Review of Taming the Dragons

 

Reviews from Barnes & Noble

Average Rating:

A reviewer, Professional educator / mentor,

 

A marvelously creative presentation on the lost art of 'people skills.'
Taming The Dragons - A long overdue publication reflecting information that should be at the very least taught in B-School. These essays reflect an underlying philosophy that should be ingrained from birth. It should not only be mandatory reading for all managers but should be taught at the three major levels of education in this country (US)- that is- college (undergrad and graduate levels) and as ongoing professional education in all walks of life. I agree with a previous review that most of these principles apply not only to business, but to our every day life. And with that thought, maybe these principles should be taught in high school as well...

Also recommended: Effective Behavior in Organizations - Cohen, Fink, Gadon, Willits Leadership Secrets of Attila The Hun - Wess Roberts, Ph.D.

A reviewer, Senior IT Executive, 
Having read all of the 'right stuff' here is what you NEED!
Taming The Dragons should be mandatory reading for all managers as well as any person that deals with other people throughout their lives. Most of these principles apply not only to business, but to people interactions in every day life. I have already used several of these principles! They are easy to understand and implement. Its about time to read something without the 'fluff' that is actually usable! Taming the Dragons is on par with the One Minute Manager and Who Moved my Cheese.

Also recommended: The One Minute Manager, Kenneth H. Blanchard,Spencer Johnson The Wisdom of Teams by Katzenbach and Smith Who Moved My Cheese? Spencer Johnson,Kenneth Blanchard The Art of War by Sun Tzu

A reviewer, an IT manager who reads a LOT,
Great resource for managers
Unlike many other business books in which you wade through a lot of theory with little or no substance you can actually use, this book offers very practical ideas you can apply immediately. Enjoyable reading style.

Also recommended: Networking Smart by Wayne E. Baker, The Wisdom of Teams by Katzenbach and Smith, and The Art of War by Sun Tzu

First of all, let me say that I read it with interest, and enjoyed it, especially the wide range of topics and issues. I enjoyed the brief quotes with which you introduced each article, and found them relevant and instructive. For the most part, what was said in each article seemed to be helpful.

The strongest impression that I am left with is that the issues discussed and points made were connected with the"real world" or organizations and business. And that is an important achievement. Too many books and articles written these days seem to be talking about some non-existent world where there is no "nitty-gritty" or "hurly - burly." And in a very large measure, the nitty-gritty and hurly-burly is what the business world is made of. Not many rational, linear, orderly events or experiences.

Once in a while, an oversimplification seemed to slip in (p. 114 Are there any brick walls in your company than need to come down?" Off course there are. Anyone who has spent any time at all knows that there are. So..what now? The essay ends there.) But for the most part, you stay away from clichés and simple remedies.

I did miss more on 'Dragons." You make a strong case for the title in the Introduction, but then I didn't see many connections to the rather dramatic metaphor of "Taming." An ending essay, pulling together the most important themes, and clearly stating how what has just been read is in fact the "Taming of the Dragons" would have been helpful to me. I hope these few responses will be helpful.

Best wishes,

jcb

Joseph C. Bentley
Professor of Management
University of Utah

 

Taming the DragonsPress Release
iUniverse talks with Paula Gamonal, Author of Taming the Dragons
Introduction- Why the Dragon Metaphor?
Review of Taming the Dragons by Joseph Bentley, Professor of Management


sdfsdf