Since the last book I gave away garnered so many requests I’ve decided to do it again.  Actually, I’d been meaning to write about Jim Clemmer’s Moose on the Table for some time now it’s an enjoyable story that in spite of its entertaining disguise contains some very useful techniques to help improve your communication skills.

With the exception of those few people that seem to have the magic ability to communicate effectively seemingly under all circumstances and with anybody, most of us occasionally struggle with one of the most crucial aspects of our day to day lives - communicating effectively with others.  Whether with an employee that you are hoping to motivate to step it up a notch, to a surly teen that thinks she or he knows everything (after all they heard it on MySpace, right?) or your grumpy division director who always seems ready to make life miserable just because she can; the higher the stakes in a given conversation the higher the likelihood you won’t be understood the way you wished.

Anyone that has ever had a conversation do the dreaded 180 (read any guy who has had their girlfriend ask if she looks fat in something) knows exactly what this feels like and I’m certain I’m not alone when I say that any resource that can help you learn ways to prevent this from happening in the future is well worth the time spent to gain that knowledge.  (when it comes to the dreaded “Do I look fat in this?” I suggest running from the room screaming “the dog is on fire!” or anything else bizarre enough that you can make the door before your loved one figures out you don’t wish to have this particular discussion at this time - however this advice is much less likely to be effective in a board meeting when asked for this month’s sales numbers)

All humor aside, Jim, who has penned multiple other works including “Vip Strategy“, “Firing on All Cylinders”, “Pathways to Performance” and other books takes us on an entertaining journey featuring an individual who looks like he’s got it all but who is really barely holding it together.

In many respects this book parallels “The Myth of Multitasking” in the way it delivers the knowledge the author wishes to impart upon the reader.  While I wouldn’t call this great literature I would definitely say that it’s a fun way to learn some new and very useful methods to get your point across, lead more effecitvely and build consensus among co-workers.

So…if you’re a GTDtimes reader who would like one of the two copies of “Moose on the Table” here’s what you need to do:  simply write to me via email at editor at GTDtimes dot com and provide me with the answer to the question below as well as your full name and mailing address.

Here’s the question:  Recently David Allen come up with a brand new set of concepts related to software for GTD.  He referred to this as “the five I’s” of software.  What you need to do is be one of the first two people to write me who correctly provides the five I’s in the correct sequence.  (and no, I’m not going to make it easy by providing a link.  You have to find the information for yourselves.  Good luck to one and all.

Tags: Getting Things Done, Humor, Oliver Starr, Recommended Reading, Reviews, inspiration //