What do you think?
Rate this book
Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company
An MBA in 180 pages, Seeing the Big Picture simplifies the complexities of businesses large and small and shows you how a deep understanding of your company can help build the credibility and career you want. And it can make your work more fulfilling and purpose-driven by highlighting how you influence the success of your team, department, or organization.
All companies are driven to success or failure by the same five simple drivers: cash, profit, assets, growth, and people. Kevin Cope, founder of Acumen Learning, will help you appreciate how your day-to-day decisions can balance these drivers and contribute to the big picture of your organization’s success. You’ll discover the acumen you need to bring real value and passion to your work.
Whether you’re on the manufacturing floor or sitting in the corner office, you can learn how to follow the drivers through to measurable results—conquering your fear of numbers. Using Kevin’s simple explanations of the most important metrics presented in the income statement, the balance sheet, and the statement of cash flows, you’ll be able to quickly review financial reports for signs of success or impending doom.
Convincingly communicate your ideas to leaders, improve your team’s performance, even launch a successful business of your own. No matter your goal, give yourself the foundational knowledge every businessperson needs, and discover new strategies for proving your value.
All companies are driven to success or failure by the same five simple drivers: cash, profit, assets, growth, and people. Kevin Cope, founder of Acumen Learning, will help you appreciate how your day-to-day decisions can balance these drivers and contribute to the big picture of your organization’s success. You’ll discover the acumen you need to bring real value and passion to your work.
Whether you’re on the manufacturing floor or sitting in the corner office, you can learn how to follow the drivers through to measurable results—conquering your fear of numbers. Using Kevin’s simple explanations of the most important metrics presented in the income statement, the balance sheet, and the statement of cash flows, you’ll be able to quickly review financial reports for signs of success or impending doom.
Convincingly communicate your ideas to leaders, improve your team’s performance, even launch a successful business of your own. No matter your goal, give yourself the foundational knowledge every businessperson needs, and discover new strategies for proving your value.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2012
136 people are currently reading
955 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 15, 2018
Through my work I was able to attend a one day training class on “business acuity” led by Kevin Cope’s company, and was provided a copy of his book “Seeing the Big Picture”. The book covers the same ground as the class (and it was a class I was engaged in because it was taught well), so it was a bit of a recent review for me. And as someone who had gotten their MBA a few decades back, I found this to be a highly simplified look at a company’s financial statements. I’d say that this book summarizes and simplifies (and sometimes oversimplifies) major parts of a first level accounting class. Cope does a good job with what can be dry material by including a number of real world examples. One example threw me, though – while almost all examples were of large companies you have heard of, one was of a farmer that grew too fast. This one example made me wonder if the author just pulled these out of some internet searches instead of having a personal connection to the company being discussed, since the information sounded like a repurposed and summarized magazine article, and I couldn’t figure out why he picked that example when there were thousands of examples of companies you’ve heard of. The author also tells the story of a fictional, growing bicycle retailer throughout the book, using annual financial reports for the company to illustrate the parts of the report that he is writing about. This worked well. Overall, I was not the market for this book, but I thought it was well done and could be useful as an introduction for a non-finance major who needs to understand financial statements and how the money side of their own company works. In general.
July 2, 2013
If you've attended the "Building Business Acumen" class that Acumen Learning puts on, you'll notice that this book mirrors the course very closely. We put over 125 sales people through the class this year, and many said that the book was a great primer or refresher (depending if they read it before or after the class) and that they planned to refer to it over their careers.
For those who haven't taken the class, this book is a good introduction to finance. (They call the class "an MBA in a day" and this book is the class in 150 pages.)
If you're already very familiar with financial statements and finance terminology, this book may not be beneficial to you. But hey, everyone can use a refresher from time to time, right?
For those who haven't taken the class, this book is a good introduction to finance. (They call the class "an MBA in a day" and this book is the class in 150 pages.)
If you're already very familiar with financial statements and finance terminology, this book may not be beneficial to you. But hey, everyone can use a refresher from time to time, right?
January 21, 2020
Read this book for my Strategy and Analytics doctoral program course. It’s an excellent primer for any beginner on business acumen and organizational financials. I found it to be easy to read, practical, and will be a book I keep within reaching distance! There is a running case study throughout the book - about Austin’s Bike Shop - that really helps apply the concepts of the book as it progresses. Finally, there are additional resources and downloadable materials on the author’s website if you like a takeaway (which I do!).
September 4, 2022
This book is fantastic for anyone who has looked at financial statements and had few questions! Great for small business owners and Entrepreneurs!!
