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Top Performance: How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others
Argues that eighty-five percent of a person's professional success lies in their people skills, discussing the qualities of good leadership, the key skills of motivational management, and specific ways to overcome poor management practices.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2003
89 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Zig Ziglar
399 books1,364 followersZig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.
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December 22, 2019
Hilary Hinton "Zig" Ziglar was an American author, salesman, and motivational speaker.
Born: November 6, 1926, Coffee County, AL
Died: November 28, 2012, Plano, TX
When I met Zig at a conference in Sacramento, he was the Key Note speaker of a stellar roster of notable speakers. He and his wife were living in Yazoo City, MS, and he was a biased ambassador for the city. His audience, including me was enchanted by his home-spun banter and whimsical delivery. Over the many years of my business career as a Financial Counselor, I read many of his books and listened to his recorded audio tapes, as well as attending his seminars and workshops.
From the Goodreads author description: Zig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO ZIG ZIGLAR:
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.
You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
You don't have to be great at something to start, but you have to start to be great at something.
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.
Remember that failure is an event, not a person.
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.
If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.
Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.
A goal properly set is halfway reached.
Born: November 6, 1926, Coffee County, AL
Died: November 28, 2012, Plano, TX
When I met Zig at a conference in Sacramento, he was the Key Note speaker of a stellar roster of notable speakers. He and his wife were living in Yazoo City, MS, and he was a biased ambassador for the city. His audience, including me was enchanted by his home-spun banter and whimsical delivery. Over the many years of my business career as a Financial Counselor, I read many of his books and listened to his recorded audio tapes, as well as attending his seminars and workshops.
From the Goodreads author description: Zig Ziglar was a motivational teacher and trainer who traveled the world over, delivering his messages of humor, hope, and encouragement. As a talented author and speaker, he had international appeal that transcended every color, culture, and career. Recognized by his peers as the quintessential motivational genius of our times, Zig Ziglar had a unique delivery style and powerful messages that earned him many honors. Today he is considered one of the most versatile authorities on the science of human potential. Ten of his twenty-eight books have been on bestseller lists, and his titles have been translated into more than thirty-eight languages and dialects. He was a committed family man, a dedicated patriot, and an active church member. Zig lived in Plano, Texas, with his wife, Jean.
QUOTES ATTRIBUTED TO ZIG ZIGLAR:
People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.
You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.
You don't have to be great at something to start, but you have to start to be great at something.
Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.
Remember that failure is an event, not a person.
You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.
What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals.
If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time.
Expect the best. Prepare for the worst. Capitalize on what comes.
A goal properly set is halfway reached.
November 29, 2017
يمكنك الحصول علي كل شئ تريده في الحياة
إن ساعدت ما يكفي من الآخرين
كي يحصلوا على ما يريدون!
٢٣٣صفحة
هذا الكتاب يبدأ بك،إذا كنت تتوقع أن تتقدم فى عالم الأعمال وتدرك أنك سوف تصبح قدوة للأخرين..
إذا كنت تسعي إلي الكفاءة و وتحقيق الأهداف،وجذب الانتباه المناسب،وأن تكون فعالاً في الإدارة...هذا العمل استبظال نفسك بشخص مميز لديه معدل مقبول من التميز ومع التدريب والإلهام ينتج معدل أكبر.
سوف تكتشف سريعاً أنه ليس هناك حس بالرضا أو الفرح يعادل أن تأخذ بيد الآخرين وتطورهم إلي الدرجة التى تجعلهم أكفاء بقدرك...
فهو عمال لصنع تمييز ولتصنع انت التميز في الأخرين..
داخل العمل وفي فصوله تتعلم فن وعلم قمة الأداء ثم تحفيز أصحاب قمة الأداء..
إن ساعدت ما يكفي من الآخرين
كي يحصلوا على ما يريدون!
٢٣٣صفحة
هذا الكتاب يبدأ بك،إذا كنت تتوقع أن تتقدم فى عالم الأعمال وتدرك أنك سوف تصبح قدوة للأخرين..
إذا كنت تسعي إلي الكفاءة و وتحقيق الأهداف،وجذب الانتباه المناسب،وأن تكون فعالاً في الإدارة...هذا العمل استبظال نفسك بشخص مميز لديه معدل مقبول من التميز ومع التدريب والإلهام ينتج معدل أكبر.
