8 December 2011 | Robyn Wright
Becky
Sheetz-Runkle
Adams Media
£9.99
★★★★
This book is a motivational self help guide, using the The Art of War, written in 500BC as a moral code and instruction for life. Each chapter picks one topic, for example: ‘Focus’ or ‘Conquering fear, giving ancient guidance, followed by modern descriptions and examples of business women who have gained, or failed to gain, ‘battlefield advantage’. Each chapter ends with a useful three bulleted checklist.
It is well written, neat and simple prose, with interesting examples, but there are a couple of flaws. First, it seems too broad: is this for those needing market strategies to run a business, or those who need more personal tips? Second, the analogies were stretching. For example, is speedy action really all about conflict, where someone wins?
Perhaps to the impressively belted martial arts expert who authored the book, and gives us examples from her fighting experience throughout, everything in business is a skirmish. So ladies, if you do feel beleaguered, this will help you to define your problem as a war and help you to ready your battle strategies.
☛ Robyn Wright FCIPS, principal AT Kearney
