Thursday, April 29, 2004

The DaVinci Code - by Dan Brown

hmm.

From all the hype, I had supposed this book either a) was extremely well written or b) provided some evidence for the Mary Magdalene conspiracy theories. Unfortunately, it failed on both counts.

The story did, however, drag the reader along quite nicely.

(I've been told Brown's Angels & Demons is better. I'll have to read it next time I want a conspiracy theory about the Catholic Church and the Illuminati.)

Wednesday, April 28, 2004

Great Communication Secrets of Great Leaders - by John Baldoni

In which the blogger ponders the meaning of the word "Secret"

No matter what you are doing in life, you must communicate with others in some form or another (hermits excluded). John Baldoni explores the topic of communication from a leadership standpoint, even claiming that a person can lead up the chain by communicating well. In this book, Baldoni looks at preparation, execution, and follow-up. He discusses coaching, public speaking, memos, electronic communication, and everything in between. The book is peppered with case studies of the world's best-loved communicators.

But the thing I really liked about this book is that it is really a self-study course. In each section, there are checklists, assignments, and planning worksheets, so that you can analyze your own communications style and improve it. A "must read" for any pastor, teacher, manager, CEO, housewife, politician, salesman, secretary, zoologist, etc. This great book will make you a better communicator and a better leader.

Now just a note on the word "secret" -- It seems to me that the word "secret" should become a discrete (ha!) term, connoting only that which is truly hidden from view or shrouded in mystery. There were actually no "secrets" in this book. Better titles might include Great Communication Practices of Great Leaders or Great Communication Tips from Great Leaders. But the word "secret" is a communication guffaw.