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The Art of Possibility: Transforming Personal and Professional Life
The Art of Possibility offers a set of breakthrough practices for creativity in all human enterprises. This inspirational book is a synthesis of Rosamund Stone Zander's knowledge of cutting-edge psychology and Benjamin Zander's experiences as the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Infused with the energy of their dynamic partnership, the book joins together Be...more
ebook, 206 pages
Published
September 28th 2000
by Harvard Business School Press
(first published 2000)
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Jul 09, 2008
Craig
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
social-profit,
personal-transformation
On my flights to Belgrade the past couple of days, I finished a great book that has been influencing my thinking in several areas. The book was a thoughtful gift from Gayla Nicholson, a board member with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Park County, Wyoming, a recent client.
I referenced portions of Ros and Ben Zander's 2002 classic, The Art of Possibility, in the closing keynote I gave at last week's Department of Education mentoring conference in Seattle, as it is so consistent with my framework for...more
I referenced portions of Ros and Ben Zander's 2002 classic, The Art of Possibility, in the closing keynote I gave at last week's Department of Education mentoring conference in Seattle, as it is so consistent with my framework for...more
QUOTE: “….[I]nterpretations of the world vary from individual to individual and from group to group. This understanding may persuade us that by factoring out our own interpretations of reality, we can reach a solid truth. However, the term it’s all invented points to a more fundamental notion – that no matter how objective we try to be, it is still through the structure of the brain that we perceive the world. So, if there are absolutes, we have no direct access to their existence. The mind cons...more
The “Art of Possibility” was written by Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander. He is the founder and conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and a music professor (retired now, I believe) and she is a family therapist and landscape painter. It is a “how to” book on how to lift ourselves out of the difficulties we face on a daily basis and walk into a universe of possibility. The authors have not said anything that hasn’t already been said in hundreds of other books, but the way they e...more
This isn't just a standard self-help type book. It's a change-your-thinking-feel-good-book-written-for-an-educator's-ear-but-can-be-translated-into-everyone-around-you type book. Written through their own accounts and experiences, the Zanders give practical advice on how to, basically, live a fuller life. Their experiences in education, though not typical (Ben was an orchestra conductor and Ros, a therapist) speak volumes to educators alike and different. I am a fourth-grade teacher and where it...more
A standard self-help book. No new territory. I kept thinking, this sounds like Landmark psycho babble. Sure enough...at the end they acknowledge Landmark. For a really excellent book that does offer something, read "Strangers to Ourselves" by Timothy Wilson.
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I worked with Ben for several years, bringing his talks to British audiences, and I produced a video 'Benjamin Zander: Conducting Business' (now sadly unavailable) which brought many of the stories in this book to life through Ben's inspirational ways of working with business audiences and musicians directly. Ben's wife Rosamund was kind enough to act as 'first reader' for the facilitator's guide to my video, and I returned the favour for the first draft of this book, so I have to declare my bia...more
Jan 19, 2009
Aleisha Z Coleman
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
most adults
Recommended to Aleisha Z by:
another DI find!
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Oct 26, 2012
Sherri
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
adult-nonfiction,
audio
I highly recommend the audio version of this because the authors' enthusiasm shines through as they read it, and because, they actually include classical music excerpts to fully elucidate their examples!
At the same time, however, I found myself wishing I had a digital or paper copy so that I could more easily highlight their words to come back to again and again.
The "practice" and the accompanying "rules" are inspiring, and definitely difficult to live by all the time (which is why they call it...more
At the same time, however, I found myself wishing I had a digital or paper copy so that I could more easily highlight their words to come back to again and again.
The "practice" and the accompanying "rules" are inspiring, and definitely difficult to live by all the time (which is why they call it...more
Art of Possibility provided a fresh take on practices to incorporate into a fulfilling life. It got a little new age-y at times, but I like that the authors focused on their own lives and experiences rather than profiling other successful people. The book had a lot of interesting concepts to incorporate into daily life, including:
1. It's all invented, challenge assumptions
2. Create an atmosphere of possibility
3. Give everyone an A (respect)
4. Think about contribution rather than success
5. Be a s...more
1. It's all invented, challenge assumptions
2. Create an atmosphere of possibility
3. Give everyone an A (respect)
4. Think about contribution rather than success
5. Be a s...more
The authors' professional experience range from conducting world class orchestras to pyscho-therapy to leadership workshops. They offer some great techniques for working in groups. I especially like the approach of "Giving Everyone an A" where you ask the class/team to envision the end of the class/project. Each member is asked to write a letter explaining why they received the A, i.e. what did they do that was outstanding. Then each moves forward to live that plan they outlined. Another nice te...more
This audiobook is surprisingly enjoyable. Surprising, because I thought I would be bored of the topic since I’ve read so many newer books on the same topics. In fact, I was so convinced that I would not learn anything new from this book, I left the book in my Audible.com purchase queue for a few years. Since I put off buying it, which translated to I put off listening to it as well.
