Having observed the move within my former employer, a very large German software company, from a very family like company that had organically grown since 1972 to an American business techniques driven, quarter-by-quarter steered company, this book would certainly be an interesting read. Part of this move was a loss of its natural friendliness and flat hierarchies to hard-driven efficiency and multi-leveled hierarchies, which in turn produced financial results shareholders expected - and in the process lost the loyalty of some of the employees and the casual friendliness it was so well-known for. Thanks, Michael.

Excellent insights. My husband, who retired as a lieutenant colonel after twenty years in the US Army, met outstanding leaders during his time in the service. Of course even there, they are the exception rather than the rule, but some of these men were amazing in their dedication to outstanding leadership.

As a product management executive, I have often had discussions with my colleagues and our executive management whether or not it is advisable to attach a Free tag to our solutions. Does this equate to "not worth my time because it can't be for business if it's free?" or does it equate to "this company is at the forefront of innovation and that's why they want to work with us as partners"? At my (now former) employer, we first batted this question around during the dot.com boom, but now this is clearly a different time in the market. Has the consideration above changed though? If so, WHICH products and services can we build business models around that allow us to position them free? Would love to read this, especially since Malcolm Gladwell critiqued it (haven't read that critique however). I have seen Gladwell speak and have read some of his books. I enjoy his innovative approach and have gleaned many valuable ideas out of them. I would love to see if Chris Anderson triggers my brain in as many fashions as Gladwell has.

I am currently reading Andy Stanley's book "Communicating for a Change" and have found it to feature some very novel thoughts. I expect very similar inspiration from his latest book. As an unemployed product manager and current full-time seminary student, I simply cannot afford to buy many books outside of my seminary reading, but I would love to get this for the reasons mentioned above. As for the Catalyst Conference, I have left-over airline miles I can use to get there and the free time to go on top! So that would just be a tremendous blessing to me, as is pretty much everything MIke has put out lately. Both the leadership thoughts and his book discussions have added greatly to the journey I am on. Thanks, Mike!

Donald Miller had an experience that I also had - God met a specific dollar number to confirm a path. In my case it was about faithfulness in tithing. God had put on my heart in multiple ways that I needed to be faithful about tithing. I had been a bit slow to give to the Lord, but He had really been convicting me - every radio and television program, every book, every article, every conversation, every sermon pointed me towards this end. My conversation with God went something like this: "I know this is what I need to and want to do, but I have n $ of credit card debt - I need to meet that first. If You will help me on that end, I promise to be faithful in giving. My heart is there; my credit card account is not." A little while later, I received my annual bonus check - it was $1 less than the amount I had calculated - and I believe that the calculation error was mine, not God's.
Having lost my job of 11 plus years in January, I see some of Donald's uncertainties in my own life - the need to not stick my head in the sand, but to motivate myself prayerfully and remember to see life as being completely in God's hand - and ultimately to re-find that ambition to seek and find my part in His plan.

Fear is a reality even in a Christian's life - I have been out of work for over six months after eleven years as an executive in a software company. Yet God keeps telling me "Fear not" in the pages of His magnificent Word. Looking forward to the read - thank you.