The Power of Taking Risks, Making Mistakes, and Thinking Big

By Ralph Heath
2009
Reviewed by: Dr. Brian R. Beirl

It is so refreshing to have an author talk frankly about the reality of failure in our lives and our fears of not matching up with our competitors. Ralph Heath has spent most of his time as an owner of an advertising company, admittedly, one of the most competitive and volatile of businesses. This book tells his story of success and failure and the life lessons along the way.

He does not cover old clichés i.e., merely reframing problems into “challenges”. We all experience failure in our lives that serve as lessons for not just our lives but our business decisions. Things can be taken away from us unfairly. It is how we respond to those disappointments and heart aches that make us better people and in turn better decision makers the inevitable next time.

The thirty chapters in this book are very readable and have valuable lessons for any business leader. Here are some examples of just a few chapters:

Resistance to Change
Leading from the Back
Hire for Attitude
Pushing Yourself to Fail
Never Threaten to Quit Anything
Losing Control
Let Me Help You Find a New Job
Confronting Fear and Surviving the Epic Crisis.

I have the pleasure of being the recipient of numerous books for review each week. I must confess that this one arrived only a few days ago and I was immediately drawn in to Heath’s interesting “down to earth” style of writing. It went immediately to the top of the stack. This is Ralph Heath’s first book and I would have to say that this book on failure is a success.  

Hooked on the book? Click here to buy now.

Dr. Brian Beirl has a general dental practice in Seminole. In addition, he is an educator, author, presenter, consultant and business coach. Dr. Beirl is passionate in helping his clients live the life of their dreams. He may be reached through his web site at www.brianbeirl.com.