent, the current state of affairs, understanding of influences shaping the market and how and why to move forward. The last numbered chapter helps the reader select an appropriate system for managing the talent; more specifically, it deals with assessment of internal needs, detailed vendor analysis and final selection of the vendor/system.

If those guidelines are not enough for the potential buyer, the next 385 pages present detailed company information and a functionality matrix for each of the twelve selected vendors, which represent the market’s “suite players,” offering integrated technology platforms with sets of tools and solutions allowing the users to manage all facets of HR with a single toolset. The information on those companies and the solutions they offer is ample, ranging from handy phone numbers, e-mail addresses and web pages to descriptions and history of each of those organizations as well as details on products/services/solutions they offer to the consumer. The corresponding functionality matrix allows the potential buyer to quickly cross-reference particular needs with available solutions and make an informed decision of which vendor would best suit the needs of any particular organization. The functionality matrix addresses numerable items in such diverse categories as are:

- Requisition Management & Posting,
- Candidate Experience,
- Sourcing/CRM,
- Assessment and Interview Management,
- Offer Management and Onboarding,
- Global Capabilities and Compliance, - Reporting & Integration,
- Performance Dashboard,
- Employee Information Review,
- Career Planning / Personal Development (Employee),
- Career Development (Manager),
- Individual Goal / Self-Assessment (Employee),
- Review Process (Employee and Manager),
- Workflow,
- System Admin,
- Search Functionality,
- Employee View / Navigation / Help / Other,
- Security,
- Reporting,
- Succession Planning,
- Succession Pooling,
- Content Management and Delivery,
- Testing and Tracking,
- Integration,
- Web 2.0 Features and
- User Communication.

I found “Talent Management Technologies” clearly written, thorough and to the point in spite of its size. In the ever expanding and oftentimes bewildering field of HR, this book is a welcome guide through the maze.

Talent Management Technologies: A Buyer’s Guide to New, Innovative Solutions
Allan Schweyer, Ed Newman and Peter DeVries
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781449005405
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (10/09)

Creative Blogging for Personal or Business Improvement “How You do Dat?”

Paul William Johnson’s ingenious thoughts are apparent in his work “Creative Blogging for Personal or Business Improvement ‘How You do Dat?’”  Taking the act of blogging to the next level, Johnson tries to build a case that blogging, which he describes as a growth tool, releases the power to solve problems or improve your business. When used collaboratively it can effectively provide enthusiasm, imagination, diversity, and accountability.

Collective consciousness comes in to play when participants identify the problem then brainstorm (or blog) their thoughts and ideas to come up with a solution. This team must focus on why something can work, not why it won’t work. This collective consciousness can create change. In simple terms the creative technique process consists of five parts:

    * Focusing on the question with intensity and passion
    * Demanding and expecting to find the answer to the question
    * Letting go of your thoughts to let the answer emerge
    * Engaging your mind in some other activity
    * At a later time, in a relaxed state, the answer will appear

We must think or break out of the box as the author implies when he quotes Albert Einstein’s words “insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” Einstein thought that the logical, rational mind was the servant and the intuitive mind was the sacred gift. Each of us has an intuitive mind just waiting to be unleashed and set free. This book attempts to show that creative techniques, or creative intuition, in which first thoughts create the simplest solution, are the means to solving the problem. It stresses how to think (“How you do dat?”) rather than what to think.

At times this book was confusing. The author includes background information about his interests and past careers to illustrate his points (such as a section on the stock market and financial cycles) while trying to explain how to use creative techniques as a means of gaining inner peace. He jumps around a lot and it was hard to follow his train of thought. I often had to reread the pages to keep on track. But the point he is trying to make is valid and the book offers the opportunity for the reader to try new approaches in everyday business practices. 

Many quotes from famous people and personal information about philosophers are included in “Creative Blogging for Personal or Business Improvement ‘How You do Dat?’” by Paul William Johnson. This was a nice addition. A section on how the use the book was also helpful in looking for specific information.

