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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 158.1
EAN num: 9780142001103
ISBN number: 0142001104
Label: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 224
Printing Date: September 24, 2002
Publishing house: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Sale Popularity Level: 1632
Studio: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Amazon.com:
The lure of this book's promise starts with the assumption in its title. Possibility--that big, all-encompassing, wide-open-door concept--is an art? Well, who doesn't want to be a skilled artist, whether in the director's chair, the boardroom, on the factory floor, or even just in dealing with life's everyday situations? Becoming an artist, however, requires discipline, and what the authors of The Art of Possibility offer is a set of practices designed to 'initiate a new approach to current conditions, based on uncommon assumptions about the nature of the world.'
If that sounds a little too airy-fairy for you, don't be put off; this is no mere self-improvement book, with a wimpy mandate to transform its readers into 'nicer' people. Instead, it's a collection of illustrations and advice that suggests a way to change your entire outlook on life and, in the process, open up a new realm of possibility. Consider, for example, the practice of 'Giving an A,' whether to yourself or to others. Not intended as a way to measure someone's performance against standards, this practice instead recognizes that 'the player who looks least engaged may be the most committed member of the group,' and speaks to their passion rather than their cynicism. It creates possibility in an interaction and does away with power disparities to unite a team in its efforts. Or consider 'Being the Board,' where instead of defining yourself as a playing piece, or even as the strategist, you see yourself as the framework for the entire game. In this scenario, assigning blame or gaining control becomes futile, while seeking to become an instrument for effective partnerships becomes possible.
Packed with such examples of personal and professional interactions, the book presents complex ideas on perception and recognition in a readable, useable style. The authors' combined, eclectic experience in music and painting (as well as family therapy and executive workshops) infuses their examples with vibrant colour and sound. The relevance to corporate situations and relationships is well developed, and they don't rely on dry case studies to do it. Indeed, this book assumes the emotional intelligence and desire to engage of its reader, promising acess to the rewards of that door-opening notion--possibility--in return. --S. Ketchum
Product Description:
Presenting twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into all human endeavors, The Art of Possibility is the dynamic product of an extraordinary partnership. The Art of Possibility combines Benjamin Zander's experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and his talent as a teacher and communicator with psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander's genius for designing innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment.
The authors' harmoniously interwoven perspectives provide a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of life. Through uplifting stories, parables, and personal anecdotes, the Zanders invite us to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.
Download Description:
The Art of Possibility offers a set of breakthrough practices for creativity in all human enterprises. This inspirational book is a synthesis of Rosamund Stone Zander's knowledge of cutting-edge psychology and Benjamin Zander's experiences as the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. Infused with the energy of their dynamic partnership, the book joins together Ben's extraordinary talent as a mover and shaker, teacher, and communicator with Rosamund's genius for creating innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment. In lively counterpoint, the authors provide us with a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of our lives. The Zanders' deceptively simple practices are based on two premises: that life is composed as a story ('it's all invented') and that, with new definitions, much more is possible than people ordinarily think. The book shifts our perspective with uplifting stories, parables, and anecdotes. From 'Giving an A' to the mysterious 'Rule Number 6' to 'Leading from Any Chair'--the account of Ben's stunning realization that the conductor/leader's power is directly linked to how much greatness he is willing to grant to others--each practice offers an opportunity for personal and organizational transformation.
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Rated by buyers 
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The Art of Possibility is excellent. I think everyone should read it and seek to implement the suggestions made concerning how to diffuse highly emotional situations. It is very helpful in getting one to look at one's perspective of situations. In a nutshell, it would help individuals with conflicting opinions and ideas to resolve their differences. It would result with a win/win resolution.
Rated by buyers 
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I didn't get much out of this book, but it is an easy read. It is mostly a bunch of MBA 101 platitudes that won't challenge your thinking.
Rated by buyers -
Garr Reynolds in Presentation Zen recommended this book. It is a very useful and well written little book. Their web site , The Art of Possibility gives good background. Ben Zander is the long time conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and Rosamund is well respected change management professional. The book gives us very key insights into how to better understand our daily life and make something out of it all. Eg . Ben gives his music students an A at the beginning of each semester, but the students have to write an essay at the same time as if it was the end of term where they have to explain what they did to earn an A mark. I found each page had another insight for me and it was delight to go through the book. If you are into personal growth and development I would say this is a library keeper.
Rated by buyers -
I was fortunate to hear Ben Zander speak at a business conference in early March. The book captured the best of his 2-hour, frenetic, compelling, interactive, inspiring presentation and further fleshed out the major themes.
Eight weeks later, I still think of his stories and messages every day.
Zander and his wife strike just the right balance between philosophy and pragmatism. What makes him particularly credible is that he applies his messages in a very demanding environment - running a world-class all-volunteer orchestra for 30 years. He's more than just a positive thinker and his life hasn't always been about the art of possibility.
On a tough day, I think of "It's All Invented, "Rule No. 6" or "BTFI - playing it the second way" and simply recalling one of Zander's stories is enough to shift my perspective and approach.
That's quite an accomplishment for a 200-page book.
Rated by buyers -
The Art of Possibility is not a book you can read quickly. It is a book that must be digested, like a succulent meal. Each chapter presents a "practice." And, each chapter requires one to think and relate the practice to one's life. The practice of giving everyone an A--that is, removing the competition and moving forward, requires thought and practice. The practices of "being a contribution" or remembering "rule number 6," require you to really acess yourself and your view of the world.
I loved reading the musical examples Ben gave us. His experiences as a conductor with people in the world of art provided beautiful self-disclosure. Both Ben and Rosamund helped unravel what seems so hard with clear, meaningful examples from their lives.
I have recommended this book to my coaching clients, who are people full of possibility but are not sure how to tap it.
This is a book that must be read more than once. I can see it by my bedside table for years to come. Thank you for giving all of us the opportunity to create a life of possiblity where the downward spiral no longer exists.
Joan Curtis
Strategic Interviewing: Skills and Tactics for Savvy Executives
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