Arthur Jackon’s 2009 release “Raise the Bottom” is modeled after Socratic discussions of old. Unfortunately, this book works better as a concept than as an actual guide for business people interested in learning about alcoholism and how to prevent it from affecting a business. This 130 page “business book, not a recovery book” questions assumptions through two main characters who dialogue throughout about the intellectual, moral and diagnostic nuances of alcoholism. Making the read simultaneously dense, unrealistic and …. well, boring.
I won’t go on with the many ways that I think that “Raise the Bottom” doesn’t work for me, but I will list a few suggestions I have for improving it.
1. Business men and women are short of time and attention. Hit them with a 1-2-3 with simple language that outlines the problem as related to businesses, ways to identify alcoholism, and the solution. The Socratic discussion formula might work well for an intro, but leave it at that. And although the biology and definition of alcoholism may be worth discussion, it’s not why people bought this book. Think in terms of creating an “Understanding Alcoholism for Dummies” concept.
2. How do alcoholics even hurt businesses? Define this in an obvious and clear way.
3. Highlight the 37 signs of alcoholism in short, descriptive blurbs accompanied by photos.
4. Flush out the section on how to prevent alcoholics from damaging your business. This is the main premise of the book, but fails to deliver this AT ALL.
5. Likewise, offer intervention solutions in a 1-2-3 format.
I wish that I could like every book that I review. But simply, I do not. I would recommend that you save yourself the $13.22 currently offered on Amazon for this book and take a few people in recovery for coffee instead.
If you are still interested in checking out this book, check the Raise the Bottom website.
Related Posts