A decent introduction to terms and concepts you'll see regularly referred to in the financial section of today's papers and blogs. It reviews all the ...moreA decent introduction to terms and concepts you'll see regularly referred to in the financial section of today's papers and blogs. It reviews all the major ideas, gives decent definitions, and elaborates with good examples and interesting historical anecdotes.
There are a few glaring errors, however, which is why I only gave it 3 stars. For example, the book referred to internet slander campaigns as malware.
Written at about the level of a senior in high school, this book is suitable for any reader hoping to learn and understand more about the current state of global finance.(less)
I just finished listening to the audio version of this book. It was a fascinating exploration of why people fail and how to learn from failure, both p...moreI just finished listening to the audio version of this book. It was a fascinating exploration of why people fail and how to learn from failure, both personally and corporately.
There are great sections on failures, including the failure, and subsequent success of the US forces in Iraq, and the explosions on the drilling rigs Piper Alpha in the North Sea and Deep Water Horizons in the Gulf of Mexico, and the global financial crisis in 2008. There is also extensive discussions on corporations like Google and Lockheed Martin that allow employees to experiment, creating lots of failures, but also enough successes to make it all worthwhile.
Overall, it was a great introduction to failures, a topic that we don't like to discuss!(less)
It’s ironic that, according to some pundits, most leadership books are read by middle management. Finally we have a book that targets those in the mid...moreIt’s ironic that, according to some pundits, most leadership books are read by middle management. Finally we have a book that targets those in the middle, leading a little, being led, and sharing leadership with others.
In his usual polished style, Maxwell tells stories gleaned from business and leadership. He has gathered quotes from around the world and weaves them together to teach about leadership and success.
Maxwell begins by dismissing many myths about leadership. He argues that we need to lead wherever we are. We need to begin thinking about being leaders long before we are recognized as being part of leadership because there are tangible benefits both now and in the future.
Maxwell carries on by explaining where our influence lies, specifically in these 5 areas:
1. Position - Influence because of your role. 2. Permission - Influence because of your character. 3. Production - Influence because of your production. 4. People Development - Influence because of who you’ve mentored. 5. Personhood - Influence because of your personality.
John Maxwell also focuses on direction of leadership – up, across, and down.
When leading up well, we must help our leaders by anticipating what our leaders need and then shouldering some of their load. It is also important to anticipate and use the time we have well, getting to know them and how to work with them.
When leading across well, we need to complete rather than compete, being a friend rather than a competitor.
When leading down, place people where they will thrive, modeling the behaviours you with to see. In the end, you are most effective as a leader when your vision is clear and you reward the behaviours you want to see.
This book, John C. Maxwell’s, The 360 Degree Leader, helps in stick-handling through the leadership possibilities at all levels of an organization. He makes it clear that, whether in business, family, or in not-for-profit work, if you are interacting with people, the opportunities for leadership are endless.
This book is a great entry level read for those who are wondering when they will receive the mantle of leadership in their organization. Remember, wherever you are, you are already a leader. (less)
Very solid book examining the scientific evidence on a number of different alternative therapies. The conclusion? Chiropractic and herbal medicines ca...moreVery solid book examining the scientific evidence on a number of different alternative therapies. The conclusion? Chiropractic and herbal medicines can be helpful, but are not demonstrably more helpful that evidence-based, modern medicine, and are sometimes more dangerous. Everything else (reflexology, homeopathy, iridology) is pretty much bunk.
Perhaps the best parts of the book are the explanations of why alternative medicines are appealing (they give hope and their practitioners are better at marketing) and why the appear to work (time, placebo effect, and using alternatives after modern medicine).
Very helpful as I explore and struggle with why alternative medicines are so appealing to faith communities.(less)
I listened to the audio book. It's ok - the basic principles are sound. It's not necessarily the fault of this book, but I am getting tired of the bus...moreI listened to the audio book. It's ok - the basic principles are sound. It's not necessarily the fault of this book, but I am getting tired of the business parable genre.(less)
An excellent intro to the Christian calling to do works of mercy. A little dated, but the biblical principles are clear, and most of the examples are ...moreAn excellent intro to the Christian calling to do works of mercy. A little dated, but the biblical principles are clear, and most of the examples are still immediately applicable today.(less)
A fascinating journey through the founding A Rocha, what is now a multinational Christian charity focusing on the care and stewardship of creation. ...moreA fascinating journey through the founding A Rocha, what is now a multinational Christian charity focusing on the care and stewardship of creation.
