When a tragic mountain-climbing accident left businessprofessor Denis Shackel alone and stranded, he turnedto the leadership principles he’d been teaching to survive thelongest night of his life. Since then, he has been helping students,executives and corporations use the proven “five secondsat a time” technique to achieve success in business and in life. In Five Seconds at a Time , Shackel explains • how to step back, slow down and manage more effectively • why tackling fewer projects at once and breaking down largerchallenges actually help you achieve better results sooner • that leading from the inside is what separates exceptionalleaders from mediocre ones • how you can foster and develop your intuition the way thebest leaders do
This book contained no originality, no great insight, but rather was filled with regurgitated concepts, childish drivel, over-used exclamation marks, and considerable preaching. There is no doubt that this man was faced with a tremendous horror, but the things he takes from it only seem to perpetuate his prior beliefs and further his business background of exploiting consumerism. The first chapter was remarkably hard hitting, but the rest felt like he was rewriting an old textbook, shamelessly referencing his experience or belief in God whenever possible.
I've read a number of leadership books, but never before have I read one that so accurately captures my own style of leadership. I could have written many sections of this book, so closely was it aligned with my own principles. So why four stars instead of five? The author makes a bit of a stretch in places to parallel leadership with the experience chronicled at the beginning of the book of his climb up Mt. Ruapehu, and there was just a bit too much God-talk in it for me to endorse it fully. That said, he acknowledges that faith comes in many forms, and that was his particular experience with it. It was an all-around solid book, and I obviously endorse the leadership principles outlined - they've worked for me!
This is a really great gem. It reminded me of the best part of several other books that I've read in the past. A really great motivator for triumphing over adversity and choosing be a better person along the way. A reminder that when the going gets tough and you don't know what to do; take a step back, take a breath, think, then move forward again from a clearer perspective. Love this book!!!
Lessons learned from a near death experience, are presented in practical ways to live in this powerful true story. As a tool for leaders in all walks of life and as a guide to how to use our leadership capabilities day to day, Five Seconds at a Time is a must-read.
I am amazed by the premis and awed by the story. Its like falling snow it just keeps getting deeper and deeper. This book will definately require a re-read.