Saturday, March 3, 2018

Gung Ho! Book Review

                                       In Control of Achieving the Goal



In Ken Blanchard & Sheldon Bowles book titled: "Gung Ho!" elaborates on the many lessons we can learn by observing God's wonderful creatures. Spirit of the squirrel, way of the beaver and gift of the goose conveys meaningful messages on motivating people to work more efficiently. Only three simple steps were used to save 1,500 jobs as plant manager Peggy Sinclair asked for advice from an old Indian chief.  

Written in an easy to understand format, "Gung Ho!" is an inspirational story about Peggy Sinclair and Andy Longclaw working together to save the jobs at Walton Works. They never explained what they manufactured but what they did fabricate was better morale and more production. My only two questions for this book was the product and where the property was located. That would have gave me a better understanding regarding the economics of the situation.

The Spirit of the Squirrel implements Worthwhile work by helping others to achieve the same goal.  Moral values are the real boss as suggested by Longclaw and stated that these little critters keep the forest clean by removing rubbish. Having the knowledge of making the environment a better place has a reward all its own as decisions, actions and ambitions are shared. 

My favorite part of this book was Gift of the Goose and the TRUE (Timely, Responsive, Unconditional, Enthusiastic) congratulations concept. I learned the reason why geese honk at each other and the motive is to cheer one another on during long winter flights. If people could do the same as our feathered friends, maybe the struggle of life would not be so challenging with the right support. 
Most folks enjoy being bitter and seek pleasure in lashing out at one's mistake. This is not good if you are a business manager and chances are that your employees will quit and find a less hostile place to work. 

The only drawback from this book was that the story lacked detail. However, I did get a better understanding on motivation and determination. This book is ideal for business professionals that offers valuable insight on working together as a team. Without a team, there is no game. Without a game, there is no victory and with no victory everyone becomes a loser.