I love the book, although I'm biased, since my wife and I were charter members of the board of A Rocha Canada, the Canadian incarnation of the organization.
Great discussions about missions in the 21st century, the meaning of work, the sacred/secular divide, among other things.(less)
Lots of great ideas if you're one of the few with an Ivy League MBA and are trying to build a multi-million dollar company and take it public. Not muc...moreLots of great ideas if you're one of the few with an Ivy League MBA and are trying to build a multi-million dollar company and take it public. Not much more that basic principles if you're one of the millions of smaller scale entrepreneurs trying to run a small business.
That's what I wrote initially. By and large I still agree, although I think there is one very valuable insight - you've got to get off your butt and get working to have any success at all in the world of business.(less)
I am no expert on investing in foreign exchange markets. However, I do have some experience in teaching and training, and a little experience with inv...moreI am no expert on investing in foreign exchange markets. However, I do have some experience in teaching and training, and a little experience with investment psychology. It is from that perspective that I recommend Ivan Cavric’s book Forex Frontiers: The Essentials of Currency Trading, the first in a trilogy, as a gem in the making. It has the potential to be a successful how-to book, jumpstarting the abilities of anyone desiring to explore the world of forex, while helping the budding forex trader avoid the pitfalls that most forex traders fall into.
As a how-to book, it fulfills the following standards for success:
First, it is information-rich, giving a good sense of the parameters of what is involved with getting into foreign exchange trading. Second, it gets to the point quickly, filling in the details on what it takes to be a successful forex investor. Third and last, it provides a plan of action to become a successful forex investor, as well as the promise of further reading to help master the subject.
Forex Frontiers: The Essentials of Currency Trading covers the basics of forex investing, starting right from square one. The first half of the book includes an introduction to the markets, a discussion of the possibilities of failure, and the potential for success. An entire chapter is devoted to the necessity to develop a proper investment psychology. There are discussions of introductory issues such as selecting a strategy, an introduction to technical indicators, selecting a broker, and other challenges.
The second half of the book begins with a discussion of risk and money management, including managing losses and profits. Chapters introducing fundamental analysis and discussing technical analysis in more detail form the core of the second half of the book. The book ends with an important discussion about designing a forex strategy, and a case study of a sample forex strategy.
What I especially appreciate about Cavric’s book is its measured, cautious, and deliberate approach to forex investing. Rather than promising great riches and gain in short periods of time, it stresses the need to be disciplined, to develop a strong investment psychology, and to cultivate and follow a trading strategy, rather than playing around and changing strategies often, or worse, to have no strategy at all.
As such, Forex Frontiers: The Essentials of Currency Trading is a an excellent introduction to the discipline of forex investing. It does not promise too much, but pointing out to its readers the opportunities that exist if the right approach is taken. I am looking forward to the next installment in the series. (less)
A little simplistic perhaps, but an encouraging read for those who are dealing with the difficulties that life can bring us, especially as we grow old...moreA little simplistic perhaps, but an encouraging read for those who are dealing with the difficulties that life can bring us, especially as we grow older. Speaking from a Christian perspective, Zig Ziglar uses lots of examples, including his own recent struggles with a brain injury as the result of a fall.(less)
Great intro to sales attitude, technique, etc. A handy reference for anyone in sales. Really, it's probably applicable to any position where you're wo...moreGreat intro to sales attitude, technique, etc. A handy reference for anyone in sales. Really, it's probably applicable to any position where you're working with people to help them solve their problems.(less)
Well-written book illustrating the perils of institutional investing in Canada. I appreciated the many examples of people who got cheated by advisors ...moreWell-written book illustrating the perils of institutional investing in Canada. I appreciated the many examples of people who got cheated by advisors and the clear direction on what to look out for.
Unfortunately, being published in 2007, the book is a little dated by now, but otherwise a good read. In addition, one of the main problems I see with a book like this is that it frightens all investors and they just put their money in GICs or under their mattress. It would have been nice if he had presented more positive options.
A worthwhile read if you keep in mind the problems.
If you're interested in cultivating relationships with people, this is an excellent book to read. It's a bit on the chick side for this guy, but there...moreIf you're interested in cultivating relationships with people, this is an excellent book to read. It's a bit on the chick side for this guy, but there will still lots of useful insights.
