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Relationomics: Business Powered by Relationships
Relationships are at the core of our lives. They shape and refine our character. They influence our worldview. They're not just important to us as human beings--they're crucial. So it should come as no surprise that healthy relationships are the heart of a successful business or organization. And yet, many organizational cultures do not promote healthy relationships. Those that do find that they enjoy greater effectiveness, reputation, and loyalty.
In Relationomics , Dr. Randy Ross lays out the principles and practices that will help readers develop and sustain the kind of relationships that can build their business and energize their team, including how to
- become a value creator
- master the art of giving and receiving helpful feedback
- dramatically decrease employee turnover
- lead beyond self-interest
- and much more
Whether you are building teams in a corporate setting or looking to build better friendships personally, the principles in this book will guide you toward becoming a healthier individual who attracts and builds healthy relationships.
In Relationomics , Dr. Randy Ross lays out the principles and practices that will help readers develop and sustain the kind of relationships that can build their business and energize their team, including how to
- become a value creator
- master the art of giving and receiving helpful feedback
- dramatically decrease employee turnover
- lead beyond self-interest
- and much more
Whether you are building teams in a corporate setting or looking to build better friendships personally, the principles in this book will guide you toward becoming a healthier individual who attracts and builds healthy relationships.
- GenresBusiness
288 pages, Hardcover
Published February 5, 2019
19 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
March 27, 2019
Summary: The health of relationships within organizations and with customers is directly connected to productive and profitable economic activity.
The odd title of this book, Relationomics, is the author's way of communicating the vital importance of healthy relationships to healthy organizational economics. He defines relationomics as:
"...the study of the observable impact that relationships have on economic activity. It's an assessment of the value created by relationships as opposed to simply a fiscal transactional analysis. In the marketplace, a significant causal correlation exists between the strength of the relationship and the flow of resources. The stronger and healthier the relationships, the more productive and profitable the transactions between those parties tend to be" (p. 36).
I found this an extremely practical and wise book that rings true to my years as a director in a religious non-profit, and challenged me to take a look at my own relational practices. The book is organized around four relational qualities, with several chapters under each of the following: intentionality, humility, accountability, and sustainability. I'll share some of the most valuable insights and takeaways for me from each section.
Intentionality. As a kid who grew up as something of a loner, his chapter on The Great Deception names a lesson I've had to learn--that growth comes in relationships as we have others who encourage, sharpen, and challenge us. He calls the effort to grow outside of relationships the "Luciferian lie." When organizations treat people as pawns and foster cut-throat competition rather than collaboration, they suffer. He argues that effective leaders foster remarkable cultures where people "believe the best in one another, want the best for one another, and expect the best from one another" (p. 63).
Humility. Humble leaders know themselves well and are comfortable in their own skin, which breeds in turn authenticity and empathy. He describes two kinds of growth spirals. One is descending characterized by defensiveness, rationalization, stagnation, and alienation. The other is ascending, characterized by openness, honest evaluation, solution orientation, and inspiration through unity. He also proposes a Poor Man's 360 question that I intend to use: "What's it like for you to be on the other side of me?" He also states that there are two kinds of leaders in organizations. There are value creators, who bring more to the table than they take away, enriching the lives of others and their relationships. There are also value extractors, who get more from you than they offer. It shows up at networking events, and Ross proposes a practice he calls "NetWeaving," of looking for ways, to connect others with common interest, "paying it forward," as it were. Often we don't lead like this because of fear, which great leaders transcend when they decide that being open-handed actually creates for them a greater capacity to receive as well as give.
Accountability. Good organizational relationships flourish when everyone's OAR is in the water: when there is ownership, accountability, and responsibility. Good organizations have accountability in how they engage in workplace conflicts, the goal of which is to avoid throwing sand. He gives five practical suggestions in this regard:
1. I will talk to you before I ever talk about you.
2. I will engage in candid conversations with humility, knowing I have room to grow.
3. We will seek objective input if we come to an impasse.
4. I recognize that the objective of the conversation is to seek understanding, resolve issues, and move toward unity.
5. I will forgive quickly [with some qualifications about destructive behaviors] (pp. 177-183).
Sometimes this means practicing RAW conversations. These Reveal reality, Advance creative dialogue, and Wrestle with solutions. This last seems particularly important--that both stay at the table (with time outs if it gets too emotional) until there is resolution.
