Brief Description
"Rather than explain the power of recognition in a typical business book, Novak decided to write a fun story that draws on his real-world experiences at Pepsi and Yum! Brands, as well as his personal life"--
Learn More about the Book
Jeff took a deep breath to calm down. He was about to stand in front of the employees of the Happy Face Toy Company s faltering Cleveland factory. As the new CEO, he d been advised to close this factory as soon as possible, but he wanted to see it first. How hard could this be? he wondered, gathering the courage to ask them about their jobs.
He had no idea what he was in for.
When was the last time you told your colleagues how much you value them? It sounds like a trivial thing in the middle of a busy work day. But as David Novak discovered during his years as a hard charging executive, there s nothing trivial about recognition. It can make a life-or-death difference to any organization, when people see that someone important really notices and appreciates their contributions.
Rather than explain the power of recognition in a typical business book, Novak decided to write a fun story that draws on his real-world experiences at Pepsi and Yum! Brands, as well as his personal life.
The story opens when Jeff Johnson becomes the third-generation CEO of his family business, after the sudden death of his father. The Happy Face Toy Company had many hits in the 1950s and 60s, including Crazy Paste, but its results have been declining for more than a decade. The board has given Jeff just one year to turn the business around, or else they ll have to sell it to the highest bidder.
As Jeff races to save his family s legacy by getting the company back on track, he meets downtrodden factory workers and an uninspired executive team. Then a birthday gift from his own grandson gives Jeff an important insight into why Happy Face lost its old culture of innovation and excitement, along with its profitability. Jeff comes up with an idea that seems crazy But is it crazy enough to work?
Whether you re trying to lead a small department, a Fortune 500 company, a non-profit, or your own family, the lessons at the heart of O Great One! can help you make everyone around you happier and more effective.
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Review Quotes
1.
If you want to improve your life and the lives of those around you, just apply the ten principles my friend David Novak lays out in this book.
Warren Buffett
Any leader searching for the best way to motivate people needs to read this timely, unique, and exceptionally helpful book!
Larry Bossidy, former chairman and CEO, Honeywell; coauthor of "Execution"
David Novak built YUM! into a great company by bringing out the best in his people."O Great One!"shows you how easy it is to help people reach their potential. He is a great storyteller!"
Rick Pitino, head basketball coach, University of Louisville
A must-read for every person in any organization. Read it, do it, and watch great things happen!
Ken Langone, co-founder of The Home Depot
"O Great One!"is a real page-turner. Through this insightful and elegantly written story, he does a brilliant job illustrating how recognition a simple concept that is all too easily taken for granted can be a potent force, motivating people to perform at their highest levels.
Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo
An important and colorful book about a topic that is absolutely essential. When people care passionately about what they do, everything falls into place, and customer satisfaction and financial results follow. David's vast experience resonates throughout this book with useful and practicaladvice.
Suzy & Jack Welch
"O Great One!"is by far the best book on the power of recognition that I haveeverread. It will make a difference not only in your life but also in the lives of people you interact with at work, at home, and in your community.
Ken Blanchard, coauthor of"The New One Minute Manager"(r) and "Collaboration Begins with You"
David Novak hit another home run with"O Great One!"His message is clear: when we take care of our people, they take care of everything else.
John Calipari, head basketball coach, University of Kentucky
"This heartwarming story will captivate your spirit and challenge your leadership philosophy. Nobody has more credibility to deliver this message than David, whoregularlyuses the magic of recognition to lead his teams to extraordinary success.
Steve Reinemund, former chairman and CEO, PepsiCo
"O Great One!"is a sweet story that contains a very important lesson: recognition is the key to creating an open and successful organization.
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase
No one understands the power of recognition more and has translated it into tangible results better than David Novak.He is the world s authority on recognition.
Mike Rawlings, Mayor of Dallas
Thevaluablelessons and insights shared in "O Great One!" should be applied to achieve powerful results not only in your business but with your family."
Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO, Target
"O Great One!"is an easy read that hits the nail on the head. Successful companies are all about people and this book proves that people work more effectively when they are appreciated and recognized for their contributions to team success.
Dr. Bob Rotella, psychologist and performance consultant
After you devour this thoroughly enjoyable page-turner, buy it for all the leaders and future leaders in your life. It ll make a huge difference!
Bob Burg, coauthor of "The Go-Giver" and "The Go-Giver Leader"
Throughout his career, David has employed these same principles of recognition to drive terrific results. It works.
David Cote, Chairman and CEO, Honeywell
"This book reminded me of the power I have to make someone's day by being thankful for what they do. I liked its lessons so much I wanted my entire family to read it. You will love it too."
Phil Mickelson, professional golfer"
2.
If you want to improve your life and the lives of those around you, just apply the ten principles my friend David Novak lays out in this book.
Warren Buffett
Any leader searching for the best way to motivate people needs to read this timely, unique, and exceptionally helpful book!
Larry Bossidy, former chairman and CEO, Honeywell; coauthor of Execution
David Novak built YUM! into a great company by bringing out the best in his people.O Great One!shows you how easy it is to help people reach their potential. He is a great storyteller!"
Rick Pitino, head basketball coach, University of Louisville
A must-read for every person in any organization. Read it, do it, and watch great things happen!
Ken Langone, co-founder of The Home Depot
O Great One!is a real page-turner. Through this insightful and elegantly written story, he does a brilliant job illustrating how recognition a simple concept that is all too easily taken for granted can be a potent force, motivating people to perform at their highest levels.
Indra Nooyi, Chairman and CEO, PepsiCo
An important and colorful book about a topic that is absolutely essential. When people care passionately about what they do, everything falls into place, and customer satisfaction and financial results follow. David's vast experience resonates throughout this book with useful and practicaladvice.
Suzy & Jack Welch
O Great One!is by far the best book on the power of recognition that I haveeverread. It will make a difference not only in your life but also in the lives of people you interact with at work, at home, and in your community.
Ken Blanchard, coauthor ofThe New One Minute Manager(r) and Collaboration Begins with You
David Novak hit another home run withO Great One!His message is clear: when we take care of our people, they take care of everything else.
John Calipari, head basketball coach, University of Kentucky
"This heartwarming story will captivate your spirit and challenge your leadership philosophy. Nobody has more credibility to deliver this message than David, whoregularlyuses the magic of recognition to lead his teams to extraordinary success.
Steve Reinemund, former chairman and CEO, PepsiCo
O Great One!is a sweet story that contains a very important lesson: recognition is the key to creating an open and successful organization.
Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase
No one understands the power of recognition more and has translated it into tangible results better than David Novak.He is the world s authority on recognition.
Mike Rawlings, Mayor of Dallas
Thevaluablelessons and insights shared in O Great One! should be applied to achieve powerful results not only in your business but with your family."
Brian Cornell, Chairman and CEO, Target
O Great One!is an easy read that hits the nail on the head. Successful companies are all about people and this book proves that people work more effectively when they are appreciated and recognized for their contributions to team success.
Dr. Bob Rotella, psychologist and performance consultant
After you devour this thoroughly enjoyable page-turner, buy it for all the leaders and future leaders in your life. It ll make a huge difference!
Bob Burg, coauthor of The Go-Giver and The Go-Giver Leader
Throughout his career, David has employed these same principles of recognition to drive terrific results. It works.
David Cote, Chairman and CEO, Honeywell
"This book reminded me of the power I have to make someone's day by being thankful for what they do. I liked its lessons so much I wanted my entire family to read it. You will love it too."
Phil Mickelson, professional golfer
"
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