In this follow-up to The Art of Reading Minds, Henrik Fexeus uses his expert psychology knowledge to teach the reader how to hone their social skills, perfect for fans of Dale Carnegie. Research has increasingly shown that nonverbal communication prowess is absolutely essential in seemingly unrelated areas of our lives (investment decisions, salary levels, etc.) However, as our society becomes more modernized and we incorporate new forms of technology into our daily interactions, we are becoming less and less capable of understanding one another as we should. In The Art of Social Excellence, Henrik Fexeus combines his own expert knowledge as a mentalist with psychology studies to create a complete guide to social interaction. He covers it all: from overcoming your conversational fears in a large group of people, to excelling in the workplace, to winning an argument with your partner. He breaks down various rhetorical strategies in detail, and provides helpful steps and checklists for the reader to check their progress in a social encounter. Anyone who has ever felt awkward or misunderstood in social situations will benefit from reading this book, and with proper implementation of Fexeus's principles, can achieve superior social skills.

Social Excellence is a philosophy--a lifestyle. Characterized by handshakes, deep, meaningful conversations, and heart-to-heart connections, people who choose Social Excellence understand that human connection is the key to changing the world. This book, overflowing with real-life examples of Social Excellence in action, is not a book to be read in quiet solitude. It is a book that dares the reader to engage with the people and society around them. The authors describe how to build masterful social skills, tell stories of how people have changed the world through interpersonal connection, and challenge readers to push their social comfort zones to the max through edgy Social Dares. Social Excellence: We Dare You is written to inspire community leaders, organizational members, non-profit volunteers, religious congregations, business leaders, political advocates, high-performing students, and anyone who is seeking a way to truly matter in the world.

“Weaves together thoughts, stories, and quotes from top performers in music, business, and sports to help you achieve excellence” (Jeff Janssen, founder and president of the Janssen Sports Leadership Center). Does excellence relentlessly drive you? Does mediocrity constantly bother you? In Working Toward Excellence, Clemson University professor Paul Buyer identifies eight values for achieving excellence in work and life including hunger, effort, process, quality, consistency, leadership, time, and perseverance. Each chapter features inspiring stories, questions, and quotes from respected professionals who have achieved uncommon success in business, sports, education, and the arts such as John Maxwell, Jim Collins, Stephen Covey, John Wooden, Mike Krzyzewski, Wynton Marsalis, Isaac Stern, and many others. Also included is a Working Toward Excellence Evaluation to help you and your organization reach your true potential and further develop, improve, and measure these essential attributes of success. “Working Toward Excellence has captures my attention in a big way. It is filled with valuable and practical information. It will make a major difference in your life.” —Pat Williams, Orlando Magic, senior vice president, author of Leadership Excellence

We engage with works of art in many ways, yet almost all modern philosophers of art have focused entirely on one mode of engagement: disinterested attention. Nicholas Wolterstorff explores why this is, and offers an alternative framework according to which arts are a part of social practice, and have different meaning in different practices.

Driven by a passion for music, for excellence, and for fame, violin soloists are immersed from early childhood in high-pressure competitions, regular public appearances, and arduous daily practice. An in-depth study of nearly one hundred such children, Producing Excellence illuminates the process these young violinists undergo to become elite international soloists. A musician and a parent of a young violinist, sociologist Izabela Wagner offers an inside look at how her young subjects set out on the long road to becoming a soloist. The remarkable research she conducted—at rehearsals, lessons, and in other educational settings—enabled her to gain deep insight into what distinguishes these talented prodigies and their training. She notes, for instance, the importance of a family culture steeped in the values of the musical world. Indeed, more than half of these students come from a family of professional musicians and were raised in an atmosphere marked by the importance of instrumental practice, the vitality of music as a vocation, and especially the veneration of famous artists. Wagner also highlights the highly structured, rigorous training system of identifying, nurturing, and rewarding talent, even as she underscores the social, economic, and cultural factors that make success in this system possible. Offering an intimate portrait of the students, their parents, and their instructors, Producing Excellence sheds new light on the development of exceptional musical talent, as well as draw much larger conclusions as to “producing prodigy” in other competition-prone areas, such as sports, sciences, the professions, and other arts. Wagner’s insights make this book valuable for academics interested in the study of occupations, and her clear, lively writing is perfect for general readers curious about the ins and outs of training to be a violin soloist.

This book investigates how excellence and reputability are formed, performed, and perceived at well renowned international higher education institutions. Along six detailed ethnographic case descriptions - including University of Warwick, Goldsmiths, New York University, School of the Art Institute Chicago, Ohio State University, and HEC Montréal - it asks how master's programs in arts management and cultural policy achieved reputability and how this affects the everyday academic live. A cross-case analysis revealed a set of overall drivers that seem to have a great impact on the reputation of the studied programs. By focusing on the design and content of the teaching environments as well as on motivational, emotional, and social aspects of the learning situation at these six higher education institutions, the book offers a holistic understanding of reputability and excellence. About the authors Johanna Schindler is a postdoctoral researcher at the WÜRTH Chair of Cultural Production at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen, Germany, and Managing Editor of the peer-reviewed Journal of Cultural Management and Cultural Policy. Previously, she worked as a curatorial assistant at Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein, Vaduz; a manager of the International Association of Curators of Contemporary Art; and a researcher and coordinator at Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin. Martin Tröndle is the WÜRTH Chair of Cultural Production at Zeppelin University, Friedrichshafen, Germany. He is a principal investigator of Experimental Concert Research, a project that investigates aesthetic experience in classical concerts. He is also Co-Editor in Chief of the peer-reviewed Journal of Cultural Management and Cultural Policy. Previously, he was the principal investigator of eMotion - mapping museum experience (2008-14), a project that experimentally analyzed the experience of the museumgoer.

