Furry Logic...say what?

Jane Seabrook's Furry Logic: A Guide to Life's Little Challenges  has now been released in its 10th anniversary edition.  It is a small, coffee-table style book that is "cute."  The value of the book is in the artistry of the animals matched with the short sayings throughout the book. Clearly, the author has an eye for the perfect animal to fully convey the meaning of the short statements.  For instance, if you get the book, wait till you reach this statement:  "I never made who's who, but I'm featured in what's that!"  The animal picture is perfect. 

My personal favorite is this -- "No one is listening until you make a mistake."  That one perfectly resonates with my professional life.  A couple of others are laugh-out-loud funny or have wonderful advice -- "When you're in it up to your ears...it pays to keep your mouth shut."  Again, the animal picture fits perfectly here.

My biggest gripe is that many of the statements really do not offer significant guidance for challenges.  For instance, look at the dichotomy of this included saying:  "All power corrupts.  Absolute power is kinda neat."  I am a discerning and serious reader (so that may be part of my problem), but where is the guidance in those two statements?  If power corrupts, then absolute power is the most corrupt of all.  Yes, the lion pictured fits the comment but where's the guidance for the challenge of power?  As more proof, look at these:  "You don't have to agree with me, but it's quicker" or "If you don't agree with me, it means...you haven't been listening."  Those ideas do not offer guidance for challenges but are more apt to create greater issues.  In my opinion, the book did not live up to its "tag line" behind the colon.

As a reader, if you want true guidance to life's challenges, then avoid this book.  It does not offer great guidance.  In fact, I can think of many other books -- particularly the Bible -- that would be a much better source of information regarding the challenges of our lives.  If, as a reader, you seek something as a potential and inexpensive gift for friends or colleagues at work, then get copies to distribute freely.


Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Just Another Leadership Book

Take Command - Lessons in Leadership: How to be a First Responder in Business by Jake Wood is, as the title says, just another leadership book.  Practically, the book can be summarized into four simple words (which just happen to be his main topics):  prepare, analyze, decide, act.  These are not earth-shattering concepts by any stretch, yet the author does link personal experiences to appropriately explain what he means. 

The explanatory language of the book is slightly misleading.  Yes, the author was a military sniper and headed Team Rubicon; however, the book does not explicitly tie the military training to the leadership lessons.  There are some anecdotal stories, but that is not the main focus of the book.  If you are looking for a book that highlights the military training and leadership lessons that are gleaned from those experiences, well, this book is not the right one for you.  If you are a rabid Wisconsin Badgers fan, then you should probably read the book. 

I do commend the author, and his colleagues, for founding the humanitarian organization Team Rubicon.  This organization serves as the primary focus of the book -- how the four principles mentioned above were utilized in various scenarios of Team Rubicon's creation, expansion, and missions.  If you have some funding that you wish to give to a philanthropic organization, this one should be considered.

Again, it was another run-of-the-mill leadership book; but do not think I believe it is worthless.  Leadership books are a dime a dozen and this one is no different.  It does have solid suggestions and some great quotes.  The key for you as a leader though is simple -- know who you are and why you exist.  From that point onward, the correct strategy is easier to identify and implement. 

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from the Blogging for Books Publishing Group for this review.  I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25:  “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.