Most personal and organizational problems are the result of a little-known phenomenon called "self-deception." We deceive ourselves into thinking we're doing the right thing for the right reason, but people won't follow a leader whose motives are selfish. The tricky thing is, we don't know that our motivation is flawed. Through an entertaining and highly instructive story, this audiobook explains what self-deception is, how people get trapped in it, how it undermines relationships and organizational achievement, and—most importantly—the surprising way to solve it.
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"I am generally not a fan of self-help books, and especially not of those designed to "help you get promoted, become the CEO, and make a fortune within 5 years" (or something like that). But this book, while technically a self-help type of book, is actually very good. It's profound and insightful, and its purpose goes beyond trying to help you instrumentally "get ahead"."
— Zeke (5 out of 5 stars)
" Read this for work. Was not a big fan of the presentation but the message was good. "
— Amy, 1/31/2014" This book is helpful if you have a difficult relationship with family, friends, or co-workers. It teaches you that you will never be happy unless you can forgive. Very helpful! "
— Janalyn, 1/21/2014" Stay out of the box! "
— Luke, 1/21/2014" Love this book. Lots to think about and very applicable to everyday interactions. "
— Sara, 1/17/2014" Really thought this book gave great insight on how to interact with people at work and even in your personal life. Easy to read and insightful. "
— Ceres, 12/28/2013" Nearly the same book as Bonds that Make us Free, just done in story form, much like the Peacegiver. The authors of book books are all part of the Arbinger Institute. "
— Jenn, 12/23/2013" This book was a surprisingly easy read. By the name I thought I would encounter an almost clinical book - but the book was told in story form. Good read. "
— Carmen, 11/20/2013" So this is an eye-opening easy read of a pretty common human weakness. It says leadership but is very applicable to family life. It was a fast read but I still would have liked it in, say, a 20 page pamphlet... "
— Brenda, 11/16/2013" This book was such a quick read and it simply makes so much sense. I wish more companies and leaders operated based on these basic principles. "
— Joy, 11/16/2013" Great book, good principles, definitely helped me to see more clearly in my life. The writing may leave much to be desired, but the principles are worth looking past that. I think the best this book has to offer is a larger sense of self-awareness, which can be very valuable. "
— Emily, 11/6/2013" A moderetly entertaining regurgitation of the gospel. I personally didn't feel that I found anything particularly inspiring in it for me, but this book would work wonders in the workplace. Reminiscent of other James Ferrell books. "
— Kristen, 10/30/2013" Good stuff. I wish this were more of a reality. "
— Kevin, 10/24/2013" As with it's companion book The Anatomy of Peace, I found the message of this book very valuable for our modern day, particularly our relationships--both business and personal. The explanations and descriptions were clear and accessible. I highly recommend both books. "
— Shelby, 9/18/2013" This is a great read for those seeking to improve their lives and the way they relate to others, generally, whether in the context of business or personal relationships. "
— Melissa, 7/31/2013" One of the very best business books. A must read. "
— Stephanni, 7/26/2013" A simple book but profoundly important and critical to read even if it just gets you thinking a little bit more self-critically. "
— Benjamin, 7/18/2013" It's not always someone elses problem. "
— Collin, 2/8/2013" It really helped you to see things in a different perspective. I would recommend it to anyone in any leadership position. "
— Hannah, 1/31/2013" Everyone should read this book- it will help you view all of your relationships both professional and personal in a whole new way. Absolutely terrific. I am now recommending it not only to friends but to my mediation students. "
— Catherine, 1/19/2013" This should be required reading for anyone who wants to enjoy life at work, in their family, and in all relationships throughout life...In other words, everyone should read this book. "
— Joseph, 12/26/2012" Warning: this book could be life changing. "
— Lonnie, 8/6/2012" This is a good little book if you want to read a bit about relationship. I think it's worth reading once a year to refresh your mind on how to be in the here and now, and not mind-wandering your way through life. As a relationship book, I'd probably recommend Bonds That Make Us Free. "
— Becca, 4/3/2012" A must read for every one. "
— Subhash, 1/29/2012" This book is a life-changing book. It ranks among my top 10 books of all time. "
— Thomas, 10/12/2011" I have never wanted to read self-help books before, but this one came highly recommended. I LOVED it. It's an excellent read. It doesn't give you silly tasks to do and doesn't make you feel stupid for not being a certain way. It's applicable to REAL life. "
— Joey, 9/2/2011" I recommend this book to anyone and everyone. It gave me a new perspective on communicating with others. Applicable at home and in the work place. Very good! "
— Jen, 8/18/2011" I read this and then reread the Anatomy of Peace. Both have similar ideas, and both are well worth the time it takes to read them. "
— Edy, 5/20/2011" Read it ASAP is all I call can say :) "
— Suvendu, 5/17/2011" This book applies equally well in business and in your personal life. Great concepts. "
— Melissa, 5/17/2011" I read this right after Anatomy of peace, and they both go right along with each other with the same principles taught. They both of very valuable books for anyone wanting to work on relationships. "
— Andrea, 5/4/2011" Absolutely fantastic read!<br/>Highly recommended for anyone and everyone who is involved with people!<br/> "
— Jim, 4/21/2011" This book takes a great idea and formats is for a third grader. I love the idea, however, writing in the form of an anecdote was ultimately distracting- I found it repetitive and dull. On the plus side, it’s a quick read, so it won’t waste too much of your time. "
— Wendyll, 4/12/2011" Another fabulous book! Every single person should read this! "
— Marilyn, 4/10/2011" Fantastic content, but the dialog was quite repetitive and forced so was hard to read a lot of it at a time without feeling like the book was treating me like an idiot. Nonetheless, I feel like a better person having read the book. "
— Bodaniel, 4/5/2011" Loved this one! My husband and I both read it and have loved learning from it! "
— Laura, 4/4/2011" Everyone needs to read this book...employers, husbands, wives, etc. It totally changed my perception about myself and people around me. The whole title is: leadership and self-deception: living outside the box. "
— Donna, 4/3/2011The Arbinger Institute is a worldwide institute that helps organizations, families, individuals, and communities solve problems created by self-deception. The Institute is led internationally by Jim Ferrell, Duane Boyce, Paul Smith, and Terry Warner. Local managing directors guide Arbinger’s work in territories around the world. Headquartered in Woods Cross, Utah, Arbinger has international operations in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Israel, India, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and Bermuda.
William Dufris attended the University of Southern Maine in Portland-Gorham before pursuing a career in voice work in London and then the United States. He has won more than twenty AudioFile Earphones Awards, was voted one of the Best Voices at the End of the Century by AudioFile magazine, and won the prestigious Audie Award in 2012 for best nonfiction narration. He lives with his family in Maine.