It Just Might be a Must Read (and that's from a Cubs fan)

For purposes of full disclosure, I am a life-long, die-hard hard Chicago Cubs fan.  Anyone following baseball knows the intense rivalry between my beloved Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals.  With this book being by Mike Matheny, who is the manager of the Cardinals, I must dislike him a great deal.  As much as I have tried to in reading this book, I simply cannot.  Again, if you understand the depth and magnitude of that rivalry, you will comprehend just how much I enjoyed this read.

The Matheny Manifesto originated after the author retired from baseball and was approached by some parents who wanted him to coach a kids' baseball team.  Before taking them up on their offer, he drafted a 5 page letter that outlined his concerns with youth sports, his expectations for them as parents, and his goals for the team.  Needless to say, this letter went viral and sparked a "movement" within the youth baseball ranks.

In reality, the book is divided into two phases -- the problem and better way for youth sports then the keys to success that surfaced during that experiment.  Matheny will be quick to tell you that these principles were "old school" and "Mid-western values" with "Biblical roots;" however, he will not be as quick to tell you that they are exemplified by him.  Since the world does not offer many examples of individuals, even in youth sports, focused on teaching, the manifesto resonated with many folks.

Throughout the book, he shares personal examples from his childhood, high school/college days, minor league work, and work in the big leagues.  He does this with a sense of humility sharing his successful moments as well as those of failure.  If this book is an accurate representation of the man, and I have to believe that it is, then no wonder he was hired as such a young manager for the Cards.

As a Cubs fan, I looked for ways to absolutely smash this book, but I just could not.  I thought I had found the area.  He professes to be a Christian but quickly says he will not shove that down the throats of others.  I thought:  "Aha, he doesn't want to offend anyone, so he is bowing to the realm of political correctness."  Well, that disappeared when I read chapter 10:  Stand your Ground (faith - the 4th key to success).  Right in the middle of this chapter, he spells out the "Romans Road" that shares the need and way for a journey to Christ.

Simply, this book is a delightful read.  It has wonderful lessons for those coaching and refreshing takes on leadership.  As my subject says, the book is a must read.  I've added it to my list of "You Need to Read in Order to be Educated List" because of its simplicity and pop culture appeal.

In making a Cubs fan somewhat tolerate or begrudgingly like you, to that I say:  Bravo, Mike Matheny.  Bravo!


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.

The Leadership Handbook -- It Truly Can Be

If you are interested in reading The Leadership Handbook:  26 Critical Lessons Every Leader Needs by John C. Maxwell, do a quick scan of your personal or professional library.  If you find the Maxwell book Leadership Gold, then do not get this book.  The former titled book was previously published as the latter book, so they are one and the same.  Nothing having a copy of the latter title, I have grabbed this version and enjoy reading through it.

This Maxwell book is no different than any of his others.  I will list several points to further define that aspect:  (1) he continues to be quotable with his ever-present one-liners that stick with you, (2) he constantly references laws or components of his other books to drive you those ways, and (3) he puts forward ever-practical advice regarding leadership.  You do not find anything earth-shattering in my above points; however, you must understand something here -- Maxwell readily admits that we already know many of these things.  He is not necessarily trying to teach you something new as he is trying to come alongside you, as a friend, to inspire you to implement what you already know.

The book, as its title suggests, is broken down into 26 "lessons."  These are very short chapters that you can breeze through quite quickly, but RESIST THAT TEMPTATION.  What we need to do is slow down and work methodically through them.  Having the knowledge is great, but the application of that knowledge is what shows wisdom (and thus makes you a better leader).  Maxwell suggests that emerging leaders read one chapter each week for 26 weeks, and he suggests experienced leaders to take two weeks per chapter -- one week for you and one week to mentor someone else about that lesson.

I, as an experienced leader, am taking a slightly different approach - sort of a hybrid of his suggestion.  I am taking this book one lesson a week and focusing on that lesson throughout my work week.  To do so, I write the title of the lesson at the top of my Passion Planner (see http://www.passionplanner.com for more information) where it asks for "This Week's Focus."  My goal is to implement the lessons weekly and then reflect back in the Passion Planner section "Good Things that Happened."  My team knows that I am working through this book and its principles, so I will have informal discussions with them about its influence in my leadership.  Once I have finished all 26 lessons, I will go back and take several team members systematically through these lessons.

Maxwell hammers home some major points for leaders to know and understand as you go through this leadership-improvement process.  I am not putting all of them below, but did want to highlight a few of my favorites from the introduction:  (1) leadership is the willingness to put oneself at risk, (2) leadership is being dissatisfied with the current reality, (3) leadership is taking responsibility when others are making excuses, (4) leadership is the ability to submerge your ego for the sake of what is best, and (5) leadership is, above all, courageous.

