The Little Big Things

163 Ways to Pursue EXCELLENCE

By: Tom Peters

Narrated by: Tom Peters

Length: 11 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

"Years ago, I wrote about a retail store in the Palo Alto environs—a good one, which had a box of two-cent candies at the checkout. I subsequently remember that 'little' parting gesture of the two-cent candy as a symbol of all that is Excellent at that store. Dozens of people who have attended seminars of mine—from retailers to bankers to plumbing-supply-house owners—have come up to remind me, sometimes 15 or 20 years later, of 'the two-cent candy story', and to tell me how it had a sizable impact on how they did business, metaphorically and in fact.

"Well, the Two-Cent Candy Phenomenon has struck again—with oomph and in the most unlikely of places.

"For years, Singapore's 'brand" has more or less been Southeast Asia's 'place that works'....But as 'the rest' in the geographic neighborhood closed the efficiency gap, and China continued to rise-race-soar, Singapore decided a couple of years ago to 'rebrand' itself as not only a place that works but also as an exciting, 'with it' city.

"Singapore's fabled operating efficiency starts, as indeed it should, at ports of entry—the airport being a prime example. From immigration to baggage claim to transportation downtown, the services are unmatched anywhere in the world for speed and efficiency:

• The entry form was a marvel of simplicity.
• The lines were short, very short, with more than adequate staffing.
• The process was simple and unobtrusive.
• The immigration officer could have easily gotten work at Starbucks; she was all smiles and courtesy.
• And Yes! Yes There was a little candy jar at each Immigration portal!

"Ask yourself now: What is my (personal, department, project, restaurant, law firm) 'Two-Cent Candy'? Does every part of the process of working with us/me include two-cent candies? Do we, as a group, 'think two-cent candies'?

"Operationalizing: Make 'two-centing it' part and parcel of 'the way we do business around here'."
--Tom Peters

©2010 Thomas J. Peters (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

Good, but not Tom's best

Peters is an excellent reader of his own stuff, very engaging. There is a lot of good stuff here, some fluffy stuff. Not Peters' best, but still better than most business/personal improvement books. Worth your time.

One of the years best biz books

Great content. Great ideas. Thought provoking. Great narration.
Well done, Mr Peters.

Brash but brilliant

Only Tom could get away with the information in the way he communicates it. Compelling and totally on the money.

Fantastic

Where does The Little Big Things rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Great in car listening, each key point is salient and briefly expanded with stories that bring context to these ideas.

The Art of Business

Would you listen to The Little Big Things again? Why?

The way this book is laid out it is best suited as a reference. They are individual essays on the art of business from sage advice to a world vision of how to treat the world and yourself.

What did you like best about this story?

I like Peters' style. Since he is also the speaker the text carries with it the sense of a one-on-one conversation with you.

What about Tom Peters’s performance did you like?

It's lively. He is passionate about what he thinks is important.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction made me more intense and gave me a different perception on what I do. I am a professional actor. Much of his advice applies to me as it would to an air conditioner salesman. He asks for a clear-eyed look at yourself and urges you to take action. That appeals to me. How do I carry out my business? What's my story? All of this is valuable.

Excellence!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. I believe that this book's focus is on achieving Excellence through the practice of a little effort goes a long way.

What did you like best about this story?

This was my second book on professional development. So, for me, this book changed my attitude and outlook on what my responsibilities should be as an employee. If I want to move up in any company, it starts with me, and my focus on excellence.

Which scene was your favorite?

Anything on the topic of, MBWA - Manage By Wandering Around.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Excellence is in you, all you have to do is want it.

Any additional comments?

I am not in management. These ideas have inspired an attitude change in me. My job is not just a job, but an opportunity to be Excellent. I want to do more. Tom's ideas have helped me transform my work ethic completely.

endless

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

yes, so they can see thru the so called guru's of the world

What other book might you compare The Little Big Things to and why?

the origin of feces

What about Tom Peters???s performance did you like?

witty, bombastic ,

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

Any additional comments?

his mastery of the american scene shows forth in full view, when at great length and with frequent repetition he extols the greatness of our beloved leader, barrack obama, with our nation in shambles and millions out of work , and the printing presses running at full steam this author should be required reading by all business leaders, in red china...

good read.. too much soapbox..

The concept and basic info from this book is captivating and useful - although I could do without the overused gimmicks like " the three things you need to know are LISTEN LISTEN and LISTEN" - and goofball comments about business lessons I could learn from Barack Obama -

A decent book, but one better served in paperback vs. audio since these chapters would be easier to digest little by little..


A decent book, but one better served in paperback vs audio since these chapters would be easier to digest little by little..

Well worth the listen …

Tom Peters still has it 20 years later!

Succinct. Insightful. Convicting. Helpful.

Giving it to my team

One of best!

If I was in a fox hole or stuck on a sinking ship, the one person I would want with me is Tom! His advice can be scary, but I can guarantee it will work.