Creative Blogging for Personal or Business Improvement “How You do Dat?”
Paul William Johnson
AuthorHouse (2009)
ISBN 9781438949949
Reviewed by Kathleen Dowdell for Reader Views (9/09)

About Jenga: The Remarkable Business of Creating a Game that Became a Household Name

I have to start this review with a confession. I had never heard of Jenga before I started reading Leslie Scott’s “About Jenga,” so I had no real idea what to expect. Even after reading the first few pages, I still did not know exactly what kind of a game Ms. Scott was talking about, yet by that point it simply did not matter any more. I was enthralled by the unfolding story and thoroughly entertained throughout it.

If I had to classify “About Jenga,” I would find it really hard to decide whether to call it a memoir, a business manual, a story of a journey or simply a grandly entertaining and truly intriguing tale of a brilliant mind. The account of one woman’s idea about a new, outwardly very simple, yet greatly addictive game and the path this idea took was simply fascinating. It mattered little whether Ms. Scott was talking directly about Jenga or about any of thereto sometimes loosely connected ideas, events and influences - I wanted to know more. I found myself running to my computer to delve deeper into some of the facts and ideas she mentioned in her book, I found myself stopping and thinking, “Oh, that's why!” and more often than not, I simply found myself admiring the brilliant and witty writing style.

English by definition, but born and raised in Africa, Leslie Scott developed a challenging and very competitive game of Jenga from some simple wooden blocks that were made for her family while they were still living in Africa. Her quest to market and properly protect her invention was not easy and straightforward, and anybody trying to launch a new idea or a new product could greatly benefit from reading “About Jenga.” Ms. Scott’s narrative deftly presents a great number of valuable insights into business concepts and practices, but does not simply stop there. The parts that I found particularly astute were those dealing with protection of intellectual property and the intricacies of branding.

“About Jenga” by Leslie Scott is a book that can and should be enjoyed on many levels. If you simply read it as an account of a beguiling mission to profitably market an idea, I am convinced you will enjoy it greatly. If you take it as a handy manual on how to proceed with your business venture, it should help you avoid countless snares that one usually encounters while doing that. Even if you have no interest whatsoever in the business side of it, I am certain that the ease and grace with which Ms. Scott writes will enchant and delight you. Fresh, engaging and endlessly intellectually stimulating, this book will without a doubt delight a vast circle of very different readers.

About Jenga: The Remarkable Business of Creating a Game that Became a Household Name
Leslie Scott
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320028
Reviewed by Olivera Baumgartner-Jackson for Reader Views (10/09)

Business Relationships That Last: Five Steps to Transform Contacts to High-Performing Relationships

Ed Wallace, recognized as number-one sales producer as well as a vice-president of a development firm that grew from $1 million to over $120 million, knows that business relationships are the crux of any organization. He states “Just about every Fortune 2000 executive and business owner I have met or worked with tells me flat out that his or her business is built on relationships.” (p17)  He also goes on to say that claims on websites, during presentations, or in reports such as “fuzzy statements about customer service, trusted partnerships, and client-driven strategies” are impressive but aren’t truly about the root of the business.  It’s the relationships that make or break the business, yet, according to Wallace seventy-eight percent of business professionals overestimate the quality of their relationships.

Wallace further explains the importance of credibility, integrity, and authenticity in creating relationships in the business world.  Interestingly enough, the term “authenticity” is a buzzword that is used in many realms, from recovery to self-development to business.  Authenticity is certainly one characteristic that is important in building relationships of any kind. He further encourages the reader to ask for help, saying “being authentic and courageous enough to demonstrate that you don’t have all of the answers.”

“Business Relationships That Last” is exceptionally informational and easy to follow.  Wallace includes Action Points as well as Relational Insights in each chapter. He also includes exercises and instruction in developing an action plan.

As I read this book and did the exercises, I was encouraged that Wallace’s writing was relational in itself and basically having us delve into our own core.  As business owners, we can’t create relationships with all the tools in the world if we, ourselves, don’t have the desire and ability to be authentic to ourselves first and overcome our personal challenges. It really isn’t about who you know, what you know, or why you know, but it’s about genuinely wanting to succeed in our lives first and then in our businesses.  Bravo to Ed Wallace!  “Business Relationships That Last” is certainly a 21st-century outlook on business development.

