Comments on: How to Handle Business Book Narcissism

By: Glen Taylor

Glen Taylor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:48:20 +0000

It is important for leaders to filter the idiosyncrasies of people with whom they surround themselves from the ideas that those individuals bring to the table, authors being no different. If you exile the odd, weird, socially inept, egotistical, or downright rude out-of-hand you may very well miss out on learning something of great importance. One of our greatest leaders left that lesson for us in the treatment of his staff of generals and later with his ministers. Nathanial Greene, arguably one of his most skillful generals, was a very odd duck. Greene once shocked Abigail Adams by insisting that she shake the hand of his dog at his headquarters that he had called ‘Hobgoblin Hall’. Washington could have dismissed him as a nut but he didn’t and he found a way to work with him and his oddities of personality. Later, Washington had to deal with a number of blowhards in his administration including Hamilton, Adams, and Jefferson. Three egomaniacs of the ultra-variety yet he found ways to make the best of their services. This brand of judgment skill is what Noel Tichy describes in the book Judgment as a critical domain in the process of making great calls. I like to think that these lessons are applicable to the authors I read. They might be egomaniacs or boorish but if I can extract a few brilliant ideas from them I’ll dismiss their personal flaws.

By: Ves

Ves — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:20:33 +0000

Interesting post!

The author has probably fulfilled his ego during the production of the book which is why it often sounds like vanity!
Rather than getting too absorbed in how the author feels it is important to step back and remember why we are reading the book in the first place. Something obviously attracted us to it so if the info sucks, ditch the book.

http://www.trainerpack.com/blog

By: Bibhu

Bibhu — Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:07:47 +0000

That as really great post about not judging the authors by their book.But do we really need to look beyond the good contents and explore what the author’s personality is like.I have never felt that need and urge to do.

By: Amar Mangat

Amar Mangat — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:59:46 +0000

Great post!! I agree with the above comment posted by David. You just have to sift through the dirt and grasp all the useful information, same way we do with all those egoistic people in our lives!!

By: David Jarvi

David Jarvi — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:49:30 +0000

This is true, not only with books but in all areas of life (with people,etc..)

“Everyman (or book) is your superior in some way”
“The true test of a first rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in your mind”

When Prospecting (for clients, truth, ideas,etc..) you often have to sift through a lot of dirt to find those nuggets that make it all worthwhile

By: Eric S. Mueller

Eric S. Mueller — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 18:46:35 +0000

Great post, Josh. I tend to have less trouble with an author’s inflated ego than I do with books full of mindless fluff. I tend to avoid the inspirational market for that reason. I can tolerate an author’s ego as long as he or she writes about useful information. I’ve always tried to live by the motto “eat the meat and spit out the bones”.