by Barry Borgerson ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 29, 2011
A penetrative, empowering driver’s manual for the dual-mind.
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Accomplished business executive and leadership coach reveals how to improve performance at work and in life by taming your powerful “automatic” side.
Building on the idea that the human mind operates in two distinct modes, Borgerson contends that people have two “selfs”—a “thinking-self” and an “auto-self.” We’re aware of our thinking-self, which is the source of our logical reasoning, intentions and voluntary actions that drive us to achieve goals. Our comfort-driven auto-self, however, operates outside our voluntary control. It’s home to the habitual behaviors and deeply ingrained thought patterns that are programmed through genetics, parenting and certain environmental pressures. Unfortunately, the auto-self often derails our efforts to reach goals. Disruptive auto-behaviors such as aggression and uncontrollable anger can cause otherwise talented business professionals to fail, and habits like smoking and overeating can undermine one’s health. Borgerson argues that even if a person is aware of the undesirable behavior, the relentless auto-self usually overpowers the thinking-self. He unabashedly refers to self-help as an “unfair fight” because willpower alone is seldom enough to overcome the discomfort created by the auto-self clinging to an old habit. His solution is to get the auto-self and the thinking-self on the same side with a little outside help. In what could be a breakthrough in the study of performance development, the book offers practical, field-tested techniques to induce feelings that counteract those driving the unwanted behavior. Case studies about hot-headed managers coached into becoming thoughtful leaders and a chain-smoker kicking his deadly habit provide persuasive evidence of the author’s theory. While the text is heavy on jargon, its frank discussion on “evasion gimmicks” like procrastination will leave even skeptical readers wondering if they’re sabotaging their own success. Those looking for a quick fix for bad habits won’t find it here—Borgerson says a lasting transformation can take a year or longer. But business managers interested in achieving peak performance for their subordinates and themselves will find a holistic system to make it happen.
A penetrative, empowering driver’s manual for the dual-mind.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2011
ISBN: 978-0983815013
Page Count: 336
Publisher: 2-Selfs
Review Posted Online: Oct. 31, 2011
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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by E.T.A. Hoffmann ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28, 1996
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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by Ludwig Bemelmans ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 23, 1955
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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