Deborrah Himsel
1 Finally, a Leadership Metaphor With Substance
Too many leadership books are so into becoming the next popular "quick airplane read" that they lack substance and espouse only one or two key ideas that are then endlessly reinforced in a story. Here, instead, a witty leadership development practitioner who knows what she's talking about (Himsel was on the INSIDE of several corporations versus some academic ivory tower) tells it like it is, reveals deeper layers of management know-how, and uses a "hook" that will most readers. The book covers more than the mere leadership surface, providing both reminders and new insights about leadership strategy, org charts, feedback and coaching, mediating conflicts between direct reports, staying on top of your professional development, the whole nine yards. For those that are tempted to dismiss the book because you are not a Sopranos watcher or because you don't emulate the leadership style of a mob boss, you'd be making a mistake. Himsel immediately and deftly provides perspective on how her metaphor works, that she is not endorsing Tony's violent or illegal behavior, and that there are lessons to be learned from the leadership principles by which the anti-hero operates without buying into his moral principles. The pop icon gangster vehicle simply lets her teach leadership theory and practice through an edu-taining, edgy, and humorous writing style. And there are many practical tactics offerred. For example, her detailing of Tony's "sit-downs" with key players shows how the savvy leader keeps tabs on the dynamics on his team and becomes active when intra-team or intra-team conflicts jeopardize the vibrancy of the business. If you're not a Sopranos regular, not the worry! Himsel sufficiently clues in non-Sopranos fans about the background of her many vivid examples from the series so that the vehicle works . Check out this book or you might find yourself swimming with the fishes!!!
2 Tony's Coattails Show Some Wear
A great idea: get an immediately recognizable character in memorable situations to illustrate leadership principles.
Where does it break down? When you have to stretch to place thoughts into the fictional character's head that might not be there. When you have to overlook inconsistencies and deviations from your theory in use. When you have to apply cute language to charm the reader into ignoring a terrible truth: you're saying the same old stuff with new language.
Tony studied Sun-Tzu - you should do the same...if your opponent is choleric, irritate him.
3 You wanna promotion? Fuggedaboutit!
This book was really an enjoyable read. Even though I've never watched the show, I was able to get leadership examples from Tony Soprano's point of view in a humorous format. You might ask yourself, "a self-help book based on Tony Soprano?" But Deborrah Himsel pulls this off effectively. She's quick to point out that Tony is not an ideal role model, but that he is an effective leader. She adeptly translates his style into more typical layman's terms, and a lot of it makes sense. For example, if your vendor is not doing what he should for your business, you can't go out and whack the VP, but you can use some conflict resolution skills, such as a sit-down, to work things out.
So, this book uses examples from the Sopranos show to create business scenarios that might translate to one's own working life. The samples also provide a contrast of what not to do. This creates a multi-viewed approach that makes sense, and is less dry or rah-rah than typical business leadership books.
Take a look at the case studies and see if Tony can help you become a more effective boss.
4 Well Executed Book Employing a Poor Concept
I graded this book five stars for implementation of the book's concept (how to improve your leadership using Tony Soprano as an example) and one star for the book's concept of using the fictional Tony Soprano as the only example of good leadership. The result is a three star rating.
Before reading this book, I had only seen about 12 minutes of a single Sopranos show. As a result, I did not know much about what would be in the book. Ms. Himsel has done a fine job of recapitulating many of the key themes and relationships in the series, so I felt like I understood the context that she was talking about even though I had not seen the show.
To me, the book is at its best when it moves away from Tony Soprano and speaks about the problems that many of us have such as not controlling our emotions, not communicating clearly or enough, not being considerate enough of other peoples' situations, and wanting to attract and build talent. I enjoyed the sections where there were questions where the reader could examine her- or himself to see what barriers need to be overcome. Some of the ones in the beginning were a little too obvious, but the later ones were more helpful.
I think if I had already seen all of the shows, the repetition of the material about the show would have seemed excessive. But as someone who hadn't seen the shows, I was grateful for all of the repetition I received.
