The Shark and the Goldfish: Positive Ways to Thrive During Waves of Change

by Jon Gordon

Book Overview

An illustrated business fable that gives you the faith, courage and confidence to win in today's tough economic climate

Fear and uncertainty are staples of daily life in today's struggling economy. As bad as things can be, economic downturns also lead to new opportunities. It's easy to worry, give up and let fear paralyze you. However, you have more control than you think you do and how you handle adversity is your choice-and the only choice...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470503602
• ISBN13: 9780470503607
• Release Date: September 2009
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 112 Pages
• Weight: 0.43 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

Must have for all - ESPECIALLY youth going into high school and on!

It was a quick and enjoyable read with a huge message. I believe it should be given to all students as they reach a level they can understand the basic concepts of the book. It really could give them the perspective that they have to shift their way of thinking to move through this world of constant change and prepare them for the world outside of school. It is great for college graduates and for people going through a transition in their lives like a new job, new marriage/divorce, or a move to a new location and perfect for family members like military or government contractors who move on a semi-regular basis.

quick read with simple and powerful insight

This is the shortest book Jon Gordon has written in his series. Not as good as training camp, but this book still has great insights you can apply to your life immediatley. it is a great book to get yourself re motivated when someone knocks you off your path.

Thriving in Crisis

Most of us realize the key to long-term success is being prepared for short-term setbacks; attitude is everything, especially during times of crisis. Those who refuse to accept failure as an option usually find a way to succeed; it's really that simple. Jon Gordon certainly understands this, and his wonderfully charming parable about a goldfish faced with a life or death situation, reveals the doggedly optimistic spirit the author possesses, and it becomes the theme for this book; if you're going to swim with the sharks, you'd better learn to think like one; otherwise, you'll be dead meat in a big hurry. In this cynical day and age, it's refreshing to see such an optimistic perspective shining through, in such an engaging manner. The end result is a wonderfully inspirational message that even the most pessimistic naysayer will surely enjoy. Reading this story will bring a large dose of optimism to your outlook on life, and certainly help you develop the right frame of mind to achieve just about any goal you set out to accomplish. What more could you ask for?

A gut check for life in tough times!

I have become hooked on Jon Gordon's writing style this year having read 4 of his books since January, 2009. The Shark and the Goldfish continued to deliver the quality,usable information that I have come to expect from Jon. Jon is great about getting us to think about how we can control our own situation, that we are in charge, and that if things are not the way we want we have the power to change them. I also really appreciate the way that Jon address the theory of abundance. There are plenty of opportunities in the world, we just have to find those opportunities that will work for us and meet our needs. The Shark and the Goldfish is a quick read that could be read at the start of each week to keep your spirits up, keep your ability to seek out new opportunities honed, an to serve to uplift your spirits to conquer any challenge you face.

Great message for your entire "school" of friends and co-workers

Phenomenal book! I'm a little hesitant of the "business fable" books (never really understood the hullabaloo regarding "Who Moved My Cheese") but The Shark and The Goldfish is on my personal list of favorite books of the year. There's nothing outrageously original about the message, but isn't that true of all universal messages? The story was engaging and the important themes weren't lost in the fable. Buy copies of this book for your entire team -- they should sell them in groups (Groupers?) so you can gift them to your entire "school" of Goldfish friends!

Find your ocean of opportunity

We all face set-backs in life at one time or another. Whether it be an economic downturn, new and greater competition, negative associations, you name it, life is full of challenges. We all face them, and we all must decide on how to face them. That is the crucial part. In Jon Gordon's little parable, THE SHARK AND THE GOLDFISH, we learn about Gordy, the goldfish. In a sudden series of events, Gordy finds himself no longer in the comfortable confines of his fishbowl, but loose in a vast ocean of uncertainty. Luckily for Gordy, he finds a mentor in Sammy the Shark. Gordy learns lessons from Sammy we all need to learn and apply to our everyday lives, both personal and professional. Author Jon Gordon does a terrific job of presenting valuable lessons in an entertaining way. For me, the part I liked most was a short but concise lesson on the commonalities and differences in faith and fear, the effects of each, and how to leave fear behind and replace it with faith. This little lesson alone is more than worth the price of this little book. I'm looking forward to introducing this story at my next meeting. There are some great training tools here on positive ways to not only face change (in an ever changing world) but how to come out on top of change and make that change work to your benefit. If you're looking for a quick and easy read that will change focus and outlook, this is it. I have several employees who all but refuse to read. This one can easily be digested in about an hour, so it perfect for non-readers to get them on the right track and create a positive change for them.