cover image I Power: The Secrets of Great Business in Bad Times

I Power: The Secrets of Great Business in Bad Times

Martin Edelston. Barricade Books, $15.95 (223pp) ISBN 978-0-942637-59-5

Edelston, assisted by business writer Buhagiar, touts his ``I'' Power system, which employs 12 key words from ``ideas'' to ``improvement,'' as a purportedly effective solution to problems at all levels, types and sizes of business, including government and nonprofit organizations. Edelston claims that this system helped his own Boardroom Inc., a publisher of financial and business newsletters, to grow ``exponentially.'' Stressing priorities rather than objectives, ``I'' Power attempts to make optimum use of employees' self-interest by requiring them to submit three performance-improving ideas apiece at special meetings, then swiftly rewarding the employees and implementing the winning suggestions. The authors provide lists of ``I'' Power ideas and invite readers to contribute their own. Although much of the material here is self-evident, inept managers might do well to adopt the practices discussed. ( Nov. )