Roger Edward Jones, one of Europe's foremost leadership experts, theorized that business executives could glean more than humor from the best stand-up comics. What better way to test this premise than to give it a try? And so he did, at one of London's comedy clubs, and came away with his ego intact and the platform for What Can Chief Executives Learn From Stand-up Comedians?-a straightforward and highly practical approach to optimum management performance. In a book that juxtaposes a comic's tools-of-the-trade manifesto with the qualities needed to be a highly effective and goals-oriented leader and communicator, Jones covers such diverse objectives as preparation, brevity, originality, the use of personal vignettes, and the importance of candor. And, of course, the key to comedy and top management, which is timing. Praise includes: "Shareholders' meeting or first night audience? Roger Edward Jones identifies ways to make an instant impact when the spotlight falls on your business." Richard Donkin, Financial Times columnist and author of Blood, Sweat and Tears, The Evolution of Work "An imaginative and insightful approach to become a more effective leader." Jim Henderson,President and CEO, Apriso "A book that will only take you a short time to read but will pay dividends throughout your career." Dean Frew, President and CEO of Xterprise "A highly creative approach to leadership development. A must read book for any aspiring CEO." Amar Singh, President and CEO of Amitive Inc