Books to Read for 2009
When in New Zealand I read Thomas Friedman's latest book, "The World Is Flat". Thomas was the foreign affairs columnist for the New York Times and has a depth of knowledge that makes this book a timely and essential update on globalization. After reading about how FedEx and Dell were set up and how they work, my eyes were opened to understand how this new flat world operates. Now when my Staples order arrives at my door the day after I place my order in the delivery truck labeled Staples and with a delivery person wearing a Staples name tag, I know that this efficient delivery system is run by Federal Express. When I call for help looking for answers in perfect Canadian West Coast English, I understand the training not only in customer service relations but also in vocal presentation that the person living in India, Vietnam or Singapore has gone through to be on the other end of the phone line to talk me through my problem. This book pushed the 'reset' button in my brain and I now view the daily operations in my own little world much differently. This book, "The World is Flat" is a definite must read.