سوف تكتشف سريعاً أنه ليس هناك حس بالرضا أو الفرح يعادل أن تأخذ بيد الآخرين وتطورهم إلي الدرجة التى تجعلهم أكفاء بقدرك...
فهو عمال لصنع تمييز ولتصنع انت التميز في الأخرين..
داخل العمل وفي فصوله تتعلم فن وعلم قمة الأداء ثم تحفيز أصحاب قمة الأداء..
October 21, 2019
I have never read any books by Zig Ziglar but my parents have spoken highly of him so I was really interested in reading this revised and updated edition of this book. I was drawn immediately to part of the title "How to develop excellence in yourself and others". I really like that approach-that I'm not just trying to improve myself...I'm encouraging and motivating others to excel as well.
As it states in the preface, "managing people" becomes a high priority if we are to be successful. I manage over 12 employees in the small business where I work on a daily basis so I am always looking for ideas on how to better myself and how to encourage and help others.
I was drawn to some of the chapters in this book like "Look for the Good", The top five P's of a top performing business", "Managing Productivity" and "A formula for motivation". This book promises readers that it will include ideas on how to "direct people's energies and stimulate their desire to excel", "overcome and correct poor management practices", "develop a healthy self image", "improve relationships and communication" and many other things!
I liked all the personal stories and experiences in this book and I can't wait to continue reading and applying the principles that I've learned to my own work and business. I liked that they included "performance principles" at the end of every chapter, which is like a quick summary and things to remember from that chapter. I really enjoyed the last chapter "It Takes Time". "Take time to get started, to grow, to be healthy, to play, to be quiet, and take time for those you love." Excellent self help book!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
As it states in the preface, "managing people" becomes a high priority if we are to be successful. I manage over 12 employees in the small business where I work on a daily basis so I am always looking for ideas on how to better myself and how to encourage and help others.
I was drawn to some of the chapters in this book like "Look for the Good", The top five P's of a top performing business", "Managing Productivity" and "A formula for motivation". This book promises readers that it will include ideas on how to "direct people's energies and stimulate their desire to excel", "overcome and correct poor management practices", "develop a healthy self image", "improve relationships and communication" and many other things!
I liked all the personal stories and experiences in this book and I can't wait to continue reading and applying the principles that I've learned to my own work and business. I liked that they included "performance principles" at the end of every chapter, which is like a quick summary and things to remember from that chapter. I really enjoyed the last chapter "It Takes Time". "Take time to get started, to grow, to be healthy, to play, to be quiet, and take time for those you love." Excellent self help book!
I received a copy of this book complimentary for blog and social media review. All opinions are my own.
October 12, 2019
This book is a classic as it originally came out in 1986. The principles it contains are as relevant now as they were then. It's been revised and updated to continue its impact in a changing business culture.
Ziglar was probably the most positive and enthusiastic person to hit the people management realm. He identified himself as an incurable optimist. No wonder the very first item in the Ziglar performance formula is attitude.
No wonder the emphasis of the book is managing our self and leading others to excellence. Ziglar wrote about self management and the gift we have been given of being able to choose the way we think and feel. We are responsible for our mental and emotional health. He included many tips and suggestions for bringing out the best in people, encouraging them to reach their potential.
This is a good book for managing one's self and others. You will find insights on every page. You'll get a good dose of “others first” philosophy too. Ziglar suggested you'll get what you want when you help others get what they want. “One of the fasted ways to improve our own self-esteem,” he wrote, “is to focus our attention on others.” (Loc 1272/3913)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
Ziglar was probably the most positive and enthusiastic person to hit the people management realm. He identified himself as an incurable optimist. No wonder the very first item in the Ziglar performance formula is attitude.
No wonder the emphasis of the book is managing our self and leading others to excellence. Ziglar wrote about self management and the gift we have been given of being able to choose the way we think and feel. We are responsible for our mental and emotional health. He included many tips and suggestions for bringing out the best in people, encouraging them to reach their potential.