March 1, 2018
This book is worthless to a CPA MBA working in a Fortune 50 company. I knew that a few pages in. But I decided to continue to read from the perspective of - what are professionals teaching or offering to the average person in regards to business acumen. So, although I learned absolutely nothing, I do appreciate Kevin's level of detail and his insights as they are presented to the business ignorant. I would recommend this book to someone entrepreneurial who knows nothing whatsoever about business, or someone looking to become an informed investor, or someone who just wants to have conversations with the business golf buddies.
February 25, 2024
In this short book, Kevin Cope provides a no-nonsense overview of the key ideas that drive business performance, what an individual at any level can do to understand it clearly, and what they can do to add value and help improve it.
The main premise the author puts forth is that business performance is influenced by 5 key drivers: people, profit, growth, assets, and cash. Insight into these can be derived from reading the 3 key financial statements: cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet. Knowing how to navigate these helps to develop the skill of "business acumen", the insight into how a business operates and how it sustains profitable growth.
I think the author does a good job of providing a quick examination of these for those who might already be familiar with business-related topics. It might be too fast for those fairly new to the business, though!
A few notable quotes that stayed with me:
- "If, through your questions, ideas, comments, analysis, proposals, and performance, you exhibit business acumen, you will be seen as a more valuable contributor. You will demonstrate your worth to the company, and other people will notice. And that, in a nutshell, is the path to success in almost any career."
- "A primary purpose of any business is to produce a return on the investment of its stockholders (owners or shareholders). And cash is just like any other asset: it should be used to produce a return. Consequently, two of the most important roles that business leaders play are (1) determining how best to generate cash and (2) deciding how to use it wisely and efficiently to generate even more cash flow in the future."
- "You don’t need to understand most of the line items on the financial statements to understand the statements’ basic message. You just need to know which primary switches turn on the right financial lights—revealing the truth of a company’s financial health."
The main premise the author puts forth is that business performance is influenced by 5 key drivers: people, profit, growth, assets, and cash. Insight into these can be derived from reading the 3 key financial statements: cash flow statement, income statement, and balance sheet. Knowing how to navigate these helps to develop the skill of "business acumen", the insight into how a business operates and how it sustains profitable growth.
I think the author does a good job of providing a quick examination of these for those who might already be familiar with business-related topics. It might be too fast for those fairly new to the business, though!
A few notable quotes that stayed with me:
- "If, through your questions, ideas, comments, analysis, proposals, and performance, you exhibit business acumen, you will be seen as a more valuable contributor. You will demonstrate your worth to the company, and other people will notice. And that, in a nutshell, is the path to success in almost any career."
- "A primary purpose of any business is to produce a return on the investment of its stockholders (owners or shareholders). And cash is just like any other asset: it should be used to produce a return. Consequently, two of the most important roles that business leaders play are (1) determining how best to generate cash and (2) deciding how to use it wisely and efficiently to generate even more cash flow in the future."
- "You don’t need to understand most of the line items on the financial statements to understand the statements’ basic message. You just need to know which primary switches turn on the right financial lights—revealing the truth of a company’s financial health."
November 7, 2024
TL;DR
MBA in a day.
SUMMARY
"Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company" by Kevin Cope focuses on helping readers understand the fundamental drivers of business success. Here are the main points:
1. Five Key Drivers: The book identifies five essential drivers that determine a company's success: cash, profit, assets, growth, and people. Understanding these drivers helps individuals see how their actions impact the overall business.
2. Business Acumen: Cope emphasizes the importance of business acumen, which involves understanding how different parts of a business work together to create value. This knowledge can enhance one's credibility and career prospects.
3. Decision Making: The book provides insights into making informed decisions that align with the company's goals and contribute to its success.
4. Communication: Effective communication of ideas and understanding of financial statements are highlighted as crucial skills for advancing in one's career.
5. Practical Examples: Cope uses real-world examples from Fortune 500 companies to illustrate how these principles are applied in successful organizations.
For details, visit: https://www.seeingthebigpicture.com/book
REVIEW
I applied to work for this group. I love their product. This really is a fabulous framework for understand business drivers. I recommend this book to any business major.
MBA in a day.
SUMMARY
"Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company" by Kevin Cope focuses on helping readers understand the fundamental drivers of business success. Here are the main points:
1. Five Key Drivers: The book identifies five essential drivers that determine a company's success: cash, profit, assets, growth, and people. Understanding these drivers helps individuals see how their actions impact the overall business.
2. Business Acumen: Cope emphasizes the importance of business acumen, which involves understanding how different parts of a business work together to create value. This knowledge can enhance one's credibility and career prospects.
3. Decision Making: The book provides insights into making informed decisions that align with the company's goals and contribute to its success.
4. Communication: Effective communication of ideas and understanding of financial statements are highlighted as crucial skills for advancing in one's career.
