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The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life
by: Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander

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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 158.1
EAN: 9780142001103
ISBN: 0142001104
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 224
Publication Date: September 24, 2002
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Sales Rank: 2986
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)

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Editorial Review:

Product Description:
Presenting twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into all human endeavors, The Art of Possibility is the dynamic product of an extraordinary partnership. The Art of Possibility combines Benjamin Zander's experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and his talent as a teacher and communicator with psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander's genius for designing innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment.

The authors' harmoniously interwoven perspectives provide a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of life. Through uplifting stories, parables, and personal anecdotes, the Zanders invite us to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.

Amazon.com Review:
The lure of this book's promise starts with the assumption in its title. Possibility--that big, all-encompassing, wide-open-door concept--is an art? Well, who doesn't want to be a skilled artist, whether in the director's chair, the boardroom, on the factory floor, or even just in dealing with life's everyday situations? Becoming an artist, however, requires discipline, and what the authors of The Art of Possibility offer is a set of practices designed to 'initiate a new approach to current conditions, based on uncommon assumptions about the nature of the world.'

If that sounds a little too airy-fairy for you, don't be put off; this is no mere self-improvement book, with a wimpy mandate to transform its readers into 'nicer' people. Instead, it's a collection of illustrations and advice that suggests a way to change your entire outlook on life and, in the process, open up a new realm of possibility. Consider, for example, the practice of 'Giving an A,' whether to yourself or to others. Not intended as a way to measure someone's performance against standards, this practice instead recognizes that 'the player who looks least engaged may be the most committed member of the group,' and speaks to their passion rather than their cynicism. It creates possibility in an interaction and does away with power disparities to unite a team in its efforts. Or consider 'Being the Board,' where instead of defining yourself as a playing piece, or even as the strategist, you see yourself as the framework for the entire game. In this scenario, assigning blame or gaining control becomes futile, while seeking to become an instrument for effective partnerships becomes possible.

Packed with such examples of personal and professional interactions, the book presents complex ideas on perception and recognition in a readable, useable style. The authors' combined, eclectic experience in music and painting (as well as family therapy and executive workshops) infuses their examples with vibrant color and sound. The relevance to corporate situations and relationships is well developed, and they don't rely on dry case studies to do it. Indeed, this book assumes the emotional intelligence and desire to engage of its reader, promising access to the rewards of that door-opening notion--possibility--in return. --S. Ketchum

Customer Reviews

Average Rating: out of 5 stars

Rating:

- Simple, reasonable lessons for life
The book could definitely be categorized in the "self-help book" field, but it is more creative and the examples are excellent. If you decide to get this book, and do not know who the authors are, make sure you check out a video on Youtube. Ben Zander follows the rules of the book and you can see it in his energetic, child-like attitude. Some of the rules may not seem as relevant as others, but your sure to find something you can improve on. This book is great for leadership programs and really helps you to learn your strengths and weaknesses.

Rating:

- In my top ten of favorite books
I read a lot. I average 2-4 non-fiction books a month. Zander's book - The Art of Possibility - is in my top ten list. I read it one or two times every year. It doesn't get old.

I was very fortunate to be part of a conference a few years ago where Dr. Zander spoke for two hours. It was the single-most powerful presentation I've ever seen. He takes that same energy and passion and weaves it into this book.

The basic concepts or themes behind each chapter are simple, poignant and memorable.

The principles in this book have helped me get "unstuck" many times when I had to approach a problem or challenge in a fresh way.

You must read this book!

Rating:

- Possible possibilities
This book came to me from my employer with a suggestion that it might do what the subtitle suggests. I found it full of feel-good ideas of limited applicability to real-world living, combined with the kind of smug superiority that only comes with the unself-conscious noblesse oblige of those who are born to expect that they really are better than the rest of us.

Now, truth be told, after seeing Mr. Zander speak in person (at an event hosted by my employer, again!), he was a very dynamic and captivating speaker, about whom no one could speak or think bad thoughts.

And today, 18 months after the speaking event, it is also fair to say that the net impact on my life (professional, personal, or protean) has been pretty much zero. Perhaps I've left my share of the possibilities in the book for the rest of you to use.

Rating:

- The Possibility in Others makes for a Great Product
I ordered this book recently because I wanted to give a copy to some folks, specifically in a church context, that I thought would appreciate the leadership approach presented by the Zanders. I am enthusiastic about what the book has to say since hearing Ben in a lecture presentation a few years ago. What stuck with me was the excitement of his method of engaging his audience. I heard as the primary message that a good leader focuses on encouraging the best from his staff. In his case, of course, the staff would be the members of his orchestra.

As a college professor I know how hard it is to yield control and focus instead on the individual interests and contributions of one's students. As a psychologist, I know there's nothing really new in this concept. But that's the point. No matter how often organizational psychologists try to make it clear, leaders still want to rule with hierarchical dictates ... Read More

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