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Interactive Decision Cases for Financial Accounting Cd-Rom: Guided Exploration Llc
Manufacturer: Harcourt College Pub ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0030244323 |
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The Arc of Ambition: Defining the Leadership Journey
James Champy , and Nitin Nohria Manufacturer: Wiley ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0471530204 |
Amazon.com
Nearly everyone aspires to something--wealth, fame, happiness. But a few people aspire to changing an entire paradigm, the way the Wright Brothers did when they invented a glider with an engine, the way Nelson Mandela did when he endured decades of imprisonment to see his nation transformed, the way Thomas Jefferson did when he doubled the territory of the young U.S. by purchasing the Louisiana Territory from France for less than three cents an acre. All seem like obvious ideas in retrospect, but in fact all appeared quixotic at the time, as wrongheaded as the alchemy that had been attempted for 300 years without ever succeeding in turning a base metal into gold.In Arc of Ambition, authors James Champy (Reengineering Management, Reengineering the Corporation) and Nitin Nohria see these visionaries as creators, but also recognize two other species of genius: capitalizers, who take great ideas and create great businesses or social movements from them; and consolidators, who lead these businesses or movements into maturity. All three types have the titular "arc of ambition." That is, they start with a great idea, realize it, cope with the success of it (the chapter on overreaching and squandering opportunity includes the cautionary tales of Newt Gingrich and Bill Clinton), and decide when and how to turn the product of their imagination over to others. Ultimately, The Arc of Ambition is the entire history of the modern world, of its politics and technology and art. Everything we know and either cherish or loathe starts as someone's ambition, and ends when the product of someone else's ambition becomes the dominant model. It's an interesting and entertaining way to organize the world, to look at the facts with new eyes. In that sense, the authors display the fruits of ambition even as they explain them. --Lou Schuler
Book Description
The Arc of Ambition is aimed at all those who dream of achieving greatness in any field. It is a handbook of lessons derived from the lives of great achievers past and present. The principles of this book come not from conventional psychology (clinical or theoretical) but from life experiences. They are derived from the authors long observation of ambitious people, both past and present in all walks of life.Customer Reviews:
common sense.......2006-07-11
A good read.......2006-01-26
A complete waste of time.......2002-01-17
Helpful Signs Along Ambition's Highway to Social Progress.......2000-09-27
This book is rich, elegant, graceful and stylish . . . as befits a Wordworks product (based the note in the acknowledgments). That's the book's strength. The weakness is looking at the outward circumstances of achieving the desires of ambition while leaving most of the psychological wellsprings and ethical considerations alone.
The consideration of ambition begins with an insight into how things can be different. You are then advised to temper your pursuit of that insight with both optimism and perserverance for the unpredictable nature and length of your journey. Beyond that, you must act when circumstances make progress possible -- seize the moment, then! As you make progress, you must temper your ambition to create a balance of ambitious goals and disciplined execution. Then, inspire others with a vision of significance combined with shared benefits from greater victories. Whatever you do, avoid the temptation to violate your values. If you make this mistake, quickly acknowledge your error and make appropriate amends. To create greater results, establish autonomy for others so they can be inspired to take action and benefit from their close perception of what needs to be done. As time passes, you will need to make changes or your leadership will cause your efforts to shrivel in effectiveness. Finally, when your time is past, leave the field gracefully.
You are encouraged along these paths regardless of whether your role is as a creator of the new, someone who capitalizes and expands upon the innovations of others, or someone who consolidates progress in more efficient ways. In fact, the best part of the message is the encouragement for each person to learn the lessons of ambition. 'Ambition, we think, needs a better reputation.' ' . . . The art of realizing one's ambition can be learned.' The primary weakness of this encouragement is that the book lacks examples of people pursuing ambition in humbler ways. You only get the movers and shakers in this book. You get the subliminal message that you should be trying to change the world on a grand scale, or you are doing something wrong. Unfortunately, that subliminal message will speak louder than the overt one to those who may lack self-confidence as they begin reading this book.
Let me say a few good words about the examples. I was pleased to see that they were not all based in the U.S. and that some women were included. The book would have been better if the diversity of examples had been even greater. I liked the examples that I did not already know much more than the ones I did. Of 39 examples, only 6 were entirely new to me. I treasure each of them. I think you will, too.
The missing psychological elements show up often. Michael Dell recalls wanting to have his own building with three flag poles in front as a young person. Clearly, that sense of personal significance was important to his progress towards having the insights that led to Dell Computer. I missed that perspective in the other examples also because I usually find the psychology of leaders' motivations to be among the more interesting parts of leadership books. Alternatively, I was pleased that the importance of an inspiring purpose for those who work with the ambitious person was recognized.
