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| The Art of Possibility: Transforming Professional and Personal Life | 
 enlarge | Authors: Rosamund Stone Zander, Benjamin Zander
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Category: Book
List Price: $15.00
Buy New: $3.70
You Save: $11.30 (75%)
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Avg. Customer Rating:  (104 reviews)
Sales Rank: 2553
Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published)
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 224
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 5 x 0.8 x 8
ISBN: 0142001104
Dewey Decimal Number: 158.1
EAN: 9780142001103
ASIN: 0142001104
Publication Date: September 24, 2002
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Presenting twelve breakthrough practices for bringing creativity into all human endeavors, The Art of Possibility is the dynamic product of an extraordinary partnership. The Art of Possibility combines Benjamin Zander's experience as conductor of the Boston Philharmonic and his talent as a teacher and communicator with psychotherapist Rosamund Stone Zander's genius for designing innovative paradigms for personal and professional fulfillment.
The authors' harmoniously interwoven perspectives provide a deep sense of the powerful role that the notion of possibility can play in every aspect of life. Through uplifting stories, parables, and personal anecdotes, the Zanders invite us to become passionate communicators, leaders, and performers whose lives radiate possibility into the world.
Amazon.com Review
The lure of this book's promise starts with the assumption in its title. Possibility--that big, all-encompassing, wide-open-door concept--is an art? Well, who doesn't want to be a skilled artist, whether in the director's chair, the boardroom, on the factory floor, or even just in dealing with life's everyday situations? Becoming an artist, however, requires discipline, and what the authors of The Art of Possibility offer is a set of practices designed to "initiate a new approach to current conditions, based on uncommon assumptions about the nature of the world." If that sounds a little too airy-fairy for you, don't be put off; this is no mere self-improvement book, with a wimpy mandate to transform its readers into "nicer" people. Instead, it's a collection of illustrations and advice that suggests a way to change your entire outlook on life and, in the process, open up a new realm of possibility. Consider, for example, the practice of "Giving an A," whether to yourself or to others. Not intended as a way to measure someone's performance against standards, this practice instead recognizes that "the player who looks least engaged may be the most committed member of the group," and speaks to their passion rather than their cynicism. It creates possibility in an interaction and does away with power disparities to unite a team in its efforts. Or consider "Being the Board," where instead of defining yourself as a playing piece, or even as the strategist, you see yourself as the framework for the entire game. In this scenario, assigning blame or gaining control becomes futile, while seeking to become an instrument for effective partnerships becomes possible. Packed with such examples of personal and professional interactions, the book presents complex ideas on perception and recognition in a readable, useable style. The authors' combined, eclectic experience in music and painting (as well as family therapy and executive workshops) infuses their examples with vibrant color and sound. The relevance to corporate situations and relationships is well developed, and they don't rely on dry case studies to do it. Indeed, this book assumes the emotional intelligence and desire to engage of its reader, promising access to the rewards of that door-opening notion--possibility--in return. --S. Ketchum
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| Customer Reviews: Read 99 more reviews...
 A must-read for everyone! December 30, 2008
There are so many reviews of this book already that I hate to add one more to the pile, but I must at least say this: this was a FABULOUS read. This book should be required reading in high schools, colleges, and beyond. The basic premise being this: you should open yourself up to all possibilities, i.e. rather than viewing a mistake as a problem, view it as an opportunity to learn.
While portions of the book were a little too academic (e.g. the descriptions of the central self and the calculating self), most of it was related in real-life stories and scenarios. It was a quick read and truly enjoyable. I picked it up after several co-workers recommended it and viewed a Benjamin Zander video on Ted.com.
 Reframe Problems into Opportunities December 28, 2008
"The Art of Possibility" was a bit "out there" for me, somewhat whoo-whoo, New Agey. It would probably benefit from a second reading. The Art of Possibility is co-authored by Benjamin and Rosamund Zander. Mr. is the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Orchestra. His wife Rosamund is a family counselor. From these disparate disciplines they bring a framework that attempts to shift the way your approach life problems, viewing challenges as opportunities.
I read this book after I heard it being recommended by Jason Womack, a productivity coach. I heard a snippet of a lecture given by Benjamin Zander. Intrigued, I got a copy of "The Art of Possibility."
I found the book encouraging but somewhat lacking in specific action steps for the reader to take. Team Zander does a good job of offering specific anecdotes about how they had in different problematic circumstances reframed problems into opportunities. Applying these tactics to our own lives encapsulates the challenges in "The Art of Possibility."
 Eloquent, artistic, thought-provoking December 24, 2008
Always one to look for a good read, I picked up this book after hearing it recommended by a radio talk show host. When I first started it I expected it to be spiritualistic positive-thinking fluff. But this book turns out to offer very practical methods for changing one's perceptions in a way that opens one to more of the possibilities in life. Seeing the potential in others, not taking oneself too seriously, recognizing one's own ability to contribute to a situation -- these are just a few ways the authors present to experience a more fulfilled and passionate life. Their writing style is eloquent, elegant, and creative, much like a piece of beautiful music itself.
The transformational "practices" explained in the book seem to purposely exclude any kind of moral or ethical values or judgments. Since morality is foundational to my own worldview, I found the book unhelpful in that respect, yet still very relevant and engaging otherwise.
This is a unique book, one of the most interesting I've ever read in the categories of motivation, inspiration, or leadership.
Simple, reasonable lessons for life September 19, 2008
The book could definitely be categorized in the "self-help book" field, but it is more creative and the examples are excellent. If you decide to get this book, and do not know who the authors are, make sure you check out a video on Youtube. Ben Zander follows the rules of the book and you can see it in his energetic, child-like attitude. Some of the rules may not seem as relevant as others, but your sure to find something you can improve on. This book is great for leadership programs and really helps you to learn your strengths and weaknesses.
In my top ten of favorite books September 5, 2008
I read a lot. I average 2-4 non-fiction books a month. Zander's book - The Art of Possibility - is in my top ten list. I read it one or two times every year. It doesn't get old.
I was very fortunate to be part of a conference a few years ago where Dr. Zander spoke for two hours. It was the single-most powerful presentation I've ever seen. He takes that same energy and passion and weaves it into this book.
The basic concepts or themes behind each chapter are simple, poignant and memorable.
The principles in this book have helped me get "unstuck" many times when I had to approach a problem or challenge in a fresh way.
You must read this book!
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