The Red Rubber Ball at Work

November 3, 2008
This entertaining, pocket-sized book builds on Carroll's self-help series with profiles of 33 successful workers who illustrate the value of "productive play" (as opposed to "playful play," not serious enough for work). Most of the subjects are in fields where the value of play is obvious: 12 are artists or performers, 11 are in design and marketing, and six are founders of public interest organizations. Advice from a professional wrestler, alchemist, graffiti artist, futurist or "director of user experience" may not apply to readers with more conventional jobs, but most people will be able to identify with at least a handful of subjects. Though the larger lesson seems to be self-apparent (the way to have fun at work is to choose a playful career), the book is nevertheless inspiring and clever, with a lively layout and energetic writing.

December 15, 2008
Carroll's diminuitive "Rules of the Red Rubber Ball" was more a gift book than one for library shelves. Then came his Dr. Seuss-sized "What's Your Red Rubber Ball?!" Professional speaker and "agent for social change," Carroll (former head athletic trainer, Nike) now brings his red rubber ball to business, with 33 "play profiles" of notable individuals, organized by theme ("Innovations," "Results," "Teamwork," "Leadership," and "Curiosity") to show how achievers from the arts, business, and social activism have each channeled their own variety of "purposeful play" into work success. With annotated suggestions throughout, not just for further reading but for means of "looking" and "doing" that will help guide one's "play" toward success. For public libraries.

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