Sustainability. This circles back to the idea of leaders who move beyond self-interest in their leadership. They are grounded leaders who are emotionally mature, have established convictions, and are determined. They are "rooted in reality, emotionally centered, relationally rich, results-oriented, other focused, mission-minded." He offers a great example in the founder of Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, who is committed to high wages for his workers, and a share of the enterprise. His insights about the revolving door of employee turnover focuses on how most organizations hire too quickly, and he contrasts Chick-fil-A, where hires are interviewed by every person they will directly relate to in the organization over an extended period.
Each chapter includes reflection questions to help one crystallize the chapter content and apply it to one's own situation. The writing style is clear, personal, filled with illustrations and acronyms to help remember the content. If that is not sufficient, Ross includes a glossary at the end of the book. For those looking for an approach to relationships that is faith-based, you may recognize biblical illusions and principles in the writing. But because this seems directed to a wider audience, there are no Bible references or discussions of faith in the workplace.
There are lessons here for any relational context, including marriage. This is especially valuable for anyone who leads a team or an organization--whether a sports club, a work group or business, a task force, or a church or non-profit group. Unhealthy relationships can suck the life out of an organization. Healthy relationships with a high performing team can be exhilarating. Randy Ross's book can help a leader, who is ready to learn, to develop the latter.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
The odd title of this book, Relationomics, is the author's way of communicating the vital importance of healthy relationships to healthy organizational economics. He defines relationomics as:
"...the study of the observable impact that relationships have on economic activity. It's an assessment of the value created by relationships as opposed to simply a fiscal transactional analysis. In the marketplace, a significant causal correlation exists between the strength of the relationship and the flow of resources. The stronger and healthier the relationships, the more productive and profitable the transactions between those parties tend to be" (p. 36).
I found this an extremely practical and wise book that rings true to my years as a director in a religious non-profit, and challenged me to take a look at my own relational practices. The book is organized around four relational qualities, with several chapters under each of the following: intentionality, humility, accountability, and sustainability. I'll share some of the most valuable insights and takeaways for me from each section.
Intentionality. As a kid who grew up as something of a loner, his chapter on The Great Deception names a lesson I've had to learn--that growth comes in relationships as we have others who encourage, sharpen, and challenge us. He calls the effort to grow outside of relationships the "Luciferian lie." When organizations treat people as pawns and foster cut-throat competition rather than collaboration, they suffer. He argues that effective leaders foster remarkable cultures where people "believe the best in one another, want the best for one another, and expect the best from one another" (p. 63).
Humility. Humble leaders know themselves well and are comfortable in their own skin, which breeds in turn authenticity and empathy. He describes two kinds of growth spirals. One is descending characterized by defensiveness, rationalization, stagnation, and alienation. The other is ascending, characterized by openness, honest evaluation, solution orientation, and inspiration through unity. He also proposes a Poor Man's 360 question that I intend to use: "What's it like for you to be on the other side of me?" He also states that there are two kinds of leaders in organizations. There are value creators, who bring more to the table than they take away, enriching the lives of others and their relationships. There are also value extractors, who get more from you than they offer. It shows up at networking events, and Ross proposes a practice he calls "NetWeaving," of looking for ways, to connect others with common interest, "paying it forward," as it were. Often we don't lead like this because of fear, which great leaders transcend when they decide that being open-handed actually creates for them a greater capacity to receive as well as give.
Accountability. Good organizational relationships flourish when everyone's OAR is in the water: when there is ownership, accountability, and responsibility. Good organizations have accountability in how they engage in workplace conflicts, the goal of which is to avoid throwing sand. He gives five practical suggestions in this regard:
1. I will talk to you before I ever talk about you.
2. I will engage in candid conversations with humility, knowing I have room to grow.
3. We will seek objective input if we come to an impasse.
4. I recognize that the objective of the conversation is to seek understanding, resolve issues, and move toward unity.
5. I will forgive quickly [with some qualifications about destructive behaviors] (pp. 177-183).
Sometimes this means practicing RAW conversations. These Reveal reality, Advance creative dialogue, and Wrestle with solutions. This last seems particularly important--that both stay at the table (with time outs if it gets too emotional) until there is resolution.
Sustainability. This circles back to the idea of leaders who move beyond self-interest in their leadership. They are grounded leaders who are emotionally mature, have established convictions, and are determined. They are "rooted in reality, emotionally centered, relationally rich, results-oriented, other focused, mission-minded." He offers a great example in the founder of Chobani, Hamdi Ulukaya, who is committed to high wages for his workers, and a share of the enterprise. His insights about the revolving door of employee turnover focuses on how most organizations hire too quickly, and he contrasts Chick-fil-A, where hires are interviewed by every person they will directly relate to in the organization over an extended period.