This is a good book for managing one's self and others. You will find insights on every page. You'll get a good dose of “others first” philosophy too. Ziglar suggested you'll get what you want when you help others get what they want. “One of the fasted ways to improve our own self-esteem,” he wrote, “is to focus our attention on others.” (Loc 1272/3913)
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
July 27, 2018
Wonderful
July 23, 2008
I've heard a lot of great things about Zig Ziglar, so I'm a bit perplexed as to why I didn't like this book more. I'm tempted to give Zig the benefit of the doubt, because I read this on the plane after being up packing most of the night and getting only about three hours of sleep. But I'm pretty sure that this book doesn't have the sharp direction that I'd expect. While there is useful information in here, and while I think the book on the whole has some promise, individual chapters tended to wander, the examples given are more cutesy than useful, and much of the advice is rather generic. Perhaps if I had attended any of the courses mentioned, I would have the background needed to connect the dots, but it seemed as though Zig was in too much of a hurry to put everything together. Often times I found myself a bit confused, and had to go back and reread a sentence or a paragraph, and I realized that Zig expected me to read between the lines and jump to the same conclusions that he had jumped to, without quite explaining what that conclusion was until after he had decided to explain how that conclusion wasn't quite right.
The book has three other co-authors, but I found it rather confusing to know what was written by Zig and what was written by his co-authors. One of the co-authors was credited in the text rather extensively. Another was credited once or twice. And I have a hard time remembering if I saw any passages explicitly credited to the third author.
What may have been my favorite chapter, a list of key learnings, was presented almost exclusively in a list format, with little or no explanation of how any of the items could be put into practice. It may be worthwhile to go back and re-read that chapter several times, but I with there were a little more meat there.
Other chapters seemed to wander aimlessly, and then suddenly the chapter was over and a summary was presented making you feel as if you should have known how the different parts of the chapter were supposed to relate to each other.
Maybe I was just too tired to really get this book, but my reaction was that it wasn't as wonderful as I would have hoped.
The book has three other co-authors, but I found it rather confusing to know what was written by Zig and what was written by his co-authors. One of the co-authors was credited in the text rather extensively. Another was credited once or twice. And I have a hard time remembering if I saw any passages explicitly credited to the third author.
What may have been my favorite chapter, a list of key learnings, was presented almost exclusively in a list format, with little or no explanation of how any of the items could be put into practice. It may be worthwhile to go back and re-read that chapter several times, but I with there were a little more meat there.
Other chapters seemed to wander aimlessly, and then suddenly the chapter was over and a summary was presented making you feel as if you should have known how the different parts of the chapter were supposed to relate to each other.
Maybe I was just too tired to really get this book, but my reaction was that it wasn't as wonderful as I would have hoped.
August 8, 2008
This book is good on certain levels. I'm on page 72 and struggling to continue though. So not sure I'll finish it. For some reason I'm struggling with his writing style and authenticity. Also, since I'm not managing a team or group of people, I'm not really able to relate to a lot of what he teaches. As much as I like his enthusiasm, it gets tiresome after awhile. I've heard him speak and absolutely engaged with him in every way. So I know I appreciate his message and what he stands for. I may try a different book of his and see if I feel the same way about his writing style.
March 16, 2013
I just got the book last week from the bookstore. Whooooo!See you at the TOP! Be a top performer!
September 21, 2019
Excellent book on business leadership, but lacks a Christian perspective
When it came to teaching strong business leadership principles, the late Zig Ziglar was one of the best. He had a zest for life and a love for people, which flowed out of his relationship with God.
In his new book, “Top Performance: How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others,” published posthumously by Revell Reads (and with the foreword written by his son, Tom), Ziglar emphasizes that business leaders need to invest in the lives of others to be successful.
“We must never overlook the fact that our company can spend millions and millions of dollars on buildings, computers, electronic gear…but the full utilization of these monumental expenditures is entirely dependent on the growth, training, attitude and capability of the people in the company,” he wrote (page 85).
Published by Revell Reads, Ziglar’s 240-page book is a veritable blueprint for how to succeed in business by putting employees first, drawing on (and out) their talents, and helping them strengthen their weaknesses to benefit all involved. This is the true mark of a leader, which involves making right decisions: “All of life is a series of choices,” he wrote (page 29).
One issue I had with the book is when he cites disgraced and disgruntled former CBS “News” anchor Dan Rather, whose entire career was based on partisan, leftist bias. For example, Ziglar quoted Rather saying, “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’”
However, Rather is not a truthful person – especially when he tried to sway the 2004 election in John Kerry’s favor by using phony memos he knew were fakes in order to bring down George W. Bush. The reason I’m making this point so strongly is because if an author is going to quote someone, he or she needs to cite a person who is honest, has integrity and character, and can be trusted, which is the mark of a great and genuine employee (who can always be trusted).