Regardless of her fine craftsmanship, I was disappointed to read about a fictional person whose life is filled with doing unspeakable deeds cited as a management example. Ms. Himsel recognizes that limitation and makes it clear that she is not endorsing anything about Tony Soprano's morality. Well, the context leaves one feeling a little scummy in my reading experience. I don't really want to learn from an example like Tony Soprano.
Everything he does has the potential threat of violence or death behind it, which makes any observations about what he is doing a little suspect in terms of how much anyone else can apply it. Also, as I understand it, the Soprano operation is a relatively small business (although very profitable) and I'm not sure how well its lessons scale up into a larger enterprise.
I was particularly disappointed when I learned that Ms. Himsel works for Ms. Andrea Jung, one of the most effective CEOs in the world. Why couldn't Ms. Himsel have written about leadership, the Andrea Jung way? Now, that's a book I would love to read and share.
5 Disappointing Lack of Substance
I was disappointed by this book. It doesn't say what Tony does really well (and he does manage very well at times.). There's too much about the author and her meetings and not enough about the Soprano style, or real workable management advice. Plus it doesn't show a good understanding of the Sopranos (the show) or the mafia milieu.
6 Good book for future leaders
Enjoy reading this book. If you watch Sopranos, you would fall in love with the characters, especially Tony the boss. His management style is very different from what they teach you at Harvard Business School. Tony's way is simple, clear and effective. You generate new business weekly, using every soldier, capo, police, congressman.... You reach your goal. Along the way, you enjoy what you are doing and live a great life. This is the ultimate American dream! The book will be better if many of the leadership theories are eliminated. It is an overkill.
7 There is a much better book
This book has some old hack ideas and stereotypes. If you want to read a very interesting book about Italians and Italian Americans, read "The Golden Milestone: Over 2500 Years of Italian Contributions to Civilization."
8 Analytical , witty, and useful.
I've been impressed by Himsel's analysis (as part of the panel of experts on management) of Trump's performance in USA Today, so bought her book. It is even more impressive! Just as she has told it 'like it is' to Trump, the book is helping me be more direct and honest with those at work--at all levels. This really is a NEW set of principles for leadership in today's world. Himsel has researched and documented her topic well, but still uses her sharp wit very effectively to convey her points. Fun and useful!
9 Spit It Out!
WOW!!! Who else but Big Tony could teach us such lessons? By paying attention to Ms. Himsel's expert interpretation of Tony's style we learn to: BE STRAIGHT --"Look 'em in the eye and tell 'em why"; ENTER A ROOM LIKE YOU OWN IT: and, best of all, DON'T PLAY THE PART--Tony's leadership aha is "The best leaders are genuine human beings first and smart business people second."
I am so impressed with the fresh approach provided in this book that I've started changing MY style. Watch out Tony!!!
Chris Estrinada---retail sales
10 What I Heard, and Learned.
I bought this book because I heard the author speak on Bloomburg TV. Like her articulate discussion of leadership, this book cuts through the garbage and delivers the goods, while being fun to read. I'm using this book to develop my skills at team building and communicating. Tony Soprano may not be the nicest guy around, but I gotta say, Ms. Himsel has made him into a great management coach. Plus, he delivers---and so does this book.
11 What Fantastic Lessons for Aspiring Women Leaders!!!
I love this book! I learned so much and it was a 'fun' read. Can a woman learn leadership from a pot-bellied guy from Jersey who whacks people? YES--you bet your life she can! All those examples about asking for feedback, giving messages straight (with no qualifiers), having a strategic goal in mind when negotiating, and structuring your organization for clarity make such sense--for all of us. What REALLY makes this book so great is that a woman wrote it! If Debbie Himsel can learn from this character--and put these lessons to use as a real VP--so can I!! And so can you!!!