Each chapter includes reflection questions to help one crystallize the chapter content and apply it to one's own situation. The writing style is clear, personal, filled with illustrations and acronyms to help remember the content. If that is not sufficient, Ross includes a glossary at the end of the book. For those looking for an approach to relationships that is faith-based, you may recognize biblical illusions and principles in the writing. But because this seems directed to a wider audience, there are no Bible references or discussions of faith in the workplace.
There are lessons here for any relational context, including marriage. This is especially valuable for anyone who leads a team or an organization--whether a sports club, a work group or business, a task force, or a church or non-profit group. Unhealthy relationships can suck the life out of an organization. Healthy relationships with a high performing team can be exhilarating. Randy Ross's book can help a leader, who is ready to learn, to develop the latter.
________________________________
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
February 20, 2021
Help make someone else's story better. I love this!
January 28, 2019
Success in business is not due to skills, strategy, or products. Success in business is built on a foundation of healthy relationships. That is the conviction of author Dr. Randy Ross. As he explains in his latest book,
Business is also about relationships. Relationship, through which those who have a need are linked with those who can supply, es an exchange of value that benefits both parties. In fact, relationships are they very foundation of business. And healthy relationships are always at the center of thriving businesses. I would go so far as to say that good business is never about simply making money. It’s really about building relationships and making a difference in people’s lives. The better you build relationships, the more money you will make. The more personally you connect with others, the more your business will flourish.
I call it relationomics. Now, don’t go look it up, because I made up that term! But relationomics, as I define it, is the study of the observable impact that relationships hav eon economic activity. It’s an assessment of the value created by relationships as opposed to simply a fiscal transactional analysis. In the marketplace, a significant causal correlation exists between the strength of the relationship and the flow of resources. The stronger and healthier the relationship, the more productive and profitable the transactions between those parties tend to be.
Within the book, the author explains the importance of being intentional about building relationships, demonstrating humility in both giving and receiving feedback, investing in others’ well-being, being accountable and holding others accountable, and leading with love. On the one hand, the author’s concepts are not new or revolutionary. They have appeared in other books and articles. On the other hand, he presents the ideas in very understandable and practical ways that you can easily think through how to implement and practice. Each chapter ends with a series of questions that will help the reader think through how to use them.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
Business is also about relationships. Relationship, through which those who have a need are linked with those who can supply, es an exchange of value that benefits both parties. In fact, relationships are they very foundation of business. And healthy relationships are always at the center of thriving businesses. I would go so far as to say that good business is never about simply making money. It’s really about building relationships and making a difference in people’s lives. The better you build relationships, the more money you will make. The more personally you connect with others, the more your business will flourish.
I call it relationomics. Now, don’t go look it up, because I made up that term! But relationomics, as I define it, is the study of the observable impact that relationships hav eon economic activity. It’s an assessment of the value created by relationships as opposed to simply a fiscal transactional analysis. In the marketplace, a significant causal correlation exists between the strength of the relationship and the flow of resources. The stronger and healthier the relationship, the more productive and profitable the transactions between those parties tend to be.
Within the book, the author explains the importance of being intentional about building relationships, demonstrating humility in both giving and receiving feedback, investing in others’ well-being, being accountable and holding others accountable, and leading with love. On the one hand, the author’s concepts are not new or revolutionary. They have appeared in other books and articles. On the other hand, he presents the ideas in very understandable and practical ways that you can easily think through how to implement and practice. Each chapter ends with a series of questions that will help the reader think through how to use them.
Disclosure: I received this book free from Baker Books through the Baker Books Bloggers program. The opinions I have expressed are my own, and I was not required to write a positive review.
March 12, 2019
The first thing I should say about Relationomics by Randy Ross is that it's not simple wisdom you find from a self-help book. Being a Christian in this day and age means having the practical ability to make your faith work in applicable ways to show others the reality of who Jesus Christ is. In other words, our actions should demonstrate the truth that God's Holy Spirit is still active and speaks to us.
In the same manner Randy Ross has helped individuals and organizations over the years obtain better relationships with one another. Management teams ought to get along and help/encourage team members fulfill their roles and goals in those organizations, such as Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, General Electric, Panasonic, Comcast, and Cox Communications. Randy Ross has helped these organizations achieve better results from the community at large. It's no surprise then that what he writes can and will help out.
