sales training blog - startup sales mentor

Thus far, all of my reviews have been on sales and sales related content. With Michael’s book, I will begin diving into another series dedicated to personal growth and leadership. These books will all be out of the norm, no Covey or John Maxwell here, if you do not know the reputation of these books, then go buy them right now! What I am looking for is tiny pocket manuals with great tips on how to change your thought process. When I find them I will share.

I am also going to start reviewing some of the management tomes out their designed to help people coach and lead. Some of them are good and well, some will not get the most favorable of reviews. Finally I intend to start reviewing some of the worst sales manuals in existence, just to give some perspective.

Do You Know How To Shut Up? - Michael Staver

Delivery: 9

If you had asked me to rate this book after the first couple of chapters the hard hits to my ego would have forced me to give it a 5. Fortunately I kept on reading and Staver’s style of blasting succinct but meaning packed massages started to help me get over some of my day to day tendencies. This book is a great bedside tome for early morning snap shots of what to work on each day. Whether it be listening, or believing in your ability, or escaping from the silliness of age old expressions, his quick 2-3 page chapters can give you a jolt of preparedness for each day.

Concept: 6

The reason I give him such a low score for concept is simply that this is no original idea. From twelve step programs, to bible accompaniments, to the art of war and the art of peace, people have been summarizing great advice in day to day reads for centuries if not millenniums.

Message: 10

Perhaps it is personal, and every bit of advice is subjective, so it actual is definitely personal, but I agree with every single point that Michael Staver makes. 52 chapters of advice, and as coaches, leaders, sales people, evangelists, and communicators in general, we should heed to them all. My favorite 5 chapters are:

1. Chapter 18: Are you creating a world class experience?

2. Chapter 8: Can you be still?

3. Chapter 1: Do you know how to shut up?

4. Chapter 15: Obstacles or opportunities? Where is your focus?

5. Chapter 10: Are you really grateful?

I could go on about all 52, and frankly his title of chapter 51, “The problem with hope,” is the only one that bothered me. The chapter however is 100% correct and quite similar to a current figures belief in hope. Staver says, “Hope alone will not and cannot create desirable outcomes for us… Hope always feels better, and I believe we should have it - but it is never enough.” Staver is telling us that hope is the spark, and action is the energy needed to accomplish these dreams.

Overall Score: 8

You could not go wrong taking this book and using its advice as a daily measuring stick. In the sense of a great leadership coach, Staver tells it like it is, can you take his challenge and not get bruised? If so, growth is in the near future. I do not just hope, I believe.

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