There is also a subtle, but important point that the book misses -- the difference between being ambitious for others or a principle (such as Gandhi or Nelson Mandela), and being ambitious for oneself (such as the early Duke of Wellington). Both types of leaders are presented here, but no distinction is noted or discussed. The ability to make progress when in pursuit of a principle rather than self-interest makes all the difference.
The book contains the question, 'What good is ambition?' As practiced by the best, few would argue it can help make a difference in the human condition. What hope should first spring in our hearts to make this ambition the most valuable to all? The book still leaves that point unclear in the end. The tools of successful ambition are not the same as the inspiration behind the most useful ambition. Perhaps that inspiration, too, can be learned. I hope others will study that question.
After you finish this book, ask yourself what exciting purpose inspires you to take the ambitious journey to change the world in small or large ways. Then consider how you can balance that ambition with your other desires and responsibilities. At that point, place yourself on the arc of ambition and think about what may be holding you back. For most of us, it is probably lack of optimism and perserverance. I hope you will also read Learned Optimism and Half Empty, Half Full if that is the case.
Good luck and be ambitious!
Rise, Peak, Fall.......2000-08-04
Many perceive business to be a process that generates results, namely money or talent. Ambition is believed to be a process that generates success, namely a legacy, money or recognition. This process has three and distinct stages. The first stage is referred to as the rise of ambition which is the initial dream of an individual and the drive and tenacity that he or she must exert in pursuit of that dream. The second stage is the apex of ambition where individuals seek to build an organization bigger than themselves. Finally there is the decline of ambition, the time when every achiever must cope with leaving the situation and either beginning a new endeavor or setting different life goals.
Champy and Nohria acknowledge that there are dangers to ambition and that when it is a "self-centered" force pursing greed and power alone is dangerous and destructive for both the individual and the humanity in general. They know that this type of ambition exists. There book was written primary to foster a positive framework around ambition and to celebrate its potential when it is used positively to allow an individual to reach professional and personal goals as well as to drive the progress of humankind-be it in art, dance, science or business. We as a culture would remain static if were not for the great achievements of motivated individuals.
These authors utilize a vast array of individuals both historical and contemporary to demonstrate the common values and character traits that these "ambition models" demonstrated. Over the course of 10 Chapters, we are introduced to a cross-section of individuals who have made great strides in personal and human progress. Historically, we relive lessons of Peter the Great, the Wright brothers, and the philanthropy of Andrew Carnegie. Martin Luther King Jr. is acknowledged for the personal risk he took to reform the meaning of the American dream. We are reminded of the courageous and magnanimous Nelson Mandella and all that he has done and continues to do in South Africa. Of the modern economy we are exposed to Dhirubhai Ambani, a much respected entrepreneur from India. Michael Dell and William Gross are brought in as providing the template for modern technical ambition. Out of thirty-nine detailed accounts of ambitious individuals, there were only three detailed stories about ambitious women: Margaret Thatcher, Judy George, and e-Bay's Margaret C. Whitman. You do the math. I was disappointed that there were no historical models of ambitious women. The voices of Mary Wollstonecraft and Susan B. Anthony apparently were not ambitious enough to make the radar of these authors.
Another point that I believe was missed in this story was the fact that the models utilized had national or international acclaim. There was no call for individuals to acknowledge any of the many fascinating and ambitious people in our own neighborhoods. Just like the millionaire next door, you may be living next to a remarkable and ambitious individual that in small steps or in a quiet manner may be reaching remarkable personal and professional gains. They do, however, hit on the most important point which is that each individual is capable of seizing their ambition, "we believe that by gathering your strengths and knowing your potential, you will be able to determine your own destiny."
Are people only born ambitious or not? Or, can the qualities and traits that define an ambitious person be acquired with time and attention. This team seems to believe the later-that there are distinct aspects of ambition that can be learned, practiced, and ultimately developed. I want to leave you with the eight ways to elevate your ambition: 1. Achieve excellence in whatever you do. 2. Create great value. 3. Empower the individuals who work with you. 4. Improve the human condition. 5. Create fun and pleasure. 6. Invent the future. 7. Use profits for public good. 8. Improve the environment.
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The Arc of Ambition: Defining the Leadership Journey
James Champy , and Nitin Nohria Manufacturer: Perseus Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000VXJJYO |
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Lcg-Procedural Problems in Law 02
Phillip I. Blumberg Manufacturer: Aspen Publishers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0735528861 |
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Snakes of North America, Revised Edition: Eastern and Central Regions (Lone Star Field Guide)
Alan Tennant Manufacturer: Lone Star Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1589070038 |
Book Description
This all-new edition of the popular field guide provides photographs and descriptions of all species and subspecies of snakes of Eastern and Central North America from Texas to Manitoba, to the Eastern seaboard of the continent.Customer Reviews:
Excellent for home and field use.......2007-04-07
Four months and still waiting . . . ........2005-03-25
Great Guide!.......2004-01-05
Good, accessible guide.......2001-08-29
Snakes of North America : Eastern and Central Regions (Field.......2000-08-09
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The Sportsman's Guide to Texas: Hunting and Fishing in the Lone Star State
Dick Bartlett Manufacturer: Taylor Pub ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0878335609 |
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The Star Pupil: A Dot's Quest to Find His Place in the World
Manufacturer: Cherry Street Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0976492105 |
Book Description
Written with rhyme,fantasy and humor,The Star Pupil is a tale of a dot's quest to find his special calling. After excelling in school, he heeds his parent's advice to follow his heart and to always be himself. He travels the road and opens four doors that lead to the CITY, ZOO, LIBRARY, and COUNTRY. Each place offers exciting opportunities such as literary work(punctuation), computers(dot-com), dance(polka-dot), music(note on a staff), etc. At the end of his search he realizes that the answer had been with him right from the start...hiding behind the DOOR TO HIS HEART.Customer Reviews:
The Star Pupil -- Sky High Review.......2007-09-23
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Denatured Africa, (A star book)
Daniel Willard Streeter Manufacturer: Garden City Pub. Co ProductGroup: Book Binding: Unknown Binding ASIN: B00085QYAC |
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Turkey Stearnes and the Detroit Stars: The Negro Leagues in Detroit, 1919-1933 (Great Lakes Books)
Richard Bak Manufacturer: Gospel Light Publications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0814325823 |
Customer Reviews:
Good book about the all around climate of the Negro Leagues.......2006-12-28
The Stars are shining in Detroit.......2001-08-16
Statistics compiled were as close as I've ever seen.......1999-04-23
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Reader's Digest Select Editions (2000 Volume 2) Follow the Stars Home; Hunting Badger; The Quiet Game; Second Wind
Luanne Rice , Tony Hillerman , Greg Iles , and Dick Frances Manufacturer: Reader's Digest ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000EGZD70 |
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Hunting Down Universe PB (Helix Books)
Michael Hawkins Manufacturer: Basic Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0738200379 |
Amazon.com
Most scientists know, even if they don't admit it, that they are not completely objective, dispassionate seekers after truth. Astrophysicist Michael Hawkins rips off any remaining mask to reveal science, red in tooth and claw: "cosmology really is a seriously emotional issue, and can arouse irrational passions in otherwise intelligent and sensible men and women." Hawkins expounds his own cosmological theories (revolutionary if true, though by no means widely accepted) while giving a passionate tour of modern astrophysics, especially as expounded by Steven Weinberg and Fred Hoyle, and of the philosophy of science, including the theories of Richard Dawkins and Ludwig Wittgenstein. Hunting Down the Universe is not for the fainthearted or credulous, but you will not be bored.Customer Reviews:
A universe of little black beach balls.......2005-01-24
A mix of history and new theory.......2000-07-31
Hawkins treats us to the theory only after 130 pages of his own views of the evolution of cosmological thought, complete with his take on the feuds, backbiting, and troubled waters of academic squabbling. His insights are interesting and his book a pleasure to read, but I had the troubling impression that I was being treated to someone else's dirty laundry all the while, though that's the way science works I suppose. Among opinions he expresses that ring true is that of the "HST bias," that results which come from HST observations are somehow given automatic priority over those of ground-based observations, a bias which is clearly not always warranted.
The most interesting part of his book, for me, was his detailed descriptions of his own observational programs - using a series of Schmidt plates of a single patch of sky, accumulated over a period of years, to search for faint variable stars. His hopes were to find microlensing events to bolster his theory. He ended up finding lots of previously unknown quasars, and finding new patterns of quasar variability spanning years, not months or weeks.
Hawkins is an unabashed UK promoter. I had to grin at many of his descriptions of the superior astronomy of the UK. He has a lot to brag about though.
Good...if you understand that kind of thing........1999-05-18
Not for "establishment" types.......1998-06-10
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Hunting the Snark and Other Short Novels (Five Star First Edition Science Fiction and Fantasy Series)
Michael D. Resnick Manufacturer: Five Star (ME) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 078623878X |
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Follow The Stars Home / Hunting Badger / The Quiet Game / Second Wind
Luanne / HILLERMAN, Tony / ILES, Greg / FRANCIS, Dick RICE Manufacturer: Readers' Digest ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000ARKXFU |
Product Description
A Series of 4 condensed novels
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Follow the Stars Home, Hunting Badger, the Quiet Game, and Second Wind Condensed
Reader's Digest Manufacturer: Readers Digest ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000K0KUQ4 |
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