People Tools for Business: 50 Strategies for Building Success, Creating Wealth, and Finding Happiness

Fox is a die-hard optimist, and his enthusiasm, good humor, and belief that all situations can improve for the better carries over into this sequel to the bestselling People Tools. Designed to appeal to people at all levels of business, from student to manager to retiree, this guide to constant self-improvement urges readers up the "glass staircase." A play on the "glass ceiling," this phrase refers to steps which any person can take to reach the top. The five stairs are Confidence, Home, Education, Assertiveness, and Passion - CHEAP. The book's concept is a toolbox, comprising 50 "people tools" that will help readers achieve more in business and life. Illustrating his points with entertaining stories from his own life, Fox encourages readers to adopt tools such as "advertise your mistakes," "don't run out of cash," "be a contrarian", don't try to be right all the time, and focus on the future. The tone is homey but not condescending, and the mix of practical, emotional and behavioral tools make this a guide likely to inspire across the board. "You are the sole proprietor of your own life," proclaims Fox - and it's hard to imagine the reader who wouldn't respond to this upbeat message. (Sept.)