40 Terrific Business & Motivational Books

Over the years, I've read hundreds (maybe thousands?) of books related to the subjects of "business" and "motivation".  Most of the books I've read have been worthy efforst; some quite profound.  Rarely have I read a boring or mundane book about anything, simply because I could usually spot them shortly after the introduction; maybe slightly past "chapter one".  I don't count those brief forarys into mediocrity as having "read" those particular books.  I'd stop before I wasted any more of my precious time.  When you get to be my age, the last thing you want to do is waste any time on a futile activity, although one might argue that my attempt to play golf was a tremendous waste of time.  After all, I sucked at golf; now I stick to bowling.

Certainly, my golf skills were never better than slightly "above average", and I had many embarassing moments on the links, however, I rarely had a round of golf that I didn't enjoy.  Henceforth, my time spent hacking the ball from one side of the course to the other was time well-spent, simply because I had fun. 

Reading boring books isn't fun.

Now that I'm a big-time Amazon author and reviewer, I thought it would be nice to share with the world the 40 business & motivational books that I really think have the most value.  You won't be disappointed you perused these gems.  Naturally, mine's on there, for two reasons:  (1) I think it's great (2) I want you to buy it because I really believe you'll agree and I need the commission.  Yes, there were three reasons there, disguised as two. 

Big deal.  Where would we be as a society without shameless self-promotion?  Don't answer that.

Do read these books; you won't regret it.

http://www.amazon.com/My-Favorite-Business-amp-Motivational-Books/lm/R2Y1EK4PDF6ZLU/ref=cm_lm_byauthor_title_full

Arizona's Bad Rap (Again)

Ever since Barry Goldwater's landslide defeat against Lyndon Johnson in 1964, many Americans have viewed the state of Arizona as predominantly right wing, anything but progressive, and even racist.  After all, it was then governor Ev Meacham's ill-advised decision to not observe Martin Luther King Day in Arizona, back in the early '90s; setting off a tidal wave of national outrage. 

Rightfully so.  Frankly, I was embarassed to be an Arizonan.  By '93, the proposition was finally approved, and Arizona joined the rest of the nation in celebrating the legacy of Dr King.  Still, the lingering sentiment around the country was largely unfavorable, and more than a few people now labeled the state as "racist".

They still do.  This time, the criticism is unfounded; stemming from a law that was recently passed which is designed to cut back on illegal immigration in the state.  This is a real problem for those of us living here and our lawmakers finally took some decisive action to address the issue.  What people who oppose the law don't understand, is it simply mirrors the federal law; only now, it gives local law enforcement officials the ability to enforce it.

Opponents decry this measure, claiming it will lead to discrimination and "racial profiling".  Proponents point out that it will help rid the state of illegal immigrants who are increasing the rate of crime while glutting the already crowded workforce; costing legal residents some employment opportunities.  In other words, it would be good for the general well-being of the population, and help spur the state's economic growth.

Sounds good to me.  The vast majority of Arizonans agree; in fact, 70% think this law is fair.  Nationally, the consensus isn't so overwhelming, although a slight majority think the law is reasonable (51%).  The strong opposition comes from those who have a knee jerk reaction to anything that even comes close to broaching someone's "civil rights".  Some have even gone so far as to claim these measures are "gestapo-like", comparing it to Hitler's persecution of the Jews.

Please.  Asking someone to whip out their driver's license after they've been clocked at 90 heading up I-10, is a far cry from Auschwitz.  If they can't produce a valid AZ driver's license, don't you think it would be reasonable to assume they may be running around this country illegally?  Should they be allowed to stay?  Was it violating their civil rights to have asked for a bit of ID?

Yes.  No.  Hell no.

Personally, I had a close encounter with the illegal immigration issue a little over five years ago.  A car driven by a nice young lady with no form of identification, no insurance, and no comprehension of the English language, decided to make a U-turn just as the car I was driving was about to pass her.  In the split second that she made the fateful maneuver, I had just enough time to swerve sharply to my left to avoid killing her.  However, her car was whacked pretty good, and my entire right side was pulverized.  As I recall, the repairs came to ten grand or so.

Not sure what happened to the lady with no license.  The cops at the scene gave her a ticket for her violations, told me "She doesn't have insurance", and sent her on her merry way.  No problemo.  In the meantime, I've got to have State Farm cover this mess, since that's the only insurance available to cover it - mine.  Now, imagine that scenario being played out thousands of times a year.  Sure, it's illegal to drive a car with no insurance in the state of Arizona; but if you're here illegally to begin with...

