An Apple Store customer asks for the latest iPhone in blackbut suddenly changes to white when he sees others choosing it. Acitizen of a former communist country picks~ a drink at random;soda is soda, he says. A young man and woman decide tomarry--knowing that they'll meet for the first time on theirwedding day. In THE ART OF CHOOSING, Columbia University profes- sor SheenaIyengar, a leading expert on choice, asks fascinating questions:Are our choices innate or created by culture? Why do we sometimeschoose against our best interests? How much control do we reallyhave? What's the relationship between choice and freedom? Drawingon her award-winning, discipline: spanning research, thisremarkable book illuminates the joys and challenges ofchoosing--and shows us how we can choose better, one choice at atime.

Technological advances and the global marketplace are changingthe way we live and work. Doing the work you love is the critical factor to personal fulfillment and economic success. Noone understands this more than Laurence G. Boldt, whose Zen andthe Art of Making a Living helped many carve out new andrewarding career paths. But how do you find the courage to startthe search for a new career? And how do you tap into your own bestresources to discover what you want to do and what you’re good at?This remarkable guide offers simple yet profound strategies to helpyou answer those questions by focusing on four key elements to besought in any life’s work: Integrity, Service, Enjoyment, andExcellence. Boldt has reduced the quest for meaningful work to itsessence and will lead you to an understanding of what you could andshould be doing with your life.

In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done , veteran coach and management consultantDavid Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-freeperformance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of peopleacross the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity isdirectly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our mindsare clear and our thoughts are organized can we achieve effectiveproductivity and unleash our creative potential. In GettingThings Done Allen shows how to:

Since Peter Senge published his groundbreaking book The FifthDiscipline, he and his associates have frequently been asked by thebusiness community: "How do we go beyond the first steps ofcorporate change? How do we sustain momentum?" They know thatcompanies and organizations cannot thrive today without learning toadapt their attitudes and practices. But companies that establishchange initiatives discover, after initial success, that even themost promising efforts to transform or revitalizeorganizations--despite interest, resources, and compelling businessresults--can fail to sustain themselves over time. That's becauseorganizations have complex, well-developed immune systems, aimed atpreserving the status quo. Now, drawing upon new theories about leadership and the long-termsuccess of change initiatives, and based upon twenty-fiveyears of experience building learning organizations, the authors of TheFifth Discipline Fieldbook show how to accelerate success and avoidthe obstacles that can stall momentum. The

By the author of the modern classic The Black Swan, thiscollection of aphorisms and meditations expresses his major ideasin ways you least expect. The Bed of Procrustes takes its title from Greek mythology: thestory of a man who made his visitors fit his bed to perfection byeither stretching them or cutting their limbs. It representsTaleb’s view of modern civilization’s hubristic sideeffects—modifying humans to satisfy technology, blaming reality fornot fitting economic models, inventing diseases to sell drugs,defining intelligence as what can be tested in a classroom, andconvincing people that employment is not slavery. Playful and irreverent, these aphorisms will surprise you byexposing self-delusions you have been living with but neverrecognized. With a rare combination of pointed wit and potent wisdom, Talebplows through human illusions, contrasting the classical values ofcourage, elegance, and erudition against the modern diseases ofnerdiness, philistinism, and phoniness.

Michael Goldhaber, writing in Wired, said, "If there isnothing very special about your work, no matter how hard you applyyourself you won't get noticed and that increasingly means youwon't get paid much either. In times past you could be obscure yetsecure -- now that's much harder." Again: the white collar job as now configured is doomed. Soon.("Downsizing" in the nineties will look like small change.) Sowhat's the trick? There's only one: distinction. Or as we call it,turning yourself into a brand . . . Brand You. A brand is nothing more than a sign of distinction. Right? Nike.Starbucks. Martha Stewart. The point (again): that's not the waywe've thought about white collar workers--ourselves--over the pastcentury. The "bureaucrat" on the finance staff is de factofaceless, plugging away, passing papers. But now, in our view, she is born again, transformed frombureaucrat to the new star. She works in a professional servicefirm and works on projects that she'll be able to brag about yearsfrom now. I call

