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DEADLINE BUSTING
Deadline
Busting: How to be a Star Performer in Your Organization
by Jeffrey Ford Ph.D., Laurie Ford Ph.D.
Deadline Busting makes #3 bestseller on Barnes & Noble.com
On October 4, 2006, Deadline Busting was the #3 best selling book
on Barnes & Noble.com.
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May we ask you a few short questions?
- Are you interested in greater respect and admiration from your peers and superiors at work? Or having them see you as indispensable?
- Do you want to be looked up to as a leader - someone who stands out from the crowd and is recognized as a “go to” person?
- Would you like people at work to pay greater attention to you or take you more seriously than they do now?
- Are you looking to take your performance to the next level?
- Would you like to have less stress, greater satisfaction, more confidence, and a greater sense of control at work?
Of course, you probably answered yes to most, if not all, of these questions. Who wouldn’t? But you are smart enough to know that no single book, program, or course can give you all of these outcomes. If it could, there would be no need for anything else and we would all be brilliant.
So, we not going to insult your intelligence by suggesting anything we have to offer will provide all of these outcomes either. But, we will promise you that the book we are offering here – “Deadline Busting: How to be a Star Performer in Your Organization” – can and will make a solid, no kidding difference in your ability to achieve each and every one of them.
Curious or interested in how it can make a difference for you? If so, then read on. If not, thanks for taking the time to read even this far, but you will be better off doing something else with your time than reading the rest of this letter.
Deadline Busting Makes A Difference
How do we know Deadline Busting makes a real difference? By a real difference, we mean a no kidding alteration in your ability to deliver the goods, not just a “feel better” experience where nothing really changes. There are three reasons:
- First, we have done extensive research on the subject, including what others have reported (one of us is a professor of management), so we know what the evidence is for what works and what doesn’t.
- Second, we train hundreds of professional managers and leaders every year in the principles in Deadline Busting and we know first hand the impact it has on their lives and work (one of us is a professional management consultant). And these managers come from every level of the hierarchy and every size and type of organization, so we know it works in all kinds of settings with all kinds of people.
- Third, it makes a difference for people we have never come in contact with, but who have read the book, as shown in the following testimonial:
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A must-read! Anyone who cares about their career should read this book and take on the principles. Deadline Busting is brilliant in its simplicity on what distinguishes star performers in the workplace.
After I read it, I immediately purchased copies for my staff because I wanted all of them to adopt and master the principles right away - and I get compliments from others about my staff all the time! Also, in my role, I am often asked to coach individuals on their development. I offered this book to one individual who I knew was on the verge of being fired. He was initially offended, thinking I was criticizing him. He was right - he was often slow in fulfilling commitments he made to his boss and to others. He read the book and, I am happy to report, his productivity has turned around so much that now even his General Manager is impressed with him!
Any organizational leader who wants to avoid those daily pitfalls that derail productivity and break down trust levels should read this book and give it to their staff. It is actually possible to be surrounded by clear communication, accountability, personal responsibility and promises kept.
Joan Smiley, Vice President Executive and Organization Development, Thomson Learning |
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We know Deadline Busting makes a real difference for people. In fact, we have found the principles of Deadline Busting to be so useful and powerful we live by them ourselves and are frankly amazed at how many people in today’s organizations don’t know or use them. That’s why we are writing to you – to give you an opportunity to find out its value for yourself.
But of course we would say these things, we wrote the book. How many authors do you know who would tell you their book sucked, even if it did? So we thought you might like to read what other people have to say:
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Deadline Busting showed me how I can take back control of my work. The tools I learned enabled me to increase my productivity and decrease my stress! In fact, one of my co-workers commented that my projects were now staying on track, and them telling me, or anyone this, is not the norm in my department – so I was very pleased! I recommend this book to anyone who is tired of feeling like a victim to their job.
Marne D. Turner, Product Manager Elmer's Products Inc. |
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If you are happy with a mediocre work life, don’t read this book. But, if you want to transform your work experience from one of simply getting by to one of being in control, read Deadline Busting. It is a necessary first step for anyone interested in excelling in their career, and in life. It provided me a way to look in the mirror and see how I was undermining my own performance. The quality of my reports, the effectiveness of my communications, and the timeliness of my work have all risen radically as a result of applying the tips in Deadline Busting. If you are an employee wishing to set yourself apart at work, read this book. If you are a team manager or project manager looking for ways to improve performance, have your team read this book. And if you are a business owner wanting to drastically improve both the productivity and culture of your team or organization, have your organization read this book.
Craig Stein, Managing Partner, Center for Entrepreneurship
The Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University |
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Deadline Busting is not only a book, but a lifestyle that must be attained to survive both in our business and personal lives. It adds detail behind our performance at work by addressing the reasons we don’t do what we say or think we will do. This led me to a self realization I wanted to argue with, but the more I argued the more I found it to be true, allowing me to see my own strengths and weaknesses. But, I wasn’t left disempowered wondering “Now what do I do?” because the numerous practical tips Deadline Busting provides were very easy to use – and they work.
A great read, and required reference!
