By Kurt W. Mortensen
http://www.amazon.com/Laws-Charisma-Captivate-Inspire-Influence/dp/0814415911/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II, Ph.D.
When you see the
30 ingredients of charisma listed and discussed by Mortensen, your first
question may be the same as mine: Who decided these were the main
ingredients of charisma? First, the author says, “I have spent my life
studying persuasion, motivation, and influence. People often ask me
what is the most important tool or skill in the entire influence
toolbox? . . . If there were one skill to master out of all the tools of
persuasion and influence, it is charisma” (p. 2).
Of course, that
doesn’t answer the question: From where did these 30 ingredients come?
“While I was doing research for this book, I conducted extensive
interviews. I asked people how they would describe a person whom other
people love to be around and want to be influenced by . . . ? The word
‘charisma’ came up the most . . . “ (p. 6).
Then, the answer
magically appears: “Research on charisma shows that you must learn and
master certain skills, traits, and attributes. I have determined that
there are 30 in all, and each has a chapter of its own” (pp. 7-8). The
answer is simple: We must trust the author’s ability to select the
right, proper, or appropriate ingredients. There is no single other
source that supports the choice of these 30, and the research Mortensen
cites, like Bernard M. Bass, in Bass & Stogdill’s Handbook of
Leadership, 3rd ed. (New York: Free Press, 1990), p. 190.} — which is
often cited — simply makes comments like “Charismatic people project a
powerful, confident, dynamic presence” which Mortensen uses as his
reason for selecting a title, like that of Chapter 2: “Confidence:
Conviction Is Contagious.” In other words, there is no research that
supports the overall selection of ingredients.
Now, I don’t want
to suggest that I disagree with Mortensen’s selection of the
ingredients that make up charisma. One could say that his selection is
as good as any other. And when you look at the ingredients (passion,
confidence, congruence, optimism, positive power, energy and balance,
humor and happiness, self-discipline, competence, intuition, purpose,
integrity, courage, creativity, focus, presentation skills, people
skills, influence, storytelling, eye contact, listening, rapport,
inspiration, esteem, credibility, motivation, goodwill, vision, empathy,
and respect), you wonder if there couldn’t be others that are not
mentioned or if there are some mentioned that don’t matter as much as
others. It would have been good to have them discussed in the order of
importance determined by the research on charisma — if such research
exists. Are some of them universal? If I wanted to develop charisma,
should I be the one to determine where to place my emphasis, or should I
place my emphasis on those ingredients determined to be the most
important in charisma — as it is perceived by others — according to the
research. This is not an indictment of Mortensen’s work; however, these
are some of the questions that a curious reader might ask.
The organization
of each chapter (an opening story, core information, the major mistake
readers make with respect to the ingredient (“blind spot”), application,
example, and the key to developing the ingredient along with a rating
scale for determining your own ability or skill on the factor discussed
in the chapter) is tight, valuable, predictable, helpful, and practical.
The book is
well-written and direct. I enjoyed how the author talks to readers in a
conversational and helpful manner. There are 19 pages of “Research,”
and much of it is quite good. I do not question the statement I am
going to quote here, “The top predictor of professional success and
upward mobility is how much you enjoy and how good you are at public
speaking [I agree!]; however, the citation for this speech is a
motivational writer and speaker: Tony Alessandra, Charisma: Seven Keys
to Developing the Magnetism That Leads to Success (New York: Business
Plus, 2000). It would be a little like quoting me saying the same thing
— with no research to back up the statement.
There is a great
deal of (recent) research to back up a statement like “The top predictor
of professional success and upward mobility is how much you enjoy and
how good you are at public speaking” [I cite it in my textbook
Communicating Effectively, 10th ed. (McGraw-Hill, 2012], and it would
be great to see studies cited to support such a comment.
