on Honest Abe's birthday

I just wanted to say that I've started this book and think it can be book of the year for us. Really insightful and dare I say, inspirational, to learn the make-up and history of the great men that forged this country.
On a side note, I love how Lincoln's wresting skills were so admired in his days and continue to be referenced today. Now I'm starting to fantasize, but what if Lincoln organized a secret fight club in the White House, declared winner would assume the Presidency, and proceeded to kick the shit out of everyone? There is an extra amount of credibility brought to the table when no one can honestly say that Abe would not dominate this competition.

Team of Rivals

Part I Reading Schedule:

Chapters 1-2: complete by Sunday, February 15

Chapter 3: complete by Sunday, February 22

Chapters 4-5: complete by Sunday, March 1

Chapters 6-7: complete by Sunday, March 8

Chapters 8-9: complete by Sunday, March 15

Chapters 10-11: complete by Sunday, March 22

I tried to keep the weekly reading volume realistic; it should be anywhere between 40-70 pages a week. If we want to speed up at some point, we can certainly do that. I hope the book will quickly become engrossing, rendering this schedule unnecessary!

Much love,
Mix

Elephants

Hey Mike,

Glad you started the book. I should have mentioned that I skipped part II of the book as you said it is dry. The good stuff is in parts I, III, and IV. Good comment Mike on the cash flow thing, I also find it important the more accounting work I've been doing.

I'd like to stick to talking about part I for right now to give everyone a chance to read. But I want to point out Gestner's first email to the entire company on page 78-79. Notice the language he is using. The very first all company memo that Gerstner sent out is a great example of bringing emotions into the workplace. In the memo Gerstner says, “I am acutely aware that I arrived at a painful time…I know it is painful for everyone…I will do everything I can to get this painful period behind us …, so that we can begin looking to our future and to building our business.” This a great example of using empathy in the workplace because Gerstner makes the experience collective by using words such as “us,” “everyone,” and “our.”

My theories of leadership if boiled down to one concept is that in order to be an effective leader you must bring emotions into the workplace and display empathy. Kind of counter cultural in terms of the idea of leaving emotions out, but great leaders throughout history have motivated through emotions. I can get into all types of Freudian discussions on why this true from reading from my class but I'd like to hear what you guys think of this thesis. In addition, what would it look like for a Christian to bring emotions/empathy into the workplace? Would it look any different than a non-Christian leader?

Kicking off discussion of Gerstner's book

As a result of my recently enacted "Personal Reading Quota", I am about halfway through Who Says Elephants Can't Dance? I am starting to lose steam as Gerstner speaks more about strategic decisions made, as it has become more technical in nature.

For the most part, I understand what he is talking about, but it can get dry at times.

The most interesting/useful bit of philosophy from Gerstner, at least in terms of application for investment decisions, was this:

"'Free cash flow' as the single most important measure of corporate soundness and performance." (p. 5)

Many of the stock screens experts have endorsed during this financial crisis have been companies that have significant cash reserves on hand. Nothing extraordinary, but a good reminder nonetheless.

That's all I've got for now.

My Texas Wedding

Reading Rainbow Has Been HaCkEd! PwNed!

Who say's Mark can't dance?

I just bought the book myself, although I am disappointed we didn't pick the Bible. Looking forward to reading it. Justin, no pressure, but much is expected from you as far as commentary. In addition to your fine thoughts, we want you to present us the most enlightening ideas your class/professor has to offer. It's like getting a free education from Booth!
Excited about the book.