Moreover, another issue I had with the book is in Chapter 15 (A Formula for Motivation), where Ziglar suggests general meditation, rather than meditation on the Word of God. Although Ziglar does mention the Lord in some places in the book (pages 213, 222, and 230), I was mainly disappointed he didn’t offer any leadership principles from a Christian perspective.
Overall, Ziglar’s book is well-written, insight and can offer help for companies needing business leadership advice from a proven expert who truly lived out what he espoused. While I’ve never been interested in sales (and despite my aforementioned qualms with the book), I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable read.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
When it came to teaching strong business leadership principles, the late Zig Ziglar was one of the best. He had a zest for life and a love for people, which flowed out of his relationship with God.
In his new book, “Top Performance: How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others,” published posthumously by Revell Reads (and with the foreword written by his son, Tom), Ziglar emphasizes that business leaders need to invest in the lives of others to be successful.
“We must never overlook the fact that our company can spend millions and millions of dollars on buildings, computers, electronic gear…but the full utilization of these monumental expenditures is entirely dependent on the growth, training, attitude and capability of the people in the company,” he wrote (page 85).
Published by Revell Reads, Ziglar’s 240-page book is a veritable blueprint for how to succeed in business by putting employees first, drawing on (and out) their talents, and helping them strengthen their weaknesses to benefit all involved. This is the true mark of a leader, which involves making right decisions: “All of life is a series of choices,” he wrote (page 29).
One issue I had with the book is when he cites disgraced and disgruntled former CBS “News” anchor Dan Rather, whose entire career was based on partisan, leftist bias. For example, Ziglar quoted Rather saying, “The dream begins with a teacher who believes in you, who tugs and pushes and leads you to the next plateau, sometimes poking with a sharp stick called ‘truth.’”
However, Rather is not a truthful person – especially when he tried to sway the 2004 election in John Kerry’s favor by using phony memos he knew were fakes in order to bring down George W. Bush. The reason I’m making this point so strongly is because if an author is going to quote someone, he or she needs to cite a person who is honest, has integrity and character, and can be trusted, which is the mark of a great and genuine employee (who can always be trusted).
Moreover, another issue I had with the book is in Chapter 15 (A Formula for Motivation), where Ziglar suggests general meditation, rather than meditation on the Word of God. Although Ziglar does mention the Lord in some places in the book (pages 213, 222, and 230), I was mainly disappointed he didn’t offer any leadership principles from a Christian perspective.
Overall, Ziglar’s book is well-written, insight and can offer help for companies needing business leadership advice from a proven expert who truly lived out what he espoused. While I’ve never been interested in sales (and despite my aforementioned qualms with the book), I found it to be an interesting and enjoyable read.
I gave it a 4 out of 5 stars.
Full disclosure: In accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, I received this book free through the Bloggers Program of Revell Reads, a division of Baker Books. My opinions are my own and I wasn’t required to write a positive review.
© 2019 by Doug S., M.A.
October 5, 2019
A wealth of knowledge for any leader
The book Top Performance How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others is a relic that was originally published in 1986. This review is based on the latest version, released in 2019.
I regret not having read any of Zig Ziglar’s many books before now. Top Performance is a wealth of knowledge regarding successful leadership. It’s based on the foundation that success in life is about the choices we make. Top Performance touches on many attributes of a good leader. Each topic is covered concisely and many include interesting examples and stories that hammer the points home.
This book is about so much more than management. It covers communication, honesty, loyalty, expecting the best, happiness, picking the right people, and education, among so many more.
This book would be a great gift for anyone taking on more responsibility in their career or any budding, eager professional.
How this book affected me:
I regretted not reading this book twenty years ago when I was slogging it out in the corporate world. What Top Performance highlighted for me is how much it all boils down to how we’re treating people. It’s really pretty simple. Treating people well and fairly is the best way to get the best out of them.
Who would enjoy this book:
Theoretically, this is a business book for managers or small business owners, but it’s packed with tidbits that can help anyone. From team leaders to sports coaches, non-profit organizers, or religious leaders. It could also benefit professionals whose jobs require working well with people, such as engineers, technology professionals, administrators, or politicians. Young professionals who are looking to advance their careers would also benefit from the wisdom included in this book.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The BOOK REVIEWS at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
The book Top Performance How to Develop Excellence in Yourself and Others is a relic that was originally published in 1986. This review is based on the latest version, released in 2019.
