The sort of pop-business book that I like, if nothing else to learn more jargon! (picked up second-hand in Criccieth on a family visit)

(05/03/11) Despite Shapiro's warning (maybe a slight self-deprecation?), I did read this, almost cover-to-cover. And in my geekiness I really enjoyed it! Its over 10 years old now, a lifetime in IT and you would think also in the corporate culture that EP is probing and gently mocking? But no, it all seems quite fresh, although of course some of the example studies and war stories need updating, and most of the 'bizbuz' phrases, movements, cure-alls, panaceas and general tosh are still recognisable; re-engineering, Customer value, TQM, mission statement etc. etc.

Shapiro wins a prize for her common sense, and I think an honest belief in good and proper ways of going about things, not as cynical as one could be from the coal-face. I also loved the liberal use of quotes (a couple below), and Greek myths to aid understanding.

From the dictionary in the back, Fad Surfing, 'The practice of riding the crest of the latest management panacea and then paddling out again just in time to ride the next one..."

"A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices"

"Thinking is probably the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it"

"But this long run is a misleading guide to current affairs. In the long run we are all dead"

(this is going into my permanent collection to nestle alongside all my Charles Handy's :)

I seem to have acquired two copies of this, so this is going back out into the world to share :)

Welcome to bookcrossing!

A new idea for me, the good people at Benjamin Foundation seemed happy to accept labelled books. At 10p each or £1 for a bag why wouldn't you support this good cause and Bookcrossing as well :)