Monthly Archives: June 2009

Working With “Y”

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I was tempted to write a clever introduction concerning whether or not members of Generation Y (those born between 1980 and 1999) are in your midst. Then I realized something vital: this is a blog … on the Internet. There is no other generation who has lived the double-life of virtual and physical existence more than this group. Something tells me that of the numerous readers I have, a good portion of you probably count your birthday somewhere between the years listed above. So, let me start over …

This article came up from the folks at the Guardian in the United Kingdom. While I think the first sentence in the article does more than its share of negative stereotyping, it’s interesting to see that the subject of Gen Y in the workplace continues to get press. We’ve covered it ourselves, both in summaries and in reviews. We’re at a critical juncture in the history of the American work force, and it seems to me that everyone is a touch anxious over where we will go. Suffice to say, Gen Y is currently experiencing one of the roughest job markets in which to enter a work force.

One also has to appreciate the fact that Baby Boomers, the generation that in its youth shifted the focus of everyone from advertisers to political campaigners to the young, are now scratching their greying heads trying to figure out what’s going on with ”these kids.” My years may be showing here, but I seem to recall coming of age in an era of economic uncertainty where foreign war made headlines and the environment, social issues and the generation gap were on the minds of many. Throw in a reference to Facebook and an e-mail address, and we’d be looking at Gen Y, wouldn’t we?

The more things change …

P.S.: I mentioned that we reviewed a book on Gen Y. To read it, and dozens of others for FREE, simply sign up at Summary.com.

Taking the Temperature on Climate Change

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As I sit here in the suburbs of Philadelphia, the temperature is in the mid-80s and we’ve got our usual dose of heavy humidity to start the summer. Meanwhile, a couple hours to our south, the temperature on Capitol Hill is starting to heat up … and global warming is only part of the reason.

While the House of Representatives works on a bill concerning climate change, the debate will swing back and forth over the details of the “cap and trade” concept. I’m not here to comment on the bill itself, but it raises the point that we will likely see more business books in the coming year that deal with the impact of environmental regulation on business. However, there are books that are currently available that take a proactive examination of climate change and sustainability.

One of my favorites is The Necessary Revolutionby Peter Senge, Sara Schley, Nina Kruschwitz, Bryan Smith and Joe Laur. We featured this book in our September 2008 edition, and it was instantly popular with our readers. What’s even more pleasing is that this book’s concepts have only grown in relevance over the last 12 months. Businesses will likely be on the receiving end of the responsibility that is doled out by government legislation. However, they also have a great opportunity to be leaders in changing the way individuals approach the issue of climate change. Sometimes the masses need a bit of a nudge, other times, the consumer is the one to do the nudging. Fortunately, this book covers the bases and more with innovative strategies to help companies solve environmental problems while still maintaining profitability.

Visit us at Summary.com to get your copy of  The Necessary Revolution. It might just help you prepare for “cap and trade,” if Congress can ever agree on anything.

Adversity Coming This Way

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Did the title of this post grab your attention? Don’t worry, I’m not here with any doom-and-gloom news to darken your day. Actually, this post started out after I visited the folks at USA Book News to check out some business book info.  In the midst of the various books about creating personal wealth or managing one’s finances, I saw a short review of J. Barry Griswell and Bob Jennings’ book The Adversity Paradox.

We read story after story in the news about the problems that plague businesses right now. What’s great about Griswell and Jennings’ work is that it helps readers to shoulder the load of adversity and cast it aside, rather than being drowned by it. Both Griswell and Jennings have experienced a good degree of adversity in their own lives. However, both triumphed, and through a process that was full of trial and error, as well as determination, they’ve culminated their experiences in a book that is rich in lessons.

The Adversity Paradox offers great examples that, as the authors point out, are not meant to be magic bullets. One of the things I respected most about the book when I read it is the lack of sugarcoating. Overcoming adversity is difficult work, and there are times when a project may not work out. I loved the fact that the authors are adamant about avoiding the victim mentality and acknowledging one’s personal responsibility for success. This is a book that does not apologize for its forthrightness. It doesn’t need to do so.

The good news is that we’ll be summarizing this book in the August edition of  Soundview Executive Book Summaries. What’s more, subscribers will have access to an exclusive audio interview with Griswell and Jennings. If you’re not a subscriber yet, this is a great time to come on board!

Answers About Our Product and the iPhone

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We’ve gotten a few e-mails in response to our iPhone apps. The feedback has been very positive to this point, and we’re very pleased that everyone is enjoying the apps. The one question that we receive more than any other, however, is, “When can I get a subscription to Soundview on the iPhone?”

The iPhone and its applications, as you’re aware, are constantly evolving. While we’re not at the point yet where we can offer our subscription product in this way, we’re researching it. It’s always our objective to deliver our summaries in the ways in which our subscribers want to read them. Sticking with one format for presenting one’s product is generally a means to a quick exit from the business world. You have to know when to move ahead and when to leave things in the past. Look at Kodak who announced today that they’re retiring their world-famous Kodachrome film after 74 years.

Fear not, iPhone fans. Keep your eyes on this blog and you’ll be the first to know when Soundview offers a subscription via the iPhone.

Father’s Day: A time to relax … and read!

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I came across this list while looking at a local news Web site for the Philadelphia area where our office is located. It drew my eye instantly because the top pick on this list is a book that has been popular among our subscribers since it was first featured in our June 2007 edition. What Got You Here Won’t Get You There is leadership expert Marshall Goldsmith’s exploration of the nuances that separate the top echelon of leaders from the masses.

This got me thinking about other summaries we’ve done that might be a good fit for dads everywhere this Father’s Day. How about The First 90 Days by Michael Watkins? If your dad is new to management, this book could be a great way to help him get off to a good start. In light of the fact that companies are trying to do more work with less members of staff, people of all ages are being placed in new roles all the time.

Another great book for dads is High Altitude Leadershipby Chris Warner and Don Schmincke. This recent summary is as entertaining as it is informative. Where else can you get leadership advice from a pair of authors, one of whom is a master strategist, the other of whom is one of a handful of Americans to successfully summit Mount Everest and K2? It’s a summary that reads as well while laying in the hammock as it does while sitting behind a desk. 

Then again, you could always go the extra mile and give dad a subscription to Soundview Executive Book Summaries.

Happy Father’s Day to dads everywhere!