I regret not having read any of Zig Ziglar’s many books before now. Top Performance is a wealth of knowledge regarding successful leadership. It’s based on the foundation that success in life is about the choices we make. Top Performance touches on many attributes of a good leader. Each topic is covered concisely and many include interesting examples and stories that hammer the points home.
This book is about so much more than management. It covers communication, honesty, loyalty, expecting the best, happiness, picking the right people, and education, among so many more.
This book would be a great gift for anyone taking on more responsibility in their career or any budding, eager professional.
How this book affected me:
I regretted not reading this book twenty years ago when I was slogging it out in the corporate world. What Top Performance highlighted for me is how much it all boils down to how we’re treating people. It’s really pretty simple. Treating people well and fairly is the best way to get the best out of them.
Who would enjoy this book:
Theoretically, this is a business book for managers or small business owners, but it’s packed with tidbits that can help anyone. From team leaders to sports coaches, non-profit organizers, or religious leaders. It could also benefit professionals whose jobs require working well with people, such as engineers, technology professionals, administrators, or politicians. Young professionals who are looking to advance their careers would also benefit from the wisdom included in this book.
Our Christian Book Reviews:
The BOOK REVIEWS at Finding God Among Us focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group. This review is my honest opinion.
October 14, 2019
One of the harder lessons I’ve learned in life and my career is that attitude goes a long way. Your attitude and the attitude of others can quickly poison any situation. Ziglar addresses this and may other adages in this new edition of Top Performance.
Management is all about getting things done through people. To be a successful manager you must recognize, develop and utilize the talents of all your subordinates. Ziglar seems to have built a great empire by adopting this “simple” definition of management and book is his contributions in helping readers to do just that. There are several lessons I personally took away from this read. These lessons stayed with me and will positively impact my future. These lessons are:
You have two choices in everything you encounter. You can Respond or React. These are two VERY different paths.
The idea that we are in control of our attitude was clearly brought to my attention via an example provided within. The example was a case of road rage. Likely we can all relate to this; one person cuts you off and your attitude at this encounter determines your path. The person whom cuts you off will probably NEVER think about you again. Meanwhile, are you going to let them throw you off your whole day by controlling your mood? Don’t let other people take up room in your mind, or your mood, that don’t belong there.
Ziglar introduces us to three types of motivation:
Motivation by Fear – described by the feeling of a “tight economy” motivating you to do good work for fear of losing your job
Motivation by Incentive – described via the carrot and the horse analogy
Motivation via personal Change or Growth
Top Performance is a great read for anyone looking to grow themselves into, well…top performers, remind themselves of key life lessons and better themselves both personally and professionally.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Management is all about getting things done through people. To be a successful manager you must recognize, develop and utilize the talents of all your subordinates. Ziglar seems to have built a great empire by adopting this “simple” definition of management and book is his contributions in helping readers to do just that. There are several lessons I personally took away from this read. These lessons stayed with me and will positively impact my future. These lessons are:
You have two choices in everything you encounter. You can Respond or React. These are two VERY different paths.
The idea that we are in control of our attitude was clearly brought to my attention via an example provided within. The example was a case of road rage. Likely we can all relate to this; one person cuts you off and your attitude at this encounter determines your path. The person whom cuts you off will probably NEVER think about you again. Meanwhile, are you going to let them throw you off your whole day by controlling your mood? Don’t let other people take up room in your mind, or your mood, that don’t belong there.
Ziglar introduces us to three types of motivation:
Motivation by Fear – described by the feeling of a “tight economy” motivating you to do good work for fear of losing your job
Motivation by Incentive – described via the carrot and the horse analogy
Motivation via personal Change or Growth
Top Performance is a great read for anyone looking to grow themselves into, well…top performers, remind themselves of key life lessons and better themselves both personally and professionally.
*Disclaimer: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 21, 2019
I do get the point Zig Ziglar makes in this book Revell re-released, and it's one I believe Ziglar learned from the life of Solomon and Paul, the apostle: "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed" (Proverbs 11:25) and "if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (Romans 12:8).