A bold and revolutionary thinker’s legacy for how business canmeet the greatest economic challenge in decades... It’s no secret: everyone knows that the way most companies dothings is screwed up. Surprisingly, though, herein lays the biggestopportunity for improving growth and profitability in a world inwhich consumers are tapped out and competition is coming from thedevastating combination of low-wage countries with highskills. For more than a decade, following his landmark Reengineering theCorporation, Michael Hammer did “deep dives” into the processes ofcompanies in every imaginable business—from oil refineries tosoftware developers, factories, retailers, and hospitals—tounderstand the nuts and bolts of how they do their work, and thento advise them how to do it differently to become faster, cheaper,better. The results were the right product, at the right time, withthe right price and quality—businesses that not only ate thecompetitions’ lunch but their breakfast and dinn

Book De*ion Fascinating notes from astreet-smart executive. McCormack shows how to read people, createthe right impression, take the leading edge, sell successfully, andmore. From AudioFile Before he died last year, the founder of the premier sportsmanagement firm in the world gave us many superb audios onmanaging, communication, and practical leadership. In his 1985breakthrough work, he summarized the principles that formalbusiness education overlooks or obliterates. This abridged editionis really a primer--an introduction to a caliber of thinking andteaching that has few equals in the audio repertoire. Thelimitations of a one-hour version of this outstanding work arepartially overcome by introductory questions read by an uncreditedspeaker. For the full lesson from a great man and authenticbusiness teacher, get the unabridged edition of the sequel--WHATTHEY STILL DON'T TEACH YOU AT HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL. T.W. Book Dimension : length: (cm)23.2 width:(cm)15.4

Cathie Black is the wise, funny mentor that every woman dreamsof having. She was a pioneer in advertising sales at a time whenwomen didn’t sell; served as president and publisher of thefledgling USA Today ; and, in her current position as thepresident of Hearst Magazines, persuaded Oprah to launch amagazine. In 2006 she was named one of Fortune’s “50 Most PowerfulWomen in American Business” for the seventh consecutive year. Now,in the exuberant, down-to-earth voice that is her trademark, Cathieexplains how she achieved “the 360° life”—a blend of professionalaccomplishment and personal contentment—and how any woman can seizeopportunity in the workplace. No matter where you are in your career, Basic Black offersinvaluable lessons that will help you land the job, promotion, orproject you’re vying for. At the core of the book are Cathie’scandid, personal stories. She walks us through her decision to riskdropping a huge ad agency that handled the USA Today campaign in favor of a small bo

“The invaluable advice in How to Wow guarantees your successin any meeting situation, from the boardroom to the breakfasttable.” –Keith Ferrazzi, author of Never Eat Alone In today’s fast-paced world, where an elevator ride with your CEOcan turn into an impromptu meeting, your lunch date can become ajob interview, and your conversation at a cocktail party may be apreamble to a potential business merger, knowing how to marketyourself in any situation is vital. Corporate coach Frances ColeJones has helped numerous CEOs, celebrities, and publicpersonalities present their best selves on camera and onstage, inboardrooms and in person; now in her new book, How to Wow, sheshares her strategies for making your mark in business and inlife. Every encounter, Jones believes, provides you with an opportunityto positively influence colleagues, employers, neighbors–evencompetitors. Not only your words, but your tone of voice and yourbody language speak volumes. The question, however, is: A

In his bestselling first book, Getting Things Done ,veteran coach and management consultant David Allen presented hisbreakthrough methods to increase efficiency. Now "the personalproductivity guru" ( Fast Company ) shows readers how toincrease their ability to work better, not harder—every day. Basedon Allen’s highly popular e-newsletter, Ready for Anything offers readers 52 ways to immediately clear your head forcreativity, focus your attention, create structures that work, andtake action to get things moving. With wit, inspiration, and know-how, Allen shows readers how tomake things happen—with less effort and stress, and lots moreenergy, creativity, and effectiveness. Ready for Anything isthe perfect book for anyone wanting to work and live at his or hervery best.

