Goodies for Adventurers - http://www.snradventure.com

Editor's picks

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  The Southwest Airlines Way

  Book (McGraw-Hill)
  

  Rating (28 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Southwest's "Eternal Flame"

  Why can't other companies (not only airlines) become as highly admired as well as profitable as Southwest Airlines? Here is an excerpt from Herb Kelleher's presentation at the Risk Management Association's annual conference: "Maintaining excellent customer survives involves a process of  getting people to understand the importance of it to them in their daily lives as well as in others'. We were a little concerned as we got bigger that maybe some of our early culture might be lost so we set up a culture committee whose only purpose is to keep the Southwest Airlines culture alive. Before people knew how to make fire, there was a fire watcher. Cave dwellers may have found a tree hit by lightning and brought fire back to the cave. Somebody had to make sure it kept going because if it went out, there was was the most important person in the tribe. I said to our culture committee, 'You are our fire watchers, who make sure the fire does not go out.  I think you are the most important... 5/5 Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews, June 28, 2003

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  Research shows that relationships fuel high performance

  Much has been written about the legendary company, Southwest Airlines. As a former insider, I often wondered why other organizations couldn't duplicate Southwest's business model. There really weren't any secrets, but while other airlines and companies tried, few succeeded. In many ways Southwest defies conventional business thinking. Based on extensive research, Jody Hoffer Gittell's The Southwest Way is filled with actual examples of business process at Southwest as compared to other airlines. The reader can easily see how basic practices based on internal values at Southwest, such as, investing in leadership development and people have made such a big difference. In fact, the findings from eight years of research of the airline industry reveal that Southwest's success is due to building high performance relationships with their people, customers, unions, vendors and suppliers, and the public in general. Dr.Gitell includes real-life inspiring stories from insiders, which makes... 5/5 Libby Sartain (San Carlos, CA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Southwest Airlines Way : Using the Power of Relationships to Achieve High Performance (Hardcover) Much has been written about the legendary company, Southwest Airlines. As a former insider, I often wondered why other organizations couldn't duplicate Southwest's business model. There really weren't any secrets, but while other airlines and companies tried, few succeeded. In many ways Southwest defies conventional business thinking. Based on extensive research, Jody Hoffer Gittell's The Southwest Way is filled with actual examples of business process at Southwest as compared to other airlines. The reader can easily see how basic practices based on internal values at Southwest, such as, investing in leadership development and people have made such a big difference. In fact, the findings from eight years of research of the airline industry reveal that Southwest's success is due to building high performance relationships with their people, customers, unions, vendors and suppliers, and the public in general. Dr.Gitell includes real-life inspiring stories from insiders, which makes... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 21, 2003

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  The Southwest Way Revealed

  Several books and countless articles have been written about Southwest Airlines. They highlight its structure, its culture, its CEO, its low fares and other reasons as to why it is the bright spot in an otherwise dismally performing industry. None, however, have completely captured the real explanation of why Southwest succeeds.In this book, Dr. Gittell has managed to identify and even quantify the powerful formula of Southwest's success. Simply stated, it is the company's ability to achieve high performance relationships by sharing goals and information in a climate of mutual respect. This allows the coordination and communication necessary to attain efficiency and customer service in the complex and multi-functional environment of an airline.Lest this appear too simple or 'soft', Dr. Gittell provides detailed analysis of Southwest's approach. She identifies ten specific practices used by the people of Southwest to achieve their incredibly consistent performance. These... 5/5 0, May 5, 2003

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  List Price: $16.95
  

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  Southwest Airlines Die-Cast Aircraft Set

  Toy (Daron Worldwide Trading inc)
  

  Rating (14 reviews):

  (3.6/5)

  

  only set with a plane (pull) tug

  My son is two and consumed with all types of vehicles and machinery. The airport is the ultimate fascination. We fly to visit family and to take most vacations. Southwest has been our primary airline and he recognizes it easily. However he wanted the particular vehicle that pushed the airplane back from the gate. The pull tug or plane tug. After searching a few hours on the internet and eliminating life size equipment, this plane set was the only set that had a plane tug. You may not be able to tell in the packaging...it is not listed well. after receiving it and opening the set, there is a plane tug! 4/5 Andy "Andy" (PA) - See all my reviews = Durability:, February 4, 2011