What I don't see right now, in terms of my blog/website, can change in the future. Because of the fact that I do choose to show mercy and compassion as I believe Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of my life, would desire of me I can see the possibilities the way Ziglar had faith to "respond" over "react." I get that now. While I did find the book a bit hard to read, at first, due to being tired I see the motivational way he helped tons of others. He poured his life into seeing other people succeed, both in terms of integrity and character.
It's the same as he puts into all the books he's ever been able to publish as a result. Men of faith always take action, and the consequence is being able to see what James, the brother of Jesus meant when he said, "But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works" (James 2:18). Faith should produce a work both within and outside of us. That's the biggest reason, aside from Top Performance not being easy for me to read, that I leave it with high remarks. I received this book complimentary from Revell for an honest and fair review.
What I don't see right now, in terms of my blog/website, can change in the future. Because of the fact that I do choose to show mercy and compassion as I believe Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior of my life, would desire of me I can see the possibilities the way Ziglar had faith to "respond" over "react." I get that now. While I did find the book a bit hard to read, at first, due to being tired I see the motivational way he helped tons of others. He poured his life into seeing other people succeed, both in terms of integrity and character.
It's the same as he puts into all the books he's ever been able to publish as a result. Men of faith always take action, and the consequence is being able to see what James, the brother of Jesus meant when he said, "But someone will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works" (James 2:18). Faith should produce a work both within and outside of us. That's the biggest reason, aside from Top Performance not being easy for me to read, that I leave it with high remarks. I received this book complimentary from Revell for an honest and fair review.
October 25, 2019
I have a Zig Ziglar quote hanging up in my office area at home. I find some of his ideas truly right on and very motivating. This book fell short or me. It fell so short for me that I read 100 pages and couldn't go any further. I was not engaged in the "story telling" in the book. I found the book to have a somewhat heavy "male" voice- very patriarchal. The part of the chapters that most spoke to me were at the end- the Performance Principles. These were accurate and spot on in regard to leadership and actual life skills. For instance, the chapter "Choosing to Be a Top Performer" the performance principles read (pg 35-36):
1. Regardless of your past, tomorrow is a clean slate.
2. Every obnoxious act is a cry for help.
3. Don't waste time placing blame; fix the cause!
4. The choices you make today will determine what you will be, do, and have in the tomorrows of your life.
5. Top Performers learn to make the proper choices.
6. Top Performers know that when they continuously add new concepts and ideas into their minds, they are burying some of the archaic ideas already in place.
Great points and life lessons right here in these 6. The words in between these principles just didn't do anything for me.
Two Stars. This book was sent to review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.
1. Regardless of your past, tomorrow is a clean slate.
2. Every obnoxious act is a cry for help.
3. Don't waste time placing blame; fix the cause!
4. The choices you make today will determine what you will be, do, and have in the tomorrows of your life.
5. Top Performers learn to make the proper choices.
6. Top Performers know that when they continuously add new concepts and ideas into their minds, they are burying some of the archaic ideas already in place.
Great points and life lessons right here in these 6. The words in between these principles just didn't do anything for me.
Two Stars. This book was sent to review by Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.
March 29, 2021
One of the rare moments that I rated a self-help books five stars. Usually, I find myself disagreeing with some authors whose ideas are insane that I find it hard to believe they are even published. But I guess, Zig Ziglar couldn't make things go wrong with his ideas and words. If you haven't tried, try it. It helps you understand much much more about yourself as a leader. But in some aspects, it also helps you discovering who you are as a human. After all, we don't always "live" in our office. We get to come home to our family. If you learn how to treat your office team right, why not your family, too?
This book provides me a deeper level to understanding and discovering myself both at work and at home. I can't say enough how grateful I am that I found this book or better, that this book was published.
This book provides me a deeper level to understanding and discovering myself both at work and at home. I can't say enough how grateful I am that I found this book or better, that this book was published.
October 24, 2019
This may be an updated reprint from Zig Ziglar’s original 1986 book, but that in no way means the information is old or outdated. Filled with practical wisdom on leadership in Ziglar’s unique down-to-earth style, you will come away with practical tips for how to grow personally and help those around you grow professionally.
Each of the twenty chapters is a fairly quick read and concludes with a list of “Performance Principles” to help remember the main points.
There have been quite a few leadership books lately, but this classic is definitely one to add to your list.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
Each of the twenty chapters is a fairly quick read and concludes with a list of “Performance Principles” to help remember the main points.