See where this is going?  Illegal immigration is a real issue.  Arizona had the courage to deal with the issue head-on, because Washington, DC hasn't done much to help.  Now, maybe President Obama will push for a more comprehensive federal law that works.  He has already voiced his disapproval over it; now maybe, he'll come up with a reasonable alternative.  Or not.

In the meantime, Arizona's taking heat from the misguided poplace; this time from all around the world.  Even China is blasting it as a "violation of human rights".  China?  Violation of human rights?  Well, they're certainly a progressive country when it comes to human rights.  They haven't slaughtered more than a few hundred million citizens in their glorious history.  Not bad, China; not bad at all.

Yeah, but Arizona is the villain in this instance?  Sorry folks; not this time.

Piano Blues for Dummies

I have a pretty good ear for music and can generally play anything I hear, on the keyboard, right along with the performer.  I've jammed with the best of 'em; from Eric Clapton to BB King.  If I hear the blues, I can play it in the right key, every time; no exceptions.

What's the secret to being able to jam with any artist?  It's really quite simple; even dummies can do it (like me).  Now, I'll teach you; a very smart person.  I hope you have a piano or some sort of keyboard, so you can take advantage of your new found skill; if not, go out and buy one.  You can afford it; the economy's booming again?

Okay, so you're still short on cash.  Big deal; make the purchase, anyway.  A lifetime of playing the blues is worth the investment.  If you're fortunate enough to have already acquired that keyboard; when you still had money; congratulations.  You're one step closer to becoming a semi-professional musician.

For the purposes of this lesson, I'm only going to deal with the white keys on the piano; I'm not racist; I love the black keys, too; however, I don't want to throw out too much information here and confuse you.  I want to keep this simple, so even the dummies can figure it out.

As you know, there are seven white keys in every octave (and five black keys).  If you start out at middle C (the key just to the left of the two black keys), and work your way up the scale, you'll find D...E...F...G...A...B.  Then it starts all over again with C.  In case you were wondering what a DEFGAB is; I don't know, either.  I saw a comedy program on HBO a while back; something about "Def Comedy", but that has nothing to do with playing the blues.  Also, if you don't know what an octave is, ask someone to explain it to you.  Basically, it's the clump of keys on the piano that have seven white keys and five black keys!  Okay?

You may ask why I'm not starting in alphabetical order (A...B...C...D...E...F...G).  Good question.  The reason:  It's more confusing (for me) to find A on the piano.  It's over by the three black keys, to the left of C, so it's kind of hard to spot.  Okay?

Now, here's the deal.  Every blues song in the world has the same "key structure" - the same combination of notes that blend in perfectly; always.  There are five notes in every key that blend in.  That leaves seven that don't blend in.  If you hit one of those seven, you'll end up with something referred to as, "discord"; in other words, it sounds like Roseanne Arnold singing the National Anthem.  If you hit the other five notes, it sounds like you're a part of the band.  Congratulations.  When's your next gig?

Since learning seven different key structures in one blog may be difficult for someone with no musical background; relax.  I'm only going to cover the key of C today.  Can you dig it?  Who wants to play the blues in the key of C?  You do?  You're in luck.

Ideally, I'd have a diagram of the piano keys for you to refer to as I'm explaining this stuff to you; but I don't.  However, with the information I'm going to give, you'll be able to figure it out, sooner or later; especially if you get someone with a few piano lessons under their belt to help you; if need be.

Here are the FIVE NOTES IN THE KEY OF C:

C...D#...F...G...A#

Now go out and play Howlin' Wolf's "I Ain't Superstitious" (Track 2 THE LONDON HOWLIN' WOLF SESSIONS).  You'll love it.

The next lesson:  Blues piano in the key of D. 

In the meantime, practice the key of C, take two aspirin, and call me in the morning.

If you haven't already bought my book, Life Under the Corporate Microscope, here's your chance (It has nothing to do with playing the blues, but it's still highly entertaining).  Just head on over to Amazon and grab a few cases to give to friends and family.  It's a great entertainment value for the money.

http://bit.ly/b2pBY

I just completed another book, but it's still in the pre-publication phase; but look for it soon.  It's called St Louis Cardinals IQ:  The Ultimate Test of True Fandom (Volume 1)

From business to baseball to the blues; I do it all; sort of.

