First thing I noticed about this book is it's not really a book! It's not something you sit down and read cover-to-cover - in fact I don't even know how you would go about doing that, because the format is so unique! I was reminded of a learning tool I bought for my children to help them learn to spell simple words, where all the letters of the alphabet are arranged in 4 columns and they flip them until they get the right letters lined up. Except in this book, the columns are rows, and they contain three intriguing sets of tools full of awesome wisdom in easily absorbable "bites".
The first tool is a set of 50 inspiring stories. Little real-life bites, some familiar, others obscure, but all emotionally powerful. The second is a set of provocative quotes. (I'm a sucker for quotes so this is my favourite section!) The third is called Powerful Models, and contains various simple but potent human dynamics models. So when you are stuck, you can open this book and flip through the various combinations (125,000 of them!) to find one or more that shakes loose your thinking, inspires you to action, or simply helps you let go of something that is holding you back. Plus there is a simple template called the Action Acceleration(tm) sheet that guides you through the process quickly and easily (you can download the sheets online, also.)
I know I will be reaching for this book the next time I find myself not moving because of fear, doubt, or simple lack of imagination. Put it on your bookshelf, and you'll have a powerful tool for when you need it!
"You have to love this book for its format alone, let alone its wisdom. It shows the impact of great design and how what is profound does not have to be obscure. Plus there is a quiet political message in it that coaching is available to all of us and is not a profession, but a way of being with each other. Buy the book, give it to people you care about, and pick it up when you feel lost, which for most of us, is all the time."
Peter Block
Author, Flawless Consulting and The Answer to How is Yes
