Most Popular Books by Jim Ware

High Performing Investment Teams "Although most leaders agree teamwork is important, few businesses effectively build collaborative, synchronized teams. High Performing Investment Teams is an excellent guidepost for any manager striving to create a winning team and develop bench strength for the future." —John W. Rogers Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ariel Capital Management, LLC "Turning individual talent into team performance is the ultimate challenge for an investment organization, but also the key to building a sustainable investment franchise. Focus Consulting has captured the essence of how to leverage your intellectual capital for maximum and enduring success." —Michelle R. Seitz, CFA, Principal, Head of Investment Management, Executive Committee Member, William Blair & Company, LLC "Focus Consulting''s work on behaviors of top teams is clear, effective, and practical. We recommend it highly for investment firms that are serious about world-class collaboration." —Terry Toth, President, Northern Trust Global Investments "Focus Consulting really understands that attracting and motivating talented people makes all the difference for asset managers. Their work is based on years of experience helping investment firms build strong cultures with productive behaviors." —Scott Powers, Chief Executive Officer, Old Mutual Asset Management "Focus Consulting understands the people aspect of the investment business. They know the investment business and how to make collaboration work." —Harin de Silva, PhD, CFA, President, Analytic Investors

The bestselling book now revised and updated with new content! Hailed as the most popular and best-loved series of the twentieth century, The Lord of the Rings trilogy is more than a great story; it''s a reflection of life''s epic quest for all of us. Examining the Christian themes in J. R. R. Tolkien''s masterwork, bestselling authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware reveal a rich tapestry of hope, friendship, redemption, and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. More than 200,000 copies sold Includes six new chapters and a discussion guide A helpful resource for personal study, devotions, or group discussion

Indulges readers with an exploration of the spiritual significance of J.R.R. Tolkien''s famous children''s classic.

Praise for The LEADERSHIP GENIUS of GEORGE W. BUSH "Finally, a fun-to-read book about George W. Bush that details the secrets to his success!" —Ken Blanchard, coauthor, The One Minute Manager "Political journalists love graduate student intelligence, the ability to make clever allusions in seminars, and in 1999—2000, they hassled George W. Bush for not having it. They didn’t realize what this book succinctly displays: that the President has something far more important–CEO intelligence, the ability to ask tough questions, garner essential information, and make discerning decisions. Such intelligence can be fostered and honed, and this book shows how." —Dr. Marvin Olasky, Professor of Journalism, The University of Texas at Austin, and Editor in Chief, World magazine "Put aside politics and read this book right away for its true wisdom and concrete advice about leadership. The authors have done a brilliant job explaining the leadership style that makes this President so effective. Any leader can learn from the philosophy, strategy, and tactics in this book." —Bruce Tulgan, founder of RainmakerThinking, Inc., and author, Winning the Talent Wars "Thompson and Ware make a compelling case that this President who ‘loves to be underestimated’ has a highly effective approach to leadership that is humane, direct, and at times, truly transformational. Many in business today could benefit from reading this book." —David M. Abshire, President, Center for the Study of the Presidency

"Now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story . . ." Bestselling authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware ( Finding God in The Lord of the Rings) once again explore a world of fantasy to reveal what C. S. Lewis called "the Great Story" hidden within. For more than 70 years, adults and children alike have stepped through the wardrobe, and their imaginations have been baptized in Lewis''s mystical world of wonder and enchantment. Lewis fans will love the many surprising insights the authors uncover, and parents will discover new ways to show their children God''s character and presence in their lives. With more than 100 million copies sold, The Chronicles of Narnia capture more imaginations today than ever before. In Finding God in the Land of Narnia, you''ll see how Lewis expertly wraps spiritual truths into his classic tales, and you''ll discover the truth of what the great Lion, Aslan, says about our brief sojourn through Narnia: "By knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there." Now updated to include a group discussion guide!

