The Paradox of Success: When Winning at Work Means Losing at Life

by John R. O'Neil

Book Overview

The bestselling book for leaders looking for renewal. In all fields, many leaders feel that the costs of their professional victories outweigh the rewards. With nearly 30,000 copies sold, The Paradox of Success has helped leaders achieve balance in their lives. John O'Neil, a well-known consultant to top business executives, draws on his fascinating studies of long- distance winners' psychological and business strategies to show the way out of this dilemma, and help readers find steadiness, renew their lives, and reinvigorate their organizations in the process.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0874777720
• ISBN13: 9780874777727
• Release Date: February 1994
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 272 Pages
• Weight: 0.72 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

Must read for all leaders

I first read this book when it came out, at the time the O. J. Simpson story was just breaking. It was PERFECT timing - offering insights into how otherwise highly-successful people can have darker sides show up in their lives unless they periodically renew themselves and take stock - what might be called taking an "internal audit" of oneself. I've often thought the title for this book could have been "The Shadow Side of Success." I highly recommend this book for anyone who's in a position of influence, power and responsibility (or who WANTS to be). The author has included a rich assortment of ways one can avoid the egoic pitfalls of success and fame - a real MASTERPIECE! John Renesch, author, Getting to the Better Future

Not just for overachievers

The book is written for leaders, but it does a fine job for us followers as well. It's one of those very rare books that inspire me to make changes - no easy feat, as I am a hard case. In very short order, the author inspired me to look at my failures, behaviors and the shadows that haunt me, make me face the truth about all of the above, and think of an action plan on how to make changes in my life. Much of the book is devoted to necessity of pause and reflection as an energizer to face working life's challenges - but there are several more gems buried in this short text.

An Excellent Book for Career Coaches!

It is an excellent book not only for career coaches but also retreat facilitators. In an age when one has to re-invent often with the technological evolution and globalisation taking place in the 21st century, the book provides invaluable insight to managing one's career. It also provides the guidance neccessary for career diagnosis for strategic self management. It offers suggestions in self discovery for renewal. In summary, a thought provoking book!

Balance

This book taught me the importance of balance in my life at the time when I needed to learn it the most because I had worked myself into exhaustion and burnout. I can't recommend it enough to those people who have a strong work ethic and are highly ambitious.

A book that can have a significant impact on your life

The paradox of success is a book about 'leadership' that rapidly becomes a hand-book to help you think about yourself as a leader and - most important - as a person. The messages therein are quite profound and I know from others that this book has had the same impact on them. I would urge you to read this book if you want to become a more effective manager / person.