Conscious Business: How to Build Value Through Values Paperback – October 1, 2013

This is an excellent piece of real human education. First, I recommend that you get the audio CD.Often times audio books are read by a hired reader and many times they suffer from over-annunciation and become distracting as they can be stiff or attempt to be excessively perfect in their language. Fred Kofman speaks as if he is talking to you and his accent is so engaging that you find yourself listening intently; it feels like a one to one coaching.The concepts are straight forward and have real-world application. You will find that you exhibit many of the behaviors he describes and he explains ways to recognize them and overcome natural negative/destructive tendencies. I have listened to the CD three times and each time I learn more and apply it.The teachings here have had a positive impact and again are real and fee from touchy-feely-airy-fairy self help gibberish. Fred Kofman is the real deal.

Kofman provided insights into integrity and observations related to effective use of communication and dialogue. For example, in his description of ontological arrogance, something we have all encountered, he brings in self-reflection as the reader distinguishes the personal differences between one's identity and one's opinion. By use of introspection and real-life examples, Kofman opens a window into effective communication and authentic interpersonal relations.This book would be of tremendous help to people that depend on communication in their lives, both business and personal. The understanding of "why" another communicates is a certain way compounded with how one hears and interprets is a powerful combination in every aspect of life. Being an executive with over 25 years of leadership experience and a current doctoral candidate, I gained tremendous knowledge upon reading Kofman's book. I highly recommend this book to anyone wishing to improve their ability to lead, manage, or collaborate with others!

LOVE this book! Powerful and useful. Excellent for coaches and "leader as coach". Powerful bc it focuses on some simple tools and being with the truth. Couple this with his videos on Youtube or LinkedIn and you will learn a lot of powerful skills. Based on simple concepts of truth, honesty, compassion, neutrality. Works on difficult conversations and authentic leadership. This is all about letting go of defenses and practicing a high level way of being in the world then bringing it into the work place and into your life at all levels.

The last few chapters were transformational. Not sure where I heard or read something about someone finishing a book and they felt like they experienced a surreal event... then realizing that reading is a solitary adventure.The part about the four monks thinking one may have been the "Messiah" was kind of funny. Because of the change in them, the atmosphere of the monastery also changed drawing on others who also became moved.

Reading the book was a spiritual journey. I spent two days finishing the book and couldn't stop reading in the two days. When I reached the Epilogue, I read "A spiritual journey has no return because the 'home' that you left behind no longer exists - and neither does the 'you' who left that home...You may think you can neglect this material, but if you haven't put the book down yet, you are doomed." Thanks Fred! Thanks for the self-awareness and transcendence the book brings to me although I still need time to practice it in my daily life. The book does provide tons of practical advice and tools. I certainly returned the market with helping hands. Highly recommend the book!

This is a superb read but if it ends with just reading you just wasted a lot of time. None of the insights in this book are radical, the way it is all presented is. It makes it easier to grasp it all. But again, if that is all you do, you are missing out big.Implementing is where the true gold is. And that, dear friend, is the hard part. You will have to practice, practice and practice some more. You will gain immensely. You will grow as a person, as will your business and all of your relationships. Implementation is the choice you yourself will have to make. Ready?

In this extraordinary book Fred solves the false dilemma of "selling out" to pursue financial success or "dropping out" to have a meaningful life. Conscious Business provides the principles, the practices and the tools to become a true leader. At work and in life.This is a masterpiece that will hopefully help individuals, teams and organizations live more aware, in the same way it is helping me. Striving for my goals, while at the same time paying attention to my connection with others and feeling the flow of doing my best regardless of the outcome.Consciousness, the art and practice of paying attention, is the only thing that will make the world a friendlier and more peaceful place.

This is one of the best business books I have ever read. It speaks the truth about human interactions in the workplace and how each of us has the capacity to create a work experience that is more in alignment with our values. There are examples of dialogue between people with competing priorities and how some focused shifts in how we express ourselves can change the outcome of the conversation. I would recommend this book to anyone because it is not only filled with practical advice about how to make a company more successful, it is filled with wisdom about how to improve relationships that is applicable both inside and outside of work.