My good friend (and my boss, but that has nothing to do with this) Bob Pritchett has written a book called Fire Someone Today. It hits the streets in April, published by Nelson Business. Don't worry, the book isn't all about firing people — though that chapter does deal with a lesson that can be tough to learn in any environment.

Business books aren't normally my cup of tea. Bob's book, however, is not a mushed pablum of "you can do it!" positive expectation management crud; and it is not simply a list of maxims with some expanded and vapid thoughts. Instead, Bob writes about experiences he's had and what he's learned in the context of running a small business (Logos Bible Software). This is take-home stuff that can be applied.

While the chapters are geared toward entrepreneurs, there are some that are generally applicable outside of that environment. The chapter that simply recommends that you take people to lunch — frequently — is a good one that can be applied just about anywhere. If you have a colleague whom you respect or want to know more about, invite him to lunch. If you have students, or a pastor, or a parishioner you'd like to become more familiar with, lunch is a great option.

Anyway, check out the preview info on Bob's book on his web site, FireSomeoneToday.com.