“Much of what we’ve been told about the qualities that lead to achievement is logical, earnest – and downright wrong.” So claims Eric Barker in his recently released book (2017) ‘Barking Up The Wrong Tree’, published by HarperOne.
Essentially Barker is dealing with the premise that ‘What we have been led to believe about being successful is mostly wrong.’ He has been researching the various issues associated with success for a number of years, writing about it on his blog. This book is a culmination of that research.
HE goes to enormous lengths to find research, and even to sources themselves to delve into the issues of success. For me, this means it is very convincing, and what I particularly like is that he explores multiple sides of the issues, allowing the evidence to speak for itself.
An example of the issues considered:
- Do nice guys always finish last?
- What navy SEALs, video games, arranged marriages and Batman can teach us about sticking it out when success is hard
- The real truth about work-life balance.
Really well organised book, and very well written, with equal doses of research, humour and surprise.
This book will appeal to pretty much anyone, and especially those who are thinking about whether they are being successful or not, and what success really looks like (hint – it’s not about money!). Taken from page 3, “This book explores what rings success in the real world. And I mean life success, not merely money making. What attitudes and behaviours will help you achieve your goals in whatever arena you choose, career or personal?”
Very worthwhile, and one of the best books I have read for awhile –highly recommended.
Warrick Long, Lecturer, Avondale Business School.