While helpful I wish the book wasn't so explicitly amoral. I mean, do we really need advice on whether to consider sleeping with another guest at a party?(less)
A tremendous read, especially if you're interested in the law of intended consequences in the economic domain. I bought the book in an airport lounge ...moreA tremendous read, especially if you're interested in the law of intended consequences in the economic domain. I bought the book in an airport lounge to pass the time on the flight. It was well worth it.
I mean, I get the main point, that nothing gets done unless we get off our backsides and do it. But does it take some mystic relatio...moreWeird!
I mean, I get the main point, that nothing gets done unless we get off our backsides and do it. But does it take some mystic relationship with a chuck of metal with an inscription on it to get anything done?(less)
I love recipe books. I only cook occasionally, but I love to read recipes and think about shopping for the items and preparing the food. So I purchase...moreI love recipe books. I only cook occasionally, but I love to read recipes and think about shopping for the items and preparing the food. So I purchase recipe books when I find them for reasonable prices.
I also have have a fascination for Moosewood Restaurant. I think it started when we lived in BC. We had a friend there who was a fantastic cook, often cooked vegetarian, and had several Moosewood recipe books on his kitchen shelf.
So, I was a sucker for this book when I saw it recently at a used book sale. I love the potential of the recipes. And there are some fantastic ideas on vegetarian eating.
There are two things I wish for from the book. First, I love pictures. Second, I wish there was some low-carb recipes as well. But I shouldn't complain. Nothing better than a deal! I'm looking forward to trying a few of the recipes.
A great history of the financial industry. Niall Ferguson makes what could be very dry reading exciting and interesting.
Very helpful for un...moreA great history of the financial industry. Niall Ferguson makes what could be very dry reading exciting and interesting.
Very helpful for understanding how important finance is to all of history. For example, the failure of Southern cotton bonds was crucial in the victory of the North over the South because the South could no longer raise funds.
When I read No One Would Listen, I believed that Bernie Madoff was the architect of the biggest Ponzi scheme in history. I no longer believe this to b...moreWhen I read No One Would Listen, I believed that Bernie Madoff was the architect of the biggest Ponzi scheme in history. I no longer believe this to be true; Wall Street was the architect of a much bigger fraud.
Michael Lewis traces the history of the financial collapse of 2008 in the USA. Written from the perspective of several people who called the collapse ahead of time and made money by betting on it, it's a fascinating read and very helpful to understanding the financial derivatives that were at the heart of the collapse.
This is the story of Jones, an enigmatic older gentleman who spends his time giving direction to the directionless.
While a little less str...moreThis is the story of Jones, an enigmatic older gentleman who spends his time giving direction to the directionless.
While a little less structured than Andy Andrews previous book, in some ways The Noticer was more satisfying because it didn't beat you over the head with its wisdom. (less)
A self-help book structured as a fiction narrative, this book is intriguing. It's overall message is to accept responsibility, work hard, forgive, and...moreA self-help book structured as a fiction narrative, this book is intriguing. It's overall message is to accept responsibility, work hard, forgive, and have a positive attitude. Generally, these principles follow the teachings of the book of Proverbs.
While my Calvinist upbringing wants me to steer shy of "positive thinking", when I observe those who have a more positive view of life, life does appear to turn up roses for them. For some reason, God blesses those who believe that the world is fundamentally a good place.(less)
A fascinating book about the Bernie Madoff scam. Harry Markopolos tried to blow the whistle on Bernie Madoff 5 times over the course of 9 years. The b...moreA fascinating book about the Bernie Madoff scam. Harry Markopolos tried to blow the whistle on Bernie Madoff 5 times over the course of 9 years. The books definitely does not raise one's confidence in government regulators.(less)
A systematic description of each of the 12 elements - a followup to First, Break All The Rules, and much better, in my opinion. I've read it twice and...moreA systematic description of each of the 12 elements - a followup to First, Break All The Rules, and much better, in my opinion. I've read it twice and found it very helpful.
Unlike many management books, this one is based on a survey of thousands of people, rather than just case studies. It affirmed a lot of my intuitions about managing people. A great follow-up!(less)
This is the first book to introduce the 12 elements of great management. Gallup did a survey of thousands of employees and managers to find out what e...moreThis is the first book to introduce the 12 elements of great management. Gallup did a survey of thousands of employees and managers to find out what employees need to be engaged. The 12 elements are spot-on, but I'm not sure that their presentation in this book is all that clear. I'm reading for a second time to see what I've missed.(less)
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