There's always room for one more self-help book on the shelf. The idea is if one book doesn't help, perhaps another will. But there's only so much that can be said, or written. Often it may not be the information that is different, but the method to reach the reader.
Goal and Sub Goal Settings
Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More by Stever Robbins does not really say anything new. All the goal setting, sub goal setting (breaking any goal into manageable steps) he writes about has been said before. The difference is he creates flow charts and maps to help the reader organize these goals/sub goals. While not unique, it's also not a usual method provided for readers.
If the first two chapters are any indication (the promoter asked Suite to review based on the two downloadable chapters available at the site), other than the mapping, there's no new information or a new way to approach the same problems.
9 Steps to Work Less and Do More
No secret to the nine steps - the steps and a bit of information about each is provided on the website. . The nine steps are:
- Step 1: Live and work on purpose (note that in the book this is simply called "Live on purpose")
- Step 2: Stop procrastinating
- Step 3: Conquer your technology
- Step 4: Cultivate focus
- Step 5: Stay organized
- Step 6: Don't waste time
- Step 7: Optimize!
- Step 8: Build stronger relationships.
- Step 9: Leverage!
The introduction is included with the first chapter download, and of course it comes with the proverbial warning to be careful – being too productive can be hazardous; implying that being productive is only with work. That somehow the reader will allow others/self find more work to fill the gap (um, isn't that what's supposed to happen at work? Finish one project and work on another – concurrent with what else is going on?) That the reader will again lapse into being frantic and overworked.
Mr. Robbins takes a long time to point out the word "no" does exist – it can be said to others or to self; that being productive means you can say no to further/other commitments. (Actually, ensuring commitments don't outweigh time for completion is a standard in most self-help guides; perhaps this bit of information is in one of the other chapters).
Support and Resources at Website Really Do Help to Work Less
Again, if the first two chapters are any indication, each chapter ends with a summary or recap. The writing is somewhat distracted and loaded with rambling stories. The stories finally do pertain to the point of the chapter, but take a very long and winding road, and often go down misleading paths. The style can also be considered condescending at times, and at other times the feeling is the target audience is meant for those without any decision skills or planning abilities.
It's the support of the website where this entry makes any bonus points. The site is filled with resources and "episodes" – back articles on how to get things done such as email macros, organization tips (check out bundle of joy for a quick smile but it really works! from the resource section). There are downloadable PDF's and lots of community support as well.
It is worth checking out Stever Robbins' website for the resource factors alone.
Reference:
Robbins, Stever. Get-It-Done Guy's 9 Steps to Work Less and Do More. New York, NY USA: St. Martin’s Press, 2010.
Paym Bergson - Paym Bergson - freelance entrepreneur & career coach with extensive experience working in the educational/professional development ...
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