Best of
Productivity

2008

Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain


John J. Ratey - 2008
    Ratey, MD.Did you know you can beat stress, lift your mood, fight memory loss, sharpen your intellect, and function better than ever simply by elevating your heart rate and breaking a sweat? The evidence is incontrovertible: Aerobic exercise physically remodels our brains for peak performance. In SPARK, John J. Ratey, M.D., embarks upon a fascinating and entertaining journey through the mind-body connection, presenting startling research to prove that exercise is truly our best defense against everything from depression to ADD to addiction to aggression to menopause to Alzheimer's. Filled with amazing case studies (such as the revolutionary fitness program in Naperville, Illinois, which has put this school district of 19,000 kids first in the world of science test scores), SPARK is the first book to explore comprehensively the connection between exercise and the brain. It will change forever the way you think about your morning run---or, for that matter, simply the way you think

Pragmatic Thinking and Learning: Refactor Your Wetware


Andy Hunt - 2008
    Not in an editor, IDE, or design tool. You're well educated on how to work with software and hardware, but what about wetware--our own brains? Learning new skills and new technology is critical to your career, and it's all in your head. In this book by Andy Hunt, you'll learn how our brains are wired, and how to take advantage of your brain's architecture. You'll learn new tricks and tips to learn more, faster, and retain more of what you learn. You need a pragmatic approach to thinking and learning. You need to Refactor Your Wetware. Programmers have to learn constantly; not just the stereotypical new technologies, but also the problem domain of the application, the whims of the user community, the quirks of your teammates, the shifting sands of the industry, and the evolving characteristics of the project itself as it is built. We'll journey together through bits of cognitive and neuroscience, learning and behavioral theory. You'll see some surprising aspects of how our brains work, and how you can take advantage of the system to improve your own learning and thinking skills.In this book you'll learn how to:Use the Dreyfus Model of Skill Acquisition to become more expertLeverage the architecture of the brain to strengthen different thinking modesAvoid common "known bugs" in your mindLearn more deliberately and more effectivelyManage knowledge more efficientlyPrinted in full color.

The Choice


Eliyahu M. Goldratt - 2008
    And while Eli Goldratt is indeed a scientist, an educator and a business leader, he is first and foremost a philosopher; some say a genius. He is a thinker who provokes others to do the same. Often characterized as unconventional, and always stimulating--a slayer of sacred cows-- Dr. Goldratt exhorts his readers to examine and reassess their lives and business practices by cultivating a different perspective and a clear new vision. In his latest book, The Choice, Goldratt once again presents his thought provoking approach, this time through a conversation with his daughter Efrat, as he explains to her his fundamental system of beliefs.

The Parenting Pyramid


The Arbinger Institute - 2008
    way of being, 2. relationship with spouse, 3.relationship with child, 4. teaching, and 5. correction

If My People . . .: A 40-Day Prayer Guide for Our Nation


Jack Countryman - 2008
    If My People guides believers on a 40-day prayer journey in the spirit of 2 Chronicles 7:14. "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."In the days prior to the election, this prayer booklet guides believers through 40 days of prayer, plus providing seven prayers from past presidents, inspired during some of our country's darkest days. Note: Must be ordered in multiples of 25.

Effortless Success: How to Get What You Want and Have a Great Time Doing It


Michael Neill - 2008
    An internationally renowned success coach, he shares the best of what he’s learned—about inspiration, motivation, well-being, relationships, finances, and more—from more than15 years of training thousands of people to have what they want and create a life that makes them go “Wow!”Let him do the same for you . . . and you’ll experience more happiness and greater success than ever before!

Think and Make It Happen: The Breakthrough Program for Conquering Anxiety, Overcoming Negative Thoughts, and Discovering Your True Potential


Augusto Cury - 2008
    Augusto Cury became fascinated with the impact a healthy mind can have on emotions and life. After many years of research and founding The Intelligence Institute, he concluded:Every person is a genius because everyone has the power to think. Harnessing mind power has been scientifically proven to enhance a person's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The human act of thinking is the greatest wonder of the universe.In Think, and Make It Happen, Dr. Cury unveils the multifocal intelligence process showing readers how to master their emotions, stress, thoughts, and relationships, as well as how to become creative thinkers and revolutionary leaders. Complete with a 12-week program, participants will learn to apply the universal laws for quality of life to their own lives: authorship, beauty, creativity, sleep, thoughts, emotions, memory, listening, dialogue, drive, and spirituality and celebration and start experiencing the life they desire.

Diabetic Athlete's Handbook


Sheri R. Colberg - 2008
    Whether you're a recreational exerciser or a competitive athlete, the Diabetic Athlete's Handbook has the training and performance advice you need to remain active and at the top of your game.Renowned researcher and diabetes expert Dr. Sheri Colberg has developed a practical guide specifically for athletes of all ages with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The Diabetic Athlete's Handbook provides you with the most up-to-date information on insulins and other medications, glucose monitors, blood sugar management, nutrition and supplements, injury prevention and treatment, and mental strategies for maximizing performance and optimizing health.Featuring more than 100 sport-specific training guidelines for fitness, endurance, power, and outdoor activities, the Diabetic Athlete's Handbook is the one resource you can't afford to be without. Rely on it to stay healthy, be more active, train smarter, and reach new levels of athletic success.

Time Management


Randy Pausch - 2008
    In this lecture you will learn to:-Clarify your goals and achieve them-Handle people and projects that waste your time-Be involved in better delegation-Work more efficiently with your boss/advisor-Learn specific skills and tools to save you time-Overcome stress and procrastinationThis is the "Time Management" lecture, given by Randy Pausch at the University of Virginia in October 1998.