5. Practical Examples: Cope uses real-world examples from Fortune 500 companies to illustrate how these principles are applied in successful organizations.
For details, visit: https://www.seeingthebigpicture.com/book
REVIEW
I applied to work for this group. I love their product. This really is a fabulous framework for understand business drivers. I recommend this book to any business major.
August 24, 2018
I gave this book three stars because while I think the information presented was decent, I feel that it was a little misleading in the description of the book. And I’m not sure I agree 100% with the overall message.
The book spends most of the time talking about the basics of financial statements and focuses a lot on that being “the way” to really understand the business and “get ahead” in your job. Having a background in finances, I found myself skimming and not really reading the second half of the book. It was all stuff I knew and wasn’t learning anything. I probably wouldn’t have read it had I know. Exactly what the main focus of the book was.
Also, from my perspective, there is a lot more to “seeing the big picture” than just financial to understand how the company runs and how to get ahead in your job.
But, the information presented is good to know and can be helpful.
The book spends most of the time talking about the basics of financial statements and focuses a lot on that being “the way” to really understand the business and “get ahead” in your job. Having a background in finances, I found myself skimming and not really reading the second half of the book. It was all stuff I knew and wasn’t learning anything. I probably wouldn’t have read it had I know. Exactly what the main focus of the book was.
Also, from my perspective, there is a lot more to “seeing the big picture” than just financial to understand how the company runs and how to get ahead in your job.
But, the information presented is good to know and can be helpful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2019
ใช้เวลาในการอ่านและการทำความเข้าใจเนื้อหาพอสมควร เนื่องจากทำงานในสายสาธารณสุข ที่ไม่ได้ยุ่งเกี่ยวกับการเงินและการบริหารจัดการเท่าไรนัก แต่ทางผู้เขียนได้อธิบาย พร้อมยกตัวอย่างประกอบ (กิจการร้านจักรยานของออสติน) ทำให้สามารถติดตามและทำความเข้าใจได้ง่ายขึ้น
เนื้อหาได้พูดถึงการพัฒนาเชาวน์ปัญญาทางธุรกิจ โดยทำความเข้าใจผ่านหลักสำคัญ 5 ประการ และการอ่านงบการเงินในช่วงท้าย
ขอแนะนำว่าหากคุณไม่มีความรู้เกี่ยวกับการอ่านงบการเงินมาก่อน ให้อ่านหนังสือแปลญี่ปุ่น "การอ่านงบการเงินด้วยปากกาสามสี" ก่อน จะทำให้เข้าใจรายละเอียดของหนังสือเล่มนี้ได้ง่ายขึ้นเยอะเลยครับ
เนื้อหาได้พูดถึงการพัฒนาเชาวน์ปัญญาทางธุรกิจ โดยทำความเข้าใจผ่านหลักสำคัญ 5 ประการ และการอ่านงบการเงินในช่วงท้าย
ขอแนะนำว่าหากคุณไม่มีความรู้เกี่ยวกับการอ่านงบการเงินมาก่อน ให้อ่านหนังสือแปลญี่ปุ่น "การอ่านงบการเงินด้วยปากกาสามสี" ก่อน จะทำให้เข้าใจรายละเอียดของหนังสือเล่มนี้ได้ง่ายขึ้นเยอะเลยครับ
August 21, 2019
4.5 stars, rounding up. My company picked this for our quarterly book club, and to me it's the best book they've picked yet! Kevin Cope breaks down the "5 key drivers" important to making businesses succeed. It's simplified enough to be accessible, but meaty enough to wrestle with the concepts. I learned a ton from this book and was really engaged throughout because of Cope's excellent examples. It takes skill to make financial statements interesting - Cope does it. Overall just extremely well done.
March 21, 2020
The Good
This is a wonderful book for people who are new to financial statements and business in general. The ideas are clearly written well-thought-out and digestible--even for a professional, this book is great as a some-sort of refreshment. This is really a good "Understand the basics of business" book and for those who want to improve their business acumen!
The Bad
It's just that the book only elaborates on a small number of external factors a company face.
This is a wonderful book for people who are new to financial statements and business in general. The ideas are clearly written well-thought-out and digestible--even for a professional, this book is great as a some-sort of refreshment. This is really a good "Understand the basics of business" book and for those who want to improve their business acumen!
The Bad
It's just that the book only elaborates on a small number of external factors a company face.
June 13, 2020
Elegant, concise overview of how to run a successful business
This book explains concepts that can be confusing for some, in a clear and concise manner. If you are a leader trying to help your employees to understand these concepts, it’s a great tool. If you are an employee seeking to be more valuable in your position, it’s a great tool. A valuable reference book for all who are working in or running a business.
