Everyone knows the "If I only had a nickel..." phrase, and I know we all have dozens, if not hundreds, of situations where we have thought of those famous words as we sat frustrated over one thing or another.

The most recent instance for me actually wasn't one of frustration but rather was much more positive, although it didn't necessarily start out that way. So why did the "If I only had a nickel..." phrase run through my mind?

Essentially, it did because ever since I moved from an "us" to a "them" in the management world, I have been fascinated by the books that seem to be published every other week by professors, consultants and current or former CEOs — all of which promise to answer my every prayer in terms of managing, leadership and overall organization effectiveness. So, it was pretty natural to think, "Here's another one" when I picked up Workarounds That Work by Russell Bishop.

All that turned positive, however, after I was fortunate enough to have him join me on a weekly call that I do with ExecuNet members; we it call Six-Figure Hotline, and members can raise questions on any subject they want, be it career-related or business-related.

At the time of the call, I only knew of Russell by reputation as an editor and columnist for Huffington Post and a consultant with a long history of success. I was anxious to have him on the call, however, because logic suggested that his experience and success was likely built the same way it is for most of us — by dealing with one person at a time, and if his approach worked for organizations, it probably would work for those who make up the organization.

I am not reviewing it here — you can go to Amazon for that if you like. I bring it up on this blog only to say that while I cannot begin to bring Russell's experience as a consultant or his skills as a communicator to this space, I can and do think any executive who feels the need for some insights into trying to figure out the workaround situations that face us almost daily, would benefit by checking out his book.

And there is another reason as well, and which is, of course, the real reason as to why I am so thumbs up on this book: Much of what the book suggests makes me feel my own theory about organizational issues has been vindicated by a source with real credentials. Now I can say: "If you don't believe me, then see what Russell Bishop has to say and then tell me I'm nuts."

Dave Opton
Dave Opton founded ExecuNet in 1988 to provide a trusted environment where senior-level executives could build career opportunities by facilitating connections to other executives, experts and key market insights. Dave has drawn upon his 35 years of experience in human resources to develop and grow what has become the leading business and career membership network for executives and senior managers. A widely recognized executive career management expert, Dave is regularly quoted in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Business Week, Fortune, Fast Company, and other leading business publications. Mr. Opton received his BA from Indiana University. Dave blogs at Six Figure Learnings

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