However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that many new books that I was reading referenced back to this book, I began to...more
However, I couldn’t ignore the fact that many new books that I was reading referenced back to this book, I began to...more
I read this book when it first came out, back in 2000. It was so fantastically inspiring that I bought a second book --- and lent them both to friends in Houston. When I read it again in 2011 --- a borrowed book from the university library, it was as if I was reading it for the first time. I have changed. So the way I read and interpret has changed as well. During my years studying at conservatory, one of my teachers played a video of Benjamin Zander talking to Fortune 500 executives. You can vi...more
Awesome book by psychotherapist Rosamund Zander and her husband Ben, who conducts the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. So much in our lives is influenced or determined by our thinking. Life and career changing events are often sparked by initially small thoughts, discussions, and decisions. Possibility thinking is about bringing innovation and creativity into the mix of your day to day interactions.
The 12 practices of possibility thinking:
1. Everything is invented
2. Step in to a world of possibili...more
The 12 practices of possibility thinking:
1. Everything is invented
2. Step in to a world of possibili...more
This was a short, easy read. I found the content thought provoking and uplifting. I feel I gained some valuable tools from the authors' shared perspectives about the two states of being, living from the mindset of scarcity vs. abundance. The format was enjoyable to me. The authors clearly state their background thoughts which is helpful. The book focuses on 12 Practices to contemplate and incorporate into your life. These practices can help you attain the mindset of abundance and possibility. Th...more
When I inherited my current office, the former occupant left this book on the shelf. One day I picked it up, and I read it during breaks and while riding various shuttles.
This self-help book is a collaboration between Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, and his wife Rosamund, a psychologist. It prescribes some Zen-like ideas for transformational living, and the ideas are well illustrated with some delightful stories. For example, there's the story of "Giving an A" in which Be...more
This self-help book is a collaboration between Benjamin Zander, conductor of the Boston Philharmonic, and his wife Rosamund, a psychologist. It prescribes some Zen-like ideas for transformational living, and the ideas are well illustrated with some delightful stories. For example, there's the story of "Giving an A" in which Be...more
The authors best summarize what this book is about in the opening paragraph: "This is a how-to book of an unusual kind. Unlike the genre of how-to books that offer strategies to surmount the hurdles of a competitive world and move out ahead, the objective of this book is to provide the reader the means to lift off from that world of struggle and sail into a vast universe of possibility. Our premise is that many of the circumstances that seem to block us in our daily lives may only appear to do s...more
I heard about Benjamin Zander and Rule Number Six back in the early '90s when he was giving motivational seminars for corporations. I'm glad he finally put his ideas down in book form. The Art of Possibility is a positive motivator, a guide book for better behavior and a bunch of interesting stories put together which emphasize the point the authors are trying to get across. The Zanders' philosophy of life can only help people to get along better, be more compassionate and caring and make the wo...more
Although I put off reading this book for several months, once I finally started it, I really enjoyed it. It is not your average "self-help" or enlightenment book, since it was written by the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and his wife, a therapist; rather, it gives you a different way to view and interact with the world and other people. One of the ideas I liked best in the book was the suggestion that you go into situations ready to "give everyone an A". You'll have to read the...more
Happiness is not a state to arrive at, it is a manner of traveling.
Quiet strength is to wear power lightly, understanding that power is just like money - it is only a tool to help others.
Meekness is not weakness, it is power under control.
I love the way Ben Zander created the "white sheet" - a way for orchestra players could write down any observation or coaching for the conductor that might eneable him to empower them to play the music more beautifully. This has led to deeply insightful comment...more
Quiet strength is to wear power lightly, understanding that power is just like money - it is only a tool to help others.
Meekness is not weakness, it is power under control.
I love the way Ben Zander created the "white sheet" - a way for orchestra players could write down any observation or coaching for the conductor that might eneable him to empower them to play the music more beautifully. This has led to deeply insightful comment...more
There's a handful of strategies and stories in here that will stay with me forever. Here's one of them.
A child who is recovering from cancer returns to school. She's lost all her hair from the chemo, and wears a scarf over her head to class. Predictably, one of the kid's pulls the scarf off against her will, and several of them tease her about not having any hair. The next day when the teacher comes to class, she addresses the class with a warm hello, while removing her hat. She's shaved her he...more
A child who is recovering from cancer returns to school. She's lost all her hair from the chemo, and wears a scarf over her head to class. Predictably, one of the kid's pulls the scarf off against her will, and several of them tease her about not having any hair. The next day when the teacher comes to class, she addresses the class with a warm hello, while removing her hat. She's shaved her he...more
Tedious. Boring. Slow. Very simple and well known concepts are "rediscovered" by this husband and wife team. While I found them pleasant (they did the audio version of the book, which I usually prefer), listening to the first three CD's was an exercise in patience slogging through elementary concepts as I awaited the 'new' information.