"Oh, screw it, let's do it." That's the philosophy that has allowed Richard Branson, inslightly more than twenty-five years, to spawn so many successfulventures. From the airline business (Virgin Atlantic Airways), tomusic (Virgin Records and V2), to cola (Virgin Cola), to retail(Virgin Megastores), and nearly a hundred others, ranging fromfinancial services to bridal wear, Branson has a track recordsecond to none. Losing My Virginity is the unusual, frequently outrageousautobiography of one of the great business geniuses of our time.When Richard Branson started his first business, he and his friendsdecided that "since we're complete virgins at business, let's callit just that: Virgin." Since then, Branson has written his own"rules" for success, creating a group of companies with a globalpresence, but no central headquarters, no management hierarchy, andminimal bureaucracy. Many of Richard Branson's companies--airlines, retailing, andcola are good examples--were started in the face of

"This is not another 'how to start your own business' book,but rather one man's struggle to find meaning and fulfillment inwork, latching onto elephants when needed, but mostly flying solowithout a net." -Booklist Social philosopher and international business guru, CharlesHandy provides a firsthand account of how we got here and where weare headed. Handy takes us on his life's journey, looking back tosuch topics as his childhood and education and how they prepared(or, rather, did not prepare) him for a career in business; thechanging nature of organizational life within the context of theold economy and the new; the great variety of capitalism around theworld; and, through it all, his struggle to find meaning andfulfillment in work. This book is both a poignant personal memoirand a deep reflection on the past and future of world capitalism,with all its possibilities and pitfalls.

Too many companies are managed not by leaders, but by mere roleplayers and faceless bureaucrats. What does it take to be a realleader—one who is confident in who they are and what they stand forand who truly inspires people to achieve extraordinaryresults? In this lively and practical book, Goffee and Jones draw fromextensive research to reveal how to hone and deploy one’s uniqueleadership assets while managing the inherent tensions at the heartof successful leadership. Why Should Anyone Be Led By You? will forever change how we view,develop and practice the art of leadership, wherever we live andwork.

"A major contribution." Washington Post The authoritative single-volume biography of Thomas Jefferson,perhaps the most significant figure in American history. He was acomplex and compelling man: a fervent advocate of democracy whoenjoyed the life of a southern aristocrat and owned slaves, arevolutionary who became president, a believer in states' rightswho did much to further the power of the federal government.Drawing on the recent explosion of Jeffersonian scholarship andfresh readings of original sources, IN PURSUIT OF REASON is amonument to Jefferson that will endure for generations.

If you’ve ever wondered how investors continue to see substantial market-beating investment returns with portfolios that just seem to grow and grow, The Little Book that Saves Your Assets: What the Rich Do to Stay Wealthy in Up and Down Markets will reveal some secrets. David Darst, also known as Mr. Asset Allocations, shows you how to use savvy asset allocation strategies that you can use to invest like the rich do. This dynamic and easy-to-understand book allows you to rethink your asset allocation strategies and make the leap from mediocre to stellar returns.

The path to your professional success starts with a criticallook in the mirror. If you read nothing else on managing yourself, read these 10articles. We've combed through hundreds of Harvard Business Reviewarticles to select the most important ones to help you maximizeyourself. HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself will inspire youto: - Stay engaged throughout your 50+-year work life - Tap into your deepest values - Solicit candid feedback - Replenish physical and mental energy - Balance work, home, community, and self - Spread positive energy throughout your organization - Rebound from tough times - Decrease distractibility and frenzy - Delegate and develop employees' initiative

From the man the Wall Street Journal hailed as "theguru of Revenue Management" comes revolutionary ways to recoverfrom the after effects of downsizing and refocus your business ongrowth. Whatever happened to growth? In Revenue Management, RobertG. Cross answers this question with his ground-breaking approach torevitalizing businesses: focusing on the revenue side of the ledgerinstead of the cost side. The antithesis of slash-and-burn methodsthat left companies with empty profits and dissatisfiedstockholders, Revenue Management overturns conventionalthinking on marketing strategies and offers the key to initiatingand sustaining growth. Using case studies from a variety of industries, smallbusinesses, and nonprofit organizations, Cross describes no-tech,low-tech, and high-tech methods that managers can use to increaserevenue without increasing products or promotions; predict consumerbehavior; tap into new markets; and deliver products and servicesto customers effectively and efficiently

