The Paradox of Success

O'Neil. John R.

ISBN 10: 0874777070 / ISBN 13: 9780874777079

Published by G. P. Putnam's Sons, 1993

About this Item

Dust jacket has one tear; Near Fine condition. Erase marks on front end page. Book in Near Fine condition.

Seller Inventory # rh11215

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Paradox of Success
• Publisher: G. P. Putnam's Sons
• Publication Date: 1993
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0874777070
• ISBN 13: 9780874777079
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Seller catalogs:
  • Modern Firsts

About this title

Synopsis

A business consultant offers the true stories and shows business leaders how to engage in deep learning, take time out for retreats, and renew excitement and commitment at work.

Reviews

The glitter of success can turn to fool's gold, suggests O'Neil, president of the California School of Professional Psychology, in a workmanlike guide for executives who have sacrificed personal values in order to further their careers. This "paradox of success," often seen in workaholism, self-doubt or hubris, substance abuse and family problems, is manifest when the executive's suppressed psychological conflicts are sensed and transmitted throughout his or her organization. Becoming a "long distance winner" requires a commitment to a process of probing self-examination, which will lead to renewal. Having achieved renewal, the executive can sustain it only by continuing to practice self-observation to use time constructively, including through various types of retreats and other activities. In a final chapter O'Neil too scantily discusses the application of renewal principles to organizations themselves.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

When is success not really success? When it leads to stagnation and hubris, says business consultant O'Neil. The very traits extolled by many current books on success and leadership can become counterproductive if they are not tempered by introspection. For example, healthy egos become overinflated, dedication leads to workaholism, and perseverance can harden into a rigid resistance to change. O'Neil shows how busy people need to step back periodically from their workaday lives in order to achieve self-renewal. He identifies a wide range of activities, especially various forms of retreat, that can lead to renewal at both personal and professional levels. Although addressed primarily to leaders, this advice would benefit anyone in a work situation that is pressure-laden but ultimately lacking in real personal satisfaction. Recommended for popular psychology and business collections as an antidote to overly zealous success books.
-Ilse Heidmann Ali, formerly with Motlow State Community Coll., Tullahoma, Tenn.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.