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Who’s had the most impact on determining how businesspeople operate today?
If you’re familiar with the expressions “ put first things first,” “begin with the end in mind” and “take time to sharpen your saw,” then you know that Stephen Covey is the answer to that question. Covey is best known for 1989 best-seller, The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People, one of the most influential business books of all time. But Covey’s body of work goes beyond this, providing practical insights on leading your team, being a good listener and effective decision-making.
“Getting Clients, Keeping Clients” – now only $35
First published in 1998 and out of print for many years, Dan Richards’ book Getting Clients Keeping Clients: The Essential Guide for Tomorrow’s Financial Advisor won numerous awards and was an international best seller.
The book originally cost $69.95. Fifteen years later, most of the ideas in this 380 page text still apply. We have a limited supply of Getting Clients left. If you’d like a copy, make a $35 donation to this bike fundraiser for a scholarship in memory of a 21 year old who died just as he was starting graduate studies in cancer research. Once you’ve made the donation, send an email to [email protected] and we’ll get the book out to you.
The management thinkers with the most impact
A 2006 survey of the most respected management thinkers focused on academics, but few names on that list are well known outside of scholarly circles. A better answer to who’s had the biggest impact on the day-to-day conduct of businesses comes from this survey’s “honorable mention category:”
Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager)
Stephen Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People)
Tom Peters (In Search of Excellence)
Tony Robbins (Personal Power series)
Alvin Toffler (Future Shock)
These five (along with Jim Collins of Built to Last and Good to Great fame) all made practical business concepts accessible to the average reader.
Stephen Covey is an especially interesting case. Prior to his death last year from a bicycle accident, he taught at the Utah State University and was among the few who effectively straddled academic and popular worlds.