This book explains concepts that can be confusing for some, in a clear and concise manner. If you are a leader trying to help your employees to understand these concepts, it’s a great tool. If you are an employee seeking to be more valuable in your position, it’s a great tool. A valuable reference book for all who are working in or running a business.
January 26, 2025
Business books have a danger of sounding preachy and oversimplified to the point that I don’t see myself executing on what they’re suggesting. Not this book.
Cope does a great job (repeatedly) explaining key points of how to speak business in an approachable way. I appreciated his use of examples that really help nail down each chapter’s point.
This is a must read for those who are looking for ways to effectively convey your value at work so you are appreciated and listened to.
Cope does a great job (repeatedly) explaining key points of how to speak business in an approachable way. I appreciated his use of examples that really help nail down each chapter’s point.
This is a must read for those who are looking for ways to effectively convey your value at work so you are appreciated and listened to.
June 5, 2019
It’s rare that I think so highly of a business book, but I found this to be the perfect balance of clear and concise writing with layers of more in-depth analysis. I can see myself picking this up for specific chapters when I am focusing on one of the 5 key drivers of business or a company’s financial report(s).
August 13, 2020
Business simplified
I've read a few "finance for non finance" books, and this one beats them all!
Rather than teaching non-finance folks statements like the P&L or the Balance sheet, it focuses on helping people understand the different key elements of business and how they're tied to one another and how they influence (and get influenced by) daily decisions.
A must read
I've read a few "finance for non finance" books, and this one beats them all!
Rather than teaching non-finance folks statements like the P&L or the Balance sheet, it focuses on helping people understand the different key elements of business and how they're tied to one another and how they influence (and get influenced by) daily decisions.
A must read
April 25, 2025
Some bits of this were useful, like the section that goes through income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows and explains what each line on those statements mean. Useful to understand the variety of metrics that businesses use to measure their financial health. Most of the insights in this book are common sense, but they are put in a simple and easy to understand way.
October 29, 2017
I really didn't know anything before starting this book, so I learned a lot. As far as the writing, it was pretty dry. Not a lot of inspiring or thoughtful quotes, all pretty surface level slag. It was short though and easy to finish.
September 17, 2020
A summary of my three years in business school. The only reason I don’t give 5 stars is because I didn’t learn anything new.
However it was refreshing.
Highly recommend this for people wanting to do an MBA
However it was refreshing.
Highly recommend this for people wanting to do an MBA
May 25, 2021
It was a great book for individuals wanting to learn how to analyze a company's performance based largely on financial statements. I had the pleasure of reading through the book during a course taught by the author's brother, which also made it interesting.
October 31, 2021
Great book for people new to business and or accounting. The book explains how a business accounts for it’s finances in easy to understand manner. Even with many years of experience as a CFO ,the book brings the basics back to mind.
November 20, 2021
Good book for what it is an intro to financial statements. For managers with no prior accounting exposure this is a good overview. As someone who teaches this to managers it covers most of the big ideas.
May 8, 2022
FINALLY A BOOK THAT GENUINELY DEALS WITH BUSINESS ACUMEN!!!
I have been trying to find such a book that tackles this topic for a long time. Mr. Cope manages to do so in such a clear, practical and meaningful way.
I will definitely be using the knowledge gained here in my own business and career.
I have been trying to find such a book that tackles this topic for a long time. Mr. Cope manages to do so in such a clear, practical and meaningful way.
I will definitely be using the knowledge gained here in my own business and career.
August 30, 2023
This was an excellent jumping off point into the world of business, exactly what I needed to start understanding the corporate world! I've already bought more business books because of this one, and I recommend all entry level employees to pick it up.
May 18, 2024
I felt this book was very helpful. Broke up financial statements and important aspects to note into 5 min essentials and a little bit of a deeper dive. Will definitely need to read / reference this book as I try to learn more about reading financial statements.
January 24, 2025
Took to long to read this. Struggled to get through the 5 drivers although they were important and true (of course). Last 3 chapters are v good and worth the read as a refresher on the financials and how they interconnect. Decent read.
February 18, 2018
Great foundation reading.
June 10, 2018
3 stars if you’re a CPA, a lot will seem remedial.
4 stars if you are not an accountant.
4 stars if you are not an accountant.
December 19, 2018
Vraiment top pour se remettre en tête (ou apprendre de zéro) les bases de compta et finance. Synthétique, clair et pragmatique (bien qu'axé sur un environnement business américain uniquement)
January 19, 2020
Broke down fundamentals of business very well
March 30, 2020
Only read this because I received a copy at work - not impressed. Maybe if you have never seen these concepts it is noteworthy, otherwise pretty basic and nothing new of note from the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews