We Got Fired!: . . . And It's the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us

by Harvey MacKay

No fight left? No future? Does the handwriting on the wall say utter failure? 

Harvey Mackay, one of the world’s best-selling motivational and business authors tells you why it isn’t so. He reveals anecdotes and secrets from some of the best and brightest headliners in our world today. Their gripping accounts show that no one is immune to bad judgment or backstabbing. In colorful detail, these remarkable success stories reveal what the best of the best did to get back on top.

Each story tells a unique tale and contains valuable lessons that are applicable to any reader who wants his or her career to flourish; indeed, this is the book that will inspire, instill hope . . . and give more than a glimpse into what makes these stalwarts strong.

When Fortune magazine called Mackay “Mister Make-Things-Happen,” it was right on the money–getting this amazing group of people from various walks of life to talk openly about their abilities to bounce back shows him to be a master at getting people to divulge some of their defeats and their dreams.


Hopeful, tough-minded, and filled with indispensable advice, We Got Fired! . . . And It’s the Best Thing That Ever Happened to Us will show anyone how to turn a modern bummer into a major blessing. It’s a a sure thing in our shaky times.

Genres: Business, Nonfiction

368 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[MaSuMeH · Rating 2 out of 5]

یکی از همان کتابهای شبه زرد چگونه بخوریم و بخوابیم و پولدارشویم منتها با یک نوع روایت دیگر بود که بدرد خواندن در ایستگاه اتوبوس و مترو و وقت پرکنی میخورد و بس.


اردی بهشت 94

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you lose your job, it does not matter whether you are poor or rich - you feel bad. Sure, celebrities have it easier because most have no financial concerns, but in terms of mental adjustment and the feeling of shame and uncertainty there is probably not a huge difference to the rest of us. Having said that, the book is very inspirational for anybody losing his or her job. You realize that even famous people lose their jobs at least once in their lifetime - the risk of job loss does not distinguish based on your tenure in a company or how high you are up in the food chain. You read what these people did and what you can learn from their experience. MacKay has peppered the book with many lessons about how you can come back onto your feet quickly. It is a great read.

[Ali Hemati · Rating 4 out of 5]

درواقع مجموعه‌ای از داستان‌ها و مصاحبه‌هاست با افراد موفقی که در مقطعی از زندگی‌شان از کار اخراج شدند یا شکست بزرگی خوردند، اما همین تجربه نقطه‌ی عطفی برای موفقیت‌های بعدی‌شان شد.
چند نکته مهم درباره این کتاب:
لحن کتاب الهام‌بخش و داستانی است، نه صرفاً آموزشی. بیشتر شبیه مجموعه خاطرات و تجربه‌های شخصی است.
نویسنده می‌خواهد نشان دهد اخراج شدن یا شکست در کار، پایان مسیر نیست؛ بلکه می‌تواند شروع فرصتی تازه باشد.
شخصیت‌هایی که معرفی می‌کند، از آدم‌های سرشناس گرفته تا افراد معمولی، هر کدام مسیر متفاوتی را پس از اخراج طی کرده‌اند.
پیام اصلی کتاب این است که انعطاف‌پذیری، تغییر نگرش و پیدا کردن فرصت در دل بحران‌ها مهم‌تر از خودِ شکست است.

[Barry Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

By the author of Swim with the sharks, the book is subtitled, “. . . and it’s the best thing that ever happened to us.” Chronicles the abrupt, sometimes brutal, almost always surprising terminations of a number of noteworthy individuals, including Michael Bloomberg (mayor of new york), Mark Hansen (co-author of the chicken soup for the soul books), mannie jackson (ceo of the harlem globetrotters), billie Jean king (winner of 39 women’s tennis grand slam titles) and larry king (host of larry king live). although many of these individuals’ terminations were from a level of the business world that we may never realize (one person left his company with a $30 million severance!), there is still much to be learned from their stories. particularly how they reshaped their attitudes, identified new options and did not allow themselves to remain victims of their circumstances. each chapter ends with some pointed suggestions from the subject (for example, robert redford encourages the reader to “find out what your passions are in life, and pursue them tenaciously.”) as well as a word of wisdom from the author -- he calls them “mackay’s morals.” to quote harvey on the main goal that you should embrace: “to cross the finish line? no. to realize that there is no finish line. there is always a race and you are still in it. the only finish line in life is when you believe you are finished”

[Hossein · Rating 3 out of 5]

کتاب حول موضوع اخراج از کار میگذرد و بیش از آنکه به موشکافی دلیل اخراج یا روند برخواستن از این شکست بپدازد در مورد رخداد اخراج و سایر اتفاقات است و به همین دلیل بخشی از کتاب فاقد ارزش یادگیری است و صرفا مرور واقعه ای است که رخ داده.
با این حال از بخشهایی از کتاب که در مورد نفراتی مثل دونالد ترامپ، رابرت ردفود، لی آیاکوکا، جیمی دیمون و دبودرا روزادو بودند مطالب کمی عمیق تر بود و لذت بخش تر.
در نهایت این کتاب (با این حجم) را به کسانی توصیه میکنم بخوانند که فکر میکنند اخراج شدن از کار برابر با به پایان رسیدن دنیاست، یا اخراج شده اند و متوجه نیستند چرا.
باید در نظر داشت که مثالهای کتاب از افراد ثروتمند انتخاب شده است که کمی اغواگرانه انتخاب شده است و در موافقت با ذات چنین کتابهایی است.


