Bargepole Management: Minimal Input - Maximum Gain

By: Mitch Vandell

Narrated by: Ron Herczig

Bargepole Management is a business self-help book that breaks the mold—it’s not about improving yourself or achieving success through your own skills and merits, instead, it posits the theory of how managing information and perceptions of yourself through the “bargepole” system and approach can help you succeed regardless of how good (or bad) you are at your job. The book starts with an exploration of what bargepoling is, followed by “types” of bargepolers, from “the aristocrat” who projects an image of quality control to the “enchanter,” who uses optimism and friendliness. From there, the author tackles topics such as “self-accept psychology,” detaching performance from quantifiable measurements, and step-by-step implementation of his theories.

©2015 Mitch Vandell (P)2015 Mitch Vandell

Critic reviews

"As far as management books go, Bargepole Management is something of a rare gem. The premise steers clear of the cliché business management titles that attempt to inspire young hopefuls into donating their lives to the cause. It throws out the overused CEO quotes, routine back-breaking ideologies and rituals we're told to adopt in order to be successful. Instead, it replaces them with insight into an age-old management style that we may be fully accustomed to, but without realizing. It's one that requires minimum effort, but offers maximum gain. You don't have to be a good footballer to be a successful football coach. Everyone can be a bargepole manager. This book just teaches you how to sustain it." (Joe Lipscombe, forbesmiddleeast.com)

Captivating

Would you consider the audio edition of Bargepole Management to be better than the print version?

Yes.

What did you like best about this story?

Vandell's utterly thought-provoking theory is something I've never encountered before.

What about Ron Herczig’s performance did you like?

Ron's voice and diction make this audiobook a pleasurable experience.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The first time I encountered the line "maximum gain for minimal effort", it stopped me on my tracks and I thought, "that was pure genius."

Any additional comments?

This book is shaking the business world to its very core, and for good reason: it exposes the real dynamics within corporate and even governmental leadership, and shows us why despite monumental failures, nobody was severely punished in the financial disasters that have been unleashed in the world in the past decades or so. If you’re like me who have been grumbling about the “blessings” that are being given to those who are perceived to be less talented or skilful, then read this book and finally “get” it. And once you understand how it all works, you can proceed to the next step: take advantage of what you learn.

I absolutely love how Vandell used a semi-fictional approach in fleshing out the theory with the use of characters (Charles, Dave and Bill). I have met a lot of Dave, Charles and Bill in my life that I found myself nodding in assent as I read the book. This is one of the hallmarks of Vandell’s work—it is never highfaluting, always striving to make everything as plain and simple, yet it never fails to astonish. Even the simple headline “how to create your unfair advantage” made me do a double-take—these are business principles turned on their heads, and they make sense.

This book is an absolute must-read—from students, to bankers, to managers, to rank-and-file employees. If you want to see how the world is really run, understand the principles that are used by people to create (or simulate) value and indispensability, this is the book for you. There’s no going around it. Get it now. I highly recommend.

Humor and Truth in This Self-Help Book

“Bargepole Management” is a business self-help book that breaks the mold—it’s not about improving yourself or achieving success through your own skills and merits, which the author frankly points out is not feasible for many people (not everyone can be a rockstar at work). Instead, it posits the theory of how managing information and perceptions of yourself through the “bargepole” system can help you succeed regardless of how good (or bad) you are at your job.

The book starts with an exploration of what bargepoling is, followed by “types” of bargepolers, from “the aristocrat” who projects an image of quality control to the “enchanter,” who uses optimism and friendliness to make himself indispensible. From there, the author tackles topics such as “self-accept psychology,” detaching performance from quantifiable measurements, and step-by-step implementation of his theories.

While in an ideal world, working hard would get you ahead, as a realistic person I can see that doesn’t work in corporate America very often. That being said, the concepts of bargepoling make sense, especially since the author focuses on human nature and manipulation of it; he writes with a clear and humorously cutthroat style that I enjoyed. One of my favorite bits of information was what pay is actually measured on—when I looked at the three criteria listed, I realized it was very true and helpful to consider going forward.

As far as the audio--it's clear and the reader has a strong voice that makes good use of inflection without going over the top; it's entertaining listening.

In conclusion, this is a useful one for employees who want to take their career to the next level using tactics most people might not admit to, but which would work very well in a corporate setting.

'Bargepole Management' is different and effective.

'Bargepole Management' is different. Period. It's not your typical lean management approach. Out of all those management theories out there, a lot of them are repeated in their approach. Bargepole management gets one step ahead and tells you why this approach works. I got my hands on Audio version of this book. The explanation was clear and gets you in the zone so that you can understand why anyone can be a bargepole manager. I'd definitely recommend reading.

Love the Bargepole Concept

What made the experience of listening to Bargepole Management the most enjoyable?

I enjoyed the whole concept of Bargepole Management, and the way the author explained what the concept entails. I've always wondered how certain types of people manage to climb ahead in the corporate world and this book certainly explains it. I felt the stories and examples that were used in this book were very relevant to the subject matter. The narration was well done and read effortlessly.

Enlightning

Would you consider the audio edition of Bargepole Management to be better than the print version?

N/A

What was one of the most memorable moments of Bargepole Management?

All of it

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh

Any additional comments?

This is different and unique with a splash of humor but I enjoyed it so much and I learned a lot from this audible book. I have come to realize I have encountered many "Bargepole managers” and I now know their secrets. I found this to be enlightening and a joy to listen to and the techniques are so easy to do. Although I always considered myself to be a team player, sometimes you just have to take charge and run with it, cover your own butt because chances are no one else will. Mitch Vandell is open and honest and holds nothing back and I like his style. I highly recommend this to everyone.

Fantastic

What is bargepole management? After reading the title and description, I was immediately intrigued. It certainly seems interesting enough.

The book did not disappoint; it was every bit as interesting as the summary makes it: the author points out that success does not necessarily have to do with your skill level, or intelligence, or even effort... in fact, the bargepole system is a "shortcut" to success. It's a very interesting theory, and the author goes on to describe how this system can help you succeed at your workplace or company. This is the first time I've heard of this, as I, like many others, have often been told that success comes from hard work, and hard work alone will get you further. The author really goes to support and explain bargepole management through examples of (fictional, but realistic) people: the "aristocrat," Dave, the "Enchanter," Charles, and the "Tyrant," Bill, for example, painting a convincing picture of what bargepole management is--and could be.

The book then goes into the mindset of bargepole management, and on what economic basis that bargepole theory works... and then of course, how to implement bargepole theory into your own life. I'm absolutely amazed at the wealth of information that the author provides his readers, and this is a must have for anyone looking to advance in their jobs. It's a shortcut.. and a shortcut that works. Detailed, yet to-the-point and brilliantly written, this is an invaluable book. I highly recommend this.

Don't get bargepoled. Save your money.

Well the basic bargepole concepts of keeping a low profile, minimizing risks, saying buzz words with no substance are...well, pretty obvious to everyone. We've all heard politicians talk and worked in organizations with managers in positions they are not capable of fulfilling, but are none the less safe.
For me, this whole book was bargepole book writing. Politician talk, offering nothing of concrete and specific advice.
I found it negative and depressing.