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  Not so good

  The finishing touches on the plane is poor and unacceptable. The plastic decorative cover peels very easily and is not safe for small kids. 4/5 John P. Hundley - See all my reviews, November 9, 2006

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  Great for display, NOT for playing

  I wanted this just for display since I'm collecting Southwest memorabilia. I was pretty disappointed with the quality of this set. The stickers are cheaper than cheap and will probably fall off with even a little handling. If you give this to a child you might as well take the stickers off so they don't eat them. However, I bought this just to display and for that purpose it looks great! 3/5 T. Nield - See all my reviews, July 26, 2011

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  List Price: $14.99
  Price: $10.50
  You Save: $4.49 (30%)

  Constructed of die cast metal and plastic

  Recommended for ages four and up

  Southwest Airlines play set

  Authentic and realistic details

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  Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success

  Book (Crown Business)
  

  Rating (82 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  A new Southwest Airlines employee agrees. . .

  I have read the reviews about how this book is "mushy." I think maybe because they can't believe that a company this good really exists. I am a brand-new employee to SWA, and this book is given to every new employee at the day-long welcome class. After participating in the class, reading this book, and experiencing the SWA culture first-hand, I can safely say that the book does NOT exaggerate! The feel-good style emphasized over and over in the book is a reality. People care about each other. Everyday (as shown in the book) everyone is made to feel valuable--and it makes you want to work harder, work smarter, and spread the LUV. Others may "say" that's what they are doing, but somehow it always comes back to "the rules." Herb Kelleher and crew are breaking the rules--and showing the others how to make a profit while caring about the dignity and welfare of the SWA family. Great and easily read book. Highly recommended. 5/5 Srinagesh - See all my reviews This review is from: Nuts! Southwest Airlines' Crazy Recipe for Business and Personal Success (Paperback) This is a good book on management. The authors discusses how SouthWest Airlines manages problems under tight constraints and intense competition. The book emphasises how "out of box" thinking helps achieve the results faster. It shows how the rules can be re-defined and make impossible to happen. It gives a whole new perspective on how Airlines should operate. It sets new records to be surpassed by itself. Gives good insights in to the corporate recruiting and retention of the employees. On a personal level, it is a good book on how to manage in difficult times, how to manage with limited resources, how to be optimistic, how with courage, determination and constancy of purpose one can overcome heavy odds in personal life to fulfill one's dreams. Every 15 days I read a new book on management/self-help. But this is the only book I continuously refer to again and again. It has changed my attitude altogether. I feel every corporation wishing to transform the work... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , October 14, 1998

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  Good Book on Management

  This is a good book on management. The authors discusses how SouthWest Airlines manages problems under tight constraints and intense competition. The book emphasises how "out of box" thinking helps achieve the results faster. It shows how the rules can be re-defined and make impossible to happen. It gives a whole new perspective on how Airlines should operate. It sets new records to be surpassed by itself. Gives good insights in to the corporate recruiting and retention of the employees. On a personal level, it is a good book on how to manage in difficult times, how to manage with limited resources, how to be optimistic, how with courage, determination and constancy of purpose one can overcome heavy odds in personal life to fulfill one's dreams. Every 15 days I read a new book on management/self-help. But this is the only book I continuously refer to again and again. It has changed my attitude altogether. I feel every corporation wishing to transform the work... 5/5 0, December 23, 1999

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  An excellent read about an excellent company

  If you've wondered how this small Texas airline outsmarted the larger giant airlines, read it all here. After reading this book, I was left with many ideas about how to incorporate more fun into my own work life, while increasing productivity. The corporate culture of Southwest is so ingrained into the employees! Fly with them, and notice how different their people are, and how they each seem to enjoy their job! I can't recommend this book highly enough. 5/5 0, June 26, 1999

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  List Price: $17.95
  

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  Southwest Single Plane

  Toy (Realtoy)
  

  Rating (8 reviews):

  (4.1/5)

  

  Son loves it.

