The Pursuit of Wow! Every Person's Guide to Topsy-Turvy Times Paperback – January 15, 1994

One of the most highly influential business books I have ever read (and I have read many). This seminal volume is (only slightly) dated now, but the ideas and philosophies in it are still pure gold. This should be required reading in the first semester of every MBA program (in fact, I understand it is in a few). As a strategic planning consultant (not my primary career--I do it purely for fun; I am a psychotherapist), I often ask my clients to read this. It is of immense value for entrepreneurs and management, as well as anyone hoping to be promoted into management. If you want to lead, this is a great place to start building that skill set.

I loved this book! The title says it all. "... Guide for Topsy-Turvy Times."But what is awesome is that this book, (recommended as a must-read by Seth Godin) was written in 1994! And yet, it's eerily relevant. Quotes from places around the book: There are no "right" answers. Design is important. "Reward excellent failures. Punish mediocre successes." Chapter title: Searching for the Diversity Advantage. Another chapter title: Attaining Perpetual Adolescence. Read this book, please? Thank you.

I love this book. My most recent purchase was for a few more copies to give away to business associates. The theme is doing things to make yourself special, and what a lesson it is for junior staff who are stuggling just to finish the day. It helps me inspire them to do just a bit more to accomplish just a tad more, and to become a little more special and unique. This was one of the last books Tom wrote before he went all goofy on the fonts and produced books that were unreadable. This one is from his golden years.

Tom Peters is one of the high priests of the 21st Century Business Revolution. This book, now nearly 20 years old, contains still relevant observations on developing your career, leadership, learning and education, management foibles, globalization, innovation, diversity, competition and many other elements of business and life that seemingly struck Peters while he was writing.The approach of the book itself is a little offbeat, with Peters' common approach of multi-font typesets, photos, quotes and interviews, off the wall comments and seemingly random or disjointed observations. This book, unlike some of his others, suffers a bit from this randomization, and the readability is impacted somewhat.The content, however, once you get past the organization of the book, is top shelf. The observations Peters made 20 years ago held up to the test of time, particularly his globalization observations on Malaysia and India (though he missed the mark on Indonesia and China). By standing the test of time well, and with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, it gives the book greater gravitas for those elements that you may need to or want to put into practice in your own life, career or business. It also adds credence to Peters more recent works.This book should be on the reading list of any manager who is looking to move beyond average and pursue a "wow" career.

Tom Peters is a management prophet with a lot of fascinating ideas. This book is a collection of his thoughts where you'll see a strong emphasis on destroying superfluous hierarchies and worn-out practices. That's the Peters message and it's worthwhile. However, he has an annoying tendency to insist on his own authority that businesses make radical changes lest they perish. In many cases, I wonder why. Peters has no apparent respect for the point of view that tradition represents collected wisdom about things that have worked and may well keep working.What really ruined the book for me, though, was a panel discussion on diversity in which Peters attributes his own success to being a white male Protestant born in 1942. That kind of racial reductionism is horse-puckey and contradicts his emphasis on self-determination and constant renewal.I still give the book three stars for entertainment value, a smart format, and general provocation.

Tom Peters writes an excellent book. He wrote this book years ago but the ideas still hold true for today! This is excellent whether you are or aren't an out of the box thinker on service but it really gets you thinking and excited about the service industry. So many people out there could learn so much in this day and age. This was easy reading and very enjoyable. I would definitely recommend it. One of the best books I have read and that means a lot.

Today's careers require people who "make a difference." No one is looking for someone that performs at the same level as "the last person." Tom Peters does a great job of explaining how to select projects, stand out in a crowded field and have the impact we're all searching for but, more importantly, the ongoing impact today's business world demands for long-term success.

Although written some years ago this book is still very relevant even today. NOT boring in the slightest for those of you wondering if a marketing/economics book will put you to sleep.