The Art of Possibility

Rosamund Stone Zander and Benjamin Zander

Product Details:

ISBN: 0142001104
Format: Paperback, 224pp
Pub. Date: September 2002
Publisher: Penguin Group (USA)

I like to read books that are applicable to what I do, but are not written from the technology perspective. These kinds of books help me to see new ways of thinking and doing things. This is one of those books.

To give a little background on the authors, Rosamund Stone Zander is a family therapist and a landscape painter. Benjamin Zander is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra and a professor at the New England Conservatory of Music.

Based on the principles developed through the authors' unique partnership, Mr. Zander gives presentations to managers and executives around the world and Ms. Zander conducts workshops for organizations on practicing the art of possibility. 

One of the many things I appreciate about music is the way that people must perform great together to make beautiful music. This is where the input of Benjamin was of great interest to me. If anyone can discuss how to get a large group of people with different motivations to come together in performing a challenging work, it should be an orchestral conductor. I was not disappointed. I was exposed to many lessons of leadership through the vehicle of music. Benjamin wrote many examples of how disenchanted musicians were energized by simple, yet profound, actions.

Creativity is a key attribute for testers and this book leads you through the ways to unleash your own personal creativity.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to explore new and creative ways to work, lead and inspire others.