The Adversity Paradox: An Unconventional Guide to Achieving Uncommon Business Success

by J. Barry Griswell and Bob Jennings

Book Overview

Harvey Mackay, Doris Christopher, Pete Dawkins, Clay Jones and John Pappajohn know that the answer to how you recover from career toppling adversity, and then go on to achieve pinnacles of success lies in firsthand knowledge of "the adversity paradox". They all attest to having found that the knowledge they gained from overcoming adversity played such a crucial role in their success trajectories, they now consider adversity a friend. While many motivational...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312385552
• ISBN13: 9780312385552
• Release Date: April 2009
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 257 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.7" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Timely, actionable wisdom from those who confronted adversity and excelled

Most business/career/life books are written by consultants and academics -- long on theory but exceedingly short on practical application. Not this book. It is loaded with real life stories wrapped in a practical framework that can be used by anyone who aspires to enhance the trajectory of their business, career and life. Most importantly, the authors have walked the talk.

Timely lessons, and not just for businesspeople

In a prescient move, the authors really hit upon a topic that's urgently needed for our time -- who isn't experiencing some sort of adversity these days? The book is written by businesspeople for businesspeople, but lessons in how to "befriend adversity" and use the experiential learning you gain in overcoming difficult circumstances apply universally. The authors do a great job of demonstrating how those lessons apply to the entire process of self-improvement, which they break down into "individual human capital components." The HC components are such things as work character, an ongoing thirst for knowledge, and purpose/passion, and this reader was especially gratified to see business leaders write about moral development. They make the point that success gained by unethical behavior is never more than temporary. Another point I appreciated is that there are no gimmicks here and no shortcuts to success offered -- the authors place a high premium on the value of good old-fashioned hard work. They're quick to point out, though, that they're not talking about a burdensome daily grind; if you've found a purpose you're passionate about, work is no longer work. One of the best things about the book is the firsthand accounts of business leaders who've overcome serious adversity and gone on to great success. The authors interview people like Doris Christopher, Peter Dawkins, and John Pappajohn, and they offer their own stories, too. A great read and an excellent book to give to employees. I'd recommend it to businesspeople and non-businesspeople alike.

An authentic, powerful exploration of the potential in all of us.

Chock full of wisdom and inspiration. Focused, compelling, and fascinating for readers in any field. The lessons to be learned apply to any "trajectory", big or small, and are articulated in deceptively simple style. A splendid professional and personal achievement presented with substance by the authors in, remarkably, their first book.

Very interesting read and GREAT timing

Great read and very timely given today's demise in integrity and leadership. Very interesting concept on the common thread in sustainable leaders is adversity and the concern for tomorrow generation given their lack of adversity. Again, great read!

The Adversity Paradox

An extremely well researched and well written book. While presented from a business perspective it shares a great message for everyone. It helps the reader understand how much they can be in control of their life by following the key points shared by the authors. Adversity really can become one's friend.