Seeing the Big Picture by Kevin Cope, 2012

I had written a post of Seeing the Big Picture: Business Acumen to Build Your Credibility, Career, and Company, and lost the post.

So sad - it was a great post.

The essence of what I had written is that Cope's book is a clear, concise summary of the five key business factors that executives across industries and countries consider to ensure success: Cash, Profit, Assets, Growth, and the underlying driver, People.

The book also provides an excellent summary of the three key Financial Statements that are used to evaluate and measure companies: Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Cash Flows. 

Seeing the Big Picture uses a case study of a Cycle Shop to simplify concepts and demonstrate how business decisions are translated into Financial Statements.

I wish I had this book in Business School as it provides simple, illustrative examples to explain definitions and equations that I had memorized, but now truly understand with the help of this book.

Although part of this understanding has to do with maturity as I now focus more on understanding versus memorizing.

My lost post included a summary of a study from Marcus Buckingham's First, Break All The Rules (1) that showed the main reason people leave their jobs is their relationship with their manager.

People want to feel valued, receive regular praise, be rewarded for their efforts, included in decision making, and feel that they are contributing to a clear vision.

Another take-away that resonates with me on a profession and personal level is:

"As you grow..., you'll need to stretch yourself, move outside your comfort zone.  It can be challenging to find the time and energy, but the rewards will be worth it.

I challenge you to move forward with a commitment to do it.

In pursuing your personal or business objectives, you must never omit the hard work of preparation.

An admiring audience member said to the virtuoso concert pianist, 'I'd give my life to play like that.'  The predictable response: 'I have.'"

(1) I have not read First, Break All The Rules, but have read Buckingham's Go Put Your Strengths to Work.