Simple, reasonable lessons for lifeSeptember 19, 2008 The book could definitely be categorized in the "self-help book" field, but it is more creative and the examples are excellent. If you decide to get this book, and do not know who the authors are, make sure you check out a video on Youtube. Ben Zander follows the rules of the book and you can see it in his energetic, child-like attitude. Some of the rules may not seem as relevant as others, but your sure to find something you can improve on. This book is great for leadership programs and really helps you to learn your strengths and weaknesses.
In my top ten of favorite booksSeptember 5, 2008 I read a lot. I average 2-4 non-fiction books a month. Zander's book - The Art of Possibility - is in my top ten list. I read it one or two times every year. It doesn't get old.
I was very fortunate to be part of a conference a few years ago where Dr. Zander spoke for two hours. It was the single-most powerful presentation I've ever seen. He takes that same energy and passion and weaves it into this book.
The basic concepts or themes behind each chapter are simple, poignant and memorable.
The principles in this book have helped me get "unstuck" many times when I had to approach a problem or challenge in a fresh way.
You must read this book!
Possible possibilitiesJuly 22, 2008 0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book came to me from my employer with a suggestion that it might do what the subtitle suggests. I found it full of feel-good ideas of limited applicability to real-world living, combined with the kind of smug superiority that only comes with the unself-conscious noblesse oblige of those who are born to expect that they really are better than the rest of us.
Now, truth be told, after seeing Mr. Zander speak in person (at an event hosted by my employer, again!), he was a very dynamic and captivating speaker, about whom no one could speak or think bad thoughts.
And today, 18 months after the speaking event, it is also fair to say that the net impact on my life (professional, personal, or protean) has been pretty much zero. Perhaps I've left my share of the possibilities in the book for the rest of you to use.
The Possibility in Others makes for a Great ProductJuly 18, 2008 I ordered this book recently because I wanted to give a copy to some folks, specifically in a church context, that I thought would appreciate the leadership approach presented by the Zanders. I am enthusiastic about what the book has to say since hearing Ben in a lecture presentation a few years ago. What stuck with me was the excitement of his method of engaging his audience. I heard as the primary message that a good leader focuses on encouraging the best from his staff. In his case, of course, the staff would be the members of his orchestra.
As a college professor I know how hard it is to yield control and focus instead on the individual interests and contributions of one's students. As a psychologist, I know there's nothing really new in this concept. But that's the point. No matter how often organizational psychologists try to make it clear, leaders still want to rule with hierarchical dictates from above. Ros and Ben do much to make it clear that focusing on the art of possibility evokes from everyone the very best they can give to the project/task, whatever the task may be.
So, in a way, there's nothing new in what they have to say. And the truth is, I didn't get excited enough to attach any of my sticky arrows until I reached page 68. Recognizing that "the profession of conductor is one of the last bastions of totalitarianism in the civilized world," Ben goes on to say "I had been conducting for nearly twenty years when it suddenly dawned on me that the conductor of an orchestra does not make a sound." That led him to ask (page 69) "What makes a group lively and engaged.?"
I think he got, at that point, that it's not about how well I'm appreciated. It's how well others are appreciated. "Rule Number 6" presented in Chapter 6, says it clearly, though not terribly delicately. "Don't take yourself so g--- damn seriously."
From page 68 on, I was thoroughly engaged, with the points and the examples. I will lend the book to the folks I believe will enjoy it and profit from its lessons.
Not the usual self help.July 17, 2008 The Art of Possibility by Stone and Zander was a slow read for me, not because of how it was written, but because I had to keep stopping to think about what it said. The text throughout was light, but the subjects were very deep. How many defenses did you create in childhood that you still use now? How do you feel about what you are doing right now! How do those feelings link up with the defensive walls of your childhood? Do you still need those defensive walls. In what state are your personal defenses now you are a grown up? These are some of the questions I had to stop and ask myself and what should have been an afternoon read took several days. To get the most out of this book you have to be brave enough to rip into yourself and take a good look at what's going on. Some of what I read, I had already learned from life. Rule number 6 with all its glorious profanity pops into my head daily, but there were other things and ways of looking at them that I had not consciously examined. The authors explore the what ifs of life and make suggestions that radically change the game. No one wins every game so don't take sides, be the game board! Now your not winner or loser, you're where it's all happening. This book is unique in its layout, with Roz and Ben each writing independently of various experiences and then joining together in one voice to move on to the next topic. I don't think the work would have been as effective without this combination of Maestro and Shrink. The blending of music and emotions creates a wondrous porthole that is possibility itself and can take you to amazing places.
