The paradox of success

The glitter of success can turn to fool's gold, suggests O'Neil, president of the California School of Professional Psychology, in a workmanlike guide for executives who have sacrificed personal values in order to further their careers. This "paradox of success," often seen in workaholism, self-doubt or hubris, substance abuse and family problems, is manifest when the executive's suppressed psychological conflicts are sensed and transmitted throughout his or her organization. Becoming a "long distance winner" requires a commitment to a process of probing self-examination, which will lead to renewal. Having achieved renewal, the executive can sustain it only by continuing to practice self-observation to use time constructively, including through various types of retreats and other activities. In a final chapter O'Neil too scantily discusses the application of renewal principles to organizations themselves.