mcdermotte1639's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
3.75
The Oz Principle had a lot of good information, and it presented its ideas and focus very efficiently. There were a few too many repetative stories that made it longer than I thought it needed to be. But overall, a very helpfull book
cultureofwonder's review against another edition
I’m skimmed it for the post part because I felt the beginning was extremely repetitive. I couldn’t really get into it.
brandonallen's review against another edition
4.0
Accountability within any organization is the primary focus of the Oz Principle. Particularly how accountability can solve most problems within an organization if the people inside the organization from the top down choose to "own it". I love their definition of accountability and how to put it into practice so that accountability isn't viewed as a negative experience. The book gives a series of assessments that you can take that are helpful for recognizing where you are at along the way. The last chapter goes over the most common barriers to success and how we can better own the situation to overcome tough barriers. In our current times where people tend to embrace being the victim for their circumstances, this book is a breath of fresh air. If you want a system that can assist you to excel as a human being, read this book.
vladco's review against another edition
3.0
The central idea: individuals, teams, and leaders need to take responsibility and conduct themselves not as victims, but as folks with agency and the power to make positive change. That message is truly important and excellent. I found the parts that were focused on individual mindset most helpful and applicable.
There are some parts of this book that haven't aged well. The business case studies feel old and far less relevant nowadays (2021) vs. when the book was first published (1994). There are some really dated moments sprinkled throughout that make me feel this book really needs an update.
There are some parts of this book that haven't aged well. The business case studies feel old and far less relevant nowadays (2021) vs. when the book was first published (1994). There are some really dated moments sprinkled throughout that make me feel this book really needs an update.
fictionista's review against another edition
3.0
The overall "above the line" concept is quite good, and trackable to life outside business, but as someone who doesn't particularly care for capitalism, and who find bootstraps mentality ridiculous... I definitely did not feel like this book was written for me.
I was able to pull meaningful information from the inventories, and did appreciate the sense of accountability. I also liked the Oz thread. But otherwise, not sure I'm going to recommend this book to others.
I was able to pull meaningful information from the inventories, and did appreciate the sense of accountability. I also liked the Oz thread. But otherwise, not sure I'm going to recommend this book to others.
teawithgoblins's review against another edition
4.0
Not a bad read!
I felt like a lot of the ideas here really resonated with my religious beliefs, so it was highly encouraging to see these principles applied in a secular setting.
I know we all have a lot to learn when it comes to seeking results in the areas that challenge us most, and I appreciated how Conners emphasizes that dropping "Below the Line" is both human nature and unavoidable. "Above the Line" thinking, like living perfectly, is ideal but not our default setting as flawed human beings.
Making such a strong change takes time, so I think those picking up this book need to go into it understanding application will take personal and organizational dedication. One story in here, one of the many instructional examples, describes a company that did all the ground work for applying a program for accountability and then dropped it as soon as external circumstances improved. That doesn't help anything, and I hope people looking to really make a change don't follow that example!
I felt like a lot of the ideas here really resonated with my religious beliefs, so it was highly encouraging to see these principles applied in a secular setting.
I know we all have a lot to learn when it comes to seeking results in the areas that challenge us most, and I appreciated how Conners emphasizes that dropping "Below the Line" is both human nature and unavoidable. "Above the Line" thinking, like living perfectly, is ideal but not our default setting as flawed human beings.
Making such a strong change takes time, so I think those picking up this book need to go into it understanding application will take personal and organizational dedication. One story in here, one of the many instructional examples, describes a company that did all the ground work for applying a program for accountability and then dropped it as soon as external circumstances improved. That doesn't help anything, and I hope people looking to really make a change don't follow that example!
destinyhunt12's review against another edition
2.0
I think the concept is good. I just wasn’t a fan of the delivery.
nikolas_fox's review against another edition
slow-paced
1.25
While this book had a few good points sprinkled throughout it is the definition of beating a dead horse. It took 230 pages to convey what they could have done in 20. It was also filled to the brim with victim blaming and cis white male privilege. There are many better business books out there, but this is the one my organization subscribes to.