Aug 28, 2024 | Action & Adventure, Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
In the context of analyzing the reasons why so many employees feel undervalued, under-appreciated and not really belonging to the “family” ie the company), it is clear that They (managers) rarely examine how they might be contributing to low employee satisfaction, engagement or retention.
General Summary for Context:
Why do my employees seem to dislike me? Why do they rush out the door at five o’clock sharp? Why do they take extended lunch breaks when there’s so much unfinished work? It couldn’t possibly be ME, right? I’m a nice person—I rarely raise my voice, and I approve of their raises each year when they’re due. So why do they quit, complain, or take so many days off?
Managers and employers worldwide know just how costly employee attrition can be—or worse, the impact of employees who stick around just until something “better” comes along. So, what’s the solution? Is there even a solution?
According to this author, the answer is a resounding yes. There are strategies managers can implement to show their employees that they are truly appreciated and valued. These include providing support when needed, keeping promises, and upholding the implied contract between employer and employee. In other words, maintaining fairness, respect, and balance in the workplace is key.
Concise Review:
Would you rather have a raise or a heartfelt compliment? According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, once our basic needs—such as food, shelter, and safety—are met, we begin to seek fulfillment of higher-level psychological needs, including esteem and self-actualization. At this stage, individuals require more than just financial compensation; they seek recognition, respect, and a sense of belonging.
Surprisingly, the affirmation of self-worth in the workplace often comes not from monetary rewards, but from being treated with fairness, respect, and dignity. When employees feel that their contributions are acknowledged and valued, it can have a profound impact on their motivation, satisfaction, and overall engagement.
Managers play a crucial role in fostering this environment. Meeting reasonable expectations, addressing disappointments through open communication, and demonstrating strong, empathetic leadership are essential tools that signal to employees that they are genuinely valued. When employees feel supported and appreciated, they are more likely to be committed, productive, and loyal to the organization.
In essence, while a raise might temporarily boost morale, it's the consistent, everyday acts of recognition and fairness that create a lasting sense of value and belonging within the company. This, in turn, not only enhances individual well-being but also strengthens the overall culture and success of the organization.
General thoughts on the Novel:
This book takes a hard look at how and why individuals in positions of power within organizations, whether large corporations or small businesses, can unconsciously demean or disrespect their employees. Such behavior can lead to significant consequences, including low productivity, internal dissension, and widespread cultural dissatisfaction. Often, these issues stem from managerial practices that may seem benign but, in reality, erode employee morale and engagement over time.
Managers must critically examine their supervisory practices and strategies, recognizing that even subtle actions or attitudes can contribute to a serious decline in employee satisfaction within their department. While it can be challenging to scrutinize and critique one's own behavior, it is an essential step for those who aspire to lead a motivated and highly productive workforce. Employees who feel respected, valued, and supported are far more likely to be engaged in their work and contribute positively to the organization.
This book offers the crucial conversations we need to have with ourselves as leaders if our goal is to foster a thriving workplace. It encourages introspection and provides practical guidance on how to make meaningful changes that can transform a struggling team into a cohesive, satisfied, and high-performing unit. By addressing these potential cracks in our leadership approach, we can build a stronger, more resilient organizational culture that benefits everyone involved.
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Jun 27, 2024 | Action & Adventure, Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books
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Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
“As quickly and quietly as my thieving little feet would carry me, I padded the last few feet to the door.” (p. 292) Ah, the brilliance of humor smack dab in the middle of an epic battle!
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General Summary for Context:
An evil whispering through the world rouses Niri Lekani from her secluded home, and sends her careening headlong into a journey that she's determined will end in the death of Mistress Witch. But though her mission is clear, the pathway to get there becomes muddied with pain, loss, and a haunting pair of blue eyes from her aching past.Through the agony of death, and the hope of love, Niri finds herself battling an ancient demon in a desperate effort to save herself, her friends, and all worlds where the Witch can reach them.One question she must answer: What is the definition of victory?