With Relationomics the goal Ross has is to promote healthy relationships not only in the work environment but also in every day life. From being on a management team to dealing with the front-line of assisting customers with a purchase we ought to and can do better to build meaningful value in one another's life. And that really is the name of the game. How can a customer make consistent and right choices if no one is there to help them, say buying sheet rock to create rooms in their house? (to give an example). We need to find ways to develop and sustain those bridges with others.
That's what Ross covers in the pages of Relationomics and even more such as:
- becoming a value creator
- decreasing employee turnover
- leading beyond self-interest
- and so much more
Before founding his current company Remarkable!, Randy has led several not-for-profit entities in Texas and Florida, serving as VP of recruiting for a large regional mortgage corporations, based in Atlanta. Later, Ross became the Chief People Officer of North American Automotive Group. Him and his wife, LuAnne. have four children and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books to review this in an objective and fair review.
In the same manner Randy Ross has helped individuals and organizations over the years obtain better relationships with one another. Management teams ought to get along and help/encourage team members fulfill their roles and goals in those organizations, such as Chick-Fil-A, McDonalds, General Electric, Panasonic, Comcast, and Cox Communications. Randy Ross has helped these organizations achieve better results from the community at large. It's no surprise then that what he writes can and will help out.
With Relationomics the goal Ross has is to promote healthy relationships not only in the work environment but also in every day life. From being on a management team to dealing with the front-line of assisting customers with a purchase we ought to and can do better to build meaningful value in one another's life. And that really is the name of the game. How can a customer make consistent and right choices if no one is there to help them, say buying sheet rock to create rooms in their house? (to give an example). We need to find ways to develop and sustain those bridges with others.
That's what Ross covers in the pages of Relationomics and even more such as:
- becoming a value creator
- decreasing employee turnover
- leading beyond self-interest
- and so much more
Before founding his current company Remarkable!, Randy has led several not-for-profit entities in Texas and Florida, serving as VP of recruiting for a large regional mortgage corporations, based in Atlanta. Later, Ross became the Chief People Officer of North American Automotive Group. Him and his wife, LuAnne. have four children and reside in Atlanta, Georgia.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Baker Books to review this in an objective and fair review.
April 9, 2019
"The single greatest factor impeding healthy relationships is myopia." Randy says this tends to look like me-first. "It's the tendency to make choices based on what is best for me, with blatant disregard for how choices may impact those around me."
"A good marriage is a work of art crafted over the course of time by two broken people who recognize their frailty and extend grace to each other."
Now I recognize that that last quote seems completely unrelated to the title of the book and in many ways it is, except the context in which this quote was placed in the book. Randy was called in to help solve some less than desirable work relationships and realized the manager was also on the brink of divorce. He focuses instead initially on this man's relationship with his wife, gives him some feedback on what he should take responsibility for in that relationship and then, over the course of time, divided his time equally between coaching his work relationship and his marriage relationship. The change that happened in both relationships was amazing. Because he worked to relate better with his wife, he was, in turn, able to more effectively relate with his team members.
Why? Because this man was learning to be a value creator and not a value extractor. What do those words mean? Being a value creator means, in my own words, to live life for the benefit of others, to live for the good of the company you are working for, the family you are living with, the people you are in community with, etc. Being a value extractor, again in my own words, is basically living to suck the life out of other people and making life all about yourself.
One of the things I want to start to do with the books I read is to find a question that comes from the content of the book and apply it to myself. And the question for me from this book is this: Am I a value creator or a value extractor? It's a question my husband and I have been chasing around since I read about the concept in this book.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to everyone. I especially view it as a must read to anyone contemplating starting their own business.
I received this book from Baker Books and was not required to write a positive review.
"A good marriage is a work of art crafted over the course of time by two broken people who recognize their frailty and extend grace to each other."
Now I recognize that that last quote seems completely unrelated to the title of the book and in many ways it is, except the context in which this quote was placed in the book. Randy was called in to help solve some less than desirable work relationships and realized the manager was also on the brink of divorce. He focuses instead initially on this man's relationship with his wife, gives him some feedback on what he should take responsibility for in that relationship and then, over the course of time, divided his time equally between coaching his work relationship and his marriage relationship. The change that happened in both relationships was amazing. Because he worked to relate better with his wife, he was, in turn, able to more effectively relate with his team members.
Why? Because this man was learning to be a value creator and not a value extractor. What do those words mean? Being a value creator means, in my own words, to live life for the benefit of others, to live for the good of the company you are working for, the family you are living with, the people you are in community with, etc. Being a value extractor, again in my own words, is basically living to suck the life out of other people and making life all about yourself.
