Being the Boss

Returning it

What made the experience of listening to Being the Boss the most enjoyable?

I assume the remaining 2/3rds of the book are good. But if I have to hear another sentence from this narrator, I will jump out of the window.

What didn’t you like about Erik Synnestvedt’s performance?

The narration was so annoying that I am returning the book.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Very usefull

Would you consider the audio edition of Being the Boss to be better than the print version?

no

What did you like best about this story?

The book is divided into three parts, the first part confirmed most of my own findings, the second part, about exercising influence outside of your own team was an eye opener

Would you be willing to try another one of Erik Synnestvedt’s performances?

Never, this was the weakest part of the book. It was almost impossible to get through to what was being said, because of the monotone way it was read, and how every other sentence would finish with the same intonation as the previous.

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

Just that the voice really annoyed me.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Just don't.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, I bought this because it's assigned reading for a class and I thought it would save me some time. I could listen while I ran or drove, but the performance is so bad I chose to just read it instead.

Would you be willing to try another book from Linda A. Hill and Kent L. Lineback ? Why or why not?

Yes, the information is great.

How could the performance have been better?

It's a book about management. The narrator should be able to say the word management. The cadence and inflection were also just totally off. The reading was irksome.

Do you think Being the Boss needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

Probably, there are many ways it could be expounded upon.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Useful, Practical Content

What made the experience of listening to Being the Boss the most enjoyable?

The content is very good. It will assist managers/leaders to consciously be aware of various components that they need to keep in mind while leading teams.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Being the Boss?

For me, the most important insight is the articulation that being an effective Boss requires the person to actively manage three components.

Any additional comments?

The narration is below average. I might be harsh here but the narrator really is annoying with his weird ending to each phrase/sentence. It is just irritating.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great book, not great narrator

Where does Being the Boss rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The content is great, but the narration made it tough to get through.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Erik Synnestvedt?

Someone not trying so hard.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Great content, horrible narration!

Would you consider the audio edition of Being the Boss to be better than the print version?

No, Not with the current narrator. It was almost like the man version of Siri... Very distracting to the content

Would you recommend Being the Boss to your friends? Why or why not?

Yes, overall the content is on point but definitely needs an upgrade in the narration

Would you be willing to try another one of Erik Synnestvedt’s performances?

No

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Good content, horrible narration

Would you listen to Being the Boss again? Why?

I would read the book, but never listen to this narrator again.

Has Being the Boss turned you off from other books in this genre?

No, the content was excellent.

Would you be willing to try another one of Erik Synnestvedt’s performances?

He is the worst narrator I have ever heard. I will never buy a book read by him again.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great leadership book: summarizes Harvard's best

What made the experience of listening to Being the Boss the most enjoyable?

Very good examples, structure, and more than enything CONTENT!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, can be listened in parts.

Any additional comments?

GREAT READ for all managers... MUST READ for new managers.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great book with awful narration

This is a phenomenal book for managers of all levels of experience and I recommend it highly.

In reviews I try to focus on the positives, but the narration of this book was impossible for me to ignore. I couldn't get past the first chapter on my first listen. Years later I really wanted to read this book, but with a 3+ hour commute, listening is ideal. I gritted my teeth and got through it this time only because I really, really, really wanted the content.

The cadence and style of narration is odd - whole new chapters start without so much as a pause. The narrator comes off as condescending and arrogant, which feels out of alignment with the voice of the author. The author's voice sounds objective, supportive, and thoughtful while the narrator's tone and cadence feel stiff and academic - completely detached from the content.

It was worth it but if you're torn between reading and listening, go with reading.

Award for the most irritating narrator - Erik Synnestvedt

Erik Synnestvedt has mastered the art of blending valley girl vocal fry and 18th century aristocratic tonal inflection. In truth, I can’t get through this audible due to the absolute trash of the narration. Please! Listen to the sample before purchase.