Bernard M. Bass’s
book, Bass & Stogdill’s Handbook of Leadership, is over 20 years
old; the issues of American Salesman cited to support the importance of
presentations were 20 years old. Once again, this is not an indictment
of Mortensen’s “research” for this book; however, there are so many more
recent, varied, reputable, and primary sources that could be used that
would make his conclusions (regarding public speaking or presentations)
stronger. (In some cases Mortensen cited his earlier books, Maximum
Influence: The 12 Universal Laws of Power Persuasion (New York: AMACOM,
2004) and Persuasion IQ: The 10 Skills You Need to Get Exactly What You
Want (New York: AMACOM, 2008) to support his points.)
I realize that
most people don’t care about the research used in a book. If you are a
person just looking for a book that will help you build charisma —
whether you are just starting out or whether you are trying to improve
your charismatic presence — this book is likely to provide you with a
place to start — especially if you are looking for basic, elementary,
essential tools.
The laws of
charisma: How to captivate, inspire, and influence for maximum success
can be purchased at Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/Laws-Charisma-Captivate-Inspire-Influence/dp/0814415911/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Monday, February 27, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World
By Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, and David L. Weaver-Zercher
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
Having directed a dissertation on the Amish, I have a good background on Amish ways—especially in Ohio. Also, I have read other books on the topic as well.
This book is outstanding for a number of reasons.There are at least 14 pages of notes, and 6 ½ pages of references. Each of the three authors has a Ph.D. Kraybill is a senior fellow at the Young Center of Elizabethtown College, Nolt is a professor of history at Goshen College, and Weaver-Zercher is a professor of American religious history at Messiah College. In addition, they are the authors of the very favorably reviewed and successful book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, which describes the response to and reaction of the Amish community to the shooting of ten schoolgirls at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in October 2006. Together, the authors have over 50 years working with the Amish.
All of the above paragraph supports and proves the authors’ credentials—the first reason why this book is outstanding.
The second reason this book is outstanding is that it is superbly written. The authors tell wonderful, endearing stories that are engaging, insightful, and instructive. If you have read nothing about or have no experience with the Amish prior to reading this book, you will be enlightened. If you are part of the secular world, your eyes will be opened in shock and amazement. Yes, the book is gentle, respectful, sensitive, and understanding, but it discusses a society and a way of behaving that is so contrary to “normal” society that it is scarey. Fortunately, the authors offer a readable book that is well-crafted and entertaining.
The third reason this book is outstanding is its organization. It is organized around the topics of spirituality, community, everyday life, Amish faith, and the rest of us. From the authors’ descriptions and explanations, you get a wonderful picture of the details of Amish life as well as an overview of Amish reality. Because of the authors’ approach, you come away with a nearly complete look at what it might be like to live in the Amish way. The rules by which they live, alone, are so specific and detailed that little in their daily life is spontaneous or free. They are bound by their faith.
The fourth reason this book is outstanding is that it answers many of the questions those who are not Amish ask about them. For example, do the Amish accept non-Amish converts? How do Amish adolescents decide to be Baptized? How are the strict rules of the Amish enforced? What constitutes infringement of the rules? Why (and how) is the practice of shunning used? Why do Amish attend church only every other Sunday? To what degree does the Amish bishop wield authority? How do the Amish view modern society? Technology? How do the Amish hold onto their young people who get a taste of the outside world? What do the Amish do when they move into an electrified home and yet want to strictly follow Amish rules? So many questions are answered.
The fifth reason this book is outstanding is because it really makes your heart go out for Amish people. Why? First, because of the very hard life they live. Second, because of the many sacrifices they must make. When you consider all the devices, tools, and equipment we in the secular world have to make our lives easier — with new technology being offered to us on a daily basis — it is just amazing that anyone would or could give it all up to live a simple, faithful life.
Because of the authors’ manner of presentation, as well as the positive features of this book discussed above, readers cannot help feeling a profound, whole-hearted, and compassionate tenderness regarding the Amish commitment to faith, family, and frugality. This is a sensational book.
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
Having directed a dissertation on the Amish, I have a good background on Amish ways—especially in Ohio. Also, I have read other books on the topic as well.