پ.ن.: نکته ای برای یادآوری به خودم:
در بخشی از کتاب در مورد لی آیاکوکا از هنری فورد و جنبه های تاریک شخصیت او نوشته شده است.

[Wellington · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes I write about a book a few days after I finished reading it to recollect what I remember. This book is filled with little quips, sayings, and ideas ... none of which I can quote!

So I had to knock it down another star. I do remember the people he interviewed .. Larry King, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Donald Trump, Bill Belichick .... and even my boss (well, about 5 levels on top of me), Sue Johnson.

Though the words escape me I'm sure I learned a few things from the book. Quoting quotes sounds intelligent but it's when the concepts jive that you really are intelligent.

[Monica Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

After being fired a few times, and beginning to think that my skill set just did not match that of the corporate machine, I am beginning to define myself as an entrepreneur in spirit and skills. I am using this book in my Job Skills Assistance classes to remind those in this situation that as McKay says "... being fired..." or laid off "... wasn't your choice. Whether you rise up from it is".

[Christopher DuMont · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book and Harvey MacKay was able to interview a wide range of individuals to contribute to this book. The variety of people and the wide set of industries was truly the gem of the book - with the breadth of experience, the insight is great and gives you a number of points to consider long term. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Lori Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

A should-read book on career management.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has been on my bookshelf for forever - I don't even remember how I came about owning it. I have a hard time getting rid of books without having given them a chance, so I decided it was time to give this one a chance and clear it off my TBR pile. I did not turn to this book because I am getting fired, or at least I hope I am not. Of course, this book has made me a little paranoid now... In terms of gaining insights into how some well-known people have dealt with bumps in their paths and been able to pick themselves up and move into bigger and better things, it was interesting enough. While some of the essential messages are fairly universal, the examples themselves are so far from the average person's experience, that I can't say it is the most useful book to turn to for the average person who has been or is about to be fired. Most of the examples are famous people and/or people at a senior/executive level of leadership. They perhaps don't have the same worries about paying the bills and getting the next job as someone who is not as well connected and well placed. But, bypass that and some of the basic lessons still apply. I did not find the interlude chapters all that useful or interesting and hated the "Mackay Morals" at the end of each chapter. And a large number of examples were from the sports and media realms, which are worlds unto themselves. So, if you have just lost your job and are feeling a bit depressed, I am not sure this is the best book for you. But, it can be an interesting enough read if you are in a good place as a way to prepare yourself mentally for any eventuality.

[Ellison · Rating 4 out of 5]

features a collection of stories about famous people that were let go for various reasons and their abilities to turn that into something good.

[daniel dirnfeld · Rating 5 out of 5]

How this people got fired and build an empire.recommended.

[Douglas]

I got this book as a gift from a friend of mine a long time ago. I have finished half of the book. Its a simple collection of all these great people that got laid off and went on to bigger and better things. I think the point of all these little vignettes is that when you get laid off, as much as people know its a life changing event and its a blow to everyones ego, its important to keep a healthy mindset and that you will find another job soon.

[Diana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book, but I found a lot of the stories came from people with executive level positions (clearly, I don't relate) that got fired and then ended up with another superstar job. Still, I did find it encouraging and even a little comforting. Also, sad to say, I didn't know about half the supposedly high-profiled people in the book. Probaby my ignorance though.

[Roxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting book. I haven't been fired but, I can see how this book would perhaps help someone if they did find themselves in that situation. They might not take it as personal and they might just rise to the occasion, make the best of it and do something far greater. I certainly hope I would!

[Cherie · Rating 2 out of 5]

So I wasn't fired, but my friend Steve suggested it because he thought it would give me hope as I jumpstarted my life post-India. It was a great sort of inspirational story that in the worst times, you actually end up a lot better off than you were. That self-help-y inspirational rah rah style that I don't usually love but many would like this, esp if you recently lost your job.

[Brad Budziak · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny lessons and life stories from various "celebrities".

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Better than I expected provided a little bit of perspective on how to look at negative changes in a positive way.

[Taylor Fletcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book, love the story and the author's way of tell it.