In the first book of the series, readers will learn about God''s sovereignty and how things work together for good. The Exciting Start of the Last Chance Detectives! A dry, forsaken blip on the edge of civilization. That''s what Mike Fowler thinks of the little town of Ambrosia in the Arizona desert. He has no friends, no fun, and no answers to the agonizing disappearance of his dad in a top-secret military mission. But that could all change after Mike stumbles onto his dad''s puzzling journal in the old B-17 out back. The mysterious coded entries in the journal lead him to a hidden canyon rimmed with strange lights in the sky, muffled voices, and a knife he''s sure belongs to his dad! Something big--maybe a covert military operation--is going on in that secluded canyon. And Mike is sure if he just follows the clues, he''ll find his dad. But with each new discovery, he and his daring companions--Ben, Spence, and Winnie--land in more and more danger. It''s the case of their young lives. Now if only they only live to escape it! Get to know The Last Chance DetectivesMike: Fearless and bold, his leadership spurs the group on--sometimes into danger!Winnie: She knows the desert like the back of her hand and has a nose for news.Ben: His imagination makes him a great problem solver.Spence: A technical genius, he''s the brains of the outfit.Together, these four friends won''t stop until the mystery is solved!

As the major motion picture hits theaters this spring, the best-selling coauthors of the Finding God series explore the true story of how God''TMs amazing grace ended the British slave trade. With profound reflections drawn from the lives of two men, William Wilberforce and John Newton, who wrote the beloved hymn, the authors reveal God''TMs grace in our everyday struggles and show how he uses even the smallest of events and weakest of individuals to implement his grander plan in this world.

The bestselling authors of "Finding God in the Lord of the Rings" team up again in a study of Philip Pullmans popular "His Dark Materials" fantasy series. Released to coincide with the feature film, this book equips parents, teachers, and readers to better understand Pullmans troubling work.

Have you ever wondered if you’re following God’s plan for your love life? Whether single or married, you ache for a deep, satisfying, romantic connection—but aren’t always sure how to handle the heartache and pain that come along the way. If love is truly a gift from God, why does it sometimes lead to the heights of heaven and other times to the depths of despair? One of the world’s greatest love stories holds the answer. In The Purpose of Passion, best-selling authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware journey through The Divine Comedy to discover what Dante, one of the most influential Christian writers of all time, reveals about love in his literary masterpiece. Discover the secrets that it contains about passion, romance, and spirituality—and how they are all connected. Whether you’ve found true love or ache from its absence, your love life is always driving you closer to or away from God. No matter where you find yourself on love’s path, The Purpose of Passion will lead you on a spiritual adventure through the underworld of Inferno, on a purifying trek up mount Purgatory, and into the ultimate bliss of Paradise—revealing God’s ultimate desire for your heart.

What Treasures Are Hidden in the Enchanted Woods? More than just bedtime traditions, more than simple children’s literature, the most enduring stories are echoes of the greatest of all stories, the Gospel. God of the Fairy Tale is a collection of spiritual reflections on the truths found in classic fairy tales, truths that point us to the ultimate Truth about God, redemption, and ourselves. Delving into twenty classic folk and fairy tales, God of the Fairy Tale leads us into the mystical landscape of elves, goblins, and talking animals to reveal the jewels of truth that hide inside these most simple of stories. Through the fables of Snow White, Cinderella, Hansel and Gretel, and many others, we discover a perspective not unlike that of the Bible–a world of people trying to be something more, questing to do good in a realm fraught with evil, where a turn of the tables leaves the strong defeated and the weak victorious. Each tale is presented along with a meditation on the spiritual and theological themes present. God of the Fairy Tale will warm your heart with a world of characters, creatures, and circumstances that spin an entertaining yarn and affirm the most essential Christian worldviews.

Morgan Izaak is obsessed with his father’s ancient books about the legendary Philosopher’s Stone; he’s even got a little alchemy lab set up in the church tower next door. And when Morgan and his best friend, Eny, find out about another mysterious stone that may be hidden in their own town—the Irish Stone of Destiny, called Lia Fail—he’s determined to find it because he thinks it’s the last hope for someone he holds dear. But Morgan’s not the only one looking for the Stone, and by the time the two middle schoolers realize there’s trouble afoot, Morgan has betrayed their friendship, strange creatures are loose in the land, and the Stone is lost … perhaps forever. Can Morgan find a way to help those he loves?

