The Better Way To Win: Connecting Not Competing For Success

by Linda Seger

The Better Way to Win is about the movement from linear, competitive thinking to a new way of thinking, which Seger calls “Web thinking” based on the dual images of the spider web and the World Wide Web. In this provocative book, Seger shows that Web thinking is not only more humane but also more effective and more likely to bring lasting success.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2002

About the author

Dr. Linda Seger has a Th.D. in Drama and Theology, and created her script consulting business based on her dissertation project about the elements needed to make a script work. She explored the integration of Drama and Spirituality during her five years in seminary. She holds three M.A. degrees: Drama from Northwestern University, Religion and the Arts from Pacific School of Religion, and Feminist Theology from Immaculate Heart College Center.
She has a broad religious background. She grew up Lutheran and did several years of spiritual seeking in her 20s. She became a Born-Again Christian and then joined the Quakers (Society of Friends) and is a member of The Colorado Springs Friends Meeting. Throughout the years, she has meditated at a Zen Buddhist center, attended New Age conferences, has done the spiritual exercises of Saint Ignacious, and has read and taken classes in the religions of the world.
Dr. Seger's thoughts about how spirituality influences her work:

“Many readers are surprised and even confused when they see I’m the most prolific writer in the area of screenwriting, an international screenwriting consultant and a screenwriting teacher. Yet, I also do theology/spiritual books. Some of this comes from having an M.A. In Drama, 2 M.A.s in theology and a ThD in Theology and Drama. They seem to be separate, but they are actually integrated.

Drama shines a light on the human condition. It explores the conflicts, struggles, doubts, uncertainties, and possibilities for transformation and redemption. Even secular drama deals with hope and goodness and the struggle for authenticity and love.

When I consult on scripts, I am trying to help the writer reach deeper into the truth about who we are as humans and what are our possibilities. When I write books on spirituality, I am doing the same thing – digging deeply into our experiences and struggles, and then shining the light of Scripture and theology on making some sense out of what we see and feel. I am trying to get at The Truth and to dig deep into our experiences. So, I never look for easy answers, and I don’t try to pigeonhole either our stories or our spirituality.”

Reviews

[Nana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Web thinking is a combination of thought concepts. Dr. Seger begins the description of web thinking with the straight line, spiraling, the circle, and finally the web where all facets of thought are brought together into the relatable component of the World Wide Web as we know it.

The descriptions of each thought process are well presented and understandable. Personally, never having been involved in business, and the growing power of women and business, I can't relate to that aspect of the web. I can only relate through interpersonal relationships in my life. That being said, I found it difficult to become engrossed in reading the book, as I felt it wasn't pertinent to my personal life.

Dr. Seger is very highly educated and well versed in her writing. I admire her knowledge and concepts that show the development of web thinking. If you're a woman involved in the business world I think you may find this a helpful asset in your life.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book as a gift from The Book Club Network (Book Fun). All expressed opinions in this review are my own, and no compensation or expectations were related to this review.

[Cindy Monical · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, easy to read book by top author.
Available on Listia and Amazon. Under rated.

[Joan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Is it best to be an individualist, competing for that prize we think we have to have? Seger argues that it is rather through our relationships that we find true success.

She presents a new way of thinking, concentrating on our connectedness. She helps readers understand the process of transitioning to web thinking, suggesting we develop new imagery and visualize connecting rather than competing.

This book could be used for renewing reasons for teamwork models and skills. She has included discussion questions at the end of each chapter for group use. The book could also be used on an individual level for personal development. Seger tells of her own spiral downward into depression and how it took her web thinking to find the resources to get out of it.

While Seger writes quit a bit about the spiritual aspect of web thinking, she has a religiously inclusive view. This is something evangelical Christians may find difficult.

This book was written nearly fifteen years ago. Seger's examples and references to people and issues are evidence of its 2002 publication date.

Food for thought: “...we are all surrounded by people who can help us mature into better human beings.” (95)

I received a complimentary copy of this book through The Book Club Network. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I work alone in my job for the majority of the time so I didn’t expect to get much out of this book. Fortunately, the concepts described in this book can be applied to almost every aspect of a person’s life so I found it to be interesting.

The author describes different ways of thinking and working together…the line, the circle, the spiral, and the web. This book promotes web thinking as it incorporates the other 3 concepts together. I had no idea that I thought in a linear fashion but this book really opened my eyes to that. It helped me to realize that it’s not healthy to look at those in positions of authority as “higher up” because it can make yourself feel lower and unimportant. I’ve always struggled a bit with talking to those in positions of authority as I get extremely nervous and afraid I will sound unintelligent…this book gave me concepts to help me overcome those feelings of inadequacy.

I also found the concepts of circular, spiral, and web thinking to be very interesting. Everything is described in a way that is very easy to understand.

Overall, this would be a great book for people who struggle in their work environment or with interpersonal relationships.

My Rating: 3 and a half stars

I received this book from Bookfun in exchange for an honest review.

[Diane Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting book. I have never read a book like this before. Dr. Linda Seeger took the traditional hierarchical structure and transformed it into "Web Thinking". She has a chapter on the line, the circle, the spiral and the web. She shows how we are relational and this thinking helps us in every area of our lives, whether personal or business. I was very intrigued by this book. Dr. Linda Seeger writes in a very easy to read format. This little book is one that I will refer to often.

I highly recommend this book whether for personal or business use.

"I was given the book by Book Fun (The Book Club Network) and here is my honest review."