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Management Consultant Pens Award-Winning Book, THE STRIKE ZONE by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 A management consultant with more than 35 years of experience has hit a home run with his new book on employee and corporate evaluation. 'The Strike Zone: Evaluating Individual and Corporate Performance' has won the Dog Ear Publishing Award of Literary Excellence. The book uses the analogy of baseball as a model to evaluate individual and corporate performance.
Author R. Mark Janacek said he was inspired to write the book after listening to the president of a privately held consulting firm air his frustrations with the process of correctly evaluating human performance. 'It was clear to me that organizations have largely over-engineered what should be a simple and straightforward process,' he said.
Janacek continued, 'Having observed the hand-wringing frustration of management with the performance evaluation system in scores of business settings over the course my career, it was also clear that evaluating performance should be as crisp and clear as calling: balls, strikes, and outs.'
Janacek said he's most proud of the book's simplicity and versatility. 'It captured a set of business principles that, frankly, could be applied to any setting if there is the willingness to simplify rather than complicate the performance evaluation process,' he said. 'We use the 20/70/10 model proffered by former GE CEO Jack Welch in his best-selling book 'Winning,' in companion with 'The Strike Zone' methodology.'
Based on 'The Strike Zone' evaluation methodology, employees who are in the upper 20 percent are tagged as the 'super-performers.'
'You know who they are; there's no mystery about the fact that they do most of the heavy lifting where actual business results are concerned,' Janacek said. 'The people at the other end of the spectrum who are in the bottom 10 percent are put on notice that unless they have a drastic and sudden uptick in performance, they are likely to be swept from the organization.'
Janacek noted that, 'Managers in baseball constantly evaluate both team and individual performance. If you don't ruthlessly evaluate individual performance, you fundamentally have no clue as to what the team is capable of from a performance perspective,' he said. 'Evaluators, whether in baseball or business, need to determine: Do I have a superstar, an average performer or someone pulling us down?' He added, 'The Strike Zone' presents a simple but powerful model for performance improvement and is a must read for anyone in leadership.'
Dog Ear Publishing editor Leslie Wilhelm Hatch agreed, nominating 'The Strike Zone' to the company's editorial board for the excellence award. The editorial team's recommendations are reviewed by the managing editor, editorial services manager and the publisher. Janacek said Hatch's feedback showed the book was particularly well-written, the style was easy to follow and it captured aspects of the central theme very well. 'I took a fundamentally boring subject and tried to make it interesting, using baseball as an analogous model.'
'In baseball,' Janacek said, 'A pitch is thrown and it's either ball, strike, foul or out - a clear and definable outcome with every pitch.' It leaves no ambiguity. 'The message is clear: There should be no such thing as partial credit for a given performance outcome. It is what it is - period. In baseball, if we started awarding pitchers one-half of a strike or two-thirds of a ball, or one-fourth of a foul etc., the game would be in utter chaos. The inherent simplicity of measuring performance is why I chose the game of baseball as the analogy for the book.'
As he pointed out, 'We now live in a world where we are reluctant to pick winners and losers and rank performers accordingly. This weak-willed management mentality creates a kind of work-culture 'mush.' Personally that is not where I'd like to be, and I suspect most of us aspire to better than that.'
A portion of proceeds from sales will go to charities related to The Ohio State University's Julie Bonasera ALS Research Fund, which supports the scientific and clinical research of ALS at The OSU Department of Neurology, and the Stephen Gross ALS Fund in Columbus, Ohio, which supports the ongoing needs of Mr. Stephen Gross and family, personal friends of Janacek.
For additional information, please visit www.thestrikezonebook.com
The Strike Zone: Evaluating Individual and Corporate Performance
R. Mark Janacek
Dog Ear Publishing
ISBN: 978-1-4575-4265-7 170 pages $14.95 US Paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4575-4608-2 170 pages $19.95 US Hardcover
Available at Ingram, Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and fine bookstores everywhere.
Gary Becks Releases New Poetry Book by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Perceptions is a poetry collection that challenges many of our attitudes and values, showing us many of our concerns that grow more troubled in these difficult times. Disasters of our time come into immediate focus as they occur. We are shown again and again the catastrophic events of the day. It is the lingering effects that are seen from different viewpoints, and produce a sometimes volatile perception of our world. Gary Beck's ability to capture events seen from unusual angles is on shining display in this brilliant new collection. I knew 'Hard Times' was a beauty when I read it and the national editorial board unanimously voted it in – The Rockford Review All of these pieces hit hard - Heavy Hands Ink Great Poems - Atlantean Publishing https://www.amazon.com/Perceptions-Gary-Beck/dp/1941058493
THE AMERICAN SHALES is Released by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 HOUSTON, June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ What's behind the scenes in the Kingdom? 'Saudi Arabia's decision toremain the world's No. 1 oil producer by putting itself in a position of severe fiscal weakness continues to defy best-business-practices logic,' says Nissa Darbonne, author of The American Shales.