Discover the Ideal Investment Strategy for Yourself and YourClients "To enhance investment results and boost creativity, Jim Warereplaces the maxim know your investments with know yourself. And hegives us specific testing tools to do the job." --Dean LeBaron, Founder, Batterymarch FinancialManagement, Chairman, Virtualquest.company, and investment authorand commentator "Many investment firms fail, even though they are run byintelligent, qualified professionals, because they lack creativity.This book can rescue you. Jim Ware explains how to organize yourbusiness to encourage creative thinking. In five years, yourcustomers will be working with an advisor who read this book, somake sure you are the one who did." Ralph Wanger, President, Acorn Investment Trust, CFA andauthor of A Zebra in Lion Country: Ralph Wanger''s Guide toInvestment Survival "Jim Ware has a great knack for understanding people andsuccessful investing. This unusual combination of skills creates arare find: useful insights to improve investment performancethrough helping people work together better. Jim''s wit andhumor make this a fun read as well!" --Dee Even, Senior Investment Officer, AllstateInsurance Company, Property & Casualty "The Psychology of Money represents a major step towarddevelopment of a portfolio theory that recognizes human dynamicsand differences among people. Jim''s content is solid, and hispresentation is engaging. This book ought to be on everypractitioner''s bookshelf." --Kenneth O. Doyle, University of Minnesota, Author,The Social Meanings of Money and Property: In Search of aTalisman "Finally, an insightful look at the human side of investing. Astep-by-step guide to enhancing management performance to increasereturns." --Abbie Smith, PhD, Professor of Accounting.Universityof Chicago Business School

A comprehensive guide to best practices within the investment industry Investment Leadership provides readers with the tools to understand the leadership factors that contribute to sustainable growth; diagnose their firm''s culture and understand why it is important; and replicate best practices from leading firms. With the help of diagnostic tools, practical advice from industry leaders, and real-life case studies, this book sets out to explain what is wrong with the status quo and reveal the secrets of long-term success in the investment industry. James W. Ware, CFA, currently works as a consultant to money managers. He is the coauthor of The Leadership Genius of George W. Bush (0-471-42006-9). Beth Michaels has worked with many organizations, including Chevrolet Motors and the McDonald''s Corporation. Dale Primer has worked with business executives from more than 700 individual businesses in over eighty-five separate industries.

Ezra and his friends, which include the son of the prophet Isaiah and the son of King Ahaz, learn firsthand the terrible consequences of forsaking the Lord and following false gods.

En Dios en la tierra de Narnia los autores exploran los profundos temas espirituales de la gracia y redención que se encuentran en la popular serie Las crónicas de Narnia, escrita por C. S. Lewis. Los autores ofrecen una percepción profunda que sorprenderá aun al más ardiente seguidor de Lewis. Cada capítulo ayudará a los lectores a ganar no solo un profundo entendimiento de la popular serie de Lewis, sino un profundo entendimiento de Dios mismo. In Finding God in the Land of Narnia, best-selling authors Kurt Bruner and Jim Ware explore the deep spiritual themes of redemption and grace found in the popular Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis. With amazing clarity that captures the tone and style of C. S. Lewis himself, the authors offer a depth of insight that will surprise even the most ardent Lewis fan. Each chapter will help readers gain not only a deeper understanding of the popular Lewis series, but a deeper understanding of God himself.

Enjoy all seven adventures in the Last Chance Detectives series! Join our four friends as they race to solve exciting mysteries in every book. Get to know The Last Chance Detectives: Mike: Fearless and bold, his leadership spurs the group on- sometimes into danger! Winnie: She knows the desert like the back of her hand and has a nose for news. Ben: His imagination makes him a great problem solver. Spence: A technical genius, he''s the brains of the outfit. Together these four friends won''t stop until the mystery is solved! Along the way their friendship and faith will be tested. In every story the main characters work through realistic issues kids face as they grow up. They help each other learn to overcome fear, trust in God, forgive others, and many more important biblical lessons. The Last Chance Detectives is a great series for reluctant readers, especially boys. This set makes a great gift, but don''t be surprised when you catch your child staying up late to read the next chapter!