  My 3 year old son can't put this down and has played with it every day for over a year. I have a couple of them new in a box just in case he loses or breaks his.The stickers are not made well, and on a prior one, my son broke off one of the rear wings. He also broke the front landing gear. As he got older, he has been taking care of his new one better.His favorite thing is to pretend to land it in the Hudson. 5/5 Dustin Aldridge (Crofton, MD USA) - See all my reviews, February 19, 2009

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  Southwest Single Plane

  Great toy if you child really enjoys airplanes. Our daughter points every time she hears a plane fly over our house. It is hard metal, so be careful or you could have a rude morning if you step on it. Very durable. 4/5 ez4sho "ez4sho" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews = Durability:, January 10, 2011

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  Awesome.

  My (18 month old) daughter LOVES it. We live near the airport and we'vespent many hours counting the (mostly Southwest) planes landing and takingoff. She was amazed when she was holding those planes right in the palmof her hand!For those complaining about the "plastic" parts, guess what... it's atoy, and it's also eight bucks - get real. 5/5 M. Jordan (Pasadena, MD USA) - See all my reviews, March 28, 2012

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  Die-cast Metal with Plastic Parts

  Authentic Colors

  Great Fun!

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  Lessons in Loyalty: How Southwest Airlines Does It - An Insider's View

  Book (CornerStone Leadership Institute)
  

  Rating (4 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  weLEAD Book Review from the Editor of leadingtoday.org

  Lessons in Loyalty is a fascinating book to read. For years, Southwest Airlines has become a legendary example of the power of servant leadership principles. Its achievements are impressive considering the competitive, cut-throat airline industry in which it thrives. Southwest Airlines has been named "one of the "Top Five Best Companies to Work for in America" by Fortune Magazine, It also has had the fewest customer complaints 18 years in a row as reported by the DOT Air Travel Consumer Report. The Southwest Airlines has been profitable for 31 consecutive years, named the "2nd Most Admired Company in America by Fortune Magazine, and has an average employee turnover rate of less than 10%. If you made a $10,000 investment in Southwest Airlines in 1972, it would be worth more than $10 million today. Are you impressed yet? How they did this is a captivating read and the author tells gives us the real reasons.Lorraine Grubbs-West was a senior executive for Southwest Airlines... 5/5 Greg L. Thomas (Litchfield, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews, November 13, 2005

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  Not worth the purchase

  There are better books about the inner workings of Southwest out there. This book is light in new information. Perhaps page count isn't the best way to judge a book but this book is thin, the font is big and spacing generous. It's like a high school paper where the student played with the format tools in order to meet the required page count.It reads as if this is more of a summary of a presentation the author was giving about her experience at Southwest. Every Southwest employee I've talked too shares equal stories of their experience. Her's don't tell the story any better. I'd say skip it and stick with Nuts. 2/5 Chtulhu's Pilot (Streetsboro, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: Lessons in Loyalty: How Southwest Airlines Does It - An Insider's View (Paperback) There are better books about the inner workings of Southwest out there. This book is light in new information. Perhaps page count isn't the best way to judge a book but this book is thin, the font is big and spacing generous. It's like a high school paper where the student played with the format tools in order to meet the required page count.It reads as if this is more of a summary of a presentation the author was giving about her experience at Southwest. Every Southwest employee I've talked too shares equal stories of their experience. Her's don't tell the story any better. I'd say skip it and stick with Nuts. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , January 11, 2009

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  Lessons in Loyatly: How Southwest Airlines Does It

  This book gives an entertaining background on SouthWest Airlines culture, and how Southwest uses interview and hiring practices to protect that culture. In addition, it describes some of the unique actions Southwest takes to be loyal to it's own employees. Loyalty is the net result.A quick read. 4/5 K. Whicker (Salt Lake City) - See all my reviews, March 10, 2007

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  List Price: $15.95
  

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  Daron Southwest Airlines Plush Toy Airplane with Sound

  Toy (Plush Toy)
  

  Rating (6 reviews):

  (3.8/5)

  

  Southwest Airlines Plush Toy Airplane With Sound

  This is a great toy for a toddler. Our daughter points every time she hears the airplanes fly above. We had to get it! Very basic toy. 4/5 ez4sho "ez4sho" (San Jose, CA) - See all my reviews = Durability:, January 10, 2011

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  SW airplane

  Purchased as a b-day gift to let a 4yr old know we were taking him on his 1st flight. He was very excited but more interested in this plane than the flight. He zoomed around the room squeezing it for take off noises for hours. 3/5 Susan Doran (Park Ridge, IL, US) - See all my reviews = Durability:, August 20, 2011