12 Italian-American Bashing
Stop the stereotypes of Italian-Americans! This book relies heavily on the same images as 'that show'---big-bellied guys from Jersey who whack people who disagree with them. I don't know how anyone can read this stuff and take it seriously. There are so many lessons to be learned from great Italian-Americans who are law-abiding! What about many the firefighters and cops in the WTC? We should be holding them up as examples of heros, not this guy!
13 When Tony Talks, We Listen: Great Communicator
So, who is a better boss than Tony Soprano? Who is able to get more done than he can? Have you ever come across a better motivator? You've got to admit, this guy knows how to get things done. He knows how to get people to do things for him, and.....pronto! Sure, this book has a humorous side, sure author Himsel has her tongue in her cheek, but only some of the time. The rest of the time she is deadly serious about using this well-known family man as a role model for becoming a truly effective boss. If you know who Tony Soprano is, then you've got to admit that: He is an excellent communicator, he leaves his guys no doubt about where he stands and what he wants from them. He has a very specific goal: to make a ton of money.. He leaves no doubt as to who's in charge, who's the boss: His organization is very clear, very well laid out and structured. He has no problem coaching his Poobahs and Goumbasl: that's staff to the rest of us. He has no trouble giving or listening to feedback, although it is debatable which is worse, to give or to receive. He is compassionate when time and the situation are right. Using many stimulating and thought provoking examples from the hit HBO series, Himsel applies alll facets of Tony's managerial style to lessons that can be used by all of us. In one chapter, she lays out the mechanics of a sit-down and uses it as a great guide for holding effective business meetings where you will actually get things done. Because one thing is clear, these guys get things done at sit-downs! And talk about trust? We should be so lucky as to have members of our organizations who would have the trust for one anther that Tony and his boys have. The same applies, of course, to loyalty, that our firm's members should be so loyal! Hey, if you're going to read a business book this month, you might as well have fun while you learn and this is the best way to have some fun that I know of. And let's face it, these lessons are truly and effectively unforgettable. Here are a few of "Tony's AHA's"! Tony's Structural AHA! Don't get too fancy with the way you organize things and make sure your structure is as flexible as a Bada Bing! Dancer's muscles. Tony's Strategic AHA! Go for the money, but stick to your guns. And finally this gem! Tony's Communication AHA! Sometimes you gotta use the stick, sometimes you gotta use the carrot, but you always gotta know which is which. So, if you want to be as effective a boss as Tony; as aggressive as Christopher; as manly as Paulie and as cunning as Sylvio, you better pick this one up and read it now, right now! Capiche?
Dan Beaulieu, I'm a sales management consultant.
14 Leadership Book of the Century?
Is this the best leadership book out there? I think so. Let me tell you why! It is original. It takes the actions of a character from popular fiction and draws leadership lessons we can all use to improve our skills. This is not just for CEO's--even though some have endorsed it--it is for everyone. Yes---IT does not discriminate! Deborrah Himsel draws on a wide range of experience, humor, espertise, and good old 'horse sense' to apply these lessons. She doesn't discriminate. She thinks we can ALL learn these leadership lessons. So do I!
15 Pick it up to learn.
Why would anyone READ this book if they were already predisposed to hate it? Beats me! I read it in one sitting, because I expected it to offer me something. I was not disappointed! Through the use of examples--from the hit show and real organizations-- quizes, and situational questions, the author peaked my interest with every turn of the page. I ended up with much more than my money's worth. So will you!
16 Open-minded readers wanted!
If you are open to learning from all medium, this is a book for you! It offers a wealth of information on how to improve, or develop, your leadership skills. If you can leave your prejudices at the door, you can learn. The author provides a serious, yet humorous look at leadership through a different lens. I benefited! Most intelligent, honest, readers will also.
17 More Stereotyping
It is time to stop these stereotypes of Italian-Americans! Like the show, this book relies heavily on the same images as 'that show'---big-bellied guys from Jersey who whack people who disagree with them. I don't know how anyone can read this stuff and take it seriously. There are so many lessons to be learned from great Italian-Americans who are law-abiding! What about many the firefighters and cops in the WTC? We should be holding them up as examples of heros, not this guy!