Business Relationships That Last
Ed Wallace
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320011
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (9/09)

The Business of Changing Lives: How One Company Took the Information Highway to the Inner City

Allan Weis, known as CEO of Advanced Network and Services (ANS) by most internet business users, gives us the working model of how the company advanced in the industry, accomplished phenomenal growth in size and profit, and at the same time bridged the socioeconomic gap between inner-city youth and the internet. "The Business of Changing Lives" is an inspiring story of how one company changed the lives of inner-city, low-income kids that had the potential to fit into high-tech jobs and opportunities.

Weis quotes one teacher, "Some of the kids had juvenile records and weren’t doing so well in school," Shasek said. "So we made a deal. They had to complete their school assignments before they could play around on the new equipment. These students formed a group called Network Navigators and started helping teachers integrate technology into the curriculum. They started doing ThinkQuest, and computers became the new vocational technology."

ThinkQuest was launched by ANS in 1995 from the Clinton administration. It’s an online project environment where students and teachers create projects and share them with other users globally. As well, the site offers competitions for the groups and while under the ANS administration gave away $1 million in scholarships and cash awards.

"The Business of Changing Lives" touched me. Throughout the book Weis explains the ins and outs of the projects, scenarios of events, stories of students’ successes, and inspiring ideas of how we, as a society, can help the inner-city youth change their lives. Weis took our most precious renewable resources and the future of our country and turned them into well-adjusted, goal-oriented citizens. I’m inspired and now looking for ways I too can help.

The Business of Changing Lives
Allan Weis
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781608320110
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (8/09)

A Survival Guide to Debt: How to Overcome Tough Times and Restore Your Financial Health

Bankruptcy, foreclosure, it’s not the end of the world. Not if you listen to the author of “A Survival Guide to Debt."  Mitchell Allen takes you through the three parts of his 275 page book in a very direct and easy to understand manner. He writes with clarity and understanding so that you don’t have to be an Accountant or Lawyer to grasp what he is saying.

Even before you get to the first chapter, the introduction will hit home with many people. From the beginning in part I, “When the Wolf is at the Door,"  Mitchell explains what to do when the creditors call. How to respond to payment demands, what to say and when to say it. He shows you a very precise example in his book on what to say in a “Cease-and-desist” letter. Mitchell even has a personal net worth survey to help you find your Assets and Liabilities. The first part continues with explanations on how to get professional help. When you can’t resolve the problem on your own or when the creditors are scaring you to death, Mitchell suggests places to go to get help. He concludes this chapter with a debtors legal rights, he informs you of what you can and cannot do and what your creditor can and cannot do. Here, you will find an explanation of credit scores and even a sample of a “Credit Dispute” letter.

Part II brings us into Bankruptcy. Well, not "Us" as such but you know what I mean. Mitchell presents a complete tutorial on what, when, and how to file bankruptcy. He devotes the whole of part II to this very important aspect of the debt dilemma. He even goes as far as to give you the website for the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, so that you may be a well educated individual if you opt to go this route.

Part III and the final third, of this three part book is the rebuilding process. The author shows you how to rebuild after the devastating bankruptcy. He gives tips and suggestions on “Personality, Attitude and Money” along with such things as how to rebuild your credit score, what to watch out for in the way of credit and credit cards. What to do and how to do it when it comes to applying for credit and a host of other very useful and informative tips. Mitchell concludes his highly informative text with pages of helpful websites; where you can go and find all the answers to most all the questions that you would want answers too.

Mitchell Allen’s survival guide is a well written, intelligently presented, reference book that needs to be in every ones library. I gave it my highest ranking of an A+ and it is well deserved. “A Survival Guide to Debt” is a must read for anyone that has credit, in debt or even as much as just thinking of getting a credit card. Read, “A Survival Guide to Debt” before you apply for one, you may not even want it!

A Survival Guide to Debt
Mitchell Allen
Greenleaf Book Group (2009)
ISBN 9781929774708
Reviewed by William Phenn for Reader Views (08/09)

Deep Dive: The Proven Method for Building Strategy, Focusing Your Resources, and Taking Smart Action

How many managers believe that strategic thinking plays a key role in the survival of his or her company?  Let’s see a show of hands please.  Everyone?  Good!  That’s what I thought.  Now, bear with me when I ask another question. Just what is strategic thinking, anyway?  Or more specifically, how many of you feel you possess the skill sets needed to think strategically? Hmm, not many hands went up that time.  But that’s okay.  A recent Wall Street Journal study revealed that the number one most sought after executive skill by organizations is strategic thinking, but few leaders have that skill set. So, if you are one of those who didn’t raise their hand just now, don’t despair.  I have a book for you that will change your lives.  The name of the book is “Deep Dive” and it was written by Rich Horwath, a former chief strategy officer, and professor of strategy at the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. One glance at Horwath’s credentials and the cover page of his book and you will quickly realize that he not only possesses the skill sets required for strategic thinking, but can pass those skills on to you; if you are willing to listen and learn.

