This text argues that the primary road to commercial success is the pursuit of the highest standards. It presents a reconception of professionalism that encompasses dedication to self-improvement, a personal commitment to excellence, and true service to clients. This text does this by first studying the individual professional, and daring them to discover what they truly love to do. It then looks at the "instability" of professional service firms today, and offers advice on how to invest in skill-building.
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Donald GroningerExecutive Vice President and General Counsel, Bridgestone/Firestone, Inc.Provides a common sense blueprint for professional success, emphasizing the simple but often neglected principles that make for a fulfilling and productive career. Anyone who wants to be thought of as a professional will benefit from reading this book, Maister's insights apply to people at all levels of organizations and in a wide variety of industries and professions.
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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I frequently ask professionals what they consider to be the difference between a good secretary and a great secretary. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
I frequently ask professionals what they consider to be the difference between a good secretary and a great secretary. Read the first page
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
You're a consultant, lawyer, accountant or some other professional in a practice which needs to sell to survive.
This book gives good, simple, guidelines to succeed. Follow them and you'll do well.
Don't worry that your competition will do the same because many of the recommendations will get lost in the "Too Hard" basket. For example, Maister's treatment of unchargeable time is simple and cuts right to the chase: how is non-chargeable time measured? What is the RoI of this time? Is there a schedule or a programme for what is essential investment in the future?
The logic is impeccable, but it will lead to little action precisely because unchargeable time by definition doesn't contribute to the bottom line immediately.
It is a book which seeks out many of the sloppy, unimaginative practices prevalent in professional firms and provides practical remedies. It is a book that will be much recommended but too hard to use, and the reason why is best illustrated by Maister's recommendation on guarantees:
"Guarantee your work to the complete satisfaction of the client. If the client is not completely satisfied, accept that portion of the fee that reflects the client's level of satisfaction".
This stuff is just too scary. To trust clients and staff that much is asking a lot. To force a firm to live up to its marketing claims is, for most, a risk not worth taking.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Mr. Maister has written the "the bible" for the service industry. His concepts and views are on the money. True Professionalism is not a quick fix or trend, but a collection of timeless business advice.
This book is a must for any consultant and/or business leader in the service industry.
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
As a marketing professional in the service industry, i found this book inspiring in it's simplicity and inspiring in it's content. It challenges the old fashioned attitude of profesionals and details real ways to help achieve what, whether we know it or not, we all want from our professional life. David Maister uses some very useful and catchy phrasing to illustrate his points throughout the book and these in themselves have proved very useful in reminding me of what is important. I have since ordered more copies and have gifted copies to my fellow partners and managers. I now look forward to receiving my copy of 'Managing the Professional Service firm' also by David Maister ordered from Amazon.
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
It is recommended reading for anyone rendering professional services.
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
Maister adresses fundamental issues in managing professionals and firms. He provokes by challenging the way many firms manage their professionals and the way professionals manage their work and careers. Maister comes up with very practical recommendations. The examples he uses are relevant and recognizable. His messages are positieve and constructive yet also realistic.
The insights Maister offers are deep yet presented in a delightfully simple manner. Professional and manager: read this.
The insights Maister offers are deep yet presented in a delightfully simple manner. Professional and manager: read this.
3 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is good enough in terms of orthodox perspectives. However, it does not challenge the inherent issues in the so-called 'professional' industries and hence does not invoke much critical thinking.
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