These Books Are NOT For You!

HOT READS FOR THE PRACTITIONER

Title: Make Yourself Invaluable and in the Process, Stop Multitasking

Competencies: self-development, achievement orientation, time management, stress management

Who benefits: any individual

Consultant Usage: potentially great “give-aways” to clients of executive coaches, coaches and trainers of time management

What’s it about? These books are NOT for you.  You already know this stuff.  No, these books are for your friends, colleagues, and maybe even family members who don’t yet “get it.”  Of course you will want to “scan” these books before you give them to the intended reader … you know, just so you can discuss the topics should the other person want to engage you on the meanings contained inside the covers.

Besides, these books are fables.  What are fables doing in business book sections?  Who would read fables anyway?

Well BJ Gallagher did okay with her story of a bunch of penguins and a peacock (320,000 copies in 23 languages and counting).  Spencer Johnson did just fine with a story about someone moving some cheese.  Ken Blanchard has been writing fables his whole career.  And noted Harvard Professor John Kotter tried hard to communicate his ideas through a fable (which in an earlier review I suggested that not everyone is suited to write a good fable).

So, fable #1: Invaluable: The Secret to Becoming Irreplaceable by Dave Crenshaw.  This is a new book, just out, published by one of my favorite companies, Jossey-Bass.  As I have mentioned before, I have read many books from J-B and never been disappointed. 

This story begins with a young employee with an overly demanding boss who is short on communication skills.  It has been awhile, but I can relate.  Jason has a dilemma.  Just try to please the boss … or seize the day.  The book goes on to look at Jason’s boss who has her own set of problems, and the CEO who is also struggling.  And all are in need of a dose of guidance which the book jacket summarized as:
• Determine exactly how “invaluable” you are to your boss and customers
• Discover your “Most Valuable Activities” and how to focus on them
• Create a framework of cooperation in the workplace
• Design systems and processes for maximum productivity
• Develop strategies to increase job security and income

If for some reason you want to skip the fable and get to the bottom line, the author sums it all up in a short (but less interesting) 3- page pdf summary.

Fable #2: The Myth of Multitasking: How “Doing It All” Gets Nothing Done also by Dave Crenshaw.  Researching his new book (above) I saw that he had an earlier book (2008) on a “hot button” of mine … multitasking.  I know people who swear by multitasking.  I swear at it.  I feel intense displeasure when trying to hold a conversation with someone using their IPhone or Blackberry.  “I’m listening, I’m listening.”  Uh huh, “Then what did I just say?”

Likewise at a meeting that drags on while various members text away (to each other?)

So I was very open to reading his book.  Okay, I am biased.  I just proved it.  But I love the way he attacks multitasking, calling it “a lie that wastes time and costs money”.  Now I know YOU know how to effectively multitask, so don’t take this personally.  But isn’t it curious how all those other people are so ineffective at it.  It is them we gotta stop!

The story line is simple but effective.  As Crenshaw describes the offices and interactions I again say to myself “Been there, seen that.”  Who knew what evil lurked behind the multitask mask.  We have all seen the results.

My faverit spores shaw juts come onn as i furnish ths pest.  I getta goo new.

Catch you later. 
[tags]career, career strategies, personal accountability, personal growth, self development, achievement orientation, time management, stress management, multitask, multitasking, dave crenshaw bill bradley, william bradley, bradley[/tags]

Bill Bradley

Bill Bradley (mostly) retired after 35 years in organizational consulting, training and management development. During those years he worked internally with seven organizations and trained and consulted externally with more than 90 large and small businesses, government agencies, hospitals and schools.