As I mentioned above, the title of Horwath’s book is “Deep Dive.”  What I didn’t mention was the book’s subtitle.  The reason I didn’t is that the subtitle does such a simple and elegant job of describing the concepts outlined in the book that it deserves a stand-alone presentation.  Specifically, the subtitle is, “The Proven Method for Building Strategy, Focusing Your Resources, and Taking Smart Actions.”  I was particularly interested to learn what he had to say about the latter, given that the current day corporate highways are littered with the wrecks of companies that failed to “take smart actions.”

It is never easy to review of book like “Deep Dive” when you don’t have an MBA or even recent corporate experience to fall back on.  The best you can hope for is that the author doesn’t try to “baffle you with B.S.” or breeze airily over your head with a lot of erudite manage speak.  To his credit, Horwath doesn’t do any of this.  His book is concisely written, easy to understand and filled with just enough graphics, quotes, and references to lead the reader through the book to its logical conclusion.

I should point out that the title “Deep Dive,” when taken alone, might confuse some readers, but a quick browse through the book quickly reveals what the author is trying to do in terms of drawing analogies between diving and exercises in strategic thinking.
In this day and age, I doubt if there is a corporation left in America who couldn’t use a strong dose of strategic thinking.  Rich Horwath may not have all the answers, but he definitely knows what he is talking about, and those who care about the future of their companies would do well to read “Deep Dive: The Proven Method for Building Strategy, Focusing Your Resources, and Taking Smart Action.”

Deep Dive
Rich Horwath
Greenleaf Book Group Press (2009)
ISBN 9781929774821
Reviewed by Ron Standerfer for Reader Views (7/09)

New Neighborhoods: The Consumer’s Guide to Condominium, Co-op, and HOA Living

As a current condominium owner and former board member of the HOA, reading “New Neighborhoods” by Gary A. Poliakoff and Ryan Poliakoff confirmed the importance of acquiring knowledge before considering this type of living arrangement. This book is certainly one that any prospective buyer or anyone that is embarking on co-op living should read before signing the contract.

There is glory in having all the amenities of condo/co-op complex living - grounds maintenance, exterior building upkeep, use of pool/recreation area; however, there is also a payback.  The rates could be high, or in some cases nothing is covered by the dues.  Parking can be an issue as well as noisy neighbors. The HOA can impose its own rules, sometimes totally irrational or one-sided.  On the other hand, the rules keep the complex at the certain standard and if you don’t want to conform to those rules/standards, then this type of living is not for you.

The authors give a very concise but comprehensive look into complex living.  They cover an area that most prospective buyers don’t even consider - the role of the developer and the original filed documents.  They also cover the role of the HOA and the rules that can be imposed (or changed) at any time, the owner’s rights and responsibilities, and legal conditions.  Although condo or co-op living may sound attractive, it is not like owning your own home on your own property.  However, if you know all this, condo living can be very rewarding.  Personally, I prefer it.  We’ve owned our own free-standing homes for almost 40 years and moving into a condo gave us the freedom of having amenities like yard maintenance, great neighborhood, and quiet neighbors.  It is important to be clear what it is you expect in condo living and “New Neighborhoods” by Gary A. Poliakoff and Ryan Polialkoff is the perfect book to read before making that final decision.  This is also a perfect book for real-estate sellers to provide to their prospective buyers.

