The Genius Machine — The Eleven Steps that Turn Raw Ideas into Brilliance
by Gerald Sindell
A few years ago a number of my clients asked that I capture my process, as someone called it, ‘That thing you do.’ This is the result of that effort and it may be useful to you whether we work together or not.
Many thanks, Gerald, for a great masterpiece!
To conclude my review, I reckon the real gem in the book lies, in addition to the methodology, in the thoughtfully-crafted ‘The Endleofon Questions’ which the author has dutifully assembled at the end of the book, as well as also those probing ones already interspersed within all the chapters.
As I see it,’The Endleofon Process’ as embodied in the book is a disciplined, systematic thinking-through methodology.
With it, I am convinced that any one, through diligent application, can get to enhance his or her thinking by deliberating purposefully – via a meaningful series of provocative questions at each stage – on an issue or a project, all the way to its productive outcome.
I reckon ‘Genius by Design’ – which implies hard work, as thinking is essentially hard work (I fully concur with Henry Ford) – would have been a much more appropriate title for your book!
Nevertheless, your wonderful book has made my day!
The epiphany I needed!
I am in the middle of trying to move an organization of very smart and committed people, my partners and employees, forward in a direction that is new for all of us. However, I had not been able to truly identify why we were stuck and what to do about it. Then, in reading The Genius Machine, I experienced an epiphany. I had missed the mark – missed the opportunity to more clearly define/touch/communicate my identify and, in turn, our collective identity. In addition, our process lacked the structure – the simple, elegant structure we needed. Based on the book, I wrote a letter to my team and proffered a new way of looking at the product/program we have been developing over the past year.
The response has been quite extraordinary. Using Gerald Sindell’s 11 steps, we redesigned our product, simplified our core program and restructured our launch. While it would take too much space to go into details, I want to stress that we are a professional consulting organization that assists clients in new product and service innovations all the time. We have tried a lot of different methodologies and tested different systems – but the beauty of this process is its simplicity – and the way it is clearly articulated. I can recommend this book to all of my clients around the country with confidence that it can not only be easily understood, but also, practically implemented.
Exceptional view of thinking strategically
I found the book leading my thoughts through both successes and failures of past ideas and concepts. Once I finished reading it I have, once again, began to think more precisely about the endleofone concept of thinking in everyday tasks.
I recommend it to anyone that needs a break from everyday concepts and a refresher on how to think more focused!
Very pragmatic approach to turning creative thought into actionable strategies
Now on my third copy… I keep giving it away to people who are looking for a system to tap into their creativity.
Identity is Destiny — Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation
by Laurence Ackerman
This bedrock book reveals how people and organizations can adapt successfully to the fast-paced marketplace when decisions are based on Ackerman’s profound revelations about identity. The author’s “Laws of Identity” have now become part of the lexicon, and those that understand them will put themselves on the path to becoming fully actualized.
The Identity Code — The 8 Essential Questions for Finding Your Purpose and Place in the World
by Laurence Ackerman
In this life-transforming book, Larry Ackerman shows you how to crack your identity code. Ackerman reveals the Eight Essential Questions inherent in the Laws of Identity, and as you answer these questions, your identity will gradually become clear. It will become the foundation from which you’ll make truly meaningful decisions about what is right for you.
How to Become CEO — The Rules for Rising to the Top of Any Organization
by Jeffrey Fox
The essential guide for anyone who wants to become president or CEO of a corporation, buy a business, start a business, or have a long and fruitful career in a large corporation. How to Become CEO tells the truth about what really counts and what is a waste of time. By the founder of a marketing consulting firm and an MBA graduate of Harvard Business School, follow Fox’s 75 “rules” and you will get where you want to go.
How to Become a Rainmaker — The Rules for Getting and Keeping Customers and Clients
by Jeffrey Fox
This has become every sales and marketing person’s favorite airplane read. Hard-hitting yet commonsense, Fox’s wisdom transforms the selling of anything and everything — selling widgets, promoting intangible services, or selling yourself. Every one of the author’s 50 two-page to four-page chapters contains just one nugget of information, building on the preceding section, arming you one drop at a time.
On Writing Well — An Informal Guide to Writing Nonfiction
by William Zinsser
Zinsser is a legend for the thousands he has taught through his book and the thousands he has coached directly. Making the world a better place begins with a single well thought-through sentence. Followed by another. Here’s how it’s done.
The Elements of Style
by Strunk and White
I could save you a few bucks and give away the secret, but you’ll still get a lot out of it. Okay, spoiler aside, the secret of great style is no style.