I listened to the tape set, and found the ideas solid and beleivable. I do not have a long business life, but from my experience everything was right on. I found the frequent discussion of known wrong approaches very interesting, especially since I have seen so many people live them.

I will buy the book as a reference piece because the tapes were that good.

Dr. Belasco has a way of writing the sometimes hard to hear truth about our organizations. He marries practicality and reality with utopian dreams. Somehow, when we are done reading his works, we believe we we can reach utopia.

James A. Belasco and Jerre Stead use the metaphor of the mythological phoenix to underline the need for a leader to embrace change. They suggest using the phoenix to create a new vision for yourself and your company. Their "phoenix principles" include personal renewal, recognizing your connection with others and promoting their successes, committing to learning and to taking "ownership" of your life and your company. While the book is easy-to-read, and uses a nifty new metaphor, the ideas are a familiar restatement of Principles of Marketing, Management, and Organizational Behavior 101. We [...] recommend this book to those who haven't taken the basic course lately, or to those whose spirit needs a little old-style renewal dressed in fancy feathers. If you have employees whose focus is flagging, give them a flight on the phoenix.