THE ONE MINUTE APOLOGY: A Powerful Way to Make Things Better at Work and at Home

Blanchard, bestselling author and "Chief Spiritual Officer" of the Ken Blanchard Companies, and literary agent McBride have created a simple parable designed to demonstrate Blanchard's fourth essential management secret—the apology (which follows goal-setting, praising and reprimanding). Immediately before a long holiday weekend, there's a corporate board meeting, and the president of the company learns of the board's disappointment with the company's failing performance. A meeting is scheduled for the following Tuesday to discuss what action to take. The president asks his assistant to meet with him on Monday. The assistant, a bright and loyal young fellow, goes to see the One Minute Manager for the weekend, seeking advice. There, amidst golf, dining and long conversation, the assistant learns that the president must apologize and take responsibility for the company's performance, even if this action costs him his job. The assistant learns about the value of apologies, as well, and impresses the One Minute Manager. This breezy book can be read quickly and its point is almost too obvious. The story is simple to the point of cliché, but the message will undoubtedly resonate in today's uncertain economy burdened by numerous instances of corporate greed and scandal where executives were unwilling to admit any wrongdoing. (Feb.)

Forecast:The well-established One Minute Manager brand may be enough to push this book onto bestseller lists.