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  Amazing toy plane

  We love this airplane! I bought it for my 16 month old son for a trip (on Southwest, natch). The sound was perfect for the plane ride. Loud enough to hear, soft enough not to have everyone on the plane want to kill us. I don't think it was audible to anyone outside of our row on the flight. The toy itself is adorable, and the airline branding is a nice touch. It got lot of points with the Southwest flight attendants and other passengers. I was asked where we got it countless times.Now, about a month later, my son still plays with this every day. He grabs it and one of his airplane books to sit on my lap for story time. We talk about the parts of the plane as we look at the books, and point out where these things are on "his" airplane. The airplane even has little plush engines sewn onto it! For a plush toy it's surprisingly realistic. My son doesn't use the sound effect much anymore, just occasionally. Our household is a bit averse to electronic-noise toys yet... 4/5 ginger markley - See all my reviews = Durability:, February 25, 2012

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  Soft plush Southwest Airlines airplane

  Squeeze to hear fun take-off sounds

  Features high quality embroidery

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• 

  The Southwest Airlines Way

  eBooks (McGraw-Hill)
  

  Rating (28 reviews):

  (4.5/5)

  

  Southwest's "Eternal Flame"

  Why can't other companies (not only airlines) become as highly admired as well as profitable as Southwest Airlines? Here is an excerpt from Herb Kelleher's presentation at the Risk Management Association's annual conference: "Maintaining excellent customer survives involves a process of  getting people to understand the importance of it to them in their daily lives as well as in others'. We were a little concerned as we got bigger that maybe some of our early culture might be lost so we set up a culture committee whose only purpose is to keep the Southwest Airlines culture alive. Before people knew how to make fire, there was a fire watcher. Cave dwellers may have found a tree hit by lightning and brought fire back to the cave. Somebody had to make sure it kept going because if it went out, there was was the most important person in the tribe. I said to our culture committee, 'You are our fire watchers, who make sure the fire does not go out.  I think you are the most important... 5/5 Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews, June 28, 2003

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  Research shows that relationships fuel high performance

  Much has been written about the legendary company, Southwest Airlines. As a former insider, I often wondered why other organizations couldn't duplicate Southwest's business model. There really weren't any secrets, but while other airlines and companies tried, few succeeded. In many ways Southwest defies conventional business thinking. Based on extensive research, Jody Hoffer Gittell's The Southwest Way is filled with actual examples of business process at Southwest as compared to other airlines. The reader can easily see how basic practices based on internal values at Southwest, such as, investing in leadership development and people have made such a big difference. In fact, the findings from eight years of research of the airline industry reveal that Southwest's success is due to building high performance relationships with their people, customers, unions, vendors and suppliers, and the public in general. Dr.Gitell includes real-life inspiring stories from insiders, which makes... 5/5 Libby Sartain (San Carlos, CA USA) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Southwest Airlines Way : Using the Power of Relationships to Achieve High Performance (Hardcover) Much has been written about the legendary company, Southwest Airlines. As a former insider, I often wondered why other organizations couldn't duplicate Southwest's business model. There really weren't any secrets, but while other airlines and companies tried, few succeeded. In many ways Southwest defies conventional business thinking. Based on extensive research, Jody Hoffer Gittell's The Southwest Way is filled with actual examples of business process at Southwest as compared to other airlines. The reader can easily see how basic practices based on internal values at Southwest, such as, investing in leadership development and people have made such a big difference. In fact, the findings from eight years of research of the airline industry reveal that Southwest's success is due to building high performance relationships with their people, customers, unions, vendors and suppliers, and the public in general. Dr.Gitell includes real-life inspiring stories from insiders, which makes... Read more Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? , June 21, 2003

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  The Southwest Way Revealed

  Several books and countless articles have been written about Southwest Airlines. They highlight its structure, its culture, its CEO, its low fares and other reasons as to why it is the bright spot in an otherwise dismally performing industry. None, however, have completely captured the real explanation of why Southwest succeeds.In this book, Dr. Gittell has managed to identify and even quantify the powerful formula of Southwest's success. Simply stated, it is the company's ability to achieve high performance relationships by sharing goals and information in a climate of mutual respect. This allows the coordination and communication necessary to attain efficiency and customer service in the complex and multi-functional environment of an airline.Lest this appear too simple or 'soft', Dr. Gittell provides detailed analysis of Southwest's approach. She identifies ten specific practices used by the people of Southwest to achieve their incredibly consistent performance. These... 5/5 0, May 5, 2003

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  List Price: $24.95
  

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  Southwest Airlines (Corporations That Changed the World)

  Book (Greenwood)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  I had no idea!

