Research tells us that 80% of the people who fail at work do so for one reason—they do not relate well to others. How well you and your colleagues work together can make the difference between a successful organisation or a poor one. In this Top Tips for Interactive Skills in Business, you will find succinct ways to travel this sometimes difficult but in the end, most satisfying road to success in communicating in business.

Forget the 10,000 hour rule— what if it’s possible to learn the basics of any new skill in 20 hours or less? Take a moment to consider how many things you want to learn to do. What’s on your list? What’s holding you back from getting started? Are you worried about the time and effort it takes to acquire new skills—time you don’t have and effort you can’t spare? Research suggests it takes 10,000 hours to develop a new skill. In this nonstop world when will you ever find that much time and energy? To make matters worse, the early hours of prac­ticing something new are always the most frustrating. That’s why it’s difficult to learn how to speak a new language, play an instrument, hit a golf ball, or shoot great photos. It’s so much easier to watch TV or surf the web . . . In The First 20 Hours, Josh Kaufman offers a systematic approach to rapid skill acquisition— how to learn any new skill as quickly as possible. His method shows you how to deconstruct com­plex skills, maximize productive practice, and remove common learning barriers. By complet­ing just 20 hours of focused, deliberate practice you’ll go from knowing absolutely nothing to performing noticeably well. Kaufman personally field-tested the meth­ods in this book. You’ll have a front row seat as he develops a personal yoga practice, writes his own web-based computer programs, teaches himself to touch type on a nonstandard key­board, explores the oldest and most complex board game in history, picks up the ukulele, and learns how to windsurf. Here are a few of the sim­ple techniques he teaches: Define your target performance level: Fig­ure out what your desired level of skill looks like, what you’re trying to achieve, and what you’ll be able to do when you’re done. The more specific, the better. Deconstruct the skill: Most of the things we think of as skills are actually bundles of smaller subskills. If you break down the subcompo­nents, it’s easier to figure out which ones are most important and practice those first. Eliminate barriers to practice: Removing common distractions and unnecessary effort makes it much easier to sit down and focus on deliberate practice. Create fast feedback loops: Getting accu­rate, real-time information about how well you’re performing during practice makes it much easier to improve. Whether you want to paint a portrait, launch a start-up, fly an airplane, or juggle flaming chain­saws, The First 20 Hours will help you pick up the basics of any skill in record time . . . and have more fun along the way.

"Hosts of all kinds, this is a must-read!" --Chris Anderson, owner and curator of TED From the host of the New York Times podcast Together Apart, an exciting new approach to how we gather that will transform the ways we spend our time together—at home, at work, in our communities, and beyond. In The Art of Gathering, Priya Parker argues that the gatherings in our lives are lackluster and unproductive--which they don't have to be. We rely too much on routine and the conventions of gatherings when we should focus on distinctiveness and the people involved. At a time when coming together is more important than ever, Parker sets forth a human-centered approach to gathering that will help everyone create meaningful, memorable experiences, large and small, for work and for play. Drawing on her expertise as a facilitator of high-powered gatherings around the world, Parker takes us inside events of all kinds to show what works, what doesn't, and why. She investigates a wide array of gatherings--conferences, meetings, a courtroom, a flash-mob party, an Arab-Israeli summer camp--and explains how simple, specific changes can invigorate any group experience. The result is a book that's both journey and guide, full of exciting ideas with real-world applications. The Art of Gathering will forever alter the way you look at your next meeting, industry conference, dinner party, and backyard barbecue--and how you host and attend them.

Provides a detailed overview of the best business schools across North America, including information on each school's academic program, competitiveness, financial aid, admissions requirements, and social scenes

Provides a detailed overview of the best business schools across North America, including information on each school's academic program, competitiveness, financial aid, admissions requirements, and social scenes.

"e;In today's hyper-competitive B2B selling environment, it is imperative for salespeople to keep learning, thriving and adapting to the rapid changes around them. This book, from Jim and 26 other specialist contributors delivers true value to your sales efforts. Choose a subject and learn from a real domain specialist. A great concept - absolutely thrilled to be involved."e; Larry Levine - Author of Selling from the Heart This book goes right to the core of B2B sales. Following on from the worldwide success of his first two books, Jim has collaborated with 26 thought leaders and friends to create a unique book. Each contributor adds a single chapter on their experience or expertise, focused on one specific subject. Jim has even included chapters written by those who buy from B2B salespeople, which deliver further great insight."e;My pal Jim has done it again! His first book on B2B Selling won a worldwide award. His second, on B2B leadership, gained critical acclaim. His third book is unique. He delivers more of his great advice on B2B sales. He has then also partnered with 26 others - authors (including me), procurement specialists, coaches and respected friends who each added a chapter, to create something very special. With a grand total of over 740 years experience in these pages, The B2B Sales Top Tips Guidebook will deliver wisdom directly to you!"e; Alison Edgar MBE - Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur"e;The chapters cover a broad range of B2B sales topics, including researching before calling, questioning skills, handling objections, becoming more collaborative, adding value, listening to your customers, leading with integrity, negotiation and many others. There are also chapters on attitude, the psychology of sales and even 'Lazy Pigeons'! These 26 guest chapters are full of advice, experience and wisdom designed to help you succeed. And Jim also adds another 10 chapters, building on the success of his first two books, to further cement and support your learning. "e;In this book, Jim has collaborated with some of the best sales coaches, trainers, mentors, friends and experts to share with you the needed SKILLS + TOOLS + KNOWLEDGE to successfully sell in this new hybrid world. If you are in B2B sales, this book is a must-read!"e; Rick Denley - Your Transformational Growth CoachLook online at the reviews for Jim's first two books - The B2B Selling Guidebook and The B2B Leaders Guidebook. Each has received only 5* reviews and powerful supporting comments from experts, coaches and professional bodies. Imagine having access to world-class skills learning from 27 experienced practitioners. Now imagine what that experience and knowledge could do for you...

Students tackling Diploma of Business and Diploma of Business Administration must develop the skills to foster a successful, productive workplace with sound administrative systems. Kris Cole's Business Administration 2e addresses the demands of the BSB training package, and covers units common to both qualifications as well as additional electives. The book begins with units covering Personal Skills and moves into management of others. Students can follow the development of one person's team in real world decision making, contextualising their learning. Instructors receive support in teaching from a clearly structured resource including a robust teacher package: testbank, additional cases, online research activities and editable PowerPoints to facilitate lesson planning.

Professional success requires excellent communication skills. Organized around the transition from student to professional life, Business and Professional Communication, Fifth Edition gives readers the tools they need to move from interview candidate to team member to leader. Coverage of new communication technology and social media, and an emphasis on building skills for business writing and business presentations, including the effective use of visual aids, will help students to understand the role of communication in successfully handling situations like job interviewing, providing feedback to supervisors, and working in teams.

For more than 40 years, Computerworld has been the leading source of technology news and information for IT influencers worldwide. Computerworld's award-winning Web site (Computerworld.com), twice-monthly publication, focused conference series and custom research form the hub of the world's largest global IT media network.