Reviews provided by Syndetics
Library Journal Review
Dexter, a founder of the public relations firm ScienceMagic, argues that it is possible to be financially successful in business while living up to a high ethical standard. Her book describes how she has attempted do so with her own company. While she draws somewhat from the experiences and research of others, the most meaningful parts of her book are where she describes her own efforts to create a corporate culture of decency that relates to everyone--employees and customers alike. For example, her policy for employees who are working long hours is to tell them to cut back and strike a new work-life balance. Thanks to her personal experience, Dexter mostly avoids cliché. The book has a certain element of stylistic flakiness that doesn't hinder its concrete guidance; some will even find it charming. VERDICT This book will appeal to managers and would-be entrepreneurs seeking practical advice on integrating humanistic concerns and business success.--Shmuel Ben-Gad, Gelman Lib., George Washington Univ., Washington, DC
Publishers Weekly Review
"Never waste a crisis," warns Dexter, founder of the PR firm The Communications Store, in her impassioned if familiar debut. Between the pandemic, the crashing economy, and her growing understanding of social justice as the Black Lives Matter movement gained traction across the U.S., Dexter explains how she refocused her energy on ensuring that her business is a force for good. Central to her perspective is that changes are afoot in the business world, as CEOs are being forced out for misbehavior and companies are losing significant work hours and productivity to employee stress. To help businesses focus on doing good while succeeding, she presents a number of tried-and-true tips, such as "encourage failure" and "be open to criticism." She also advises on ways to revamp a company's culture, craft a mission statement ("A core values statement is only as good as a company's willingness to live up to it"), improve communication (tell the truth and be kind), and recruit strong teams (hire with diversity in mind). While she's encouraging with her mission to "work hard, do good, stay humble," nothing here hasn't been said before, many times over. While the ideas are sound, this mostly feels like a missed opportunity. (Nov.)
Booklist Review
Dexter, founder of The Communications Store (now ScienceMagic Inc.), delivers a primer in building a no-BS organization with Good Company. Using stories to share foundational principles, guidance on ethical choices, and hard-won wisdom, Dexter's how-I-did-it is relatable and transferable. Engaging in "competitive rebellion" can be good for your company, clients, employees, and community. Dexter lays out areas of focus which lead to both profit and reputation-building including leadership, culture, communication, service, recruitment, crisis management, and responsibility. Anyone establishing a new business, turning around a struggling business, or seeking validation of their efforts will find value here. Fundamental characteristics of strength, wisdom, passion, and care are explored and plumbed for application across company hierarchies. Highlights include practical application of common courtesy, clear and consistent communication, acting as conscious consumers, and qualities of servant--leadership. Smoothly flowing and sprinkled liberally with catch phrases to guide operations such as ". . . no one gets there alone" and "under promise, over deliver"; Good Company will help its readers lead just that.