Jim,

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed Growing the Distance. I read it cover-to-cover and often found myself daydreaming about some point you had just made (a great sign). It's insightful and enjoyable. Congratulations!

Jeff Mowatt, Past President
The Canadian Association of Professional Speakers

I had the opportunity to hear Jim speak at our company's Senior Manager meeting in Prince George, BC and thoroughly enjoyed his presentation. The messages on leadership and change are relevant and practical as well as presented in an entertaining fashion. Really excellent stuff!

In addition, I have been reading Jim's most recent book Growing the Distance and have found it to be an interesting read. The teachings are clear, concise and as with his presentations, very practical and applicable.

Garry Power CGA MBA, Divisional Controller
Weldwood of Canada

Jim,

I just read Growing the Distance. It's just what the doctor ordered. I have read no fewer than 10 books on leadership in the past quarter. Growing the Distance was the shortest one, but it has taken me months to reflect upon and digest its meaning.

Thank you very much!

Alain Francq, Marketing Manager
Virtek Vision Corp.

I just finished reading Growing the Distance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I particularly enjoyed the stories you provided on the side of the page for each chapter. I found these to be as useful as the rest of the content.

Congratulations on another great book! Keep up the great work!

Kelley Robertson
Sony of Canada Ltd.

Hi Jim,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for writing Growing the Distance.

I have used this book repeatedly in my coaching practice and have given numerous copies to clients as gifts. It has made a huge difference in their lives, as well as in mine. Thanks for this gift, for your wisdom, and for sharing it with the world.

My best to you,

Barbara Poole, M.S., SPHR, MCC, Personal and Professional Coach
Success Builders, Inc.

Mr. Clemmer,

I just wanted to thank and congratulate you on the excellence of this book. I heard about it on a local radio talk show.

I was intrigued and decided to read it. I lost my husband about a year and a half prior to this and had been struggling with many issues. For whatever the reason, I found in the loss of my husband, I also lost myself. I used to be a very driven, self-confident woman . . . then things changed. I was truly struggling to find my way back -- both to God and to myself. Time is the greatest healer, but I was ready for inspiration. The timing was right. I found so much perspective for my life in your book. I have read certain portions of it over and over again, and plan to continue to do so forever. I am not fully healed (I'm not sure I ever will be), but I have come a long way. I attribute at least part of that to you . . . thanks for helping me find me.

Yours truly,

Judy Kalichak
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

Hi Jim,

I had the pleasure of listening to you a few months ago when you did a presentation for Toronto Public Health. I have forgotten the number of times I have read your book, "Growing the Distance." I have found it a valuable resource, not only in my working life but my family life as well.

Not to mention the book was easy to read, informative, and at the same time very uplifting. I too have started collecting quotes and now have a few of them hanging on my grey wall at the office. When things get hectic I only have to read one of them and it sets me on the positive thinking track again; it is also a conversation piece when colleagues walk into my office.

Your book has been a real friend.

Nikki Whittingham
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

John Pellowe
Canadian Leadership Corporation
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

Jim,

Thank you for the "Growing the Distance" book you gave out to CAPS members. I read it this weekend and appreciated how you were able to succinctly capture the best of all the "self-development" information that is available. Your book is a comprehensive and valuable guide for living a truly successful life.

John Pellowe
Canadian Leadership Corporation

David Enright,
Retired Police Detective and Business Owner
Brampton, Ontario, Canada

Jim Clemmer has written a book from the heart. Growing the Distance contains all the timeless principles that will inspire you to take the actions necessary to make those changes in your life and give a whole new meaning to the word "Success." Financial gain does not provide the happiness you seek when not congruent with the internal choices of growth and change. To really succeed in all aspects of life, Jim has provided the game plan for you to follow.

External motivation is only a temporary aspect. This book has a heartbeat: listen to it, it will provide the energy and the knowledge to make those internal choices for your growth and change permanently. Choice in life is everything, and Jim has provided you the tools to choose how you respond to your future. Look no further, everything you need is here.

David Enright,
Retired Police Detective and Business Owner

Don Guillod
Group Specialist
Kawartha Highlands Education
Burnt River, Ontario, Canada

Hi Jim,

I just finished reading Growing the Distance and what a treat it was. Every chapter evoked memories, some happy and some sad, but all part of living.

Some words and phrases I particularly enjoyed included:

"Growing the Distance," "zest lag," "reality rut," "If it's to be it's up to me," "he's so narrow-minded he could see through the keyhole with both eyes," "imagineering," "Pity City," "misery series," "whiney industry," "the dog ate my homework," "Pessimism Plague," "my cope runneth over," "if you bail, you fail," "me deep in fooling myself," "I strain," "full head of esteem," "truth decay," "persistence goes the distance," "life is a time-limited offer," "always on the grow," "mouse potato," "lead to succeed," "EQ not IQ," "thank you or spank you culture," "we to me ratio," and "grow for it."

"The dog ate my homework" reminded me of one of my students last year when I collected the mid-term exam. She bemoaned the fact that her dog had done the dirty deed, but only after she had completed 80% (the four, question sections) of it. The look on her face was priceless when I went to my briefcase, pulled out a spare exam copy and handed it to her with the words, "This shouldn't take you as long, seeing as how you've already finished all but the essay portion."