One of the things I want to start to do with the books I read is to find a question that comes from the content of the book and apply it to myself. And the question for me from this book is this: Am I a value creator or a value extractor? It's a question my husband and I have been chasing around since I read about the concept in this book.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to everyone. I especially view it as a must read to anyone contemplating starting their own business.
I received this book from Baker Books and was not required to write a positive review.
June 9, 2019
In Real Estate one might say that it’s location location, location, but when it comes to business, Randy Ross says it perhaps should be relationship, relationship, relationship. The bottom line of a business may be all about the financial success, and so the title of this book plays on the word ‘economics’, and thus we have Relationomics: Business Powered by Relationships (Baker Books, 2019).
People want to feel valued, most of us recognize that fact, and so this book gives some practical advice for showing value. Perhaps you’ve heard something along the lines of ‘take care of your people and your people will take care of you.’ Ross offers some good ideas on how to do just this. But in a surprising twist, it’s not all about rewarding the employees, although that can certainly be appropriate at times; much of this book centers on what the CEO/Manager/Boss/Supervisor can do to personally improve his or her leadership skills so that people want to do their best for that boss.
A major premise is that it’s up to the leader to create, develop, foster a culture where success can happen naturally. In this remarkable type of culture people 1) Believe the best in one another, 2) want the best for one another, and 3) expect the best from one another (p63). The rest of the book seems to build on these ideas.
A favorite part of this book for me was part 2, Stay in the Fray: Humility. It seems to address some of the issues that leaders and followers at all levels struggle with. Down to earth, no nonsense advice with little room for doubt about how important the author thinks humility is.
I’ve read a lot of leadership books, and didn’t find anything new here, but the simple straight-forward writing style made for an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review
People want to feel valued, most of us recognize that fact, and so this book gives some practical advice for showing value. Perhaps you’ve heard something along the lines of ‘take care of your people and your people will take care of you.’ Ross offers some good ideas on how to do just this. But in a surprising twist, it’s not all about rewarding the employees, although that can certainly be appropriate at times; much of this book centers on what the CEO/Manager/Boss/Supervisor can do to personally improve his or her leadership skills so that people want to do their best for that boss.
A major premise is that it’s up to the leader to create, develop, foster a culture where success can happen naturally. In this remarkable type of culture people 1) Believe the best in one another, 2) want the best for one another, and 3) expect the best from one another (p63). The rest of the book seems to build on these ideas.
A favorite part of this book for me was part 2, Stay in the Fray: Humility. It seems to address some of the issues that leaders and followers at all levels struggle with. Down to earth, no nonsense advice with little room for doubt about how important the author thinks humility is.
I’ve read a lot of leadership books, and didn’t find anything new here, but the simple straight-forward writing style made for an enjoyable read.
I received a copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review
April 27, 2019
I found Relationomics to be an incredibly insightful book. Directed to those in the leadership in the business world, Dr. Ross shares his wisdom in a straightforward and orderly way. The book is divided into four distinct relational qualities: Intentionality, Humility, Accountability, and Sustainability. Each of these sections are then divided into four chapters which take these relational components and drill in deeper to their applicability. One of the most satisfying additions to each chapter was the quote that followed each chapter title. I almost missed these jewels but found myself going back to each one and contemplating their inclusion. For me these quotes gave authority to the author as someone who’s extremely well read and studied himself.
Although I’m highly recommending this book, I’ll admit I had some difficulty reading it straight through for the sake of this book review. To me it’s content is suited wonderfully as a reference although I’m not sure this was Dr. Ross’ intent. I found the chapter titles to be more suited for a straight through read since they were catchy and unique and not straight forward and academic like a textbook might be. I think my difficulty in plowing through this one was mostly on account of the straightforwardness of the content. This is one of it’s greatest strengths as well but I felt like the author drilled to the bedrock of his relational breakdowns that I found myself wore out spending so much time on some of the simpler components.
Again, however, I find the straightforwardness and ease at which Dr. Ross writes to be it’s greatest strength as well. I finished so many chapters and said to myself how great that content was for sharing with others. Whether it be in preparation for leadership classes or coaching others in your organization, the content provided in this book would be a valuable resource.
