Bruce Hodes Book Review: The Strategist

The Strategist: Be the Leader Your Business Needs
By Cynthia Montgomery

Typically I do not like what I call “MBA” books. These are business tomes written by professors. They are theoretical and hardly relate to the business world. Typically the case studies are complicated and irrelevant. The Strategist is different. Though written by Cynthia Montgomery, a Harvard professor, the author’s writing style is straight forward, almost conversational. 

A good business book is one which takes a simple idea, spices it up with interesting case studies and then challenges the reader to take on worthwhile and challenging work. This is exactly what the Strategist does. In a thought provoking yet easy to follow manner the author gets the reader to look at the purpose of their organization. She challenges you the reader to think through what really makes up the secret sauce of your organization. The case studies are well-crafted and focused, except for the one on Apple. After putting forth the compelling arguments for crafting an organizations purpose, the book goes on to outline how to create a strategy wheel. The simple presentation along with the focus on implementation and taking action are powerful facets of this book. 

I highly recommend this book to CEOs and executives who are interested in growing their companies and also engaging others in that journey.

You're Invited

You're Invited

Book as Compost

My view on books is that they can transform culture and refocus a business. Books, like compost, get good ideas to grow in organizations. Reading specific, specially selected books can create an environment conducive to creating organizational change and development. When management groups read the same book, it is like they’ve shared an experience with a common language. So, what does that get you?

Reading the same book gets executives of the company on the same page. They now share a common vocabulary. Groups reading together enhance understanding and the acceptance of innovation and change. Even when the leadership team does not agree on the book's message, the executives now have parameters from which to debate and explore issues.

Case in point: One company I worked with, after reading Raving Fans by Ken Blanchard, started using a survey that not only asked their customers: “Are you satisfied with our service? Yes or no? And why?” but also, “Are you one of our raving fans? Yes or no? And why?” This type of survey gave employees lots of feedback. It also focused them on converting their customers into “raving fans.”

Front Line Heroes: Battling the Business Tsunami While Developing Performance Oriented Cultures has the power to do this. Ok, I am biased and with that said I am also quite proud of the difference that this book is making.  It is getting great reviews.  Front line Heroes even made the top 100 management science books on Amazon.  The book was recently reviewed in the Daily Herald Business Ledger. My request is that you start a Book Club and read the book with your staff and fellow executives. The ideas and techniques of this book when applied will make a true and measurable difference to the performance of your company. You can hold me to that promise. Discounts are available for quantities of book ordered above 10 copies. Please let me know your thoughts and I look forward to hearing from you about this “book club” idea.

The Top 5 Reasons to Read Front Line Heroes

(5) It is fun, entertaining and informative. This book’s chapters include, “Posters, Plaques, and Horse Manure,” “Go Live with Whales” and “Why Stoopid Games?” which describe how values, teamwork, communication and your own potential can make your company successful.

(4) It is universal. The stories described in Front Line Heroes are based on real companies and real people from business groups of large corporations, non-profit organizations and family businesses, to name a few.

(3) It is practical. The book offers concrete advice and ways in which to use it. Most business books talk about what other companies did to succeed and not about how to do it. Front Line Heroes is all about the “How.”

(2) It really works. Front Line Heroes is based on 30 years of real life experience. Since 1984, Bruce has helped companies develop and grow with strategic business planning and team building programs.

(1) It is personally signed. Autographed copies are available for purchase on the CMI website.

You're Invited!

to the
Front Line Heroes Book Launch and Signing Party

Date: 3.17.12
Time: 2pm-6pm
Location: Oak Park, IL

Come one! Come all! CMI is proud to announce a celebration for Bruce Hodes and his new book Front Line Heroes: Battling the Business Tsunami with Performance Oriented Culture.Front Line Heroes, one of the top 100 books in management science on Amazon, is available for you to read. We at CMI would not only like to celebrate, but invite our friends to celebrate with us.

Bring your copy of the book and Bruce will sign it! Don’t have a copy and want one? Order your autographed copy at the CMI website. Books will also be available at the party.

Kindly RSVP to Alona by 3.9.12 for the address and directions.

