EBSCO Corporate Learning

New summary available for The Blame Game

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 18 May 2012 20:20:07 +0000

In The Blame Game, Ben Dattner examines the detrimental effects of focusing on the assignment of blame and credit. There is general acceptance that people should receive praise for good deeds, and they should not be blamed undeservedly. However, an overemphasis on culpability can create a negative work environment that hinders creativity, honesty, and teamwork. Dattner traces the origins of this obsession, explores the role of personality, and offers suggestions for creating an environment that focuses on future success instead of past mistakes.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: It’s All Politics, All Rise, Games at Work

New summary available for Make Every Second Count

Jason Andrukaitis — Thu, 10 May 2012 19:15:20 +0000

In today’s busy world, the demands on an individual’s time can be overwhelming. In fact, forty-two percent of American workers feel that they are overworked. High speed technology, downsizing, and increased customer demands have created an impatient, time-impoverished society. In Make Every Second Count, author Robert Bly acknowledges that twenty-five hours cannot be jammed into a twenty-four hour day; however, an individual can solve the most critical time-management problems by increasing personal productivity. It is unlikely in today’s work environment that workloads will decrease. However, if employees can learn to be more efficient at work, they can conquer their workload and find more free time for enjoyment.

To download three free summaries, please visit our site.

Related book summaries in the BBS library: The Time Trap, Successful Time Management for Dummies, The Personal Efficiency Program

New summary available for Change Anything

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:10:38 +0000

Many people believe that permanently changing their habits is difficult, if not impossible. However, through behavior change, it is possible to significantly improve results in many different areas of life. In Change Anything, Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, David Maxfield, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler explain the science behind personal change, and define the steps that anyone can take to increase chances for success when attempting to transform their careers, health, financial situations, relationships, and more.

To download three free summaries, please visit our site.

Related book summaries in the BBS library: Change Your Questions, Change Your Life, The Personal Efficiency Program, Creating Your Own Destiny

Bite Sized Learning

Jason Andrukaitis — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:36:38 +0000

Tablet computers, smart phones, and mobile technology in general is permeating our personal and professional lives. These devices have made working professionals more productive on the go, but they also have the side effect of making many of us less focused and less able to sustain prolonged attention to any one task. With this in mind, many learning professionals are beginning to favor shorter learning exercises and courses over the more traditional full-length courses in order to ensure learners are fully engaged for the entirety of the learning exercise. Chief Learning Officer magazine recently released an article relating to this “bite sized” approach to learning.

As working professionals become more adept at multitasking, attention spans are likely to continue decreasing, and learning professionals must be ready to adapt their learning programs in order to cope with this new reality. Shortening learning courses and allowing professionals to access learning materials on their schedule are two ways in which learning can continue to offer value to companies and employees alike.

Related book summaries in the BBS library: Tailored Learning, Hold On, You Lost Me!, The Mobile Learning Edge

New summary available for What Your Body Says (and how to master the message)

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:14:19 +0000

In What Your Body Says (and how to master the message), Sharon Sayler explains how nonverbal signs are a very influential part of communication, sometimes even more so than the verbal part of the message. Nonverbal gestures complement, reinforce, and emphasize the importance of the verbal message for the audience. Those who intentionally use nonverbal gestures to accentuate and control the accompanying verbal message are able to build relationships and large circles of influence simply because they are able to understand and be understood at a deeper level than most. Though learning about and understanding how nonverbal signals work is important, the true value of nonverbal signals comes in implementation.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: The Nonverbal Advantage, The Secret Language of Business, The Power of Body Language

New summary available for The Laws of Charisma

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 19:20:43 +0000

Kurt Mortensen defines charisma as the ability to easily build rapport, effectively influence others, inspire them to achieve more, and in the process make allies for life. It is a vital motivational life skill that can and must be mastered if one is going to succeed in influencing others. Charisma is the ability to empower and persuade others to believe and trust in a leader and want to be influenced by that leader. Charisma permeates every aspect of life; Career, relationships, ability to influence, and income are all related to one’s ability to radiate charisma. In The Laws of Charisma, Mortensen outlines 30 skills, traits, and attributes that generate charisma. These can be learned, developed, and mastered.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: Increase Your Influence at Work, Influencer, The 360-Degree Leader

New summary available for Get-It-Done Guy’s 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 20:39:38 +0000

Most people today are overwhelmed with work both at work and at home. Working more efficiently is one solution, but few know where to begin. In Get-It-Done Guy’s 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More, Stever Robbins has identified specific techniques for working smarter and getting more done in the same amount of time or less. His methods are the result of working with clients for years and helping them change the way they approach tasks.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: The Personal Efficiency Program, The Time Trap, Focus Like a Laser Beam

New summary available for Virtual Team Success

Jason Andrukaitis — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:30:18 +0000

In today’s complex organizations it is not uncommon to have as many as 50 percent of employees working on virtual teams. Virtual collaboration has already begun to transform many business sectors. The gradual shift of the U.S. economy from manufacturing and production to one of knowledge and information has contributed to a dramatic change in how and where people work. Virtual Team Success leverages the authors’ global research study and hands-on experience to provide a resource for virtual team members and team leaders. The authors suggest that successful virtual teams are characterized by members that effectively interact among themselves, build a solid basis of trust with each other, and have strong team building and interpersonal skills.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: The Distance Manager, Managing the Mobile Workforce, Creativity in Virtual Teams

Business Book Summaries Holiday Discount

Jason Andrukaitis — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:24:49 +0000

Happy holidays!

This holiday season, subscribe to Business Book Summaries between December 21st and the 27th using the below discount code to receive 50% off a one-year subscription (regularly $225)!

Just visit www.bizsum.com and enter the following code during checkout to apply the discount.

BBSHoliday2012

New book summary available for Fierce Leadership

Jason Andrukaitis — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:42:39 +0000

In Fierce Leadership, Susan Scott’s goal is to help individuals and organizations abandon those “best” practices that no longer serve a purpose and replace them with superior practices that get the job done. Fierce leadership is a state of mind that allows leaders to ask the questions that no one will ask, say the things that no one will say, abandon paint-by-numbers leadership, touch their own emotions and those of others, and stop trying to keep everything in the discreetly neutral. She details alternative methods to traditional business practices.

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Related book summaries in the BBS library: The Extraordinary Leader, Now…Build a Great Business!, From Values to Action