This book is outstanding for a number of reasons.There are at least 14 pages of notes, and 6 ½ pages of references. Each of the three authors has a Ph.D. Kraybill is a senior fellow at the Young Center of Elizabethtown College, Nolt is a professor of history at Goshen College, and Weaver-Zercher is a professor of American religious history at Messiah College. In addition, they are the authors of the very favorably reviewed and successful book Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy, which describes the response to and reaction of the Amish community to the shooting of ten schoolgirls at Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, in October 2006. Together, the authors have over 50 years working with the Amish.
All of the above paragraph supports and proves the authors’ credentials—the first reason why this book is outstanding.
The second reason this book is outstanding is that it is superbly written. The authors tell wonderful, endearing stories that are engaging, insightful, and instructive. If you have read nothing about or have no experience with the Amish prior to reading this book, you will be enlightened. If you are part of the secular world, your eyes will be opened in shock and amazement. Yes, the book is gentle, respectful, sensitive, and understanding, but it discusses a society and a way of behaving that is so contrary to “normal” society that it is scarey. Fortunately, the authors offer a readable book that is well-crafted and entertaining.
The third reason this book is outstanding is its organization. It is organized around the topics of spirituality, community, everyday life, Amish faith, and the rest of us. From the authors’ descriptions and explanations, you get a wonderful picture of the details of Amish life as well as an overview of Amish reality. Because of the authors’ approach, you come away with a nearly complete look at what it might be like to live in the Amish way. The rules by which they live, alone, are so specific and detailed that little in their daily life is spontaneous or free. They are bound by their faith.
The fourth reason this book is outstanding is that it answers many of the questions those who are not Amish ask about them. For example, do the Amish accept non-Amish converts? How do Amish adolescents decide to be Baptized? How are the strict rules of the Amish enforced? What constitutes infringement of the rules? Why (and how) is the practice of shunning used? Why do Amish attend church only every other Sunday? To what degree does the Amish bishop wield authority? How do the Amish view modern society? Technology? How do the Amish hold onto their young people who get a taste of the outside world? What do the Amish do when they move into an electrified home and yet want to strictly follow Amish rules? So many questions are answered.
The fifth reason this book is outstanding is because it really makes your heart go out for Amish people. Why? First, because of the very hard life they live. Second, because of the many sacrifices they must make. When you consider all the devices, tools, and equipment we in the secular world have to make our lives easier — with new technology being offered to us on a daily basis — it is just amazing that anyone would or could give it all up to live a simple, faithful life.
Because of the authors’ manner of presentation, as well as the positive features of this book discussed above, readers cannot help feeling a profound, whole-hearted, and compassionate tenderness regarding the Amish commitment to faith, family, and frugality. This is a sensational book.
The Amish Way: Patient Faith in a Perilous World can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/Amish-Way-Patient-Faith-Perilous/dp/0470520698/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1294957120&sr=1-1
Monday, February 13, 2012
Manthropology: The science of why the modern male is NOT the man he used to be
By Peter McAllister
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P8PEI2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0733623913&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H61SJNMZS9CEA27G7CD
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
Wow! I feel totally feminized and emasculated, and if you are a man and read this book, you cannot come away from it without feeling the same way. One Amazon.com reviewer put it well: WE SUCK! What a one-two punch in the gut McAllister delivers here. This book is not for the feint of heart.
I enjoyed the author’s use of alliteration as he chose titles for each of his chapters: brawn, bravado, battle, balls, bards, beauty, babies, and babes. There are 8 pages of endnotes and 14 pages of bibliography, leaving 290 pages of text. I thought McAllister’s addition of dark-gray boxed examples were well-selected, informative, and interesting supplements to the text material.
His use of examples throughout the book is superb and easily hold readers’ attention. How he went about selecting and then researching his comparative examples is fascinating and certainly reinforces his expertise as both a paleoanthropologist and journalist (he’s an archeologist and science writer from the University of Western Australia). Having taught there myself some years ago, I can vouch for their high standards and academic credentials.
Now, from reading the book, you get the impression McAllister has it in for men. That’s the basis for my “one-two punch in the gut” comment above. If one can accept his selections from ancestorial artifacts (and some certainly may make you questions their relevance—in other words, that he selected some simply to make his point), then I think he makes a good case. Of course, it is a case I already accept, and McAllister simply reinforces my point of view. Modern man has gone soft!
