I accidentally stumble across this book when shopping at Kinokuniya a few days ago. I am not sure why it attracted me in the first place, probably because I would like to know how to be more successful? Hmm.. perhaps. But anyhow, took the book and flipped it open and immediately attracted to it. The writing style is easy to read and quite funny. Just to give you an example:
A few years ago the CEO of a manufacturing company hired me to coach his COO. The COO was talented but stubborn and opinionated. The first time I met with the COO to go through his direct reports feedback, his reaction was, "But Marshall, I don't do that."
"That one is free" I said. "Next time I hear 'no', 'but', or 'however' it's going to cost you $20"
"But..." he replied, "That's not..."
"That's $20!"
"No, I don't ... " He refuted.
"That's $40!"
"No, no, no" he protested.
"That's 60, 80, 100 dollars" I said
Within an hour, he was down $420. It took another two hours before he finally understood and said "Thank you".
Are you interested now to know why? Hee.. to cut the story short, this author is trying to point out a few habits that we do normally that can hinder us from going further as a good leader. Apparently (according to him) when we start a sentence with the negative words (no, but, however ... etc), it is giving the message "YOU ARE WRONG". No matter how you acknowledge that person's effort or good suggestions. Hmm.. this is indeed very interesting right?
Actually other than this book, I am also reading another one at the same time titled "Starbucked". Another very intriguing book. I shall tell you about it soon. Bringing this book to the 3 days 2 night management retreat that i am attending from tomorrow. Hence no blog from me till next week!
2 comments:
Interesting.. :)
In a matter fact, we are told to avoid "but, however.. etc" when giving feedback to new trainee instructors.. Things that I learnt that I be able to bring it back to my fulltime job when talking to staffs... :)
Good point! After reading this book i do choose my words carefully when giving feedback. Must always be positive and motivating! unless it is really a no hope case.. but still shouldn't be harsh. heh..
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