Move Your Bus: An Extraordinary New Approach to Accelerating Success in Work and Life

I've held leadership roles in business for over two decades. I've founded one company and joined another at an early stage and, as COO, was instrumental in growing it to a successful exit. I've read a lot of books over the years and absolutely list this one as one of the best for understanding and motivating members of your team. At the same time, I've learned things that I will use to make myself better and for that I am truly grateful. Mr. Clark does a great job of making things simple to understand and actionable. I'm reminded of my favorite quotes, "I apologize for such a long letter - I didn't have time to write a short one." Mr. Clark took the time to make this book short and make his points quickly and concisely. A valuable tool and I'm buying one for every member of my leadership team.

Ron Clark’s use of an extended metaphor (i.e. a bus) may result in some of the same confusion as did Jim Collins’ use of the same metaphor in Good to Great (2001). Both discuss passengers but classify them differently. Collins urges companies to get “the right people” on the bus and get “the wrong people” off whereas Clark differentiates people as follows: o Former Runners are burned out and coasting. o Walkers want to run but are exhausted. o Potential Runners have a career that is blocked by an unappreciative boss who prefers to walk. o Riders want to be better but have no idea how to begin to walk, much less run. o Runners look around and realize that there is a new generation of Runners “who seem to be accelerating with turbo boosters that make [their] run look like a trot o Others have had all manner of serious pro0fessioinal and personal problems and feel that they now lack the will and energy to run. o Still others “may even feel that [they] have fallen off the bus and have been run over by it. These comprise the “cast of characters” in Clark’s parable: Rufus the Runner, Joan the Jogger, Wanda the Walker, Ridley the Rider, and Drew the Driver. It is important to keep in mind that the term “bus” could refer to all of an organization and even a country or federation of countries (e.g. United Nations); to a part of an organization such as a division, department, committee, o0r even a brand; and also to a movement to make a vision a reality (e.g. securing independence for India within the United Kingdom). As Clark explains, “Remember, the bus represents your goals and achievements as an organization, which could be anything from your business to your family unit to the committee you chair for your neighborhood association. And don’t forget that the bus has no gas tank and is therefore not self-propelled — you’re going to pull it along solely with people power.” Although the primary purpose of much of the information, insights, and counsel in this book is to help his readers accelerate “the relentless pursuit of excellence” and do so with people power, he also observes in the Epilogue: “With all the talk of making the bus run, I felt the need to mention that sometimes it’s necessary to stop the bus completely, for the right reason.” (This is what happens in Toyota’s factories whenever someone detects a flaw or problem of some kind. They can stop the production line by pushing a big red button.) All organizations have Runners, Joggers, Walkers, Riders, and Drivers. Many of them also have one or more Saboteurs. As I worked my way through this book, I was again reminded of two quotations that seem especially relevant to Ron Clark’s compelling vision of what can be accomplished. First, an African proverb: “If you want to go fast…go alone. If you want to go far…go together.” Also this observation by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

This is a new recommendation to me. I'm extremely loathe to climb into unknown in both the personal and professional realms. This is a different take on meeting and managing the world around us. When was the last time you were so moved by a Business Text so much so that you wished it was a longer read?

This audiobook is wonderful! The CDs, however, do not play well in my vehicle's CD player. When I inserted the first CD, it was not recognized; then it would not eject after numerous attempts. I gave up and started driving and listening to the radio. Suddenly the disc began to play. Once it got to the end, I was able to eject it. Thinking it was a fluke, I tried the second disc--I was eager to continue. It too, was not recognized. I was able to eject it, however. I'm disappointed. I really wanted to listen during my frequent road trips. I will attempt to convert it to another format because Ron Clark has terrific information to share.

Quick read and interesting approach to leading others in a work, church, or volunteer setting. This approach is unique and builds on the reader's current skills and capabilities to move people forward at there natural pace - thus moving the bus - everyone is moved along. Like I said it is a unique approach to tem building. Work improvement is constant - not a new concept - at a natural pace. Before retiring I taught team building for 17 to 20 years.....

This is an easy to read book that describes the strategies used to create effective and enthusiastic teachers. The author is a principal of an urban school in Georgia. I hope colleges will use this book when preparing students who want to be teachers, and it is a “must-read” for all staff members in schools, public as well as private.

Oh, Ron Clark! No one can tell a story, inspire, motivate, or ignite passion like Ron Clark. This book is great to use for self motivation in the workplace, or to be given to employees to read. It's a great tool to help with self reflection. Ron is of course most famous for being an amazing educator and co-founding his school The Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, GA. This is a great book for teachers, principals, or anyone else! I highly recommend!

Great storytelling from a great teacher. The concept of a leader driving the bus powered by the team made up of runners, joggers, walkers and riders. Works as both a perspective as a leader or individual. Live for no regrets, strive to make your world a better place and take accountability for what you do and if you don't like it fix it

Amazing all leads managers and leaders shroud goth rough this approach. I recommend to every corporate emoployee

Great for my wife, who is an educator.

The message was delivered in a fun and interesting way. Very educational for identifying under and over performers in any environment.

Inspiring to say the least! ! ! ! ! Don't wait any longer, just read it! ! ! ! !