Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box

To be kind, I would say that the principles written are sound, relevant, and important. However, the narration and delivery are distracting... bordering on amateurish.

The basic concept of the book is:
1. Treat others as indivual people with individual needs, flaws, and dreams
2. Do the right thing by others, for others
3. Once you recognize the joy to be had in THAT moment, then
4. Re-examine other people in that new light
5. Repeat

I would recommend any book by Patrick Lencioni for a far better read and equally sound principles

This is one of those books that you will listen to over and over. I have it in print format and have referred it to well over 10 people who have all purchased it and thanked me for the referral. You will not be let down with this one, and must have for every library! If you are into bettering your life, this is a great way to get insights!

Even though the style of the book seems a bit childish, it has the advantage of getting through to my self defencive ways of thinking. I've read many other books about leadership, but no other has come even close to diagnosing my biggest obstacle for success: the lack of respect and compassion for my fellow workers. Listening to this book has helped me to unlearn my self destructive ways of thinking, and it just seems that life has become a lot more enjoyable, not only for me but also for those around me. I'm 37 years of age - yet can identify with the "young" person those more mature people are trying to share their insights with. I only wish somebody had given me a copy of this book 15 years ago. Who knows where I'd be by now, if I had learned these very, very basic lessons back then?

I could have used this lesson 20 years ago. This would have made a huge difference in my career, marriage, and family. I am just thankful to have come across this book now. I consider this a must "listen to" for everyone who has to interact with anyone. I have, over and over again.

After getting used to and accepting the way in which it is presented I found the message in this book life-changing. I like the idea of backing up the audio version with the written one because you do need to revise and revisit particular areas. This book makes you look at your life and take personal responsibility for all of your actions. Not an easy lesson but one that will make you a better person individually and socially if you absorb its contents. Enjoyable and enlightening, it is definitely worth a listen!

This is one of the best books on Corporate Culture and Leadership I have ever read. I listened to it 4 times, taking notes on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th times. Great Listen!

If anyone has ever told you they "have a problem with you", you have to read this book. This book unfolds like a novel but (at least for me) gave me that "a-ha" moment to show me where I am messing up in the way I communicate with others in the world.

As one of the other reviewers pointed out, little in this book is novel. However, I do think this book has made a difference for me. As a manager I find it challenging to remain truly open to all the people I work with, and the central metaphor of the book has proven a useful way for me to monitor how I'm interacting with people.

That said, I would recommend the print version rather than this audio version. This is a book that deserves to be SCANNED, not read, certainly not listened to. I was offended by the story telling format in which the "lessons" are delivered by wise elder executives to a young manager. The the characters are absurdly shallow. An adult listener will have trouble identifying with the young manager, who is very immature. The pace is excruciatingly slow, made worse by chit-chat among the characters and the repeated reading, from the top, of the lists that the characters write on a board.

I enjoyed this book. It was not my favorite format but the ideas were helpful.
Brett

I have both the paper and audio. The audio is superior to print. The print seems to put people to sleep but the audio is much better.

Be a better you!

I have listened to this twice and will listen to it again. I actually read one bad review of this before I bought it. I am glad I didn't listen to that one bad report. I highly recommend this book.