Are You Ready to Succeed?

November 7, 2005
Based on the course Creativity and Personal Mastery that Rao teaches at Columbia Business School and Long Island University, this Buddhism-inspired self-help book promises readers the tools to effect fundamental life changes and find inner peace. At its heart, this is a case of Eastern philosophy leading Western MBAs along the path to self-improvement and corporate enlightenment, with a kinder and more productive working world as the ultimate goal. Rao narrates with waves of parables ("When you have one eye so firmly fixed on the goal, you have but one eye left to find the way") and introspection exercises—all designed to help executives find "effervescent joy" and discover their "purpose in life." Rao's techniques require an open mind and a belief in a "benevolent Universe" and in the notion that the negative things that happen to people are more often a matter of errant mindset and misinterpretation than reality. Will any of this actually lead readers to a higher level of self-enlightenment and make them happier at work and in life? As Rao writes, regarding the possibility of a universe that looks out for the well-being of its denizens: "Maybe yes, maybe no. Who knows?"

November 15, 2005
Rao, former contributor to "Forbes", bases this book on his highly popular -Creativity and Personal Mastery - course, which he teaches at Long Island University and Columbia Business School. Although his program has been described as a new way to approach business ethics, Rao's focus on revising our -mental models - to perceive the universe as benevolent and his emphasis on minimizing our distracting -mental chatter - may make the book resemble a spirituality rather than a business title. However, his atypical approach of using folk tales and stories to illustrate his points (e.g., satisfaction on the job is more important than making money; establishing business contacts is essential) makes the book a refreshing and quick read. Even readers skeptical about their ability to -produce miracles - at their jobs and in their lives may still find some business ideas and techniques worth pursuing. Rao also includes a -One Year Reading List - and a -Supplementary Reading List, - reflecting the diverse resources used in his teaching, which encompass science and business, as well as -life-changing - titles. His writing can be a bit euphoric at times but its accessibility is welcome. Recommended for all public and academic libraries, as well as larger institutional libraries." -Sarah Cords, Madison P.L., Wisconsin"

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.