Book Review: Choosing Civility: The Twenty-Five Rules of Considerate Conduct by P.M. Forni
Most people would agree that thoughtful behavior and common decency are in short supply, or simply forgotten in hurried lives of emails, cellphones, and multi-tasking. In Choosing Civility, P. M. Forni identifies the twenty-five rules that are most essential in connecting effectively and happily with others. In clear, witty, and, well…civilized language, Forni covers topics that include:
* Think Twice Before Asking Favors
* Give Constructive Criticism
* Refrain from Idle Complaints
* Respect Others’ Opinions
* Don’t Shift Responsibility and Blame
* Care for Your Guests
* Accept and Give Praise
Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s Community Leadership Program
This year I was selected to participate in the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute‘s (GDMLI) Community Leadership Program (CLP). This is a HUGE honor. CLP is Central Iowa’s premier and longest standing leadership program.
Approximately 50 participants are selected for each class (There were over 400 applicants this year!). Selection is made on the basis of individual merit and demonstrated leadership abilities in the areas of community involvement and level of career responsibilities. The nine-month program is designed to raise awareness of the needs and challenges that affect the region, and enhance leadership skills with a focus on community stewardship.
Book Review: Zag – The #1 Strategy of High-Performance Brands
The Meyvn Group chose another great book for the Business Book Club!
In November, we read “Zag – The #1 Strategy of High Performance Brands” by Marty Neumeier.
This book focuses on how to “zag” when everyone else “zigs”. Everything begins with identifying the zag. That is, offering something that combines the qualities of both good and different to help you stand out in the crowd.
How to identify the zag? Neumeier provides a design process consisting of 17 checkpoints, each formulated as a question. He explains how to answer each of them correctly (i.e. an answer most appropriate to the given organization) by proceeding through these checkpoints, each of which evokes a question to be answered correctly.
