Boring to bravo

Sample

Eileen C. Shapiro

From reengineering to Total Quality Management to Quality Function Deployment, there's an endless array of prepackaged programs and management mantras purported to launch companies to "world class" status. Unfortunately, all too many companies blindly sign up for these "cures" without a clear understanding of what they can and can't do. As a result, what could be good medicine can lead to unpleasant side effects - including wanton waste of corporate resources and loss of employee motivationor, even worse, may land your company in intensive care. Fad Surfing in the Boardroom strips the hard-sell promises off the fads and shows how to focus on the real problems to be solved and the core requirements for finding effective solutions. No one management tool can provide quick and easy answers for all woes but, when used well, each can create good results. Written for those who call the management meetings, as well as for those who attend them, this book takes an intelligent and witty look at which tools can work for your company, which can't and why, as well as what managers can do to improve the odds for success.

Sample

Boye Lafayette De Mente

Minding your manners is an acquired skill, but what serves you well elsewhere could trip you up in Japan. Save yourself possible embarrassment with *Etiquette Guide to Japan*. An inside look at Japanese social graces, it answers all the questions of the thoughtful traveler. Extensive, specific information on Japanese business etiquette assists readers traveling to Japan for business.\ \ Although often overshadowed by a modern facade, long–standing traditional aspects of Japan's culture still influence the country and almost everyone in it. Concrete evidence of this traditional culture can be seen everywhere—in the ancient arts and crafts that are still important parts of everyday life, in the many shrines and temples that dot the nation, and in the modern comeback of traditional fashions such as kimono and yakata robes.\ \ To many Western visitors, however, the most obvious example of this traditional culture's strength is the unique etiquette of the Japanese. Like many nations, Japan has experienced vast political, social, and economic change over the past century. But enough of Japan's traditional etiquette remains to set the Japanese apart socially and psychologically and to make success in socializing and doing business with them a special challenge for Westerners.

Sample

Cheryl A. Clarke

Grantwriters often have little or no training in the practical task of grantseeking. Many feel intimidated by the act of writing, and some don't enjoy writing. In Storytelling for Grantseekers, Second Edition, Cheryl Clarke presents an organic approach to grantseeking, one that views the process through the lens of the pleasures and rewards of crafting a good story. Grantseekers who approach the process as one in which they are connecting with an audience (grantmakers) and writing a narrative (complete with settings, characters, antagonists and resolutions) find greater success with funders. The writing process becomes a rewarding way to tell the organization's tale, rather than a chore, and their passion and creativity lead to winning proposals. This book walks readers through all the main phases of the proposal, highlighting the creative elements that link components to each other and unify the entire proposal. The book contains resources on crafting an effective synopsis, overcoming grantwriter's block, packaging the story, and the best ways to approach the "short stories" (inquiry and cover letters) that support the larger proposal. Clarke also stresses the need to see proposal-writing as part of a larger grantseeking effort, one that emphasizes preparation, working with the entire development staff, and maintaining good relations with funders. In Storytelling for Grantseekers, new and experienced grantseekers alike will discover how to write and support successful proposals with humor and passion. New edition features: Overall updates as well as both refreshed and new examples Workshop exercises for using the storytelling approach New chapters on the application of the storytelling method to other fundraising communications like appeal letters and case statements, as well as the importance of site visits Example of a full narrative proposal

Sample

Linda Abraham and Judy Gruen

"Going for an MBA? Show your managemen smarts by following this straigt-talking advice that will direct you through the MBa admissions maze. Written by two leading experts in MBA admissions consulting, this book will help you find hte right school for you. MBA Admissions for Smarties reveals vital, yet often-neglected steps to success that will save you from the needless disappointmnet of applying at the wrong time, for the wrong reasons, or to the wrong programs" -- p. [4] of cover.