A Startling Economic Development

I was at my local friendly grocery store the other day buying a few odds and ends; most notably, some chicken; specifically about a dozen or so drumsticks.  As the cashier was ringing up my purchases, she took a look at the chicken and suggested to me that it "didn't look right". 

"What's wrong with it?"

"It looks funny."

"Looks like a bunch of chicken legs to me",  I surmised.  "I'll take 'em." 

"Well, okay; but if you decide later that they're no good, by all means bring them back for a full refund."

I thanked her for her dilligence, as I mentally pictured how that scenario would play out.  I suppose after cooking these tainted drumsticks on the grill, I'd take one bite, realize they were indeed spoiled, vomit, wrap up the remains, and head back to the store with the evidence so I could be fully reimbursed for this travesty.  Somehow, I couldn't see myself doing that.  Some procedures just don't seem practical to make it worthwhile to engage in; dealing with bad chicken falls into that category.

I then mumbled something like, "Don't worry about it; we're only talking about four dollars here."

"Well sir, four dollars is four dollars!"

She was right; four dollars is four dollars.  I googled it, just to make sure.  Not only is four dollars four dollars, I surmised; five dollars is five dollars; and so on and so forth.  During these trying economic times, it's good to know things like this.  Of course I was startled by this revelation; but it makes perfect sense.

Finally, with the world economic meltdown that's crippled us over the past couple of years, we have some good news to savor.  Four dollars is four dollars, and all is right with the world.

I hope that chicken's good.  I'm hungry.

Hey, I just got finished with another book which is due to be released sometime in April.  It's a St Louis Cardinals trivia challenge; 250 mind boggling questions to test your knowledge of your favorite team.  I think it's going to sell for something like nine dollars.  If you buy it and you don't like it, just wrap it up and send it back to me.  I won't refund you any money, but if it's any consolation to you, nine dollars is still nine dollars.

While you're at it, why not buy another copy of my original masterpiece, Life Under the Corporate Microscope.  It's available on Amazon:  http://bit.ly/b2pBY

The Evolution of the Corporate Vice President

The Corporate Vice President, or Corpus Evictus-cya, has a strange evolutionary history. Its appearance on our planet began about 20 years ago, although the exact date is still unknown. Records back in those days were somewhat informal, and largely incomplete. However, one thing is clear: The species began as what many believe to be real, live, human beings, before evolving into the familiar jellyfish we all know in today's mutated version. But how did it get here? Is it going to continue evolving; perhaps grow a spine; perhaps have a useful purpose in Corporate America? Don't count on it.

However, understanding the evolutionary history of the Corpus Evictus-cya will help us prepare for whatever it has in store for future generations of backstabbing victims. With enough knowledge, perhaps our children's children will live in some better world; with no budget deficits, bailouts or government subsidies. We can only hope.

For the purposes of this particular study, the "Corporate Vice President" will simply be referred to as the "CVP"; those they undermine will be referred to as "us", or "we"; the hard working business people in Corporate America who try to be productive in our jobs; and who try to engage employees in being productive, as well, with no hidden agendas. Despite the insidious nature of the CVP, we aren't on the verge of extinction - yet. Strangely enough, we outnumber CVPs by a wide margin, although they possess the lethal backstabbing capabilities which can be unleashed at any moment; preparation is our best defense.

The most often asked question I've encountered is simply, "Where did they come from; why are they here?" From my research, it appears the CVP originated sometime around the end of the Reagan Administration, although there is no direct link between politics and Corporate America, as far as the early stages of CVP development is concerned. Early forms of CVP appeared friendly; even useful. They demonstrated human characteristics, seemed to have a logical thought process, and showed no signs of malice. Certainly, they possessed tremendous strength, and were capable of killing us at the drop of a hat; but they were good-natured and friendly; they liked us and wanted us to continue our evolutionary journey, just as much as we wanted to keep going. It seemed to be a good balance of nature.

Then, sometime in the early '90s, something happened to our common sense; it seemed to go away. It all started with the legal system; wrongful termination lawsuits started proliferating, along with sexual harrasment lawsuits; then, it seemed like everyone was being discriminated against, in one way or another. This was good news for the attorneys in America; and whatever is good news for attorneys means bad news for the vast majority of honest, hard-working people. Even businesses that had good intentions were becoming victimized by the malicious attorneys looking to score a jackpot for their scumbag clients; soon, most big businesses in Corporate America were being run in a climate of fear and loathing; and that's when the CVPs began losing their "human" characteristics; early forms of CVP resembled rodent-like animals in the wild - the badger and the weasel were the most common forms of CVP; they were dangerous but were so hostile, or slovenly that they could be warded off with a clever approach. Some forms of CVP were amusing, but you could tell that they had devious intentions by listening to their diatribes; they spoke in riddles; corporate speak. It sounded good, but the recipients knew it was for show.

