OA Book Club: Review of "Straight Talk for Success"

I've always admired people who cut to the chase. You know who I'm talking about - individuals who avoid lengthy discourse and speak in plain, easily understandable terms. But, when it comes to writing, I tend to prefer authors who use eloquent, flowery phrases. So what if I don't understand what they're actually saying or come away with any new knowledge! At least they sound good, right? (Don't answer that!)

So, when I was asked to review Bud Bilanich's no-nonsense guide, Straight Talk for Success, I'll admit that I had mixed feelings. After all, nobody who markets himself as "The Common Sense Guy" would worry about articulation, I reasoned. Thus, I decided that my chances of enjoying this book were slim to none. Fortunately, Bud proved me wrong - very wrong. Although Bud's style is certainly unique - short, succinct sentences - it's also extremely effective. Unlike many writers, this Harvard-educated business expert actually has something to say. And, say it, he certainly does!

Before delving into his career advice, Bud explains why he's qualified to dispel it. He compares his professional experiences to his favorite pairs of cufflinks: one bearing the emblem of his alma mater, Harvard, and the other featuring the phrase, "The School of Hard Knocks." It's logo? A pick and a shovel. Bud then goes on to discuss his humble beginnings, how his parents instilled a strong work ethic in him, and why he's achieved professional success. But rather than sounding like a braggart, Bud comes off as extremely unassuming and modest. In fact, there's just something about him that makes you want to listen to his stories over a cup of coffee. He's that likable.

Bud breaks Straight Talk for Success into five distinct sections: Self-Confidence, Positive Personal Impact, Outstanding Performance, Communication Skills and Interpersonal Competence. In each of the 15 chapters, Bud provides helpful antecedents to illustrate his points.

For instance, in Chapter 6, "Master Basic Etiquette," he tells the tale of how he once made a faux pas at a business dinner. At the request of one of his junior associates, Bud agreed to split the zuppa de pesce entrée with her. The problem? This dish was so messy that their waiter actually brought them lobster bibs to wear. Not exactly the kind of professional image Bud hoped to convey! Besides being extremely embarrassed, he learned an important lesson that night: "Always order something that is easy to eat and won't call attention to you." Common sense advice, right?

Well, let's just say that I could've benefitted from Bud's guidance about two years ago when I made a similar blunder. Case in point: A representative from one of my employer's biggest clients asked me to share a ravioli dish with her over lunch. Although I found her request odd - considering that there were 10 other professionals at our table - I agreed to it. Big mistake!

By the end of lunch, we both had ravioli sauce smeared on our white blouses and endured an awkward conversation about who got to eat the orange. My former boss later confronted me about the situation and told me that sharing dishes during business lunches is a big no-no. Looking back, this rational seems obvious; but, at the time, I wasn't sure how to handle the situation. That's why Bud's practical advice is so beneficial for budding and seasoned careerists alike.

Another lesson that I found particularly helpful concerned optimism. In Chapter 1 of Straight Talk for Success, Bud discusses how confident and optimistic people gain a competitive advantage in the workplace. After all, employers want to hire - and promote - individuals who they actually like. However, Bud says, "Optimism, like most good qualities, needs to be cultivated." Fortunately, he provides five commonsense ways to cultivate it:

• Focus on what you can do and can control.
• Understand and tap into your natural strengths.
• Mentally rehearse how you'll handle problems.
• Accentuate what works.
• Focus on possibilities, rather than limits.

Personally, I think Straight Talk for Success should be on every office professional's bookshelf. It's straightforward, easy to understand, and offers pages upon pages of helpful career advice. If you haven't already read this gem, be sure to pick it up ASAP and add it to your professional arsenal. After all, your career success could depend on it!

To learn more about Bud and receive special OA discounts on all of his books, visit his OA profile page.

Next Month's Selection

Next month's book club is being hosted by OfficeArrow's Managing Editor, Chrissy Scivicque. Her selection is Underneath It All by career expert and OA contributor, Joan Burge. Figure out what matters most and how to live a life of significance as an administrative professional and as an individual.

Not a member of the club yet? Join the OA Book Club now!