Valerie Giglio Shares Recovery Story in SINGING IN MY OWN KEY by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 BOSTON, June 22, 2016 /PRNewswire/ Valerie Giglio was at the pinnacle of her singing career when a wrong turn of her neck broke two arteries leading to her brain, causing a brain stem stroke that paralyzed her entire left side and damaged her vocal cord completely destroying her singing voice at the age of 42. Her incredible and inspiring journey of recovery is the focus of her new book, 'Singing In My Own Key: A Vocalist's Triumph Over Stroke.' Due to be released in print and eBook formats on August 1, the book will be available through Valerie's official website, http://www.valeriegiglio.com/, as well as Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and many other online retailers.
Amazon Announces the Best Books of 2016 by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 (NASDAQ:AMZN)-The Amazon.com Editorial Team today announced its Best Books of the Year So Far, an annual midyear retrospective featuring the Top-20 must-reads released between January and June 2016. Amazon's Editorial Team hand selected the list, awarding the top spot to Hope Jahren's memoir, Lab Girl.
Atlanta's Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore Presents Author Book Signing, 7/17 by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 On Sunday, July 17, from 4-6 p.m., the Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore (5531 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30342) will host a reading, signing and Q&A with B. Andrew Plant and Suzanne Lea, Atlanta-based writers who are two of the 16 contributors to 'Crooked Letter i: Coming Out in the South' (NewSouth Books), an anthology of 'coming out' stories.
'Crooked Letter i' offers a collection of first-person nonfiction narratives that reflect the distinct 'coming out' experiences of a complex cross-section of gay, lesbian, and transgendered Southerners from all walks of life and at different stages in their lives. The book includes a foreword by Dorothy Allison, the writer best known for 'Bastard Out of Carolina.'
For more information about Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore or the event, contact the store at 404-255-5207 or events@phoenixanddragon.com, or visit the store's web site: http://www.phoenixanddragon.com/. For more information about 'Crooked Letter i,' please see the publisher's website.
The book is available from Phoenix & Dragon Bookstore or through your favorite bookseller or online sources, such as Amazon.
Crooked Letter i ISBN:978-1-58838-313-6. Trade paper with French flaps, 208 pages, $25.95. ebook ISBN: 978-1-60306-362-3.
Dr. Anne McGill-Franzen and Dr. Richard Allington Participate in Summer Reading Loss Study by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Dr. Anne McGill-Franzen and Dr. Richard Allington selected American Reading Company (ARC) to provide books for their Summer Slide replication study. McGill-Franzen and Allington's previous longitudinal study in Jacksonville, Florida, proved that giving students books they chose themselves virtually eliminated the summer slide.
Carley Garner Releases Fourth Book, HIGHER PROBABILITY TRADING! by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Wyatt-MacKenzie publishing and DeCarley Trading LLC has just released Carley Garner's fourth futures and options book, Higher Probability Commodity Trading!
Janice Goldman Says LET'S TALK ABOUT MONEY in New Book by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 There are five essential conversations that can completely change a woman's financial future. Let's Talk About Money: The Girlfriends' Guide to Protecting Her ASSets highlights these important money discussions - those involving relationships, work, children, parents, and retirement.
UNRAVELING THE FAMILY HISTORY OF JESUS is Released by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 What if the real lineage of Jesus isn't what historians and theologians have known it to be for the past 2,000 years? What if Jesus wasn't in fact 'meek and mild,' but rather rich and powerful? What if his supposed father, Joseph of Nazareth, was actually the son of Cleopatra VII?
Eduardo Rodriguez Pens THE CHOSEN ONES by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 At the start of the 22nd century, earth has become an uncivilized place, where the devil rules and corruption and debauchery are commonplace among the majority of humans. But not everyone has given in to evil. In Eduardo Rodriguez's 'The Chosen Ones: Book One' (published by iUniverse), a group of chosen warriors with the power of God face off against an army of demons working on earth to serve the devil.
Beverly Mayne Kienzle Shares Grandmother's Letters, Poems, Drawings by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 In 'Virginia Cary Hudson: The Jigs & Juleps! Girl: Her Life and Writings' (published by iUniverse) author Beverly Mayne Kienzle shares the story of her grandmother, Virginia Cary Hudson, author of 'O Ye Jigs and Juleps!,' a New York Times bestseller in 1962.
Frank MacKay to Present Book Signing of BASEBALL'S GREATEST PLAYERS, 6/27 by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Nationally syndicated radio show host and Boulevard Books author, Frank MacKay, will be discussing and signing copies of his new book, baseball's Greatest Players at Ristegios, 641 Medford Ave, North Patchogue, NY 11772 at 7:00 pm on June 27th.