The CVP knew the game had long since evolved into a matter of "kill or be killed"; they knew their best chance for survival with the CEOs of Corporate America was to stay out of harm's way, while throwing others under the bus. That's when their spines disappeared; and that's when they became even more lethal - they lulled their victims into a false sense of security by disappearing into their cubicles, and slithering around the corporate office, trying to avoid any contact with the CEOs or their agents of doom - the second or third in command.

Of course, eventually, the CVPs had to come out of hiding and make their presense felt with those they "supervise"; to justify their existence, they knew they had to start creating problems - which only they could fix. The problems, were of course, "us". "We" were somehow screwing something or other up; it didn't matter if the problems were fictitious; all that mattered was the problems needed to be addressed.

When "addressing" the problems; or the "issues"; the CVP's lack of a spine comes in handy; it enables them to deal with all that stress from the CEOs without sustaining any damage to their organs; and because they're so flexible, they fit almost anywhere, and are easy to care for. They never complain; and they never say anything that will cause the CEOs any aggravation. In short, they've evolved into the perfect life form for survival in Corporate America.

Is it any wonder we're in the shape we're in today? The solution is simple; but who's going to do it? Who's going to get rid of the spineless jellyfish known as the Corporate Vice President? It's going to take the enlightened CEO with enough sense to realize this species should be extinct by now; they're no longer needed.

In fact, if the CEOs don't realize this very soon, they may find themselves becoming extinct, as well.

For my first hand account of life in Corporate America, buy my book: Life Under the Corporate Microscope on Amazon: http://bit.ly/b2pBY or visit my author's webpage: www.outskirtspress.com/LarryUnderwood

New Year's Resolution Suggestion to Corporate America

After spending 26 years working for the car rental giant - Enterprise Rent-a-Car - I became all too familiar with the way big corporations run their...enterprises.

As we all know, the vast majority of big companies in corporate America are run by humorless bureaucracies that don't really understand what it takes to operate in a manner conducsive to achieving maximum productivity.  They may think they do, but they don't have a clue. 

If you work for a big company, chances are you agree with that assessment; unless of course, you happen to be the CEO.  If you're the CEO of a major corporation, you probably don't understand why most of the employees working under you don't seem to like their jobs.  You don't understand why just about everyone you oversee has an "attitude problem"; after all, they have jobs, so they should be grateful; they should work harder.  What's wrong with them?

The problem  is you, pal.  Maybe you're not a pompous, self-absorbed tyrant; maybe you're actually a nice enough person; but you're clueless when it comes to running your...enterprise. 

Let me fill you in on what I observed during my 26 years of faithful service to Enterprise.  It's a scenario that plays out repeatedly in big business; especially when a relatively small company achieves some measure of success; that's ususally when the trouble begins; they get too big for their own good and start changing their operational structure, and worse; they lose focus on how they should deal with employees.  Sound familiar?

When I began my Enterprise career (1974) they were just a little regional company that had a knack for providing great customer service; just as important, they provided a great working environment for their employees, gave them fantastic career opportunities, and turned 'em loose.

It was simple formula for success, and it worked quite well; the company grew like crazy, and guys like me became upper level managers, making tons of money in the process.  By the mid '90s, Enterprise had grown to become the largest and most profitable car rental company in North America; all seemed well in paradise.

But a funny thing happened on the way to becoming Number One; they moved their corporate office to a big, new, fancy facility and started adding layer upon layer of additional corporate management.  It seemed logical; after all, Enterprise was now a corporate giant, and corporate giants are supposed to have gigantic corporate headquarters, staffed with all sorts of important people running around trying to look like they're doing something; sound familiar?

Welcome to Corporate America; an overstaffed and inefficient bureaucracy; where micromanagement, finger pointing, and backstabbing reign supreme.  In this hostile environment, is it any wonder things are in such a mess?

It doesn't have to be this way; the solution to much of Corporate America's woes requires a pardigm shift in the way most hierarchial operations conduct business.  This requires a tremendous leap of faith from the CEOs, themselves; they've got to place more trust in their management teams in the field; a successful organization gives the maximum level of autonomy to its high level managers; let them do their jobs!  Cut the red tape, the useless reports, and the fruitless meetings; focus on the things that really matter in running the business.  By concentrating on providing better service for the customers and creating a positive work environment for the employees, everybody wins.

