Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
A former middle manager turned consultant, Thompson depicts the realm between upper management and the workforce as rife with turf battles, firestorms and ongoing struggles to keep the troops from revolting. Fighting the notion that the 5.4-million middle managers at 30,000 U.S. companies are in a vast career wasteland, he offers specific and practical solutions for good management. As corporate fulcrums, managers are in a position to exert more power than they think, he argues. He also examines the root causes of situations known to endanger career progress and zap spirits, such as communications gaps between new bosses and long-term managers, or the anxiety associated with headquarters’ sudden infatuation with outsourcing. He then offers tools for successfully defusing such situations and even finding opportunity in them. The remainder of the text examines the skills required to achieve change. Using a combination of personal insights and short case studies, often quoting real people talking about their experiences at well-known companies, he brings an energy and enthusiasm that makes maintaining the middle ground seem both compelling and personally challenging, if not noble. (Mar.)
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Review
“With a real-worldview of what it's like to lead in limited space, Thompson shows middle managers how to access their true power and purpose to achieve the work life they've always dreamed of. This book really delivers on its promise to Ignite the magnificence of all.”
Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager® and Leading at a Higher Level
“Brilliant; this is the best management book of the year. Jammed with vital takeaway value for managers it should also be required reading and a sobering look-in-the-mirror for every business owner and CEO. This breakthrough work absolutely sparkles!”
Jason Jennings, bestselling author of It’s Not The Big That Eat the Small-It’s The Fast That Eat the Slow, Less Is More and Think Big-ACT Small
“Thompson rolls up his sleeves and examines the dilemma of managers trapped in a Dilbertian world and provides a vision and road map to inspire organizational change and personal success”.
Chris Gorog, Chairman & CEO, Napster
“Ignited speaks to managers in a way that I’ve seen no other business book do before. With sharp insights and an authentic understanding of our roles, Thompson demonstrates how managers can create the future. With Ignited you’ll get the big ideas that spark as well as the fuel to get you there.”
Brad Simmons, Senior Partner Manager, Experian
“Like a demolition expert, Thompson craftfully implodes America's old school management chain, and shines the light on the hero in American business; The Manager. I was amazed at the immediacy in which you can apply the information in Ignited! Read this book and re-light the fire in your career, your company, and with everyone you come into contact with.”
W. Grant Eppler, Divisional Sales Manager — West, Heinz — Portion Pac
“If you want to change the world, you've gotta take a stand. With Ignited Vince Thompson does just that showing managers how, in this time of reinvention and chaos, they can rise above the constraints to put the heart and sole back into business. This book and its lessons
have the power to change your life and propel your career. Read it, Live it and Be Ignited!”
Erin Brockovich, Advocate, Author and Speaker
“Managers of the world, rejoice. There is finally a book for you. Vince’s book contains some of the best advice you’ll ever get on getting the best out of people and enduring the constant stress that comes with managing human beings. Simple, easy to use and inspiring. If you manage people, buy one. If you manage managers, buy a box. In a world of leadership books that may or may not apply to your situation – this book will hit you in the bullseye.”
Tim Sanders, author of Love Is The Killer App: How To Win Business and Influence Friends and former Chief Solutions Officer at Yahoo!
“Ignited! is a groundbreaking leadership book that if followed will unleash any organizations most underutilized resource — Middle Managers. Too long neglected and too often abused Vince Thompson lays out how to maximize these managers untapped potential and it is HUGE! If you need results and need an energized management team, Ignited! is the only book you need to read.”
Chester Elton co-author of the New York Times best-selling Invisible Employee
“Leading from the middle has always been a tough job. In today’s rapidly changing environment it’s even harder. With Ignited, Thompson takes managers right to the heart of their roles and shows them how they are uniquely positioned to energize their companies. Ignited promises more power, more purpose and more success and really delivers.”
Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D., Dean, The Graziadio School of Business and Management Pepperdine University
“What will make your career hot–or not–is whether you can inspire a burning desire for change and growth in the people around you. Vince Thompson shows how to do this to get the success you deserve.”
Keith Ferrazzi, bestselling author of Never Eat Alone and CEO of Ferrazzi Greenlight
“Thompson's the real deal and his book on Management stands out like none other. I'm recommending it to my team and encourage you to take his purpose filled advice and truly be Ignited!”
Alan Cohen, CMO TV Guide
“Anyone trying to navigate the treacherous shoals of today's middle management dilemma without this book does so at his or her own peril. Vince Thompson spells out in delicious detail how to stand apart from the crowd and actually get things done.”
Granville Toogood, executive coach and author of The Articulate Executive–Learn to Look, Act and Sound like a Leader
“Ignited is just superb. Rich with terrific insights into the managers' dilemmas this book delivers on the promise for managers to become “Ignited”, energized and passionate in their work. One of the experiences and recommendations so resonated with the current situation my friend is in that I pointed it out to him and now he’s reading the book as well! I’m certain I’ll be recommending this book for years to come.”
Jan Sola, Ph.D., Associate Director, Executive Development Center, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University
“If you want to get to the Top you’ve got to make meaningful contributions. With Ignited, Thompson provides a framework for purposeful and powerful action”.
Jeffrey Fox, best selling author of How to Become CEO and How to Get to the Top: Business Lessons Learned at the Dinner Table
“Thanks to Vince Thompson we're reminded that we, Managers in the Middle, are not alone! With entertaining anecdotes, real life examples and solid research, you'll find Ignited really connects. You'll laugh, you'll cry and if you follow the advice you'll find yourself managing your career rather than being managed by it. This wonderful book is a must read for anyone in management.”
Lisa Tichadou, Sales Training Manager, Employee Development, Los Angeles Times
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