The CPO: Transforming Procurement in the Real World


Christian Schuh - 2008
    On a chance encounter while flying to Chicago, he meets the CEO of Heartland, a major food company in the U.S. Sutter impresses the CEO with his knowledge and, after a whirlwind courtship, he joins Heartland as its new Chief Procurement Officer, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Hired to transform procurement at Heartland, Sutter has an enormous challenge: to bring its procurement practices into the 21st century and save the company $5 billion. Despite the knowledge and experience he gained at Autowerke, Sutter fights over the next 18 months to find his place at Heartland, institute world-class procurement models and methods, win over the procurement teams and senior executives, and meet his goal. At first, his reputation--and his marriage--suffer, along with the company's overall sales and revenue. Can he pull a rabbit out of the hat? The CPO: Transforming Procurement depicts the real-life challenges of transforming procurement, while demonstrating the benefits of innovative procurement and leadership methods. Written by global thought leaders in A.T. Kearney's procurement and supply management practice--consultants who have helped numerous companies chop billions of dollars in costs out of their procurement budgets--The CPO will prove invaluable for those in purchasing and procurement. It will also present essential information to those in the C suite looking for ways to boost profits and productivity. The CPO: Portrays best-in-class, real-life, actionable methods to turn procurement into a function that can save billions and improve the bottom line. Provides a fun way to learn essential lessons in procurement and change management. Shows how rejecting victimhood in all its aspects leads to personal and business success. Presents lessons in novel format--like The Goal, Who Moved My Cheese, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team, and others--to engage you and show techniques in action. What you'll learn World-class methods and techniques for transforming the procurement function into a productivity powerhouse that directly and significantly contributes to improving the bottom line. Insights into assessing the procurement and supply chain management organization and locating the levers for change. How to calculate the return on supply management assets and understand supply and demand dynamics in the context of procurement. Principles of leadership and change management: Finding and shuffling talent to effect change, making the case for change, mobilizing and motivating people, and training workers at all levels to think and act in new and useful ways. The tools of transformation: employing circles of influence, rejecting victimhood, creating a plan to succeed, and more. Who this book is forThe CPO is a book for ambitious buyers, procurement managers, and C-level executives. CEOs will read it to have an understanding of how procurement transformation supports the strategic goals of the company, CFOs will read it to know what the return on procurement transformation could be, CPOs will read it to learn new methods and metrics and how to put them into profitable practices. It's also for those who want to enjoy a good book while learning how to transform their private lives along with their careers and the companies they work for. Table of Contents 44 chapters--titles to come.

Team Leadership in the Game Industry


Seth Spaulding II - 2008
    Specifically addressing the unique needs of managers in the game industry, this book recognizes a common issue: game development teams consisting of talented specialists who lack interpersonal and leadership skills. Filled with tips and advice from industry pros, you'll learn how to solve problems such as selecting your team, defining roles and identifying team leaders, meeting deadlines, and handling underperformers. You'll examine classic leadership traits, and take a look at specific team roles and their daily responsibilities. Real-world case studies illustrate solutions to each problem and hands-on exercises will help you practice the techniques presented. Team Leadership in the Game Industry provides you with a valuable set of best practices and advice to help you achieve efficient, cohesive teams.

A Master Class in Gremlin-taming: Freeing Yourself from the Monster of the Mind


Rick Carson - 2008
    Now Rick takes you to the next level by revealing new ways to escape your gremlin. Rick shows how to access the "natural you"--a place of clear feelings and pure potential. He also shares his powerful I CREATE method: seven keys for creating rewarding relationships, which our gremlins love to mess with. With wit, wisdom, and plenty of real-life vignettes, Rick helps gremlin-tamers at all levels give gremlins less than the time of day.

Outwitting College Professors: An Insider's Guide to Secrets of the System


John Janovy Jr. - 2008
    This valuable little volume tells everything you need to know, from how profs make out exams, how you should act if you encounter your prof in a bar, tips for maximizing grades on papers, to advice on how to handle your relationships with the most difficult profs (in a chapter named "Advanced Outwitting"!) For over four decades, college students have used these tricks on the author, and now he's passing along the ones that work, along with explanations of why they work. If there is any single textbook any college student must have, it's OUTWITTING. This one makes the ideal gift for a graduating, college-bound, high school senior!

Idea Industry: How to Crack the Advertising Career Code


Brett Robbs - 2008
    But aside from creative directors who think up the ideas for ads, who does what at an ad agency? Idea Industry: How to Crack the Advertising Career Codes is the first book that breaks it all down and explains what everyone does, which job might be the right fit for you and how you can get that job. We cover the major areas in six straightforward chapters-creative, production, account management, account planning, media and digital media. Through interviews with people working at the best agencies and first person accounts, this book explains what you can expect and what you'll need to know before you even start looking for that dream job. With four-color photos throughout, Idea Industry promises to be the best career guide for anyone interested in the advertising industry.

What's Possible!: 50 True Stories of People Who Dared to Dream They Could Make a Difference


Daryn Kagan - 2008
    Its appeal reaches beyond the thousands of daily visitors to DarynKagan.com and includes anyone who has a dream. Daryn uses her skills from more than 20 years in TV news to tell stories that touch the heart. She also adds her voice throughout the book with aDaryn's Takeaways, a encouraging readers to apply the lessons of the stories to their own lives.

8 1/2 Steps to Writing Faster, Better


Daphne Gray-Grant - 2008
    (Yes, you read that correctly!).•10 tips for writing a book.