18 A book that makes you think!
I really liked the examples the author gave. She made the ideas come alive for me. I know that she really watched the show closely, because she was able to talk about different episodes in depth. It was interesting the way she was able to take a make-believe character and use him as an example for the rest of us. I can use her ideas in my work.
19 I'm buying 23 copies of this book!
I'm giving this book to each of my direct reports!!!
I want them to give me feedback--as the book suggests---and to learn to be upfront and honest about their expectations. What a refreshing take on a tired subject! We've been reading about leadership forever, but this book makes it interesting---and FUN!
Thanks for a down-to-earth application of real leadrship lessons!A.P. Holding
20 What an Interesting book!!!!
What a fresh approach to leadership! It uses a fictional character and real examples from real companies to illustrate the points. I was impressed by the wealth of knowledge of the show, as well as ledership theory and practice. The author has, indead, done her homework!
While some of the points of the show may be made with a wink, the applications are real. I walked away with at least 5 points I can put into action tomorrow. Thanks---Lyn Ginsburg.
21 Charisma takes the cake!!!
This book really lays out what it takes to be an effective leader---even if you don't want to be a mob boss. I found two chapters especially useful--the one on business plans and the one on charisma. While both are not new concents, Ms. Himsel details them in a fresh and new manner! She adds sparks to old concepts! She provides detailed examples, from her own and other executives' experiences, that make the concepts come alive.
I put the book down with reluctance--waiting for more tidbits I could put to good use. GREAT!
22 Be cautioned--this could change your life!
How many books can change your life? This one could. As I read it, I saw myself interacting with those 'on the job' and looked at how I could change and improve those interactions. Ms. Himsel gives down-to-earth factual ways to put the positive things Tony does into action. She doesn't pull punches in 'gimme it to my face'. What a great concept.
The quizes and case examples are helpful. However, the whole is greater than the parts. What a gift!
I looked her up on the Internet and found that she is 'the real deal'. She's been doing this for awhile and it shows. I feel as if I've had her whole leadership development training. What a deal!
23 Well crafted and informative!
I thought this was a great book! It was well written, structured to facilitate understanding, and chocked with ways to apply what I learned along the way. As a fledgling manager, I know I have a lot to learn. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see how easy it was to apply the principles Ms. Himsel set forth. It was also good to know that she had used them successfully with her people. Much more real than theory. Thanks much!
24 Thought provoking!!!
Who would think you could learn so much from such a slim volume? Though not a fan of the show, I'm open to learning whatever the venue--even a mob boss. I found the content of this book to move me to think of how I approach my direct reports. The quizes, action items, and examples were wonderfully helpful in applying the concepts.
I especially liked the real examples. The fact that the author is a VP of a major organization, gave her a lot of credibility in my mind. She certainly knows her topic well and makes it come alive. I am impressed!
25 I'm Sorry Too Ms. Himsel
But that wasn't me. Your friend, Russo, I guess, is being unethical and wrong. Please tell him to stop. I'm sorry I liked another book better than yours. That is my right. It's not because the author is my friend. It's because, in my humble opinion, it is a better book.
Whomever just posted, pretending to be me.... you are beneath contempt.
Let's not use Amazon reviews for personal slurs, lies and slander. These reviews are supposed to be helpful when people are looking at books.
26 I'm Sorry Ms. Himsel!!!
I really DID like the book---not as much as my friend's, but it is well written and summarizes a lot that can be learned from the Sopranos series. I was angry at what another reviewer on another site wrote about my friend's book, so used that guy's words to attack this one. My wife tells me this was wrong and that I must apologize. I wasn't robbed. The experience and insight that Ms. Himsel brings to the subject is deep. She just isn't my friend.