Albert R. Sawaya II, Director Engineering Test Solutions
RF Power Amplifier Group, Andrew Corporation |
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This is an excellent read for someone at any level of their career. I had the good fortune to read and practice many of the tips and guidance provided throughout the book at an early stage in my career. It has had a profoundly positive impact on my ability to succeed in the work place and excel at a level I had not known possible.
Not only does the book teach very practical skills and tactics regarding the art of being effective, but it also challenges the reader to take a personal look at his or her commitment to being responsible and accountable. Many people wallow through a work day or career "thinking" they are doing the right things to be effective at work. Deadline Busting is not time management, it is not Organization 101, nor is it the feel-good story of the week; it is a combination of very real, hard skills put into one source - it is what real work is all about.
Ultimately the book teaches the reader that it is the level of commitment and personal responsibility that one applies to these daily activities that truly impacts a person's ability to perform, have influence and maintain integrity in his or her organization or personal life. Dare to be different than the person sitting next to you at work, dare to take responsibility for yourself, dare to get out of your comfort zone and really DO something about your career.
Mike Shebak III, Assistant Vice President and Product Manager Fifth Third Securities |
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I really enjoyed the core message of this book. While the deadline busting practices are simple and direct, they are not limited to meeting deadlines. They could be thought of as a great philosophy for managing life. And they're not recommendations for those committed to living life as circumstantial and overwhelming - a victim's view.
If you're committed to living life as an invention, resulting in differences made and promises honored, this book lays out a set of principles by which to navigate. Were this the typical operating mode of our companies, the world would be a very different place indeed.
Our individual ability to produce goes with us from job to job throughout our careers. If we master the principles offered in this book throughout that journey we will indeed author extraordinary results and enjoy real success and admiration.
Brian Stuhmuller, CEO Mission Control Productivity, Inc. |
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I like Deadline Busting because it’s easy to understand and highly motivational. It regularly helps me overcome my normal tendency to postpone things I don’t want to do or don’t like for some reason by giving me simple, yet highly effective tips to use. It also gives me valuable tools to manage the people on my teams. Since reading Deadline Busting I have felt more in control of my schedule and my life, and my team has been more productive.
Monika Aring, Senior Policy Analyst and Team Leader
RTI International - EPS |
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You get the idea. These people liked Deadline Busting and what it did for them. We think you will like what it does for you too. |
Want to Know More?
Deadline Busting provides you with the tools for becoming is called a “star performer” (that’s not our term, it’s a term that is actually used by managers).
Every organization has some stars. Stars are the people managers call “Go-To People” – they are the people managers go to when they absolutely must get something done. Stars are people who, under virtually any circumstance, can be counted on to make things happen. Stars successfully deliver what is wanted, where it is wanted, and when it is wanted to the people who want it.
Stars are people who are sought after, looked up to, and listened to. They get more recognition than others, consistently higher performance evaluations, more interesting job assignments, bigger raises, and more promotions. Because of their outstanding reputations, they are highly respected by their bosses and peers, given far more latitude in what they can do, and counted on for their initiative and “on the spot” leadership.
Becoming a Star is Easier Than You Think
Becoming a star is not really that difficult – if you know what to do. Yes, it takes some work, but the work is doable. Unfortunately, many people who genuinely want to be star performers don’t know what to do to become one. So, they work very hard doing what they think is needed, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t turn out as they expected.
In the face of this disappointment, its no wonder people think it takes luck or knowing the right people to really get ahead. Yes, luck and the right people do help, but they are not enough. You still need to know the right things to do and when to do them.
Deadline Busting tells you what it takes to become a star performer and provides 85 proven tips to help you get there.
We have worked with and studied hundreds of star performers and have learned two very important lessons:
- Stars are not born, they are developed. All it takes is a combination of attitude and action, both of which can be learned – if you are willing to break some old habits and learn some new ones. Deadline Busting gives you new habits that work.
- The difference between star performers and good performers is usually not huge. In fact, if you are a good performer, it might be only one or two things that would make the difference needed for you to become a star. Deadline Busting gives you 85 tips, any one of which could be the one you need to put you "over the top".
The truth is, people develop themselves to be stars - no one does it for them. YOU can develop yourself be a star if you really want to. And Deadline Busting can help – starting today. |
Star = Attitude + Action
Look, this is not rocket science. Not really.
There are only two things that separate stars from non-stars: attitude and action. Stars have an “I said so” attitude and are unwilling to accept any reason for failure. They feel once they have given their word, failure is not an option and will take virtually any action to make good on their word.
Maybe you already have this attitude. But in case you don’t, the first three chapters of Deadline Busting tell you the ingredients needed for developing an “I said so” attitude.
- In Chapter 1 – “There Are No Loopholes in Yes”, you discover that your reputation is determined by your ability to consistently deliver what you said you would when you said you would. Just knowing this is an attitude adjustment.
- In Chapter 2 – “Saying Yes but Doing No”, you learn why people say they’ll do lots of things they never do and have a million reasons for not doing it – all of which has a negative effect on their reputation and career. Don't let this happen to you.