New Neighborhoods: The Consumer’s Guide to Condominium, Co-op, and HOA Living
Gary A. Poliakoff and Ryan Poliakoff
Emerald Book Company (2009)
ISBN 9781934572184
Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (7/09)

Tangling with Tyrants: Managing the Balance of Power at Work

Tony Deblauwe’s "Tangling with Tyrants" offers practical advice for dealing with stress at work, primarily resulting from a difficult boss. Deblauwe begins by making a case for how the workplace is full of difficult bosses and how many people have difficulty with their employers. While few people I think would disagree, Deblauwe offers some interesting statistics; for example, surveys about work attitude show that a person’s relationship with his or her manager is the most important factor in determining a person’s satisfaction at work, even outranking pay and benefits. Television programs such as "The Office" reflect how common bad bosses have become in today’s business world, and people need to learn how to manage their managers, how to get their work done despite their managers, how to avoid emotional bullying from managers, and how to know when to move to another job. Furthermore, today people are being asked to do more work, with fewer resources, which puts pressure on everyone, including the managers, who then put pressure on their employees.

"Tangling with Tyrants" offers numerous suggestions for dealing with a difficult manager. The answers are not simple, but largely introspective. Employees need to change their perspectives, understand the situation from the manager’s point of view, and avoid making assumptions or having pre-conceived ideas about their managers based on past actions or stereotypes. Having an effective communication process with your boss is extremely important, and it can be used to align your actions with your boss’ needs to create a partnership to get the job done.

For me, this book had two strong points. The first was the discussion of popular ideas for how to deal with a difficult boss, and why those ideas are not the way to handle the situation. Among the seven common ideas are standing up for yourself, going over your boss’ head to his or her boss, and getting your co-workers to complain with you as a group about your boss. Instead, Deblauwe suggests the GRACE model, which shows how to be Grounded (rather than reacting to your boss from fear), then Reframe the request, Acknowledge the boss’ perspective, create a Consensus with the boss, and then Execute the action necessary to complete the task. The second strong point was the inclusion of scripts demonstrating the GRACE method so people could see ways to verbalize how to respond to the boss.

I thought "Tangling with Tyrants" was a good starting point for dealing with difficult bosses. I would have liked to have seen a great deal more of the scripting, and maybe even a sort of index or appendix that provided multiple scripts to use on different occasions such as: when your boss expects you to cover for him, when your boss takes credit for your ideas, when your boss comes to work in a foul mood, etc. Some of this was covered in the book but a handy reference guide to multiple situations with effective scripts would have been a bonus and an easy way to keep going back to the book in times of need. Even in the form of a workbook this would have been helpful.

I hope "Tangling with Tyrants" will help many people find ways to improve their work situations. If not, Deblauwe also offers good advice on when and how to leave your job.

Tangling with Tyrants: Managing the Balance of Power at Work
Tony Deblauwe
PageFree Publishing (2009)
ISBN 9781589615786
Reviewed by Tyler R. Tichelaar for Reader Views (7/09)

Boomer Selling: Helping the Wealthiest Generation in History Own your Premium Products and Services

Every salesperson, man or woman, needs to treat "Boomer Selling" by Steve Howard like a laser beam to their direct success. With 75 million Boomers coming onstream you need to have this books’ knowledge available at all times. Sales Managers, you need to use this book as your course material when training the new recruits or honing the skills of the seasoned veterans. We have never before in the history of mankind seen a society with the desire and the wealth of our Boomer’s. They are seasoned buyers with years of experience, past mistakes to refer to, cons to be wary of, but a proud and powerful consumer to be respectful of. Know what they want to buy, know what they should buy, and they will be your dedicated customer again and again. Repeat business will astound you; they will tell all their friends, their neighbors, family members, co-workers and for sure their golf buddies.

Reduce the risk and you have eliminated the Boomers fear of possibly making a bad deal. Know everything about your product so there is no margin for doubt; also know everything about the competitions’ product and you will create the trust necessary to close the deal. Trust dissolves all doubt and this means you are the Boomers’ number one go-to-guy or gal.

Enthusiasm, sales vocabulary, and all the rest of the necessary tools required to be the super salesperson are contained in this very simple, well-written book. Boomers are tough shoppers; they know what they want so don’t pressure them but make them feel comfortable so that your sales presentation is a natural progression to an enjoyable conclusion. Steve Howard wrote "Boomer Selling" especially for salespeople. Study it, understand it, and know there all lots of Boomers for everyone. So, let’s go ‘Boomer Selling.’

Boomer Selling: Helping the Wealthiest Generation in History Own your Premium Products and Services
Steve Howard
ACTion Press (2009)
ISBN 9780982191101
Reviewed by Robert Watson for Reader Views (6/09)