Unlock Behavior, Unleash Profits

This book is a must-read for managers. It describes the behavioral science behind performance improvement, and shows how to deploy behavior change technology to improve bottom-line organizational performance. The first 6 chapters explain behavior principles and tactics such as pinpointing, antecedents, consequences, shaping, and providing feedback through coaching (including executive coaching). Many examples drawn from Dr. Braksick's extensive consulting experience bring these principles to life, and several appendices provide practical advice and guidelines on using them in organizations. Chapter 5 on Feedback and Coaching is an especially excellent "how-to" guide explaining how managers can use feedback effectively to target key behaviors that will produce key results. Chapters 7 & 8 detail common organizational problems (implementation failures, and corporate challenges like mergers, ERP implementations, retention and succession plans) and show how behavioral science can be applied to handle these problems. In sum, this lively, easy-to-read book does an excellent job describing behavior principles and how to improve performance with them in the real world of daily organizational life. Managers at all levels can learn practical things they can do to improve the bottom line by learning about behavior, and how to change it so that it produces those key results necessary for organizational success.

I have been through them all and read all of the management/leadership advice books since TQM. This one makes sense and can be implemented. It tells you how people want to be treated and how to get discretionary efforts. My copy is highlighted and marked up for reference. I have seen noticeable results and a definite improvement in the attitude and results of my department. I want my manager to read it because most likely, any manager you have enjoyed working for, follows most of the basic concept outlined in this book. Get this book, it's worth the time.

As an experienced HR professional I have been concerned as to why some organizational change strategies do not meet desired goals or are not sustained over time. "Unlock Behavior, Unleash Profits" provides a pragmatic explanation as to what is often missed, namely aligning and encouraging behavior with the desired change. Leslie and her CLG associates have realtime experience in this area. A book worth reading!

I found this book to be an artful blend of solid science and everyday examples. It helps demystify human behavior and provides valuable tips to influence it. The material is useful across a range of situations--from implementing a strategy for a large organization to getting your 8 year old to make his or her bed. The book is laid out in a way that makes it an engaging read--good use of visuals, "side bars" and charts. This is the kind of book I will keep handy to refer to often.

This is a great how-to book about providing leadership that makes people want to work harder for the cause. The leaders who have thrived throughout the numerous "fad" business management styles are those who have mastered the skills in this book. The author provides numerous real-life examples from her consulting work, which makes the book very interesting and authentic. The examples she uses portray situations most business people have encountered or will encounter again and again. I would rate the book as "required reading" for all managers and leaders. It is a timeless approach to good management and leadership.