That's the way any good business should operate; unfortunately, that's not the way many businesses are operating nowadays; I witnessed the corporate bureaucracy first hand; especially during the last four or five years of my career.

Being subjected to unreasonable scrutiny - living under the corporate microscope - was a very stressful time for me; but at least it made for a pretty good book; and I know I was doing a good job for the company.

That's good enough for me.

Larry Underwood wrote Life Under the Corporate Microscope - A Maverick's Irreverent Perspective

To order directly on Amazon:  http://bit.ly/b2pBY

Or check out the author's webpage:  http://www.outskirtspress.com/LarryUnderwood

Vindication

I don't care how think your skin is, if you get whacked from your job, it's going to hurt.  It's been almost nine years since my last day with Enterprise Rent-a-Car, and I don't really think I ever really admitted it (even to myself), but getting forced out of my job really hurt my ego.  Sure, I knew I was still doing a worthy job, and the decision to gas me was driven by economics (although the company never admitted it), but it never feels good to be told you're no longer welcome with the company you spent over a quarter of a century toiling with.

But, shit happens.  I got whacked, and I had to move on.  I suppose I could've landed another job, but the prospect of going back to work for another slice of corporate America didn't really appeal to me; so I stayed retired, licking my wounds; trying to heal my bruised ego.  Whatever.

It's been nearly a year since I published my iconoclastic masterpiece, Life Under the Corporate Microscope---A Maverick's Irreverent Perspective; and I must say, I think it's even better than I originally thought.  Wow.

You see, when I first wrote it, I thought it was merely a little historical perspective about the company that grew to dominate the car rental industry---Enterprise.  Sure, it was irreverent as hell, and packed with more LOLs than just about any "business" book ever written; but, is that really saying much?  Come on.

What I've recently come to realize is, this book is much more than some humorous recollection of the car rental industry from some talented, fun-loving executive.  The fact of the matter is, this book represents "the truth" about corporate America, and how it's morphed into a humorless, fear-based micro-managing bureaucracy, that is really only good at draining the life out of its employees.  Enterprise is really no better or worse than the vast majority of corporate America; it merely represents a typical slice of that stifling, oppressive work environment which everyone loves to hate.  The culture of fear permeates the entire organization, because that's what corporate America does best---intimidate and alienate its employees.  It's no wonder employee engagment is so fragmented everywhere you look; it all starts at the top of any organization, and works its magic down through the disillusioned front-line employees.

Nobody's having fun at work anymore; hell, I used to have a blast every day, toiling in the trenches, making close to nothing, while working my ass off for 60 or 70 hours a week.  To me, work was recreation; a chance to mingle with my friends while we were in the process of creating something very special.  We didn't really know for sure that this company would grow to dominate a very competitive industry; but that's what happened.  We were a vibrant, fun-loving enterprise and most importantly, we knew ownership really cared about us.

At that time, "ownership" was not some faceless corporate hierarchy; it was the man himself---Jack Taylor---probably the greatest entrepreneur to ever walk the face of the earth; and I mean that with all my heart.  When the inevitable process of age put Jack Taylor on the sidelines, the company started acting like a big corporation; certainly, they have long since become a huge corporation, but as long as Jack was in charge, they refused to act like one.

Jack was a truly humble man; self efacing and good hearted; a man who really cared about people---customers and employees alike; it was the magic formula for incredible success.  Unfortunately, when companies grow too big for their own good, they often lose that sense of loyalty towards people; short term profit rules the roost.  Senior managers, who were paid handsomely for their efforts---based on performance---were now considered expendable; that of course, includes me.

Less skilled replacements were brought in; sure, they were paid less, but they were also performing at a lower level of competency.  Very few upper level managers from my last year on the job are still around; one by one, they've been getting whacked; business as usual in corporate America.

What a mess.  Interestingly enough, there have been many fine books that have been published over the last few years which identify the problems in corporate America, and offer very real solutions to fix the disaster.  Will anyone ever listen though?  With the enormous egos of the majority of the CEOs running amok out there, the future doesn't bode well.

One thing I have realized however, is I'm a goddamned smart fellah; if I were in charge of some big corporation, I'd listen.  You better believe it, baby; I'd listen.

Yeah, check out my website so you can order my masterpiece:  http://www.outskirtspress.com/LarryUnderwood