OSTENTATIOUS TIME-WASTING: Tales from the White House, Pentagon, and City Hall

by Bob Stone

“As fine a leadership book as I have read in many many a year.” – Tom Peters Thirty-four short (or very short) stories about what Bob Stone learned while attempting (with some success) to dismantle centralized management at the Pentagon, the White House, and throughout the Federal government. Some of the lessons are things “everybody always knew,” but didn’t often follow; some are profoundly imprinted on Bob’s heart. All are useful to living and leading. And every story is fun to read!

142 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 13, 2021

Reviews

[Chelsea Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice follow up to Bob Stone’s previous books. Short, readable stories that form lessons on leadership, management, and ethics. I really liked the idea of the title lesson, “ostentatious time-wasting” — basically, making it easy or comfortable for people to talk to you. It’s a good one to keep it mind these days when we are tempted to look at our phones or put in headphones any time we have free moments, but then you lose those opportunities for learning and joy that come from conversations.