Stomp the Elephant in the Office

by Steven W. Vannoy, Craig W. Ross

This is a wake-up call to leaders everywhere. In this innovative and poignant book, authors Steven Vannoy and Craig Ross challenge assumptions about leadership and business in today's world. Stomp The Elephant in the Office presents everyday tools that help people put an end to the toxic workplace, get more done, and be excited about work again. Vannoy and Ross explore people and culture (often misinterpreted as the softer side of business) and demonstrate that learning to cultivate them directly affects performance, productivity, and ultimately the bottom line. Not just for CEOs and high-level executives, this book reveals the truth that we are all leaders who have the power to transform ideas into action.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction, Self Help

324 pages, Hardcover

First published January 16, 2007

Reviews

[Hanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is Buzz Word Heaven!
May I introduce you.... trrrrr (drum roll).... to things like ‘the Leadership Lock', the ‘Humanity Factor’, the ‘Mind Factor’, the ‘Awareness Muscle’ and my favourite: the ‘Wellness Culture’ (which unfortunately has nothing to do with visiting a spa or getting a hot stone massage once in a while)!

It introduces slogans such as ‘If we blame, we will be lame’
And asks questions such as ‘Do You Know the Way to Leadership?’
It has 324 pages and a whopping 47 chapters! – yes, every chapter contains at least 6 p. Talk about killing the flow!



Seriously, having to read this book was a pain in the ass**. As someone who loves books, the writing in this book is just not good. Vague, a bizillion buzz-words, hundred thousand questions and miniscule chapters that just kill any reading rhythm.
The case studies are often ridiculously over the top. They start with a description that is so utterly exaggerated it is sad to see, then some 'Black Box Buzz Word Magic'* happens and afterwards everything is a ‘Wellness culture’.

Another example. At page 15 it says "We ask that you take an unusual action right now. We invite you to skip to the final part of the book which begins at 295 and read it next (...) Welcome back. The concepts in part eight inject value into everything else you will read from here on, adding meaning and importance far beyond the ordinary.
Then why the heck did you put it at the end of the book?!? !?

I’ll admit that some of the tools have merit, but everything else about this book makes me want to scream and run to a galaxy far, far away.
I wish they would have gone to a good non-fiction author to help them with this book, or hire an incredible editor to turn it around.



The worst is that this book has made a gigantic self-defense mechanism. If you dare to dislike it, you are just a negative 'Backward Focused' person. And. You. Should. Be. 'Forward Thinking'!

You know what, screw it, I’d rather be true to my opinion and 'backward thinking’.
Welcome to the dark side!
At least we have cookies.




Disclaimers:
*That's a phrase i invented. The book itself does not describe it as 'Black Box Buzz Word Magic'.
**As said this was a mandatory read. It might have had some impact on my book rating. But probably not much. 1984 was a mandatory read once at school, and i loved it

[Theresa Letman · Rating 4 out of 5]

My favorite section of this book: The Energy Map. It's a powerful tool/concept for moving things forward vs. focusing on the problem. Full disclosure: I work for Steve and Craig. Regardless, the book resonates and I love that we put it to use to move us forward each and every day!

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Art of Communication involves embracing conflicting perspectives.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's the elephant in your office? What's that one big thing, that underlying behavior that no one ever talks about? The issue much too overwhelming for a quick fix approach.

Ultimately, all the quick fixes in the world won't work. We all know that because we've tried them. Attempts to solve problems tend to end up in a finger pointing game. Happy people motivation schemes create disillusioned employees who feel undervalued.

The answer is so obvious that we've missed it. That elephant has to be exposed. Then, instead of looking for problems look to the strengths of the company to build a stronger foundation. In order to do this though, the employer has to change the way he or she manages. Listening, really listening. Being truly open to hearing about those elephants. Take the high road and use each elephant as a chance to learn and grow. Be dedicated to creating a wellness culture. Stomp the Elephant in the Office shows you how.

[Jaime Sauret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read about the “new” leadership approach.

The author emphasized in 2 key principles: where you focus your energy (the energy map) and how to lead having people in mind first (the humanity factor).

There are valuable principles that will help you to become a better leader, not o my at your work but your personal life as well.

If you are starting your leadership journey this is a great guide to find your own path, and if you are already in it it will help you to update your approach. In wait her case, it will help to add what the author called ‘The Humanity Factor’

[Raven · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have a work place that is negative and overwhelming buy yourself and your co-workers this book.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall ok. Nothing too revolutionary. Like most books of its kind, a bit repetitive. But I did pick up a couple of tips that I'm going to try to implement in my work life.