I think life is all about circles and not straight lines. You can
jump onto the circle anywhere you like. Number one, is having
vision–call it an objective, call it a goal, it is the idea of where
you want to go. The beginning of strategic thinking is where
you are working out the vision strategy, then it’s mapping out
the ways in which you could deliver that, like policies you put in
place. Overall a series of moves in chess is a strategy. Each move
is a tactic
Lord Thurso

In the book, ‘Gurus on Business Strategy’, Tony Grundy starts off with a
definition of Strategy and then goes on to give a brief introduction of
the most influential gurus and their contribution to the business world.

The book is a good start for any business-strategy enthusiast; it also
serves as a decent reference for a seasoned guy.

So, if you are in the rush for a meeting and you need a quick refresh of
some of the top-notch concepts, this book comes in quite handy.

This book by William Poundstone takes the title from a puzzle question, the likes of which are a common feature in job interviews in and around Silicon Valley.

The book traces the history of the interviews based on puzzles right from the days of William Shockley to the recent Bill Gates. While at it, the book touches topics such as intelligence tests for employment, the origins of Silicon Valley, the culture of Microsoft and Wall Street.

The book is essentially divided into three parts. First, deals with the history of puzzles in interviews and the efficacy of the same in silicon valley and Wall Street. Second, gives some tips and guidance for the interview process both for interviewees and interviewers. Third, solves the puzzles that feature in the first and second parts.

While the first part sure does make an interesting reading with several anecdotes throw in, it is the second part that offers something for the wannabes and seasoned managers.

Here are some points for the managers.

1. The value of puzzles is inverse proportion to the candidate’s experience; An interview puzzle is prevent bad hires
2. Have an interview plan
3. An interview is not an IQ test; Interview questions are only as fair as you make them; Choose questions so that it doesn’t matter much whether the candidate has heard them before
4. Challenge your first impression.
5. Don’t do a “stress interview.”
6. Avoid deception, even the common “white lies” about interviews