If you are simply looking for a “smart, informative, surprising, and entertaining” (from the front flyleaf) book, then this makes a good choice. I have to tell you, however, in advance, that some of his examples are grisly, gripping, bloody, and stomach-turning. He minces no words (perhaps he did!), but that is truly what makes this book a good read. I loved his sense of humor and his tongue-in-the-cheek approach. He’s a fine writer, and this is a fine book.
Manthropology: The science of why the modern male is NOT the man he used to be can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P8PEI2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0733623913&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H61SJNMZS9CEA27G7CD
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P8PEI2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0733623913&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H61SJNMZS9CEA27G7CD
Book review by Richard L. Weaver II
Wow! I feel totally feminized and emasculated, and if you are a man and read this book, you cannot come away from it without feeling the same way. One Amazon.com reviewer put it well: WE SUCK! What a one-two punch in the gut McAllister delivers here. This book is not for the feint of heart.
I enjoyed the author’s use of alliteration as he chose titles for each of his chapters: brawn, bravado, battle, balls, bards, beauty, babies, and babes. There are 8 pages of endnotes and 14 pages of bibliography, leaving 290 pages of text. I thought McAllister’s addition of dark-gray boxed examples were well-selected, informative, and interesting supplements to the text material.
His use of examples throughout the book is superb and easily hold readers’ attention. How he went about selecting and then researching his comparative examples is fascinating and certainly reinforces his expertise as both a paleoanthropologist and journalist (he’s an archeologist and science writer from the University of Western Australia). Having taught there myself some years ago, I can vouch for their high standards and academic credentials.
Now, from reading the book, you get the impression McAllister has it in for men. That’s the basis for my “one-two punch in the gut” comment above. If one can accept his selections from ancestorial artifacts (and some certainly may make you questions their relevance—in other words, that he selected some simply to make his point), then I think he makes a good case. Of course, it is a case I already accept, and McAllister simply reinforces my point of view. Modern man has gone soft!
If you are simply looking for a “smart, informative, surprising, and entertaining” (from the front flyleaf) book, then this makes a good choice. I have to tell you, however, in advance, that some of his examples are grisly, gripping, bloody, and stomach-turning. He minces no words (perhaps he did!), but that is truly what makes this book a good read. I loved his sense of humor and his tongue-in-the-cheek approach. He’s a fine writer, and this is a fine book.
Manthropology: The science of why the modern male is NOT the man he used to be can be purchased at Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003P8PEI2/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=0733623913&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1H61SJNMZS9CEA27G7CD
Monday, February 6, 2012
The New York Times presents Smarter by Sunday: 52 weekends of essential knowledge for the curious Mind.
By the staff of Elizabeth Publishing (and a group of academic and professional writers.) General Editor: John W. Wright; Executive Editor: Matt Fisher
http://www.amazon.com/York-Times-Presents-Smarter-Sunday/dp/0312571348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294948978&sr=1-1
I liked this book. Any book designed to increase the knowledge and information of readers is to be encouraged. Also, The New York Times is a trusted source of information throughout the world. (As is always true with knowledge and information, facts may need to be checked but, in general, the credibility of the source does not require investigation.)
Admittedly, I did not read every one of its 550 pages. Also, there was a great deal of information here with which I was already familiar and a great deal, too, with which I had no interest whatever. For example, I really had no interest in a brief history of Japan, a political and cultural history of Ancient Egypt, a brief history of physics, the European novel, painting in the 19th century, ancient Rome, or mathematics. Many of these cover subjects I took in high school or college, and I don’t need a summary/review of previous course work.
There was a great deal of information I found interesting such as “The Computer Revolution,” “The Written Word,” “The Renaissance,” “Great American Writers,” “American Popular Music,” “Philosophy: The Life of the Mind,” “Modern Thought,” “Languages of the World,” and “American Film.” What I enjoyed as much as the review of information and ideas is how the material would make me stop and think. I wasn’t particularly challenged as much as simply engaged. (Whether or not I can actually make use of the knowledge/information in the writing I do is yet to be determined.)