There have been quite a few leadership books lately, but this classic is definitely one to add to your list.
*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2019
This book was an incredible writing and compelling to read with that also can be very helpful for using and developing our work for moving forward go to the next level and achieve your dream goal. This book had completely with all the experience from the most experts, professional including with the high training in the largest business around the world will show you all the case in the real life times to help you become a successful. I highly recommend to everyone must to read this book. “ I received complimentary a copy of this book from Revell Reads for this review”.
May 29, 2017
Must Read.
This is Ziglar at his best. This book simplifiez leadership strategies and principles that if utilized increase any leaders chance of life-long success and victories. I am a true beliver Mr. Ziglar. Thank you.
This is Ziglar at his best. This book simplifiez leadership strategies and principles that if utilized increase any leaders chance of life-long success and victories. I am a true beliver Mr. Ziglar. Thank you.
April 9, 2018
This was my first time reading this, but I could read it many more times and still get things out of it. Better yet, I need to read it with a pen! There is a reason this guy is quoted in almost every single book on leadership!
October 16, 2019
Zig is in a zone with this one. He does have some help with some of the material, but he was the catalyst for it, after all.
October 6, 2020
Great summation of the broad swath of motivational principals in business with good supporting anecdotes and examples.
January 19, 2021
Back-filling this in early 2021.
Probably read this in the late 80s or early 90s.
Probably read this in the late 80s or early 90s.
February 1, 2024
It was an amazing read. The insights provided will very well work in our personal as much as they will in office spaces.
December 25, 2023
its zig ziglar..need i say more...5 STARS! i love his work, this man left a better world behind
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P.S -
If you found this review helpful - I’d like to invite you to discover more on our blog. Where the community share some of our most important insights to level up each others knowledge 💡- from experience in studying books like this, training programs, podcasts and much more - visit the blog link above to find out more.
P.P.S 😅 - You probably noticed from my profile that I’ve reviewed a LOT of books over the years now - if you love seeking knowledge like me I’d love to connect with you further as a like minded person (send me a friend invite! 😀) - Also if you are curious - here is my preferred and recommended resource for seeking timeless wisdom - Check it out via the website invite link below 👇🏼 (You’ll be able to claim some awesome books for free 📚)
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June 23, 2015
I love this book?
giver - if you have helped enough people, you will get rewarded eventually.
five steps to change your self:
awareness - mindsets - the importance of your appearance - your goal - your value system.
assumption - don't take it personally, how social ladder decision making process work
analysis - education through reading and listening seminar - audio book
action - start a day through listening motivational talks, reading, runtine excerises. etcs. to form habitat no matter you lost your sleep last night.
your energy level depends on if you are motived enough - fix garages or playing tennis.
Five take times series:
1. take time to get start in the morning
2. take time to grow
3. take time to be healthy
4. take time to play
5, take time to be quiet
6. take time for those you love
giver - if you have helped enough people, you will get rewarded eventually.
five steps to change your self:
awareness - mindsets - the importance of your appearance - your goal - your value system.
assumption - don't take it personally, how social ladder decision making process work
analysis - education through reading and listening seminar - audio book
action - start a day through listening motivational talks, reading, runtine excerises. etcs. to form habitat no matter you lost your sleep last night.
your energy level depends on if you are motived enough - fix garages or playing tennis.
Five take times series:
1. take time to get start in the morning
2. take time to grow
3. take time to be healthy
4. take time to play
5, take time to be quiet
6. take time for those you love
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2008
This book helps people make a paradigm shift by looking at mediocricity as a false reality of achieving and doing certain tasks. One should give it his all and do the best everytime and in everything.
April 28, 2011
Zig's another one of my personal favorites. The wisdom is abundant. And there's still nothing new under the sun. I just like Zig's delivery. This is another one that I gave my team for Christmas one year. We did a study on several of the chapters.
Want to read
January 2, 2009Zig Ziglar is the best motivator! Author of many great writings for business. Read more of Zig Ziglar!
Currently reading
January 8, 2011Just started reading. Practical and interesting ways to improve and develop individual leadership and managerial skills.
Read
October 6, 2012Great Book!!! Thanks ZIG!!
July 1, 2017
An excellent book. This book made me stress less about life and to just carry on. Must read!
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