Zap the Gaps!: Target Higher Performance and Achieve It!

Ken Blanchard certainly knows how to crank outbooks . . . his latest, ZAP THE GAPS!, coauthored withDana and Jim Robinson, describes an approach and thengives a framework for improving a company's overall performance through its people.It uses the typical Blanchard formula; i.e., a parable that will help you understand complex material by presenting it in a very readable and entertaining fashion . . . the result: you'll learn how to better solve a problem and not jump at the first solution that comes your way . . . instead, you'll be given a technique for helping you first understand the problem's root cause--thus making for a better overall solution.But just don't think you have to work in a business environmentto benefit from the book . . . its message can also beapplied to nonprofit organizations, clubs and even families.You can most likely it in one sitting, yet you'llbe thinking about it long afterward . . . I especially likedthis one line, used by an executive answering his phone:"Mike here. What can I do to help make your life perfect?"The same executive was quoted as giving this other bitof helpful advice: "So tomorrow start taking your star employees to lunch. Get them to tell you their secrets,one-on-one. That won't cost your company very much at all."Lastly, I enjoyed learning the following acronym: GAPS . . . itserved to summarize the book's key message, whichencourages you to:Go for the "shoulds."Analyze the "is."Pin down the causes.Select the right solutions.

ZAP THE GAPS is a wonderful book that takes a subject that I've seen extended over thousands of pages of academic text and boils it down to a clear and actionable framework. This is a book that truly delivers what Ken Blanchard fans like myself have come to expect. A great story, with a great lesson that can immediately be put to work to produce great results.

At long last there is a fast, easy to read book targeted for the right audience - not HR or OD, but for the busy executives who are committed to improving performance.As a long time user of the performance and gap analysis methodology, I know this works when managers stop looking at quick fixes or silver bullets. They are willing to spend time/resources to diagnose the multiple causes of performance gaps and then invest in the appropriate solutions.For HR and OD professionals who want to be true business partners, give them this book!!

When I finished reading this book, I couldn't believe how well the authors had identified the barriers, in organizations and in individuals, that prevent employees from achieving maximum performance. Too often as line managers, we establish expectations for employees, without knowing if the expectations can be achieved in our current environment, and if the employee has the skill and knowledge to make it happen. This book blew me away with its insight and suggestions for partnering with employees to "Go for the Win!" A must read for managers!!!

I loved this book. I must confess that far too many times I've jumped the gun and implemented solutions when I wasn't really clear on the root cause. The authors give some great tips on how to ask "High Yield" questions that uncover both the root cause and alternative solutions. I read this book on Sunday morning and was applying the concepts on Monday when the week's problems started piling up. Now I'm sharing the book with my team and other department heads. I believe this book is going to change the way we look at performance issues and problems.