I am not suggesting that it would not have benefitted me to have read the information on subjects that held no current interest, but as in all things in life, I simply have to devote my time to things of interest.
I found the information throughout this book well presented and clear—better, in fact, than most of my classroom teachers presented their information. Remember, it is the editor’s objective “to present our readers with essential information on a variety of subjects that together make up the basic elements of what is commonly called a ‘well-rounded education’” (p. x). The format of the book “is based on the 52 weekends in a calendar year. Each weekend is centered on a single topic (‘The Universe,’ ‘Rome,’ ‘The Renaissance,’ ‘The Novel,’ ‘American Popular Music,’ etc.) . . .” (p. x).
What I found most interesting was that readers could pick and choose among topics. One does not build on any other. If someone were to read everything in this book, however, they would surely possess rudimentary knowledge in art, music, literature, history, religion, economics, philosophy, and science. Because most of the readers of The New York Times live in North America, the book is overly devoted to matters that concern Western history, art, literature, and science.
This book is a “must read” for high school or college students, and I think it could be a source book (reference work?) for a capstone seminar (or workshop) on “Essential Knowledge.” Why not make the command of knowledge/information such as this a requirement (with attendant examinations) for graduation?
The New York Times presents Smarter by Sunday: 52 weekends of essential knowledge for the curious Mind.can be purchased from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/York-Times-Presents-Smarter-Sunday/dp/0312571348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294948978&sr=1-1
http://www.amazon.com/York-Times-Presents-Smarter-Sunday/dp/0312571348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294948978&sr=1-1
I liked this book. Any book designed to increase the knowledge and information of readers is to be encouraged. Also, The New York Times is a trusted source of information throughout the world. (As is always true with knowledge and information, facts may need to be checked but, in general, the credibility of the source does not require investigation.)
Admittedly, I did not read every one of its 550 pages. Also, there was a great deal of information here with which I was already familiar and a great deal, too, with which I had no interest whatever. For example, I really had no interest in a brief history of Japan, a political and cultural history of Ancient Egypt, a brief history of physics, the European novel, painting in the 19th century, ancient Rome, or mathematics. Many of these cover subjects I took in high school or college, and I don’t need a summary/review of previous course work.
There was a great deal of information I found interesting such as “The Computer Revolution,” “The Written Word,” “The Renaissance,” “Great American Writers,” “American Popular Music,” “Philosophy: The Life of the Mind,” “Modern Thought,” “Languages of the World,” and “American Film.” What I enjoyed as much as the review of information and ideas is how the material would make me stop and think. I wasn’t particularly challenged as much as simply engaged. (Whether or not I can actually make use of the knowledge/information in the writing I do is yet to be determined.)
I am not suggesting that it would not have benefitted me to have read the information on subjects that held no current interest, but as in all things in life, I simply have to devote my time to things of interest.
I found the information throughout this book well presented and clear—better, in fact, than most of my classroom teachers presented their information. Remember, it is the editor’s objective “to present our readers with essential information on a variety of subjects that together make up the basic elements of what is commonly called a ‘well-rounded education’” (p. x). The format of the book “is based on the 52 weekends in a calendar year. Each weekend is centered on a single topic (‘The Universe,’ ‘Rome,’ ‘The Renaissance,’ ‘The Novel,’ ‘American Popular Music,’ etc.) . . .” (p. x).
What I found most interesting was that readers could pick and choose among topics. One does not build on any other. If someone were to read everything in this book, however, they would surely possess rudimentary knowledge in art, music, literature, history, religion, economics, philosophy, and science. Because most of the readers of The New York Times live in North America, the book is overly devoted to matters that concern Western history, art, literature, and science.
This book is a “must read” for high school or college students, and I think it could be a source book (reference work?) for a capstone seminar (or workshop) on “Essential Knowledge.” Why not make the command of knowledge/information such as this a requirement (with attendant examinations) for graduation?
The New York Times presents Smarter by Sunday: 52 weekends of essential knowledge for the curious Mind.can be purchased from Amazon.com: http://www.amazon.com/York-Times-Presents-Smarter-Sunday/dp/0312571348/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1294948978&sr=1-1
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