  Wow! Who knew Southwest Airlines has been around for so long? And what an interesting history of their innovative thinking in getting off the ground!This book made me want to work at Southwest! But in the meantime, it inspired me to strive to become a better employee in my current job. My commitment to flying Southwest has strengthened as well.What a great company, brought about by inspired leaders! 4/5 Terry Edwards "game and book lover" (Pittstown, NJ) - See all my reviews, May 31, 2011

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  List Price: $45.00
  

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  Sky Marks Southwest Airlines 737 Model in 1:130 Scale

  Toy (Daron Worldwide Trading inc)
  

  Rating (1 reviews):

  (5.0/5)

  

  plane

  We purchased this plane for our grandson's seventh birthday. He was able to assemble it. He is very proud of it. He loves it! 5/5 Karen Plantz - See all my reviews, December 16, 2011

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  Scale 1/130

  Ages 4+

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• 

  Lead with LUV: A Different Way to Create Real Success

  Book (FT Press)
  

  Rating (31 reviews):

  (4.0/5)

  

  A New Way of Leading

  If there's one thing that can be said about Ken Blanchard, it's that he's consistent throughout his books, both in style and content. "Lead with LUV" contains more of his people centered management advice delivered in a chatty manner and peppered with lots of stories. This isn't a bad thing. It's just what I've come to expect (and appreciate) from Blanchard."Lead with LUV" is essentially a 150+ page dialogue between Blanchard and Colleen Barrett, former President of Southwest Airlines. LUV is Southwest's symbol on the New York Stock Exchange and a ready pun for a book about leading/managing with love.Don't let the word love, or the scattered religious themes, scare you off this book. Blanchard and Barrett know how to successfully run a business and offer solid, commonsense suggestions for change. Look at Southwest Airlines, which is easily the best run of the US airlines.The approach outlined in "Lead With LUV" is essentially an elaboration on... 5/5 Jonathan Bennett (Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews, November 23, 2010

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  It's what was missing from my graduate studies on leadership

  QUICK SUMMARY: Have you heard of "Servant Leadership"? In the corporate, business world? Chances are, the answer is, "No." But this extremely easy-to-read, conversational book between Ken Blanchard and the former head of Southwest Airlines, Colleen Barrett, describes what Servant Leadership is, how it's put into practice at Southwest Airlines, and how you can implement Servant Leadership at whatever role or position you have in your company. Highly recommended!Background: In 2009, I completed my graduate studies in leadership, so leadership is something I'm extremely interested in and something on which I've done much study. My graduate program didn't include Servant Leadership as part of the curriculum (another, competing program at a nearby school did), so I wondered what it was about my program that I was missing? This book explains what was missing. In a word, Servant Leadership = Love. More broadly, Servant Leadership = The Golden Rule + Love. Love?? In... 5/5 William W. Davis "famousdavis" - See all my reviews, December 31, 2010

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  More a Joint Biography than a How-To Book

  The most important thing to know when looking at buying this book is that it is NOT a how-to book on helping your own company become friendly and fun like Southwest Airlines. Rather, it is a straightforward transcript of a conversation between Southwest president Colleen Barrett and motivational author Ken Blanchard. It is not even Ken interviewing Colleen (although that is what it purports to be). Instead, Ken spends just as much time promoting his own books and talents as talking to her, and his words are the ones in bold. I have to admit that it put me off. I picked this up to learn about Colleen and what she's done with Southwest, not to have Ken go off yet again on a tangent about his great speaking skills.Still, let's say you accept that up front. You understand that you're a fly on the wall at a bar conversation where Colleen and Ken both ramble on about the things they do well. With that frame of mind, the experience becomes enjoyable. They both agree on many... 4/5 Lisa Shea "medieval swordfighting enthusiast" - See all my reviews, December 27, 2010

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  List Price: $19.99
  

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