When I questioned my own efforts for the fifth or sixth time, I decided that I'd heard enough. There were no 'new' discoveries hinted at. I found no good reason t...more
When I questioned my own efforts for the fifth or sixth time, I decided that I'd heard enough. There were no 'new' discoveries hinted at. I found no good reason t...more
A friend sent me a link to Ben Zander's TED presentation (YouTube video) and I really enjoyed it so I looked him up and decided to get his little book. The nice surprise is that he's the person whose "experiment" I read about in another book. It was about giving students an A at the start of the semester. I decided to do the same except I gave everyone a B (I would never have had the backing of my department to give everyone As.) It was so terrific to do that. Anyway, this slim book was lovely....more
An inspiring look at what life CAN be like, I enjoyed this motivational text very much. Zander's real-world examples make the book easily applicable to anyone's life. I particularly liked the chapter on how to contribute. I intend to apply the concept of contribution to our nightly dinner table conversation, in addition to our classroom climate. "How did you contribute?" is such a global statement, that it's sure to receive a wide range of answers. At the same time, the understatement of CONTRIB...more
Some of the same themes as in "Who Moved My Cheese." I was stunned by the possibilities out there if I just change my perspective. I thought I had a lot of life figured out, but I realized I'm limiting myself through not trying to see things from different perspectives. I only see through dark glasses a sliver of life as it really is unless I open myself up to different possiblities. The major one is that someone else might just be right and I might just be wrong about things. I have a distinct...more
This is another of the four books that I was asked to read prior to this summer's "Boot Camp for Profs." It is clearly the least impressive to me. I have, for whatever it matters, read quite a number of works that deal with spiritual transformation of one kind or another, and this one does not make it near the top of the list. The book is intended to be inspirational, but for me it fell flat.
This is not to say that there are not good passages, such as the chapter about playing the contribution...more
This is not to say that there are not good passages, such as the chapter about playing the contribution...more
Not sure how to describe this--scattershot? Uneven? Wonderful in parts?
I picked this up because I so enjoyed Benjamin Zander's TED talk, which you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LCwI...
Who can resist a conductor who talks about "one-buttock playing"?
So Benjamin Zander is one coauthor, and his wife Rosamund Stone Zander is the other coauthor. He's a conductor/teacher/motivational speaker/humanitarian, and she's an "executive coach and family systems therapist." Fascinating comb...more
I picked this up because I so enjoyed Benjamin Zander's TED talk, which you can watch here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r9LCwI...
Who can resist a conductor who talks about "one-buttock playing"?
So Benjamin Zander is one coauthor, and his wife Rosamund Stone Zander is the other coauthor. He's a conductor/teacher/motivational speaker/humanitarian, and she's an "executive coach and family systems therapist." Fascinating comb...more
There are so many reviews of this book already that I hate to add one more to the pile, but I must at least say this: this was a
fabulous
read. This book should be required reading in high schools, colleges, and beyond. The basic premise being this: you should open yourself up to all possibilities, i.e. rather than viewing a mistake as a problem, view it as an opportunity to learn.
While portions of the book were a little too academic (e.g. the descriptions of the central self and the calculatin...more
While portions of the book were a little too academic (e.g. the descriptions of the central self and the calculatin...more
Two things I loved about this book:
Analogy of a good conductor and a good educational leader (e.g. school principal)
Looking at new challenges and asking oneself, "Wow, this is interesting how just yesterday this wasn't on my plate, and now today it is."
The former, helped me to provide subordinates with their work as part of a bigger work; the latter helped me to accept new challenges, but not to make them my focus of work.
What I disliked about this book, is this guy's ego. Really, Zander, you m...more
Analogy of a good conductor and a good educational leader (e.g. school principal)
Looking at new challenges and asking oneself, "Wow, this is interesting how just yesterday this wasn't on my plate, and now today it is."
The former, helped me to provide subordinates with their work as part of a bigger work; the latter helped me to accept new challenges, but not to make them my focus of work.
What I disliked about this book, is this guy's ego. Really, Zander, you m...more
I was given this book by the CEO of a company I used to work for. It is a book I often find myself re-reading and suggesting to friends, and even gifting...I love it that much! The Zander's have a gem here. My favorite part is his tidbit on not being fearful of taking risks and failing...how failures are opportunities and when something goes wrong he uses the mantra "How Fascinating!" to break up the tension of the moment. This worked for me in situations with my toddler at the time and it was a...more
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“In the measurement world, you set a goal and strive for it. In the universe of possibility, you set the context and let life unfold.”
—
8 people liked it
“How often do we stand convinced of the truth of our early memories, forgetting that they are assessments made by a child? We can replace the narratives that hold us back by inventing wiser stories, free from childish fears, and, in doing so, disperse long-held psychological stumbling blocks.”
—
6 people liked it
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