It isn't until the bitter end that Niri uncovers a shocking secret within the fourth book of magic that she knows will send her hurtling into the next battle in her war with Mistress Witch. But this time, armed with her secret and her convictions, Niri might discover the answer to what it truly means to be victorious–and what terrible sacrifices might be demanded of her in order to achieve it.
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Concise Review:
Spirit Quest by Tim McRae is an intoxicating mix of powerful storytelling and breathtaking magic. It's a book that leaves the heart pounding and aching in turns. I requested to read it because I figured I'd be able to review it favorably, but what started out as a desire to read a better-than-average book, quickly morphed into a wrenching need to devour the pages, while suffering the ache of knowing I was blowing through them WAY too fast.
I couldn't put it down, but I wanted the book to never end, and the conflicting emotions were sometimes agony.
More than the storytelling and magic though, Spirit Quest was a story of emotional beauty and sadness that stabbed me clear to my core. What I thought would be a rivalry between women turned out to be the beginning of a deep and lasting friendship. What I distrusted as a betrayal waiting to happen turned out to be a love of the ages.
Spirit Quest surprised me at every turn. They say that every story out there has already been told in one way or another, but if that's true (I'm highly sceptical now), I don't think that applies to Tim McRae. The story within these pages was fresh, exciting, and deeply, profoundly alluring.
I read this book for free as a little side job, but I'll pay for the next book in the series a hundred times over, regardless of how much it costs! Just one question I have for the author: Can I have the next book NOW, please?
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General thoughts on the Novel:
Dear Tim,
I read the final battle scene for Spirit Quest with a raging thunderstorm outside, and there is no way I could possibly describe to you what that felt like. In a word, though: Incredible!!! I LOVED this book, and I wasn't joking about wanting the next book in the series right freaking now! (Seriously, how close are you to being done with it?)
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Feb 9, 2024 | Editorial reviews, Fantasy, International Review of Books, Romance
Which line stood out from all the others in the book?
Rabbie arched an eyebrow arched an eyebrow in surprise and chuckled. “Och, aye? Now that is something we should go see about, wouldna ye say, Andy? I’m nigh on famished.” To understand why this is such a great line and a laugh out loud moment you would have to read the book!
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General Summary for Context:
This is a book that mixes genres, Romance, Historical, Time Travel, Comedy, and Fantasy. There are some laugh-out-loud moments that I really enjoyed. It is what I would call a tongue-in-cheek kind of novel for people who enjoy books that don’t take themselves too seriously; for example, it is much more a romantic romp through the Highlands than an educational historical novel.
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Concise Review:
Embrace the Lace by Shannon MacLeod was a pure delight from beginning to end. I couldn’t put it down and was caught up in the magical romance from the very first page.
You might think that mixing Historical Romance, Time Travel, and Fantasy was a recipe for disaster… and you would definitely be wrong! It shouldn’t work but it does. Laird Andrew MacIver lives in Scotland, the year is 1659. After the deaths of his parents and his young wife, Andrew has had a year of mourning and now, for the sake of his clan, must choose a new wife. His uncle Alasdair is plotting Andrew’s downfall and moves in the shadows to bring disaster to Andrew and his loyal men. Thankfully, help is at hand with one of the most interesting characters in the book—a Brownie called Brown Tom. With a little magical interference, a potential partner for the clan leader is pulled through the faerie pond. Enter Evangeline (Van for short) Darling, all the way from present-day America! The three-foot mischievous Brown Tom dons the personality of a fairy godmother, but instead of sending Van to the ball, he dresses her as a warrior and sends her to battle!
The romance between Andrew and Van is intense and their banter is a sheer delight. There are several real laugh-out-loud moments as well as plenty of chuckle moments. But they are not the only interesting characters; the author has given everyone a unique personality that brings them to life. It is a fabulous romantic comedy—oops another genre! Don’t worry they all work perfectly well together for us readers who love both passion and a light-hearted historical romance. With swaggering men and simpering lasses, and one kick-ass heroine, this is an unputdownable read. I love the author’s tongue-in-cheek take and highly recommend this to people who love pure escapism.
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General thoughts on the Novel:
Enjoyable historical romance. I would definitely read something by this author again.
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