The bestselling guide to seizing opportunity in the workplace,from the woman at the pinnacle of the Hearst magazine empire Every woman dreams of having a wise, funny mentor who understandsthe challenges she faces. Now, Cathie Black—one of Forbes's "100Most Powerful Women" and Fortune's "50 Most Powerful Women inBusiness"—offers invaluable lessons that will help you land thejob, promotion, or project you're vying for. You'll find out how tohandle interviews, which rules to break, and why you should makeyour life a grudge-free zone. Filled with surprisingly candid,personal stories and advice, this is the only career guide you'llever need.

Practical ideas from the best brains in Business A sharp, jargon-free guide to the core curriculum of an MBAprogram, MBA in a Book shows how to master the big ideas ofbusiness and use them in a practical way to build and enhancecareer success. “In the world of business, ideas matter. . . . Some of the sharpestminds in the business world give perceptive looks into innovation,marketing, finance, strategy, and leadership, providingstimulating, useful perspectives on these core topics.” —Larry Bossidy, retired chairman and CEO of Honeywell Internationaland coauthor of Execution: The Discipline of Getting ThingsDone Great business thinkers such as Michael Porter, Rosabeth Kanter,and Bill George of Harvard Business School; Paul Argenti of theTuck School at Dartmouth; Jeffrey Sonnenfeld of Yale; Peter Sengeof MIT; the entrepreneur and inventor Dean Kamen; and the financialinnovator Michael Milken are just a few of the best brains inbusiness, providing the intellectual nourishment that will help youplay

New rules for the new game: the ideas that every business needs to win in the customereconomy In The Agenda , Michael Hammer showscompanies how to prosper in today’s world of slow growth, fiercecompetition, and enormously powerful customers. The winners in thisextraordinarily difficult environment—companies like IBM, DukePower, Progressive Insurance, and GE—succeed through superioroperations. Their costs are lower and their quality higher thantheir competitors’; they get new products to market faster and theyprovide better customer service. How do they do it? Throughnear-fanatical attention to the basics of business, and by managingthese basics in new and creative ways. The Agenda teaches the ideas and techniques that anycompany—large or small, service ?rm or manufacturer—can use toout-execute and out-innovate its competitors. Businesses thatfollow these principles will grow by taking market share away fromthose that do not. While others decline, your company can thri

Goldman Sachs are the investment bank all other banks - andmostbusinesses - want to emulate; the firm with the best talent,the best clients,the best strategy. But is their success just downto the gilded magic ofthe 'Goldman way'?

Go from being a good manager to an extraordinary leader. If you read nothing else on leadership, read these 10 articles.We've combed through hundreds of Harvard Business Review articleson leadership and selected the most important ones to help youmaximize your own and your organization's performance. HBR's 10 Must Reads On Leadership will inspire you to: - Motivate others to excel - Build your team's self-confidence in others - Provoke positive change - Set direction - Encourage smart risk-taking - Manage with tough empathy - Credit others for your success - Increase self-awareness - Draw strength from adversity

Too many people assume the timeless principles of trueleadership—of helping others achieve their full potential—don’tapply Monday through Friday during work hours or in anycircumstance where a paycheck is involved. In GREATER THAN YOURSELF, Steve Farber proves them wrong: in thispowerful and inspiring story, Farber shows that the goal of agenuine leader is to help others—teammates, employees, andcolleagues—become more capable, confident, and accomplished thanthey are themselves. Through the actions of a forward-thinking andextraordinarily successful CEO, Farber reveals the three keys toachieving this: Expand Yourself, Give Yourself, and ReplicateYourself. Filled with actionable principles and innovative ideas, GREATERTHAN YOURSELF is perhaps the most powerful message today’s businessleaders can learn.