No one has had more influence in shaping the idea of modern management than Tom Peters. An avowed enemy of conformism and the status quo, Peters is a necessary voice of experience to guide us through times of financial uncertainty. In The Little BIG Things, he provides essential wisdom for everyone—from the freelancer to the small business owner to the head of a major corporation—offering 163 ways to excel at the "people side of business" by pursuing excellence at every level. "The 'Excellence Standard' is not about Grand Outcomes. In Zen-like terms, all we have is today. If the day's work cannot be assessed as Excellent, then the oceanic overall goal of Excellence has not been advanced. Period." "If membership in your club (organization) is not aimed at 'mind-blowing' development for each staff member and 'window rattling' service for each customer and other extended family members, then . . . just what the hell is the point?"

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and preparation for the future with "Elysium's Reflections." Drawing inspiration from the timeless wisdom of Socrates and the intriguing tale of Ivan the Terrible, this book offers insights into the art of living a purposeful and fulfilling life. As we navigate the currents of existence, we are constantly shaping our destinies. The narrative explores the idea that our present actions determine the kind of people we become in the future—a philosophy encapsulated in the quote, "We shall be the same kind of people that we were here." With each passing moment, we are sculpting our character, preparing for the chapters of life yet to unfold. Delve into the nuanced examination of Ivan the Terrible's life, skillfully portrayed by Richard Mansfield, revealing the consequences of a life steeped in cruelty, selfishness, and unchecked wrath. The lessons derived from this exploration offer readers a mirror to reflect upon their own choices and the paths they are laying for their futures. "Elysium's Reflections" does not just dissect the negative aspects of life; it also emphasizes the beauty of old age when it is a result of living a beautiful life. Resignation and consideration for the rights of others are presented as the two elements that can make the golden years truly golden. The book challenges readers to introspect and question their daily actions, providing practical advice on how to navigate life's complexities. It underscores the importance of cultivating qualities like Good Nature, patience, and a compassionate perspective toward others, acting as beacons of light in our journey towards a fulfilling existence. Discover the secrets of salvation, the power of self-absolution, and the art of keeping sweet amidst life's inevitable challenges. "Elysium's Reflections" serves as a timeless guide for those seeking purpose, wisdom, and a harmonious preparation for the chapters yet to be written.

How colleges and universities can live up to their ideals of diversity, and why inclusivity and excellence go hand in hand. Most colleges and universities embrace the ideals of diversity and inclusion, but many fall short, especially in the hiring, retention, and advancement of faculty who would more fully represent our diverse world—in particular women and people of color. In this book, Abigail Stewart and Virginia Valian argue that diversity and excellence go hand in hand and provide guidance for achieving both. Stewart and Valian, themselves senior academics, support their argument with comprehensive data from a range of disciplines. They show why merit is often overlooked; they offer statistics and examples of individual experiences of exclusion, such as being left out of crucial meetings; and they outline institutional practices that keep exclusion invisible, including reliance on proxies for excellence, such as prestige, that disadvantage outstanding candidates who are not members of the white male majority. Perhaps most important, Stewart and Valian provide practical advice for overcoming obstacles to inclusion. This advice is based on their experiences at their own universities, their consultations with faculty and administrators at many other institutions, and data on institutional change. Stewart and Valian offer recommendations for changing structures and practices so that people become successful in ways that benefit everyone. They describe better ways of searching for job candidates; evaluating candidates for hiring, tenure, and promotion; helping faculty succeed; and broadening rewards and recognition.

While many books on advertising are written by people whose experience of the industry is either limited or else rather distant in time, Excellence in Advertising, has been created by a group of people who are directly involved in the business currently and are at the very top of their profession. The first edition of this book, published in 1997, proved to be a huge success both in the UK and internationally. This new edition is substantially updated and enlarged - with new authors added and new subjects covered. The cast list of authors, headed by Leslie Butterfield as editor and contributor, reads like a veritable Who's Who of advertising and marketing: John Bartle, Steve Henry, Professor Peter Doyle, Mike Sommers and now also Richard Hytner, Tim Broadbent, Tim Pile and others. Together their contributions present an authoritative view on what constitutes best practice in a wide range of key areas that are the context for the creation of effective advertising: Building successful brands Strategy development The analysis and interpretation of qualitative research Creative briefing Media strategy AND NEW IN THIS EDITION: Managing relationships Evaluating advertising Loyalty Shareholder value Total communication strategy Combining state-of-the-art thinking and practical advice, this book will be of value to those who use advertising to build brands, those who study advertising and its role and to those actively engaged in producing excellence in advertising on a daily basis. Leslie Butterfield is Chairman of Partners BDDH, the agency he founded in 1987. He is one of the UK advertising industry's most respected strategists, and a regular contributor to advertising conferences and publications. He was Chairman of the IPA's Training and Development Committee from 1989 to 1997 and is now a Council Member and Fellow of the IPA.