Today, we’re taking a break and writing a book review:

“The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox

While I was growing up in a suburb of Philadelphia, my father was a controller at a manufacturing plant not far from our house.  Like many boys, I was interested in what my father did for a living.  I would watch my father walk out the door every morning in his suit, excited and ready for whatever challenges he met that day – and later in the evening greet a tired and slightly agitated man at the door – tie loosened and crooked, jacket wrinkled and slung over his shoulder.  Often in those days, Dad would come home for dinner but then have to go back to the plant.  Yet, he never missed my soccer games, my sister’s ice skating competitions, or my brother’s baseball games.

Many years later, when I first became a father, I asked my dad “How did you do it?  How did you find a way to balance work and family?”

“First,” he said, “go to church more.  Then read this…”

That’s when he handed me a book titled “The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement” by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox.

“The Goal” is almost a how-to manual disguised as an action-thriller.  Whether your are involved in project planning, manufacturing, or just love a good “think outside the box” story, this is a great read.

I find myself quoting this book all the time with family, friends and coworkers.  When faced with a challenge, remember to ask yourself this question: What is the goal, and how do we solve this in terms of the goal?

Even though it was written 30 years ago, Mr. Goldratt’s tips and advice regarding thought process, his theory of constraints and bottlenecks is just as relevant today.   I’m going to go home tonight to find this book and read it again.

How about you? What book have you read that has left a lasting impression on your life?

 

Chase Reitter
Network Consultant
Chase.Reitter
@CustomSystems.com