There's More to Life Than the Corner Office

by Lamar Smith, Tammy Kling

When you’re working in the fast lane, it’s easy to keep your eye trained on personal performance, profitable deals, and every rung of the corporate ladder. But what happens when your climb to success leads to a dead end? When the coveted office with the prime view and corporate board access not only overpowers everything else that’s meaningful―but sabotages your ability to target new opportunities? There’s More to Life Than the Corner Office tells the story of Patrick Mitchell, a young, up-and-coming dealmaker with energy and ideas to burn. Patrick is powered by his desire to stake a claim in his own corner office, until a fateful encounter with business icon Al Crafton changes his life. With a remarkable blend of intelligence, creativity, and patience, the older executive walks him through a set of lessons that forces Patrick to examine his life, his failing marriage, and his career choices―and to see new paths to true fulfillment and unique business prospects. There’s More to Life Than the Corner Office will show you how

Genres: Business

144 pages, Hardcover

First published February 22, 2009

Reviews

[Greg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. I’ve spent a good portion of my professional career studying the issue of balancing work and non-work (especially family). In that time, I have reached a strong conviction that we do real damage to ourselves and others when we place our careers and jobs over everything else in our lives. When I saw this book, and realized that the author is a successful businessman, the prominent CEO of a financial services firm, I had high hopes that this might be a strong stake in the ground in favor of balance. While that was clearly the authors’ intent, unfortunately the book is lightweight.

Basically it is a mildly interesting fictional tale intended to convey the importance of balance. It seems to try to develop a model for balanced living, but really doesn’t accomplish its objective. The authors make a few good points, but mostly try to let the story carry the burden of persuasion, and that was a mistake. Nonetheless, most businesses would benefit from paying more attention to such ideas as these expressed by the “wise old man” of the story:

“Our culture is centered on our core values, whereas most corporate cultures are centered on profit and productivity. Everything we do is driven by a strong value system. We focus on it, we talk about values, and we hold each other to those standards. And I don’t hire people who don’t fit well within our culture.”

“Some actions in life are undoable once you pull the trigger. When you recognize that you have one of those situations at hand, be thoughtful and careful. There are some very specific considerations that help you decide what to do…Consider timing of the action. You rarely have to make the call right away, so take whatever time you do have and get in close touch with your highest desires for all involved…Understand your own intentions…ask yourself, ‘What is the best, most redemptive thing I can do for the greatest number of people?’ …If you think the outcome makes the action attractive, make sure you are doing it for the right reason, not just taking care of some need or desire of your own. Ask yourself, ‘What is the most beneficial thing I can do to help as many as possible, long term?’”

Bottom line? It took me just a couple of accumulated hours to read the book during my daily walks on the treadmill. During that time, I like to read books that are light enough that they don’t require much concentration or note taking, but that will keep my mind off the boredom of walking. This book fit that need reasonably well.

[Xuehui Huang · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is short but carrying a lot. And you will find something in your deep heart. I did :)

[Patricia Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Send this to your father, brother, or put it in a Christmas stocking for any man who works endlessly. This book feels like it was created for workaholics or people struggling to balance family life anjd work, to open their eyes to a better way. The authors seem like they lived this story first and maybe found a way out of the overwhelm to help others. Deep conversations about life!

[Jane Maritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book I've reviewed on "balance" lately; it seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Wonder why! This book would fit into what I've called my "lunch hour" (or "half-hour!") reading material: interesting business reads that inspire me in my work life and impress the boss at the same time.

It's certainly not the first business book to use the mentor relationship fable to bring points across. That style works - it keeps one's interest, allowing points to be made without having to present a lot of research and boring background material. It's nonthreatening in the third-person style, as well as easy to read and to make connections to real life.

This particular book IS different than other business books I've read in this style, however, in that it's about total life balance, not just about team building, leadership, and business success. I love the points it makes about integrity. You don't need to be an up-and-coming businessman to appreciate the lessons in it.

This is not a long book; I finished the 160 pages in one sitting. It's well-written and moves quickly. My one complaint might be that the lessons aren't summarized and stated outright; I sometimes would have to re-read a section to come away with the main point being made in that chapter. Perhaps this simply makes it a more realistic story. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that inspired me to rethink my priorities and make a change in areas of my life.

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm always searching for good self-help books. I want to learn one new thing everyday, even if it's something as simple as a new word. I've had a thirst for learning for as long as I can remember and if anything, the feeling has became more potent with age. I'm constantly trying to figure out who I am and what I can do to make this world a better place. Sometimes it gets overwhelming and I feel like I'm being swallowed by this huge black hole. I want to do everything, help everyone and I get frustrated because that's impossible. I try to make sure I that I make a difference in any way I can. Whether it's picking up a lost dog and returning it to it's owners or smiling at someone who has beaten up by life. I've never believed that money equals happiness or that your job title defines who you are.

I consider myself very fortunate because I've never been a slave to the dollar. I've always known that having someone truly care about me and my well being means more than a bracelet from Tiffany's. I would rather my husband do a load of laundry than buy me a million diamonds. I want to be shown that I'm cared for by actions not wealth. This is an amazing book that I'm sure will help many people open their eyes about the life they lead and what they can do to become a happier person.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

The balance of life...what we all want to master! This book really touched on that and had really great parallels for it. I loved the aviation metaphors for life. I Recommend this to anyone who wants to master that Life Balance.

[Corey A. Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick and simple read that pushes you toward having a balanced life.

[Bonnie Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy read and good info.