T.O. Smith

Fascinating

Revisado: 02-18-23

The case for using a systems psychology framework to evaluate and strengthen organizations is well made. The cross-disciplinary principles that create the foundation of this are equal parts fascinating and compelling.

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Sage advice from business to life

Revisado: 10-29-18

Notable points:  Short term thinking leads to long term behaviors and a life you likely did not envision for yourself.  The time to invest in relationships is when it appears there is no need; by the time you need them, it's too late to invest.  When helping or serving others, focus on taking the other's perspective.  That way you are more likely to meet the person's actual needs rather than provide what you would want in that situation—something that may or may not be helpful to them.

The text illustrates a breadth of management theories then relates them precisely to personal relationships and challenges.  The application of these business theories to family and personal life is surprisingly cogent, calling into grave question the ideology that business is not personal and vice versa.

The brilliant application of proven theories to family life and personal relationship was so compelling that I read the book a second, then a third time.  My only frustration is the lack of a well-structured framework to organize and roll out the theories in my life. Though the additional reads were certainly worthwhile, I came away disappointed in being left with what felt like a piecemeal set of treasures and no known process to systematically overlay them on my life.


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Scary true. Positively-charged mirror to the soul.

Revisado: 09-12-18

Miller tells his personal story in intimate depth.  He unapologetically describes mistakes and flaws, sharply criticizing the error of his former and current ways, yet all the while creating a clear divide between the value of himself as a person and the troublesome nature of the unhealthy behaviors described.

The personal approach of the writing put me in an introspective frame of mind that was both incredibly helpful in evaluating my own behavior and motivating when I saw opportunities for improvement.

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Great concepts, balanced applications

Revisado: 09-03-18

The deep work concept is definitely a major truth that is easily dismissed or accepted then unapplied given the social constructs that pressure is in the opposite direction. Yet Newport does a fantastic job of noting the need to be thoughtful and balanced in its application. He also offers a thorough series of tactics to implement the strategy and methods to determine which if any apply to one’s particular goals and circumstances.

The one area I found weak was that at times he belabors point when either his initial explanations/ arguments were sufficient or his total writings on the matter could have been delivered just as or even more powerfully in a pithy form.

Definitely worth the read or listen.

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Mixed Messaging

Revisado: 08-25-18

The authors go between an implied and occasionally explicit “what’s in it for me” approach to a giving but wise attitude toward relationship building. They use a wide variety of sources and anecdotes, but there primary foundation seems to be Adam Grant, particularly his work in “Give and Take”. Though this book much more focused on becoming a valuable connector of others than is Grant’s publication, I found “Give and Take” expresses a much more consistent and compelling approach to reach the same end.

Over all the book was just ok. Helpful in cases buy lacking or incongruous in others. The most useful piece for me was the section on why and how to build an personal website found at the end of chapter 15.

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