Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 50
 Gung Horrible June 22, 2008
Carol
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I was told to read this book, eventhough I am a squirrel. I thought it was very degrading that the author compares working people to animals-rodents in particular. Let me tell you it just don't work that way! The story was so bad that it has given all of us "squirrels'" quite a bit of laughter at managements expense. I have watched some of Ken Blanchard's seminars on his website and I see that he likes to compare working class (blue collar) employees to animals. Treat people fairly, pay them adequately, and give them your respect is what will get results. I don't want my coworkers to sing happy birthday to me, or charts on the wall. All of the things that my employer has done in the past two years since going "Gung Ho" have only increased Ken Blanchard's income. They have bought posters, books and t-shirts from his business. The man and my employer are clueless!!! If things have gotten that bad in your organization that you would resort to reading this book I would suggest that changes in management personnel are in order. I wonder if Ken knows that a leopard doesn't change it's spots.
 A Good Startng Point! June 2, 2008
Amy Graham (Scottsdale, AZ)
Gung Ho! Turn on the People in Any Organization is an interesting mix of management principles and personal narrative (as related to the reader utilizing allegory) with the express purpose of motivating and inspiring the reader to become "turned on" about the work they do...and to, in turn, "infect" others with that same spirit and motivation. The author's talk about three guiding principles (The Spirit of the Squirrel, The Way of the Beaver, and The Gift of the Goose) which are on the surface, quite simple and are, basically, common sense. Digging deeper, if one really thinks about these guiding principles; how they should be applied, what impact they have, or explores them through discussion with co-workers (or peers), one finds that they are indeed profound and can have an incredible impact on both individuals and businesses.
The main drawback to this book, well, the story is so simplified and, well too corny to be fully believable. The characters are all basically caricatures...overly simplified and way too pleasant. This story is either entirely untrue or has been overly distilled, leaving only a syrupy sweet outer shell which gives one a bad aftertaste. I was left with the feeling that the reader was supposed to get to the end and have eyes brimming with tears (HOORAY, they did it) AND a big, cheesy grin on one's face (awwwwwwwww, they did it). All in all, Peggy's narrative had a very "after-school special" feel to it (everything works out just so perfectly that it becomes unbelievable when compared to normal everyday life, there is even a tragically overacted death scene) which was not, in the end, entirely enjoyable or believable.
Overall, Gung Ho! would certainly be an excellent start to any reading an individual might undertake to improve (or learn) management techniques, but it is not a one stop solution to all one's management needs (even discounting the simplicity of the story as it's told). It's lacking in several areas that most other books on management cover...namely, conflict resolution (it's all well and good to infect people with enthusiasm, creativity, and encourage productivity but there is nothing here on how to deal with problem employees over the long haul). This book would (and likely has) make an ideal selection for discussion groups or as a tool for introspection. I give Gung Ho! 4 stars and would readily recommend it for its intended purpose, while it's not without flaws, it is an excellent resource.
Simple Leadership More Management Information March 31, 2008
M. Bruner (Oklahoma!)
We went GUNG HO at work. This was easy to read with clear concise examples on how to put this common sense advice to use. Peggy Sinclair and Andy Longclaw attempt to change their organization in order to save the company and town they live in. The story is a simple parable about how to motivate people to be productive, encourage leadership and increase customer service. The Spirit of the Squirrel, The Way of the Beaver and The Gift of the Goose discuss various ways to make employees feel important and provide positive reinforcement for work well done.
I definitely recommend this book for managers/leaders that may be stuck in a rut and looking for motivation. If you are a student of leadership, this will be a 45-minute read and much will be review. Small business owners can use these techniques when dealing with their employees...I did.
 Gung Ho! Book. January 2, 2008
ckid (Houston, TX)
I was amazed at how quick we received these books. We ordered 12 of them for the office and received them before we were told we would and the packaging was in perfect condition. I love Amazon.com and how dependable they are in getting your product to you in a timely manner and how they package their products so that they are not damaged during shipment. Thank you Amazon.
Keep It Simple Stupid July 10, 2007
Brian Johnson (Madison, WI USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
The anti-cliche corporate example used as the basis for this book and its powerful message prove again that the best ideas are the simplest ones. The brilliance of the author's writing is its quick and easy-to-read format. An author with a larger ego could have easily mired this message in excessive wordiness to lengthen the page count, but why? The concepts are logical and straight-forward. Blanchard is to be commended for presenting them in a similar format.
As for the message itself, the three basic lessons are gifts that keep giving. They can be applied to nearly any work environment, of any size, in any industry, by any manager. The message is particularly powerful for managers who are either constrained in their abilities to provide powerful financial incentives for employees, OR are surrounded by Gen X and Y employees who may only be marginally motivated by money in the first place. By actively incorporating these philosophies in day-to-day operations, managers are likely to not only see productivity improvements, but to see employee retention and motivation gains as well. The book is a roadmap to creating an environment that will nurture Gen Y's endless craving to work in a team-based atmosphere flush with positive feedback.
Overall, a highly relevant read for anyone in management or aspiring to be so.
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