- In Chapter 3 – “Going Beyond the Reasons”, you discover your own unique way of operating at work and how your own habits and practices can unknowling get in your way of being a truly outstanding performer. You also learn what can be done to get beyond the limitations existing habits might impose on your success. This chapter along is worth the price of the book.
But attitude is not enough – you also need action. The right kind of action. Many good performers could be stars if they would just stop shooting themselves in the foot! Rather than change a few basic habits, they continue doing things that don’t work hoping for a different result. That’s insane!
Stars take actions other people don’t take, either because others don’t know about them or are unwilling to take them. After reading the first three chapters, you will definitely be ready to take action. So, Chapter 4 – “The Tips” provides you 85 practical tips that have been proven effective by star performers.
Some of the things you learn are:
- How to make sure the assignments you get are really doable.
- How to relate to others so they have more confidence in you.
- How to effectively communicate to people so they feel “in the know”.
- How to discover the things people can say or do that can stop you cold.
- How to dramatically increase the velocity of a project.
- How to effectively respond when things go wrong.
- How to avoid undermining your own credibility.
- How to effectively involve people for the best chances of success.
- How to shift your focus from what people are doing to what they are delivering.
- How to say no so that people really listen to you.
- How to get additional resources even when other people are having difficulty getting them.
- How to use their calendars to improve your success.
- And much, much more….
Each tip is written in a clear, straightforward style that makes it easy to use immediately. Tips can be used in any order depending on your own situation and preference. There is no set sequence you must follow, no steps you must take, or beliefs you must adopt. Pick the tip that best fits you and go to work on it.
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What's Your Future Look Like?
It’s your job, your career, your future. It really could be better. In fact, it really could be great - YOU really could be a Star! Imagine what your life would be like:
- if you were able to reduce or eliminate the nagging feeling that there is something you are suppose to be doing that you aren’t doing
- to feel that you, and not everyone else, was in control of your work.
- to have the confidence that you are in charge and that the things you have committed to will actually get done.
- to know that you are no longer unintentionally undermining your credibility and reputation.
- to have others look up to you for your new found ability to succeed.
- if you had less worry, anxiety, and stress about what needed to done or your ability to get it done.
- to have the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment of being a star performer.
Deadline Busting alone will not give you all this. But, as you saw in the testimonials above, it definitely helps. |
The Beginning
Ok, you might be thinking "Yeah, but there is more to my life than work. How is Deadline Busting going to help me in the rest of my life?". Well, consider our final story from a mother of three. |
I am the mother of three teens. I work full time and am pursuing an MBA. I have applied Deadline Busting at home, at work, and at school. It has made a difference in my life: I feel energized and rewarded with lots of deposits to my personal savings account! Let me explain.
A number of years ago, my middle schooler took an enrichment class for gifted students taught by a former investment banker. A fairly significant proportion of gifted students do not have to work very hard to succeed in traditional classes and have a tendency to fall into some pretty sloppy work habits. The teacher wanted to illustrate to these students the value of on-time, complete delivery and positive attitudes, so she offered an analogy from her financial background.
She told the class that finishing and turning work in on time and doing a quality job is like making a deposit into your personal savings account. Every piece of work that you turn in adds to that account. Every "best" piece of work that you turn in makes a bigger deposit. If you have a positive attitude while you are working and you interact well with others, you also grow your account. The great thing about these deposits is that they earn interest over time; and the more you have in your account, the more interest you earn. The interest is paid in terms of your reputation, as well as your personal satisfaction for having done your best and being a good steward of your skills and abilities.
However, if you do not finish a project or fail to deliver it, you make no deposit. In fact, you must actually make a withdrawal from your account to cover the debt you owe the would-be recipient for breaking a promise. Furthermore, you pay penalties in loss of credibility and lower self-worth. The cumulative effect of jobs not completed or done on time is a depleted savings account. And without capital, it's hard to build for the future.
The moral of the story is: Make deposits to your personal savings account frequently to gain wealth.
I think this gifted teacher described what it takes to be a deadline buster, and her analogies about the interest earned and penalties paid are reasons it's a worthwhile endeavor. I'd extend the analogy a little further to say that the better you manage your account, the better your credit rating. Good credit, in turn, offers you more opportunities to leverage what you have. Again, it's all about creating wealth - both monetary wealth and, what is for me a much more important measure, wealth of character.
Deadline Busting challenged me to think about what it means to put these principles into practice in concrete ways every day. Now my priority is delivering what my customers need, not just what they request of me. Although I was already on the path of fulfilling my obligations, the Fords’ book gave me some tools that helped me handle conflicting demands and agendas more effectively. My actions are more purposeful.
Deadline Busting also reinforced for me the importance to building and maintaining healthy relationships. Increasingly, I find myself connecting, collaborating, and serving as a conduit between individuals and groups in pursuit of solutions to problems and opportunities for growth. Again, my actions are more deliberate. And as an added bonus, my personal savings account is growing!
Jayne Knoop, Senior Engineer, CAS |
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Thanks for taking the time to read this letter. We wish you the very best in your life and career.
Jeffrey & Laurie Ford, authors of "Deadline Busting:
How to become a Star Performer in Your Organization" |
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