Reads

.:: Last Update :: April 14, 2008::..
	The following book reviews have been featured in the WiPM SIG newsletter, publications or suggested by our members.
	See Jane Lead: 99 Ways for Women to Take Charge at Work by Lois Frankel, Ph.D. The author's stated reason for writing this book is the author's desire to share something with others, in this case the premise that in today's business world women's leadership and influence are not only needed, but required. The book provides some insight into what you may have in common with some of our most notable leaders. Learn more>
	Fast Forward MBA in Project Management by Eric Verzuh The author focuses on a key points-- businesses are reorganizing to focus on "projects", project management become a popular career track, and greater change=more innovations=more projects. The book also discusses five factors that make a project successful. Originally published in 2005, now in its 2nd edition. Learn more>
	It's Not a Glass Ceiling, It's a Sticky Floor by Rebecca Shambaugh, CEO of SHAMBAUGH Leadership The author's premise: A lack of forward motion is due more substantially to women's own career-inhibiting behavior than to cultural impediments, Shambaugh claims. Women are more likely than men to shy away from leadership roles, to get bogged down in perfectionism and to avoid career-boosting changes out of a misplaced sense of loyalty. Learn more>
	The Velvet Hammer: Business Ideas for Women Who Don't Golf by Elaine Allison The Velvet Hammer challenges women leaders to explore why and how they must lead differently than men. Using real life stories, examples and assessments, this fascinating book shows women how to be decisive and diplomatic, confident and compassionate, strong and supportive in any leadership role Learn more>
	She Wins, You Win by Gail Evans Once again, Gail Evans has written a book that will resonate with every thoughtful woman both in and out of the workplace. Learn more>
	Climbing the Corporate Ladder in High Heels by Kathleen Archambeau Favoring neither the “in-your-face” tactics of the “break-through-the-glass-ceiling” school of thought, nor the “sugar-and-spice-and-everything-nice” approach, this practical book shows women how to achieve both a rewarding career and a fulfilling life. Learn more>
	Trade Up! 5 Steps for Redesigning Your Leadership and Life from the Inside Out byRayona Sharpnack Trade Up! draws on the authori's experience, as well as stories of successful leaders she has worked with, to reveal how leaders limit themselves by holding on to ideas or assumptions about ourselves—what she calls your “context” —that are no longer valid. Trade Up! outlines the 5 steps to help leaders gain awareness of these assumptions and trade up from limiting beliefs and behaviors to those that will help them change the world. Learn more>
	Absolute Beginner's Guide to Project Management byGreg Horine Based on a look-see at the Table of Contents and it's 5-star rating, this handy reference with provided you with project management basics. Learn more>
	Project Management in the Real World byElizabeth Harrin A 4-star rating on Amazon.com makes this book worth checking out. Project Management in the Real World is Presented in a quick and easy to read format, it contains a wealth of knowledge that can be practically applied in a short period of time. Anecdotes, how-to tips and ideas are backed up with theory and references, along with case studies from the US, Holland, France, Australia as well as the UK. Learn more>
	Trillion-Dollars Moms: Marketing to a New Generation of Mothers by Maria Bailey and Bonnie Ulman "How can you think like a mom if you're not a mom? You can't, unless you're willing to research.That's where Bailey and Ulman's book comes in. They've done all the work for you. From cover to cover, you'll read hundreds of case studies and research examples that prove the authors' expertise in the field of marketing to mothers." Learn more>
	How to Say It When You Don't Know What to Say: The Right Words for Difficult Times by Robbie Kaplan The author covers a variety of situations and experiences--ranging from death to job loss to divorce to natural disasters. Learn more>
	Project Management: The CommonSense Approach by Lee R. Lambert and Erin Lambert Solid guidance on earned value management for the novice and veteran PM, a layman's level without losing the technical edge. Learn more>
	Personal Brilliance: Mastering The Everyday Habits That Create A Lifetime Of Success by Jim Canterucci Mastering the everyday habits that create a lifetime of success; the author discusses the capacity to "think on your feet" and tap intoyour talents and abilities at home, at work, and at play. Learn more>
	Alpha Project Managers: What the Top 2% Know That Everyone Else Does Not by Andy Crowe Debunking misconceptions surrounding successful project managers, this source builds upon a landmark survey of more than 800 project managers from around the world to highlight the traits that make them stand out in the minds of their teams, senior managers, customers, and stakeholders. Through in-depth interviews and discussions, the common attributes of these elite project managers—from character and beliefs to organizational approaches—are uncovered and help to explain their achievements. Learn more>
	Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz Fewer than 20% of all working Americans found employment through a friend, relative, old school chum, or other personal connection. However, at the managerial level, it’s 72% ! This networking guide can perhaps help you enhance your life both personally and professionally through effective networking. Learn more>
	Integrated Project Management by Chris Edgelow This booklet explores the 10 essentials for effective project management. It focuses on how project management needs to be integrated more completely into the organization to ensure complex change is successfully initiated and sustained. Project management must thoroughly integrate the current strategic reality into every project to ensure success; this booklet tells you how to do that. A very useful resource for anyone involved in project management! Downloadable version available.
	Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream by Barbara Enhenreich Interesting, disturbing and sometimes humorous read about one woman’s “pretend" job hunt during the recent downsizings of corporate America. The part I found both funny and disturbing at the same time was her sendup of the coaching industry and networking workshops. Now I'm sure if she ran into some quality coaches and workshops, it wouldn't make for as interesting a read (and she might have found a job in the first few months). But, even I had to laugh when she pointed out that they use acronyms for everything and sometimes their enthusiasm makes you want to seriously slap them back into reality. Learn more>
	Naked in the Boardroom - A CEO Bares Her Secrets So You Can Transform Your Career by Robin Wolaner This quick read is about how women should handle the men who dominate their business environment, covering everything from business ethics to office attire to raising funds for new ventures. The author’s target audience is young women just beginning to ascend the career ladder. Learn more>
	Token Chick: A Woman's Guide to Golfing with the Boys by Cheryl Ladd Cheryl Ladd, a former Charlie's Angels TV star, sheds some insight on this traditional man’s game, noting that golf gives women an opportunity to observe someone's character: Temper? Bad language? Cheat? Too helpful? Not helpful enough? Big tip, "Be gracious in victory because men can be a little sensitive when you beat them." Learn more>
	10 Easy Ways to Use Technology in the English Classroom by Hilve Filek That girls drift away from scientific and technological pursuits during the middle and high school years is a well-documented phenomenon. Ms. Firek's book provides a way to increase girls' exposure to technology by bringing it into the language arts classroom, a place girls feel more comfortable, thus increasing the chances that technology itself will not remain a foreign language for female students. Learn more>
	Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make that Sabotage Their Careers by Lolis P. Frankel If you work nonstop without a break…back down too often and too easily…check with friends and colleagues before making decisions…you’re in self-sabotage mode.
	She Wins, You Win - The Most Important Rule Every Businesswoman Needs to Know by Gail Evans The premise is that women are more like to succeed in the workplace when they support and nurture each other--which is what women do best. The book outlines team-building strategies such as knowing who to work closely with and who to avoid. The author is a former CNN executive. Learn more>
	Women Who Think Too Much: How to Break Free of Over thinking and Reclaim Your Life by Susan Nolen-Hoeksema, Ph.D. The premise is that women, especially, have a tendency to over think, or constantly rehash events for no real gain. She cites a statistics that over thinkers are three times as likely to have drinking problems, as are people who know when to quite worrying, and such behavior also contributes to anxiety and depression. The author is a psychology professor at the University of Michigan. Learn more>