A warm and funny novel about high school life in the 70''s.

Andrew just wants his father back, but Jacob has been acting strange and violent. Will the Rabbi Jesus be able to cure him? Ages 8-12. Focus on the Family�

The investment industry is changing dramatically, with industry observers commenting that a New Era is dawning. This book describes the changes that have taken place and puts them in a framework that lets the reader understand the past and prepare for the future. The book is written by investment people who have worked for asset management firms and consulted to them for nearly twenty years. The subtitle of the book-Radical Reform for the Investment Industry-speaks to the need for new thinking to solve today''s challenges. The authors invoke Einstein''s oft-quoted insight: "We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking used when we created them." The new thinking borrows from the world of psychology and social systems to explain the mindsets that created the current investment world and the mindsets that are evolving to create a new paradigm. A major premise of the book is that investment firms must return to their basic mission: serving their clients. And though many firms pay lip service to this goal, evidence in the book suggests otherwise. A major step forward for firms is to think more carefully about their purpose: Why do we exist? What is our value proposition to clients? What is the meaning of the work we do? In their consulting work, the authors find that firms are beginning to take these questions seriously. This step towards meaning is important because the Millennial generation, soon to dominate the work force, is acutely interested in it. The authors believe there are good answers to these questions about purpose but investment leaders have been slow to develop and articulate them. The book provides case studies of investment firms that are demonstrating new leadership with great success. These firms are characterized by skillful leadership, a strong sense of purpose, and highly cohesive cultures. They have moved away from a singular focus on shareholder profits to providing value for all the stakeholders: owners, employees, clients, and society. The book pulls no punches in critiquing the current state of the industry-very low trust with the general population-and suggesting radically different thinking for the future. And while the authors believe there is a valid role for active investing, they recognize that only a small percentage of elite firms can deliver on the goal of superior performance. Thus, most of the resources in the investment industry should be directed towards understanding and meeting client objectives. A major shift in mindsets is from a "competitive" industry to a "service" industry. Finding a balance between these two mindsets is a key skill required of future leaders. The elite firms are finding this balance and enjoying success as a result.

Finally, a book on leadership for senior executives in the investment world. As the investment landscape changes in profound ways-the movement to passive, fee pressures, disappearing alpha, heavy compliance-leaders are faced with the task of upgrading their skills. As the book''s subtitle suggests, most of these leaders either don''t want to or don''t think they need leadership lessons. Enter Jim Ware, a practitioner (analyst and Portfolio Manager) for twenty years and a consultant for the next twenty years. Author of four prior books on investment culture and leadership, he knows the landscape well and has devoted his career to helping investment leaders manage very clever professionals, who don''t want to be managed. The book is written in an amusing and practical style, precisely for busy leaders who want the information delivered efficiently and painlessly. Filled with research and examples from the consulting firm he founded, Focus Consulting Group (FCG), Ware covers topics like: Culture, Accountability, Teamwork, Emotional Intelligence, Trust, and Managing Difficult People. Readers can expect to takeaway useful ideas on:* Defining and aligning around a culture that supports the mission and vision of the firm* Describing the essence of their culture to employees, clients, and owners* Decreasing the level of toxic behaviors found in many cultures* Developing and maintaining high performing teams* Receiving and delivering feedback in an effective way that contributes to results* Developing an approach to accountability that increases the productivity of staff and avoids creating a blame culture* Creating and measuring a cognitively diverse team. And managing the different personalities.* Defining and providing exercises for improving Emotional Intelligence, which begins with self-awareness* Specifying the six key factors that define trust and how team members can build and repair trust with colleagues* Managing the talented and clever people who populate investment firmsWare provides metrics developed by FCG to benchmark and manage the various aspects of leadership, such as managing the self, the team, and the firm. Assessments for culture, 360 evaluations, team scorecards, trust levels, psychometrics, and the like are described. The book is appropriate for new and long-time leaders, as it provides approaches designed for the New Era in the investment industry.