Some with interesting methods for improvement in business or self.
When I find a book that you should read, I’ll share.
Here is one.
Gung Ho!
By Ken Blanchard and Sheldon Bowels
Earlier this year I reviewed Ken and Sheldon’s book “Raving Fans” which focused on helping customers turn into full fledged fans of a company. This book does the same for employees and is well worth the read.
Both books read like short entertaining novels.
In “Raving Fans” the mentor to the “Area Manager” is Charley his ‘Fairy Godmother’ and in “Gung Ho! “Peggy Sinclair, new General Manager of Walton Works #2, has as a mentor an American Indian department head, Andy, who learned the secret of “Gung Ho! from his grandfather.
You see, first Peggy learns about the ‘Spirit of the Squirrel’ the ‘Way of the Beaver’ and the ‘Gift of the Goose.
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Like “The Goal” this story is incremental. Peggy’s fear and confusion at times is ultimately replaced by positive anticipation and clarity of purpose.
The end of the book has some very useful summaries and insights.
On page 169 is the Gung Ho game plan diagram which after reading the story is an excellent visual reminder of what can happen.
Page 170 summarizes ‘The Spirit of the Squirrel’ WORTHWHILE WORK and includes:
- Knowing we make the world a better place.
- Everyone works toward a shared goal.
- Value guides all plans, decisions, and actions.
Page 172 summarizes ‘The Way of the Beaver’ IN CONTROL OF ACHIEVING THE GOAL and includes:
- A playing field with clearly marked territory.
- Thoughts, feelings, needs, and dreams are respected, listen to, and acted upon.
- Able but challenged.
And finally, page 174 summarizes ‘The Gift of the Goose’ CHEERING EACH OTHER ON and includes:
- Active or passive, congratulations must be TRUE.
- No score, no game, and cheer the progress.
- E=MC squared – Enthusiasm equals mission times cash and congratulations.
The ABC’s are the key to the meaning of the book and only be understood by actually reading this ‘adventure in motivation’.
