The quotation above is reminiscent of Dr. Spock's comforting line in the classic Baby and Child Care: "You know more than you think you do." Spock's book was a guide for parents of children of the Baby Boom. In contrast, Musser's words are for the "expectant parents" of small companies. The author begins with accounts of interactions with people who gave her pertinent advice to work independently. The book passes on that wisdom and encouragement, with sections that include "Connect: Listen to Yourself," "Clarify: Understand Your Role In Your Journey," "Control: Take Charge of Your Life," "Cocreate: Create What Matters Most," and "Change: Transform Your Experience." The focus here is on focus: successful leaders know themselves fairly well, are in touch with their environments and people, know the limitations of themselves and their businesses, and are able and willing to delegate work and responsibility. Ultimately, they may be able to share their experiences with others.

Ever since Up The Organization—essentially a workbook on a business that was run on the Y-theory, instead of the hierarchical, authoritarian X-theory of management—was published approximately fifty years ago, business consultants and executives have advised about practical combinations of supervision, support, autonomy, feedback, pay, and time for quality personal life experiences for developers and employees of businesses. In her work, Musser effectively displays her passion for bringing potential entrepreneurs to the realization of their best work by encouraging them to listen, focus on, and organize the situations that are truly rewarding to them and to offer actual examples of practical ways and means of accomplishing realistic, fulfilling goals. Musser's mission is to use her "big-company expertise to help small businesses succeed." Struggling small business owners or those wishing to take their businesses to the next level will find that this book offers invaluable advice.

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