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a_b_lee33's review
4.0
To put it delicately, Joe’s story is cringe-worthy. Burg and Mann would have been better off condensing their 123-page book into a 35-page article and posting it on Medium. Joe didn’t need to drink 20 cups of coffee, sweat his quota, and have Pindar spell everything out for him, and in turn make readers feel like they don’t know their toes from their elbows. Without the narrative format Burg and Mann would have still been able to communicate the same information and they could have done it with more pointed examples.
However, I commend Burg and Mann for creating five laws that people can start to incorporate into their lives straight away. It is extremely feasible to incorporate these five laws into your life within the span of a week, use them to make decisions, and evaluate your ever day interactions. Overall, The Go-Giver’s message is worth internalizing because it shows us what happens when we consistently pay attention to little details, take stock in ourselves, and treat people with genuine attention and respect. In a me-centric age, The Go-Givechallenges us to think beyond our bubbles, and take more time to foster and maintain our relationships.
However, I commend Burg and Mann for creating five laws that people can start to incorporate into their lives straight away. It is extremely feasible to incorporate these five laws into your life within the span of a week, use them to make decisions, and evaluate your ever day interactions. Overall, The Go-Giver’s message is worth internalizing because it shows us what happens when we consistently pay attention to little details, take stock in ourselves, and treat people with genuine attention and respect. In a me-centric age, The Go-Givechallenges us to think beyond our bubbles, and take more time to foster and maintain our relationships.
wmartin's review
3.0
This book packs a serious punch. There are impactful truths from cover to cover, and it is chalked full of wisdom that has the power to produce a shift in mindset which can be applied to all aspects of life.
The only issue that I have with this book is its obsession with money and thus slightly contradictory nature. Yes, givers are most likely to experience true success in winning friends, making wise decisions and endearing themselves to those who will wish to fund them, promote them and trust them with their business. However, there are also givers in several industries who will never reap wealth from their selfless giving, like teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, etc.
I don't think that wealth accumulation is bad and in general, I agree with the idea that it can be gained with a little savvy, a lot of humility and an endless supply of grit, but I thoroughly reject the idea that wealth is the result of serving others and while Burg doesn't explicitly state this, he doesn't offer an alternative either.
The only issue that I have with this book is its obsession with money and thus slightly contradictory nature. Yes, givers are most likely to experience true success in winning friends, making wise decisions and endearing themselves to those who will wish to fund them, promote them and trust them with their business. However, there are also givers in several industries who will never reap wealth from their selfless giving, like teachers, nurses, firefighters, police officers, etc.
I don't think that wealth accumulation is bad and in general, I agree with the idea that it can be gained with a little savvy, a lot of humility and an endless supply of grit, but I thoroughly reject the idea that wealth is the result of serving others and while Burg doesn't explicitly state this, he doesn't offer an alternative either.
empathephant's review
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
I liked that this is structured as a fable. An endearing story with a good message that doesn't smak you over the head with business buzzwords.
thecozyarchivist's review
3.0
My friend lent me to book and it definitely gives a good insight into anyone interested in starting their own business or wanting to move up in a company. It's a different view of how you should present yourself and treat others in life. It's a very quick read so pick it up, you mind find it can even be helpful in your day to day life.
bibliophiles_united's review
5.0
Amazing book. It. Quick easy read that makes you think and can humble you. Greatly Enjoyed.
beckmank's review
2.0
I just had to read this today for work. It’s a “parable” to teach you the “Five Laws of Stratospheric Success.” Normally I have difficulty deciphering parables, but the authors are pretty clear with their lessons in the story.
I like most of the messages behind the five laws - provide more value than you receive in payment, put others needs before yours, the most valuable thing you can offer is yourself. But the heart of this book is using giving to be successful, which ultimately means to make more money in business. So I’m struggling with that concept. (The authors do use a chapter to show one of the laws being used in “life,” but really the book centers on business.) Another character said she struggled with that concept, too. So she just decided to change her belief system. (What?! You make money in a way that feels against your morals, so you change your morals?) Also the message “Being broke and being rich are both decisions” (direct quote from the book) doesn’t really sit well with me.
Anyway, I’m interested to hear what my coworkers got out of this book. I like the message of being a giver. Just some of the lessons didn’t jive with me.
I like most of the messages behind the five laws - provide more value than you receive in payment, put others needs before yours, the most valuable thing you can offer is yourself. But the heart of this book is using giving to be successful, which ultimately means to make more money in business. So I’m struggling with that concept. (The authors do use a chapter to show one of the laws being used in “life,” but really the book centers on business.) Another character said she struggled with that concept, too. So she just decided to change her belief system. (What?! You make money in a way that feels against your morals, so you change your morals?) Also the message “Being broke and being rich are both decisions” (direct quote from the book) doesn’t really sit well with me.
Anyway, I’m interested to hear what my coworkers got out of this book. I like the message of being a giver. Just some of the lessons didn’t jive with me.
kyleedonn's review
5.0
Really efficient read. Lots of value for such a quick read. Will be indoctrinating my children with this someday. :) Highly recommend to all!
Edit: I think it's important to remember this is a parable. The language and story is simple, but engaging enough that anyone can read and benefit from it.
Edit: I think it's important to remember this is a parable. The language and story is simple, but engaging enough that anyone can read and benefit from it.