Book Review
Jesus in the 9 to 5: Facing the Challenges of Today's Business World
Author: Dennis E. Hensley, PhD

Several months ago, I happened upon a talk radio program and they were discussing a new book with an intriguing title. Although I didn't hear the entire broadcast, what they had to say made me curious for more information. "Speed reading" is not listed in my skill set and with good reason, but in what can be described as a relatively short amount of time, I finished the book.

Jesus in the 9 to 5 is a book that immediately reads differently than a typical self-help book on sharpening your business acumen. Dr. Hensley opens chapter one with the first of many vignettes that follows a cast of characters through various predicaments and business decisions. Between the episodes, the author covers a wide range of topics, including dealing with personnel problems, reaching goals, time and stress management and personal presentation. The thing that really caught my attention was something called, "reconceptualization". I hadn't heard of this word before, and apparently neither has Microsoft. Thankfully, I was able to find it on Wiktionary with the following definition: "The act or process of reconceptualizing, of developing a new concept for something." Some people say that perception is reality. Frankly, I don't agree with that. Just because something looks a certain way to a person doesn't elevate it to the level of truth. But if one can paint a picture in their mind of how they would like to be, can they actually bring about real changes in their life? At the heart of the process is finding your strengths and coming to grips with your weaknesses. You must capitalize on the former and overcome the latter. Simple, right? Well, if being brutally honest with yourself about yourself is one of your strengths, then you are a good ways down the road to accomplishing your goals. I naturally want to hide my faults and even sometimes pretend they aren't there. In the short term, this is much easier than dealing with them head on. The encouraging news is that Dennis Hensley doesn't say to dream about what you want to become and eventually it will happen. Rather, he provides very clear and practical questions and answers on how you can continuously improve and grow. And there is always room for improvement.

I'd like to leave you with one last thought on the book. You may have heard the phrase, "There is joy in the journey." As I read the final pages of the book, I was reminded how fulfilling it is to live a life of joy and contentment. A smile, a hug, a warm greeting and handshake, all of these seem small in comparison to the stressful challenges we face each and every day at work. But it always seems that the toughest day is a little more tolerable when we can talk to a friend or better yet, listen to a friend in need.

Please email Phillip at lichlytp@bellsouth.net if you would like to borrow the book.

Phillip Lichlyter, PMP