So many business books offer advice in the form of a small piece of a larger puzzle. The message is delivered in the form of a prescriptive tool, or a two by two decision matrix that is promoted as an elixir to what ails your business.  Often, it’s served up in a few clever slides or diagrams that can be presented at the next board meeting.

What is missing from these formulaic pieces is the voice of a trusted business advisor.  A voice with a lifetime of business experience that can recognize the patterns behind what works and what doesn’t.  A voice that quickly checks to see if you’ve gathered the appropriate facts and then provides key pieces of advice that connects the dots and sends you off in the right direction.  Luckily, that voice exists here. It belongs to Charlie Gruner, the author of “Turning Losers into Winners; Dealing with Tough Times and Uncertainty With a Roll Up Your Sleeves Manifesto.” Which just published on Lulu.

http://www.lulu.com/shop/charles-l-gruner/turning-losers-into-winners/hardcover/product-21227209.html

I know this voice because I worked for Charlie early in my career and considered him a valuable mentor along the way.  Long after we went our separate ways with our careers, I would call him for advice on how to look at a problem or just to confirm I was on the right track.  He never failed to provide a new insight, a valuable resource or just some encouragement to push forward along a chosen course.

“Turning Losers into Winners” uniquely summarizes Charlie’s approach to strong and effective business leadership.  He coaches the reader through the process of creating and motivating a dedicated team, identifying the most critical issues at hand and implementing a unique level of accountability that enhances clarity and confidence.

Sadly, I lost the opportunity to check in with Charlie when he passed away in December of 2011.  Fortunately, he took the time in his last few years to translate his voice into words.  I know that all of you will feel as though you have a trusted advisor sitting next to you when you read “Turning Losers into Winners.”  I still feel that way.  Thanks my friend.

Dave Schroeder