Book Review 0806

Michele Bar-Pereg, Founder of the foursquare group and Former EuRA President

I cannot say that I am a great believer in business books.  Sometimes they are a good read, but more often they are there to dip into and out of because they do hold useful information. I always try and divide receivable knowledge into two parts; one intellectual, where I may still be thinking about the words at 3am;   the other practical, with clear information I can use more or less immediately.  This type of book helps me put together developmental programmes, lectures, training and managing daily activities when I need a bit of inspiration.

The sort of information  one recieves from reading philosophy or great stories of success, needs time to sink into the little grey cells, in order to get anything from them that will improve ones equilibrium, brain power or increase ones own success.  The other kind of book lets us into everyday corporate secrets and glean from tried and tested business accumen. It’s certainly handy to have them on a nearby shelf.   

Two books I respect and use in my daily life are:

by Victor Klemperer, The Modern Library, New York

and

For Your Improvement, A Developmental and Coaching Guide
by Michael M. Lombardo/Robert Eichinger, part of the series 'Leadership Architects Suite'
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As a post war business person living in a multi cultural world- I like to think I am liberal, open to immigrant societies and tolerant.  I am shocked at the moral decline demonstrated by Enron, Ahold and the like, and search for fairtrade if I can in products and goods that I purchase. 

However its shocking reading Victor Klemperes diaries on how the academic, business and social fabric of his own society in pre-war Germany were eroded in all manner of small daily prohibitions so that he and his fellow Jewish professors, teachers and business colleagues could no longer undertake any sort of normal activity.  Indeed, bearing witness into how a society can become corrupt, not in one fell swoop, but piece by piece, until all civil liberties have been completely eroded.  The Victor Klemperer diaries,  written under a racist dictatorship, serve as a warning to us all to be sure of, or at least to consider, our ethical and moral positions in our business life as leaders of our Companies, our multi-cultured clients and our social lives.   What is so intriguing about this book is the honesty and directness in how it portrays daily activities which serves to underline the bigger, historical picture. I need this book near me as a reminder (and something of an inspiration as Victor Klemperer was a survivor) that we must be on our guard against the ordinary injustices we inlflict on each other, and that whilst we all seem safe in our positions, careers and society,  we should always look over our shoulder at how our societies and politicians are protecting our humanity.
 
I like For Your Improvement, as it really is an A-Z of facts and tips you think you know (or should know!) but it is so well organized and clear that it soon makes you feel like you can be on the top of most situations you are faced with at work. Each chapter reads like a perfect example of how to improve every skill you need to be both competent and successful. It works on you and the way you mange your world. There is an excellent reference list after each chapter too so you can widen your horizons. I have used many of the references to acquire and read other books, so it’s a ready-made library of business books.  For those needing a place to start building up a business reference library it’s a good base.  In fact on reflection I would say this is one of the big advantages of this guide. I don’t deny it’s simplicity and basic attitudes- there is very little philosophy here, but its straightforward approach learning competencies, is professional and very useful.
 
Michele Bar-Pereg - August 2006