Some time ago I mentioned a book by author Laurence Haughton on a blog I was then writing for. To my surprise, I got an email from him thanking me for the mention and asking if I’d like to read his (then) new book It’s Not What You Say, It’s What You Do. Of course, I said.
I read it. Really liked it. Have been intending to review it for about a year now. Yup. Good intentions, but on this, Susan gets F for follow through.
Until today that is. And this still isn’t a real review. But it is an unqualified endorsement for the book and the author. Here’s why.
I’m using the book in an executive outreach program for one of my clients. The theory is a top notch business book like this one might make it past the CEO’s gatekeeper. Certainly better than a pen or a gimmick.
Here’s an excerpt from our cover letter:
Houghton explains how research at 160 big companies proves that it isn’t the strategy that makes the difference, although it certainly helps to have a good one. It’s the execution that drives success:
“What makes or breaks a company’s performance is its grasp over management’s most basic mission – to make sure everyone at every level follows through.”Is everyone on your team executing the strategy for maximum impact? Probably not. This book can help you and them get it done. Haughton takes you step by step, example by example, through the four crucial building blocks for following through.
The overall theme of the book was a good fit for the market, and our product ties in very naturally. We do this later in the letter; if you’d like to see it, email me.
But here’s the kicker: Haughton just didn’t write a great book — he lives it. He offered to autograph the books for us, with personalized signatures no less, and when UPS screwed up the pick-up to ship the books back to us, he drove it to the local UPS office. Above and beyond the call of duty. True follow through. A real class act.
Thanks, Laurence. And, readers, if you haven’t already, get this book!
Tags: laurence haughton, business management
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