What I appreciated most about Relationomics is that it didn’t lose steam toward the end but rather hit it’s climax in the last two chapters. The second to last chapter was the crescendo, taking the reader to the most valuable leadership quality, “Leading with Love”. In most worlds, the business world especially, love is rarely a paramount consideration amongst the leadership. Dr. Ross defines love in the context of business relationships simply as “wanting the best for one another.” If this simple yet profound quality would exist in excess among our greatest CEO’s, politicians, and even the leadership of our countries churches, there would be know doubt that our country would flourish and excel in ways we cannot imagine
The message of this book is invaluable and even if you’ve heard everything that Dr. Ross has said from previous authors and teachers, nothing that is said is not worth hearing again. I strongly suggest this book and plan to read it again and recommend it often.
Although I’m highly recommending this book, I’ll admit I had some difficulty reading it straight through for the sake of this book review. To me it’s content is suited wonderfully as a reference although I’m not sure this was Dr. Ross’ intent. I found the chapter titles to be more suited for a straight through read since they were catchy and unique and not straight forward and academic like a textbook might be. I think my difficulty in plowing through this one was mostly on account of the straightforwardness of the content. This is one of it’s greatest strengths as well but I felt like the author drilled to the bedrock of his relational breakdowns that I found myself wore out spending so much time on some of the simpler components.
Again, however, I find the straightforwardness and ease at which Dr. Ross writes to be it’s greatest strength as well. I finished so many chapters and said to myself how great that content was for sharing with others. Whether it be in preparation for leadership classes or coaching others in your organization, the content provided in this book would be a valuable resource.
What I appreciated most about Relationomics is that it didn’t lose steam toward the end but rather hit it’s climax in the last two chapters. The second to last chapter was the crescendo, taking the reader to the most valuable leadership quality, “Leading with Love”. In most worlds, the business world especially, love is rarely a paramount consideration amongst the leadership. Dr. Ross defines love in the context of business relationships simply as “wanting the best for one another.” If this simple yet profound quality would exist in excess among our greatest CEO’s, politicians, and even the leadership of our countries churches, there would be know doubt that our country would flourish and excel in ways we cannot imagine
The message of this book is invaluable and even if you’ve heard everything that Dr. Ross has said from previous authors and teachers, nothing that is said is not worth hearing again. I strongly suggest this book and plan to read it again and recommend it often.
March 18, 2021
Ross takes a full 265 pages to say what could probably be said in 50. I truly struggled to make my way through this book as each chapter felt disjointed and written as an afterthought. Although there were some golden nuggets of wisdom sprinkled in, I wouldn’t recommend this book because most positive points made felt like common sense and the rest felt like pointless fluff. In terms of real life research and stories, there are few, and the author even chooses to use a Star Wars quote as the basis for an entire chapter. In this same chapter he plagiarizes the Bible.
As someone with a background in business, I can think of a many number of books that discuss the benefits of building relationships more eloquently and effectively.
As someone with a background in business, I can think of a many number of books that discuss the benefits of building relationships more eloquently and effectively.
March 1, 2019
Dr. Ross' business self-help treatise around the self-evident importance of relationships in business carries a surprising amount of religious material. Much of his advice involves applying a mostly Christian view of the world with some Buddhist principles through in. Like most advice books in this genre, the pages could be boiled down to a bullet-pointed PowerPoint - largely it comes down to trying to make oneself useful to many people with the expectation of a large return on investment from one or two of them. He does a yeoman's job of inflating this to a full-sized tome. In short, may be worth a look.
November 6, 2020
If one has lost faith in business “as a platform to change life for the better”, then one should read this book.
This book offers wisdoms and real life examples on how business driven by genuine relationships can actually create more values in the life of people who are connected to that business. They could be the customer, officers, and partners.
Also, at the end of every chapter the author has some questions for one to answer. I found those questions helpful for me to reason where I am at right now both in my personal and professional life, and what sort of qualities that I should prune in order for me to move forward.
Thank you for this humbling book, Mr. Ross.
This book offers wisdoms and real life examples on how business driven by genuine relationships can actually create more values in the life of people who are connected to that business. They could be the customer, officers, and partners.
Also, at the end of every chapter the author has some questions for one to answer. I found those questions helpful for me to reason where I am at right now both in my personal and professional life, and what sort of qualities that I should prune in order for me to move forward.
Thank you for this humbling book, Mr. Ross.
March 29, 2019
Spent amazing time to read this book. It took a while to grasp some deep thoughts on the fundamentals of relationships and their impact on building businesses in this book.
October 5, 2022
Agreed with many of the concepts discussed in this book. I am a strong believer that bringing value to those around you will take you further than focusing on extracting value from those around you. My criticism is that it felt a little repetitive towards the end.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews