Work is fast replacing religion in providing meaning in people's lives. Work has become how we define ourselves, it is now answering the traditional religious questions: Who am I? How do I find meaning and purpose? Work is no longer just about economics; it's about identity. - Benjamin Hunnicutt, historian and professor at the University of … Continue Reading ››
All posts by Alexander
Book review: Gung ho!
This book, subtitled "Turn on the People in Any Organization", is a really quick read, but it contains some pretty good ideas nevertheless.
The whole book is a a story of an iron plant in America, that's in deep trouble. Profits are down, and the employees are hostile towards the new CEO that's just … Continue Reading ››
My project
Book review: Feel the fear and do it anyway
This book is about the fears that we all have in our lives to some degree. Fear of failing. Fear of succeeding. Fear of decisions. Fear of aging, of loss or of helplessness.
The books basic premise is, that your aim should not be to get rid of your fears. You should feel your fear, … Continue Reading ››
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To be on the wire is life. The rest is waiting. - Joe Gideon in All That Jazz
Book review: Down and out in the magic kingdom
Cory Doctorow has written his first novel. It's a science fiction story, set in the Bitchun society about 100 years from now, where the world has turned disneyesque.
I liked the story, and I loved the neat, far out or just plain weird ideas and concepts. What's most remarkable about the book though, is that … Continue Reading ››
Book review: The customer comes second
The title of this book is a deliberate provocation. After endless messages about putting the customer first, Hal Rosenbluth, CEO of Rosenbluth International, says you should "put your people first and watch'em kick butt". (Rosenbluth International is a world leader in corporate travel management, with over 5.000 people in more than 50 countries).
The … Continue Reading ››
Exercise: Talking stick
Talking stick is an excellent way to promote better and deeper dialogue. If you need to slow down the pace of a discussion, to make room for more reflection and listening, consider trying it. It's really simple. Basically, you find a stick (or some other object), and whoever holds the stick can speak, everybody else … Continue Reading ››
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Here is the true meaning and value of compassion and nonviolence - when it helps us to see the enemy's point of view, to hear his questions, to know his assessment of ourselves. For from his view we may indeed see the basic weakness of our condition, and if we are mature, we may learn … Continue Reading ››
Book review: Nuts!
Nuts!, Southwest Airlines crazy recipe for business and personal success is the story of Southwest Airlines. Lars Pind told me about this book, and I have to agree: It's a joy to read about a company that values freedom, creativity, people and, yes, love.
If your driving principles are love and fun, can you … Continue Reading ››