Leadership and Self Deception: Getting Out of the Box by Arbinger Institute

Completed: December 18, 2008
Rating: 4.5

Yes, I am giving this one of the highest rating I have ever given, and it is a self-help book. The basic ideas of the book is that we all struggle with the ability to constantly view and treat others as human beings--with interests, wants and needs--rather than as objects. Basic, but deep. In my opinion, this goes on my Must Be Read By Everyone list under the topic of Human Relations, similar to how Robert Kiyosaki's book, Rich Dad Poor Dad, is a must read under the money topic. Do what you have to to get your hands on this one.

So let me just list the reasons this is a must read:
1. It is written as a narrative, making the non-fiction subject matter extremely accessible and consumable.
2. It is succinct. It gets to the point and makes the point.
3. It rings true. I use this expression frequently when I can't think of a better way to describe the feeling to the general public. The gist of this is that when you are reading it, there are certain parts that when you read them you just know there is truth at the heart of the message. You just know.
4. It is applicable.

So if I am such a huge fan, why not give it a 5.0? Well, I have one key complaint. While the material is applicable I would have liked to see more in the way of examples of how it could be applied in certain situations. The theory is explained well, and with that conceptual base it is an easy step to make basic, meaningful changes in your own life, but it would be great to see specific examples that might help you apply the information in many-to-all situations.

I have since re-read this book and have an updated review here.