There's More to Life Than the Corner Office

This is the second book I've reviewed on "balance" lately; it seems to be a recurring theme in my life. Wonder why! This book would fit into what I've called my "lunch hour" (or "half-hour!") reading material: interesting business reads that inspire me in my work life and impress the boss at the same time. It's certainly not the first business book to use the mentor relationship fable to bring points across. That style works - it keeps one's interest, allowing points to be made without having to present a lot of research and boring background material. It's nonthreatening in the third-person style, as well as easy to read and to make connections to real life. This particular book IS different than other business books I've read in this style, however, in that it's about total life balance, not just about team building, leadership, and business success. I love the points it makes about integrity. You don't need to be an up-and-coming businessman to appreciate the lessons in it. This is not a long book; I finished the 160 pages in one sitting. It's well-written and moves quickly. My one complaint might be that the lessons aren't summarized and stated outright; I sometimes would have to re-read a section to come away with the main point being made in that chapter. Perhaps this simply makes it a more realistic story. Overall, this was an enjoyable read that inspired me to rethink my priorities and make a change in areas of my life.

Lamar Smith along with Tammy Kling, tell a story of two executives, one a older, successful CEO, the other an up and coming investment banker. One of Al Crafton's goals in life is to invest in others and hopefully teach them what he has learned; sometimes the hard way. He's learned that life is not just about trying to achieve that Corner Office but to live a balanced life and putting what is most important ahead of the quest for getting the next 'gold star'. It's about finding a balance in all the important areas of your life, rather than being caught up in the frantic rat race of what we think success is. This would make a great gift of inspiration to a grad or the CEO of your family.

I found this book to be a riveting read. Once I started reading it, I found it hard to put down. It is a great guide for setting priorities when deciding on ones goals in life. The strategies presented can be easily applied to your personal life as well as your professional life. Patrick Mitchell learned that true success is more than just moving up the career ladder; it is more about a balance of joy and fulfillment in all areas of your life.

The effect of the book on me is best summarized in dog language: I found myself licking the bowl after the meal. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, found myself wanting to read more. I'm hoping there's a sequel in the pipeline. What I liked: 1. It was suspenseful... not in the sense of a suspense thriller, but Al Crafton (the mentor)was mysterious, alluring,earthy and balanced, dropping nourishing life biscuits in a digestable pace. One always had a sense that "there's more where that came from." I found myself wanting to BOTH find an Al Crafton (be mentored) and be an Al Crafton (a mentor). 2. The tone was winsome, inviting, and pithy, not condescending and fatiguing. Great read for people wherever they are in their professional and personal life.

"This book takes the simple truths that we all know and moves them out in the front of our lives where we can take action on them. It's organization as a modern fable draws makes it an easy read - but the well thought out messages make you return for a closer look. I enjoyed this book greatly, and plan to give it as a gift to others in my acquaintance who need its message of renewal and hope."