27 Interesting What Competition Will Do
As an original reviewer of this book, I think Ms. Himsel has written a well thought out, witty, and original volume. I've watched the postings on this site---especially after the recent article in the NYTimes regarding authors and their representatives 'trashing' competitors' books in reviews on Amazon.com. It makes me sad to watch the 'friends' of the Penguin book (published three months later than this one) use the words of their negative reviews against this book. Look at the ones on the Barnes & Noble site and you will see the spiteful reaction immediately posted here. This IS a free country. Too bad that the competition is so worried about this little volume. I guess the sales of Ms. Himsel's book must be hurting. Make up your own mind, but doubt all unsigned reviews! I do.
28 I was Robbed
This book is a pale imitation of another title published by Penguin/Berkley called Tony Soprano on Management. What Himsel knows about business and management wouldn't fill a gnat's eye. Her applications are forced, trite and very old. Nothing new here. What a rip off!
29 Laying The Cards on the Table
What a useful book! Ms. Himsel is not your mother's "Avon Lady"! She uses foul-mouthed Tony Soprano to illustrate the hard lessons of true leadership. As a long-time fan of the show---and a long-time business executive--I reveled in her witty integration of the two. I especially appreciated the 'Ten Tough Choices' chapter, where Ms. Himsel (who is a pretty high flying executive at Avon herself) details some of Tony's tough decisions and then analyzes them to reveal what can be learned from his style and substance. What a read! Buy and use this book to improve YOUR leadership!
30 A New Twist on Leadership
Leadership Sopranos Style is an insightful, entertaining and provocative book. It provides real-life examples (although based on a fictional character) of how we can strive to become more effective leaders. My greatest learning is that direct and honest feedback will generate greater results for me, my direct reports and my company in the long term. I think one of the greatest challenges in today's organizations is communications (or lack thereof) and Ms. Himsel's techniques and very practical examples will support me in working more effectively with my teams. Thank you for providing new insights on this age-old topic of leadership. It has certainly opened my mind.
31 its the real deal
After two decades of union leadership experience, I believe this author has captured the essence of how street leadership can be effective in corporate America. For those who feel Tony is a fictitious character, they should wake up and smell the coffee. I thought the book was alot of fun and very useful for the current leaders in todays business world. Thank you. Sal from Brooklyn
32 Innovative and Fun!
This is one of the most entertaining - and insightful - management books I've read in a long time. I've always been a devotee of the show and as a result of this book, I don't think I'll ever watch it the same way again. Without excusing Tony's amoral behavior, Ms. Himsel manages to make an extremely compelling argument for his effectiveness as a business leader. Unlike what you might think, beyond the gimmick, there is a lot of useful and thoughtful advice here, supplemented by the author's own considerable experience first as a Director of Strategy and Training and Pfizer and currently as the VP of Organizational Development at Avon Products, Inc. This level of credibility on the part of the author is truly what sets this Sopranos management book above the competition.
I recommend this for leaders at all levels of an organization as I look forward to another season of the Sopranos on HBO. I'll definitely be taking notes on Tony's leadership style.
33 you get what you are looking for
A one star rating on Leadership Soprano Style indicates a very narrow mind and indicates a need for a re-read. When we seek the evil in life, that is what we find. Ms Himsel has taken a very clever review from this program, incorporated it and found it to be beneficial and acceptable to todays standards. She has presented it in a fashion that stirs your interest through 186 pages. This book will make you a better leader.
34 honesty
A truly great leader will glean beneficial substance from any situation to improve their leadership skills, as Ms Himsel has done in her book, "Leadership Soprano Style" A very negative person will see only a vicious boss and shun the very things that would make them a more effective leader. Do not let Tony Soprano's unacceptable ethics blind you from the tried and successful tips Ms Himsel passes on to you in a manner that draws you quickly to the last page.
35 contrived and kinda dull
I bought this book thinking it would be a fun, satirical look at business, with a few useful pieces of advice thrown in. Kinda like Dilbert. What I got instead was a dry recitation of generic management advice written by an Avon lady (really). The references to Tony Soprano are completely contrived, and embarrassingly serious. They made me want to yell, "Hey, he's a fictitious character, created by a roomful of Hollywood writers!" If this book were written 30 years ago, it would be called Leadership Captain Kirk Style. It's a prime example of borrowed interest, and should wind up on remainders tables in about three years.
