The Excellence Dividend – Tom Peters
The author’s points and principles are correct. I do agree with them. But the writing style is horrible! It’s poorly constructed and has a disjointed writing style. I picked up this book agreeing with the title and the concept. I hoped to come away from it motivated and inspired. But I struggled to even finish it, and was even skimming parts!
I don’t mind the quotes. I do like some quotes, but when they have no context and heaps of them, what’s the point? It was also written a lot in bold and caps which irritated me. And let’s talk about the length! This book is a heavyweight, but what did I get out of it? Not much. It did re-confirm the things I know and believe in. But it didn’t have anything new and interesting, and definitely not inspiring. Overall, I’m disappointed. Those seeking a more impactful and engaging exploration of similar themes are advised to explore alternative titles that better deliver on the promise of motivation, inspiration, and fresh insights. 2 stars.
How Women Rise: Break the 12 Habits Holding You Back from Your Next Raise, Promotion, or Job – Sally Helgesen and Marshall Goldsmith
I am a supporter of feminism, particularly in the realms of careers and in the workplace. I appreciated that this book acknowledged the existing disparities in these areas and aimed to tackle them. However, while I fully embrace feminist principles, I found this book to be overwhelmingly focused on feminism to the point of excess. While I acknowledge some valid points made by the authors, the book often resorts to comparing males and females and implies that women must conform to societal expectations rather than advocating for societal change. It feels patronizing and relies heavily on broad stereotypes.
The book repeatedly suggests that women must adapt to fit into traditional leadership roles rather than challenging societal perceptions of success or women’s roles. Also the portrayal of the corporate world as a rigid hierarchy with only upward mobility options doesn’t resonate with my experiences. I disagree with the book’s insistence that women must emulate men to succeed in this environment. The writing style, with constant references to the authors and their previous works is off-putting. While I grasped the authors’ points, they were poorly articulated and lacked clarity. The book also took too long to delve into its content, and while some anecdotes were relatable, others felt contrived. Ultimately, the book perpetuates the notion that women can only advance by conforming to male standards, which I find condescending and patronizing. I rate it 2 stars.