Glen W. Warner Shares Book of Meditations by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Author Glen W. Warner's book of meditations, 'Meeting the WORD in the World: Enjoying our place in God's Creation and discovering that we are a part of 'God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.' (Ephesians 2:10)' (published by AuthorHouse), is set to have a new marketing campaign.
A.G. Morgan Releases PURPLE ANGST by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 A.G. Morgan, a devoted writer and author, has completed her new book 'Purple Angst': an emotional and powerful story about the many facets of a friendship and the trials that they face.
Jack Overbey Pens THE MAVERICK KID by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Jack Overbey, a Veteran, husband, father, real-estate guru, devoted writer and author, has completed his new book 'The Maverick Kid': a gripping and potent journey of mystery, panic and fear with several unexpected moments.
Carissa Waihape Releases FINALLY FREE by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 'Finally Free: A Message from Light to Heal Your Love' (published by Balboa Press AU) presents practical exercises and uplifting affirmations intended to help readers overcome the ancestral heritage of their cells and transform from old into new.
Elizabeth Aguilar Pens ONE YEAR WITH DICKY by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Elizabeth Aguilar has recently released a novel where she explores the nuances of love and relationships in light of the experiences of two people sharing an extraordinary bond. By turns funny and poignant, 'One Year with Dicky' (published by AuthorHouse UK) is a story of what it means to love and live in the age of instant messaging and modern communications technology.
Jayne Joan-Grange Pens BEWITCHED by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 In author Jayne Joan-Grange's new novel, 'Bewitched' (published by Archway Publishing), Albert Hinzano Kenga, Kenya's tourism minister, is politically well-known and respected for his efficiency in everything he does and for his knack in finding solutions to the most complicated situations. For the first time in his life, Kenga is now at a loss on how to tackle a dilemma.
STEALING TESLA'S WEAPONS is Released by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Lawrence Roberts, MA returns to the world of literary fiction with the release of 'Stealing Tesla's Weapons' (published by Trafford Publishing). An intricately woven tapestry of history, drama and suspense, this new book recreates the Second World War era, a time that saw the world teetering in between unprecedented technological advancement and unimaginable cataclysm.
Lisa Bonavita Releases Memoir, I MARRIED A WIFE by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Author Lisa Bonavita shares a compelling narrative based on her personal experience in her autobiography titled 'I Married A Wife,' (published by Xlibris AU) laying out before the readers her grim, volatile past being married to an abusive and controlling partner.
World's Largest Literature Festival Comes to Boulder, CO by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Rich with words and ideas, the festival invites participants to join together in examining the depth and breadth of the human experience through the reflections and imaginations of more than 80 distinguished contemporary authors and speakers from around the world. In these critical times, the penetrating, intercultural dialogue exchanged at this festival of ideas speaks deeply to individuals and gives rise to the joy of community.
Dr. Kay Johnson-Gentile Shares MY WALK OF FAITH, HOPE, AND LOVE by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 'My Walk of Faith, Hope, and Love' (published by Balboa Press) tells the story of one woman's personal transformation from breast cancer, and how the music of John Denver served as a springboard to help extricate her from severe depression brought on by the disease and its radical treatment.
Dr. Ann J. Polya Releases INVINCIBLE SUMMER by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 JUPITER, Fla., June 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ 'I was intrigued by the fact tensions and conflict can exist amongst those who grow up together,and so after some research I identified three core values that, if respected, allow us greater acceptance and tolerance whichfacilitates better communication and relationships,' says author Dr. Ann J. Polya.
Silver*Ware Comics to Distribute Comics Nationwide by BWW News Desk
- June 22, 2016 Silver*Ware Comics (SC), a division of Silver*Ware Studios, Int. has signed a 50 States Distribution Deal, to deliver the first of their slate of comics, Wind & Fire: Sneak Peek Issue created by Travis Ware, across the United States, from the distributor, Comics Underground Distribution (CUD). The issue will have an inside look of the 1st four graphic novels, Wind & Fire: The Graphic Novel Series, Immortal Secrets - Graphic Novel, Last Night and Photo Finish - The Graphic Novel.
The Sneak Peek will also be available digitally (ComiXology/lulu.com). ComiXology has some to the largest selection of digital comics in the world. ComiXology has their own technology program called Guided View that will allow the reader to view comics on all reading devices.
The four novels, including the Sneak Peek, is meant for mature readers for the adult material (graphic violence, sexual situations, adult language and adult content). The book will cover several issues in the Wind & Fire series with a collection of artwork from the various artist that continued the series; from penciling, inking, and coloring.
As an added bonus, SC has added a sneak peek of the three other novels, written by the graphic novel writer, Travis Ware (Immortal Secrets Vampire/Drama, Photo Finish - Martial Arts/Action, and Last Night- Murder Mystery).
The issue is scheduled to be available in comic book stores this year. Check your local comic bookstores.