Review by Philip Rothstein
5.0 out of 5 stars
Decency matters... and this book makes clear what's in it for you
Reviewed in the United States on March 31, 2020
Format: Audible Audiobook
“At first glance, this book could easily pass for a "management 101" generic book... until you open the cover and begin reading. Steve Harrison and Jim Lukaszewski have taken a subject which we mostly take for granted - decency - and given the reader a profoundly distinct perspective which can have substantial implications for any organization, regardless of size.
I run a relatively small publishing company (disclosure: I published Jim's recent book, Lukaszewski on Crisis Communication) and have a close-knit, albeit geographically dispersed team. I've run organizations large and small over many decades, and, while I am always open to new ideas and perspectives, I was fascinated by what I found I didn't know.
Decency is inherently altruistic. It is antithetical to self-interest. And yet, in the grander scheme of things, decency can pay back in so many ways. Through numerous anecdotes and case studies, Jim and Steve reminded me, over and over, of actions I could be taking which I had forgotten, and many more I have never considered.
I especially valued the section separation ("Decency When It's Time to Say Goodbye"). Having more experience than I care to admit terminating, laying off, firing or otherwise ending employment for so many individuals over the years, I believed I was always considerate and compassionate - this chapter got me thinking about so many things I could have done better.
So - here I am with two pages of notes and reminders from reading this unusual book (after I hadn't really considered keeping notes, somehow I found it important to do so).
I highly recommend this book. I can all but guarantee you will find yourself identifying with the anecdotes and case studies, and I wouldn't be surprised if you, like me, end up with a couple of pages of notes.”