At my title suggests, this book can truly become a handbook if you choose to enact the necessary steps for it to produce personal and professional change.  I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in improving as a leader.  One final thought -- be sure that the change you implement affects your personal life primarily?  Why?  If you change personally, then professional change is guaranteed -- the opposite is not true.

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Just Another Dime a Dozen Leadership Book

Leadership books are a “dime a dozen” in the modern day.  By that statement, I imply that nothing is truly novel because the ideas are merely repackaged into a different format.  Fairness is Overrated:  And 51 other Leadership Principles to Revolutionize your Workplace, by Tim Stevens, is another one of those books.  I am not saying that the book cannot help you become a better leader (because it can); however, the volume does not have revolutionary thoughts that distinguish it from any other.

Stevens divides the book into four major sections:  (1) be a leader worth following, (2) find the right people, (3) build a healthy culture, and (4) lead confidently through a crisis.  If you have read any amount of leadership books, those major headings reveal why I consider this book one of those that are a “dime a dozen.”  Within those major section headings, the author has written short – and I mean very – chapters that are easily digestible.  This format is a positive in that the ideas are easily accessible but it is also a negative in promoting the tendency to read through them quickly.  At the end of each chapter, a couple of discussions or application questions are applied.  If you are going to use this book to bring about change in your leadership, then the power rests within those personal applications.  

The namesake chapter is number 38 and begins on page 152 – “Fairness is Overrated.”  He does argue quite forcefully and correctly that fairness should not be a priority.  Why?  Listen to these short sentences – “We make decisions based on priority, not fairness.  We filter discussions through our mission and values, not whether it is fair” (page 153).   Very true!  Our world, with its bent toward social justice, struggles with being unfair; however, Stevens is right in his statement.

While the author is quotable, again, this book is a “dime a dozen” without anything spectacular; so that is why I rated this book as I did.  I also struggled with his background as a pastor and the lack of focus on God's expectations of leadership (rare quotes from Scripture or even mention of God or Jesus).  If you apply what you read from it, then changes will occur in your leadership; so if that is what you are seeking (and you will not breeze through it too quickly), then it might be a good book for you. 

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Ask This Question Early and Often in Your Life

The book Ask It by Andy Stanley is a 2014 revision and reprint of 2004 book entitled The Best Question Ever.  Quite frankly, the title of this modern update is the best of the two; and I encourage anyone struggling with decisions (or life in general) to pick up a copy.  You will discover the question -- which I will not reveal in this book review -- and understand its vital application to every facet of your life.

Stanley's book is divided into 6 sections:  (1) The Question - he leads into the need for this question and then reveals it, (2) The Alternatives - problems that abound when we seek to avoid asking the question because our culture is not morally neutral, (3) A Question of Time - a powerful indictment that a little investment in a relationship with God over a long period is much better than no investment until right at the end, (4) A Question of Morality - application of the question into sexual matters,  (5) Wisdom for the Asking - some practical matters of life and how the question assists in them, and (6) The Best Decision Ever - pointing to the need for God in our lives despite what the world may say.

My only criticism is that Stanley failed to close a hanging loop that most people would simply miss.  He references Solomon as the wisest man in all of the world and that he asked the question Stanley has chosen to write about.  The hanging loop is that Solomon failed miserably during his reign as he stopped seeking God and compromised truth for political realities.  His success, in fact, bred his failure.  Stanley could have and should have hammered home the importance of asking the question early and often in life.

I found this book to be highly practical and relevant for those facing big decisions and those just facing normal decisions in life.  The author draws upon his tremendous experience as a pastor and the errors that he has seen occur in the lives of others (as well as sharing some of his "less-than-graceful" moments).  Is this deep theology?  No.  Is this practical application of Biblical truth?  Yes. 

Get a copy of this book and start asking yourself this question on a daily basis!

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.

Sort of a Wide Margin Notetaker Bible

Zondervan has produced a hard-backed NKJV Notetaker's Bible, and I am somewhat a fan.  The description by the company says: "finally, a Bible that has plenty of room for taking notes."  Well, as my title suggests, that is sort of true.  This Bible is not a wide-margin with fidelity.  Instead of having wide margins on both sides of the double-column text, the "width" is on the outside portion of the pages.  In other words, if you are wanting to make notes on the inside column, then you are going to have some difficulty doing so.

The width of the margins means that something has to be compromised, and any notes for further study is what was jettisoned to create the additional space.  This Bible is a normal hard-back and is about the size of an average book; so you know what that means -- smaller print.  If you struggle to read finer print, then this Bible is not one for you. 

I love red-letter editions, and this hard back is just that.  Putting the words of Christ in red was obviously not in the original Greek texts, but it helps me focus on what He was specifically saying and when.  Many study Bibles do not have this feature; however, this note-taker does.  For me, that is a positive that is slowly being phased out by Bible-producing companies.

I like this note-taker piece, and it is unfortunate that both columns do not permit notes.  The font will also be problematic for those with eyesight issues.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookLookBloggers.com review program. 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 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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.