36 Who Next? Adoph Hitler?
Tony Soprano on leadership. What next? Adolph Hitler on effective public speaking? Joseph Stalin on efficient administration? Al Capone on how to win friends and influence people? Kenneth Fastow on finance? No one can seriously contend that this book makes any unique contribution to leadership guidance. It has one and only one distinction. It uses a vicious gangster character to entice readers. The separation of ethics from pragmatism is alive and well in American business and this book accepts the validity of that premise. The management of Enron obviously had the same concern for ethics in business as Tony Soprano. The only difference is that Tony is a fictional character that kills fictional people. Kenneth Lay was financially far more successful and destroyed real lives. We have seen such books before. The book "Leadership Secrets of Attila the Hun" was moderately successful. Somehow buyers of that book hoped for guidance based on a man who succeeded through mass murder and rape. Most likely the writers of such books assert that the character choice is merely metaphor. The author of this book asks us to look the other way, to suspend our disbelief. She forgets to ask one more absolutely necessary concession. We must disregard our own ethical bearings as if effective management can operate in an ethical vacuum. Like all such metaphorical propositions we are asked to consider the lessons of the example without considering the example. Interestingly, recent examples of egregious corporate behavior are never used as metaphors. No publisher would accept a book proposal that exemplified Dennis Kozlowski as an effective boss. Yet we find plenty of exploitation based on fictional characters or real characters whose viciousness is blurred by the mists of time. Some reviewers praise this book as well researched. Unfortunately, the value of the research is cheapened by the ethical shortsightedness. Ultimately this book is just one more contribution to the concept that anything goes, a business approach that is a cancer in the American workplace.
37 Don't Fuhgetabout This Book
Ms. Himsel has finally written a business book that can be ENJOYED! She has taken a rather boring subject(business)and wrapped it around with an exciting premise. This book is a MUST for anyone who is working today. Who doesn't want to become a better leader? Every leadership point is made very clear with great humor and wit. I especially liked the Charisma and Give it to my face chapters. After reading it I felt I am ready to lead my own business crew! Take my advice and get this book before everyone hears about it. Soon this book will be harder to find than Jimmy Hoffa! Thank you Ms. Himsel for writing a great book!
38 But what does Tony read?
This is all well and good; but basically it's a paste-job derived from the show. To me the real question is, What books does Tony Soprano read? And the answer is right there in episode 3/8: THE ART OF WAR by Sun Tzu. I bet Tony owns the first edition!
39 Fun and Informative
At work, I often struggle when I have to confront my staff. I don't like it. Most leadership books would offer me some platitudes, but not this one. Ms. Himsel suggests that we steal a page from Tony Soprano and speak our minds without any B.S. If an employee lets you down, don't mince words and make sure that there are consequences. Ms. Himsel also offers some good advice for structuring interactions away from the workplace and pursuing goals with higher-ups. Using Tony Soprano as a leadership model takes a lot of guts, and it may not work for everyone, but this book gave me some laughs and some ideas.
40 Wise and Witty Leadership Advice
What a great book! Ms. Himsel skillfully weaves 'refreshers' from the hit series with real advice on leadership. This is more than a fun book---it presents insightful new ways of handling the challenges faced by real people in real organizations, in a delightful combination of serious scholarship and fun. I'm giving this to several 'wannabe' bosses on my Holiday list.
41 A great read!
I just picked this up and WOW, what a great read! I bought it because I am a huge fan of the show and liked the twist on serious leadership (I'm a business book junkie). Out of all the leadership books I've read in the past, this ranks right up there with some of the best. It is easy to read thanks to the connection to the Soprano's tv show, and gives some really great tips and lessons to use in everyday life. You won't be disappointed.
