By Paul Orfalea & Ann Marsh; 225 pages. Subtitle: Lessons From a Hyperactive Dyslexic Who Turned a Bright Idea Into One of America's Best Companies
Orfalea, founder of the copy company Kinko's, is like a living embodiment of the theory of multiple intelligences. In this book that's a blend of biography and business philosophizing, he tells of his school tribulations and business triumphs, both entirely related to his learning weaknesses and strengths and ADHD energy.
- Learning-disabled-boy-made-good tale will be a relief to many parents.
- Excellent illustration of how weaknesses can ultimately become strengths.
- Orfalea makes some good points on where schools are going wrong.
- Like many hyperactive kids, Orfalea is a funny and energetic story-teller.
- Plenty of self-deprecation to go with the justified bragging.
- It's really more of a business book than anything else.
- Maybe a few too many stories and anecdotes thrown in.
- It sure helps that he was gifted at math.
- Chapter 1: Anybody Else Can Do It Better
Chapter 2: Are You "In" or "On" Your Business? - Chapter 3: Manage the Environment, Not the People
- Chapter 4: The Business of Business is Emotion
Chapter 5: Face Outward - Chapter 6: Find Your Philosophy
Chapter 7: Life Is a Picnic - Chapter 8: Deal with Your Dark Side
- Chapter 9: Watch Your Karma
Chapter 10: Fail Forward - Chapter 11: Make Money While You Sleep
Chapter 12: Know When to Fold 'Em - Chapter 13: Know When to Walk Away
Chapter 14: Repurpose Yourself - The Cast of Recurring Characters
- Appendix I: Stories That Didn't Fit in the Book
Appendix II: Orfalea's Aphorisms
Parents of children with learning difficulties like to talk about strengths and weaknesses, and assure kids that though some things might always be difficult, in the "real world" their strengths will shine more brightly. If you've said those things with more conviction than you actually feel, Paul Orfalea's story should be a big relief. You couldn't ask for a better illustration of the fact that the things you need to succeed in school are not necessarily those you'll need in business or in life. The Kinko's founder is like a poster boy for overachieving underachievers, and the best thing about this business bio is seeing how success came because of, and not in spite of, his learning differences and hyperactive mind.
Orfalea did so badly in school he was put in a class for the cognitively impaired. In college, one professor, appalled by his sloppy work, demanded an explanation from the university as to why such a screw-up had been accepted. His inability to focus and quick temper caused blow-ups with business associates. But he was creative enough to see an opportunity for a business that others missed, and to market it in a way that capitalized on his energy and personality. His need to rely on others to attend to the details resulted in a unique and effective management structure. Though "Copy This!" is about business, not parenting, it will be gratifying to the Moms and Dads of the followers of different drummers to see one march so spectacularly.