Irreverent New Book Shows Business Owners & Executives How to Thrive in Changing Times

Front Line Heroes: How to Battle the Business Tsunami by Developing Performance Oriented Cultures by Bruce Hodes is now available

Oak Park, IL, February 3, 2012—In his new book, management consultant and teambuilding expert, Bruce Hodes shows business owners how to grow despite the tsunami of recent economic events with strategies for execution management, business planning and building a high performance culture.

As a business owner himself and having worked for his family’s company in his formative years, Bruce shares stories and best practices resulting from his work with clients over three decades. Each tale enlightens business owners with the steps necessary to implement positive, sustainable change that leads to increased revenue generation, employee engagement and profitability.

Most business books talk about what other companies did to succeed and not about how to do it. Front Line Heroes is not only all about the “How” but also bold, cheeky and accessible. This book’s chapters include, “Posters, Plaques, and Horse Manure,” “Stop the Past & Start the Future” and “Why Stoopid Games?”

According to author Bruce Hodes, “In the face of the business tsunami we’re in—meaning the financial calamity of 2008 and subsequent recession—it’s hard to acquire credit and customers. Businesses and organizations are faced with doing more with less or going out of business.” Hodes asserts that if your business lacks a performance-oriented culture, and you do nothing to change that, your business conditions will worsen.

“I wrote the book because I’ve acquired knowledge and developed tools that can make a big difference in improving the performance of organizations, business owners and executive leadership teams. This book is a good way to reach more people than we do in our practice at CMI,” reflected Bruce. “My favorite chapter: the Lucky Sperm & Egg Club, which is about taking the family out of family business.”

According to Corey Michael Blake, founder of the book’s publisher Writers of the Round Table Press, “For those in the business of leading people and growing companies, Front Line Heroes is a must read; the kind of book that has you jotting down notes in the margin to put into action. Bruce's depth of wisdom comes shining through, as does his quirky sense of humor. Any business owner, entrepreneur or manager would be well served by reading this book.”

Front Line Heroes: How to Battle the Business Tsunami by Developing Performance Oriented Cultures carries a cover price of $14.95 for the paperback version. The digital version is priced between $6.95 and $9.95 for use with Kindle, Nook and iBooks. Autographed copies are available on the CMI website. It is also available at all online retail sites including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Powell’s.

About the Author
Since working for his family’s boating business to founding his company CMI (Crusading, Marauding Interveners), Bruce Hodes has dedicated himself to helping companies grow by developing executive leadership teams, business leaders and managers into powerful performers. Bruce’s adaptable Breakthrough Strategic Business Planning methodology is specifically designed for small-to-mid-sized companies and is especially valuable for family company challenges. With a background in psychotherapy, Hodes also has an MBA from Northwestern University and a Masters in Clinical Social Work. Front Line Heroes: How to Battle the Business Tsunami by Developing Performance Oriented Cultures is Bruce’s first book. More information is available at the CMI website.

Interview with the Author

An interview with Bruce Hodes, the author of the new book, Front Line Heroes

Interviewer:  What is your book title?

Bruce Hodes (Author): Front Line Heroes: How to Battle the Business Tsunami by Developing Performance Oriented Cultures


I: Did you consider any other titles for your book?
A: Books as Compost or Business Compost/Fertilizer

I: Why did you decide to write a book?
A: I realized that this was the next thing to take on. As I was developing my career I found that I could make a difference and contribute. The business climate is terrible and it impacts businesses. There are opportunities for businesses and ways to impact the face of media, so I wanted to write about them to help people.

I:  Who/what were your sources of inspiration?
A:My ability to make a difference and my clients. They are the ones that asked the right questions and gave me the ideas.

I: What do you hope to achieve by writing and publishing your book?
A: Well, I hope people read it, but I really hope that they use it as a tool and get inspired  to make create safe and straight forward cultures in their workplace.

I: How long did it take to write your book?
A:1.5-2 years

I: Who designed the cover?
A:Writers of the Round Table

I: Who is your publisher?
A:Writers of Round Table

I: Why did you choose to write this particular book?
A:Tried and true ideas on growing/focusing organization

I: What was the hardest part about writing this book?
A:Sticking to it.  The promise to the writing group and the publishers helped me out with that.

I: Did you learn anything from writing this book and what was it?
A:I can write and I might even like it a little! But publishing is easier than I thought and the resources were outstanding. I also learned that people gain from knowledge from what my book has to say.