I, too, embrace change, although it was not always that way. My epiphany came in late-1969, when I was forced to choose between staying in one production division at Kodak -- and possibly (probably) regressing in assignment and pay -- or moving to a different production division with development project opportunities. I chose to move and never look back. Although painfully shy at the time, when I re-located I forced myself to introduce myself to others. There was no downside to the move. The upside, within a year, saw me doing staff, and eventually supervisory, work on six different photographic and electronic media projects, spanning the next 19 years. I took early retirement as a Special Projects Manager, 32 years after starting as a building cleaner!

Actually, I didn't retire. What I tell people is that I work part-time now, rather than full-time. I've been doing consulting and teaching for six years now and will continue to do so until I am no longer able, either physically or mentally, to carry on.

I look forward to using excerpts from Growing the Distance, with proper attribution, in my Human Resources Development course. Thank you again for the personalized copy of your book. I'll be ordering the other ones shortly.

Sincerely,

Don Guillod

Norman Reader
Corrections Officer
Lakeview Youth Custody Centre
Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada

Dear Mr. Clemmer,

I am writing to let you know how much I appreciate your books and how they are helping us.

I am an employee at Lakeview Youth Custody Centre, near Campbell River. We are in the middle of bringing change to our place of work and up until I found your books, we were stumbling from pillar to post without much direction, but knowing we had to make changes.

Our former Director and Deputy Director were dictators in the military mold. "I have 25 years of experience and I know what I am doing." Unfortunately, it was one year of experience repeated 25 times. The two of them turned our Centre into a swamp. Some of us embarked on a fight to bring sanity and change. It took us three years but we never gave up. Now we have a Director who is in line with your thinking, and we have embarked on a very exciting process of redesigning how we deliver service to the youth in our care.

I have written a program which focuses on changing attitudes, for both staff and youth, which eventually will be applied throughout British Columbia. I have been studying team building, leadership, training, and what we need to do to make our Centre an oasis and your book has been of great help. I have been extrapolating as your emphasis is on companies which sell or produce a product. We, on the other hand deal in people, and the end product is to return a youth to society with an improved attitude, a better way of thinking, and lifeskills which help him to meet and withstand the difficulties and challenges of life.

We have a very important client: The Public. And that client has two parts, the public and youth. The public needs to be protected and youth need to be changed. Very difficult, as we do not have an unlimited budget and cannot afford a consultant, so we have to do it all ourselves.

Further, we are in a system which may pay lip service to 21st century organizations but when they get back to their offices from courses, they slip back into their comfort zones and do not want to see change.

We are being watched very carefully by our former Director and other people in the senior hierarchy because if we fail they will trumpet "I told you so," whereas when we succeed we will show them up to be archaic and inefficient.

I have been keeping track of our fight and hope it has some interest for you.

Sincerely,

Norman Reader

Tina Nemsadze
Georgia (formerly part of USSR)

Dear Mr. Clemmer:

This is the first time I have written a letter to the author of a book, and I must say that I have read a great number of them. It's a miracle I have found this book, and more than a miracle that I have read it, because I have never before read this kind of book during my summer vacations. Growing the Distance is amazingly readable. It is full of wisdom, humor, common sense, love of mankind, etc. I could sing my praises on ten pages, but firstly I have to say that this book gave me answers to the three main questions that have bothered me for ages. I don't know whether it will help me and the people whom I love in the long run, but right now I'm full of plans and enthusiasm ("as I have God within") as you and ancient Greeks like to say.

More than this, I'm deeply convinced that every person in my country (I live in Georgia, now independent, but a few years ago part of USSR) must read this book attentively. Some time ago I was so concerned about expectations for the future and the life our children will inherit, but now I'm more optimistic, as Georgian people are clever and industrious. They are not afraid of changes and are ready to "grow the distance" themselves and strive for a better future for our country.

As for me, the first thing I wanted to do after finishing the book was to speak with somebody about it. As there was no other audience, except my family, I began to translate the most interesting extracts to my husband. He asked me for more and more.

Of course I want to join Growing the Distance-L to participate in the group discussions, and above all I would like to read your two previous books, Pathways to Performance and Firing on All Cylinders which are not available here.

I'll be grateful to the whole group if Mr. Clemmer could find some time to read this letter, because after reading the book I have a feeling that he is one of my dearest friends.

With best wishes and kindest regards,

Sincerely yours,

Tina Nemsadze

P.S. And I'm also grateful to Mrs. Westman, the teacher of the sixth graders who saw a writer of great talent in a little boy.

God bless you all.

J. David Long
President
Canadian Association of Logistics Management
Markham, Ontario
Web site: www.calm.org

Dear: Jim

CALM's 1999 Annual Conference is over. The dust has settled. We are now beginning to develop a clear view of the results.

By all measures the indications are that it was our best conference yet:

• The most attendees;
• The best attended trade show;
• The highest levels of attendee satisfaction;
• The highest rated speakers

CALM's mission is to advance the logistics and supply chain profession in Canada through communication and networking, education and training, and knowledge and leadership. It is through presentations like yours - executive-level experience, boardroom perspective and industry experience - that we achieve the mission of the organization.

On behalf of the members of CALM, thank you for all your efforts in preparing and presenting Growing the Distance: Timeless Principles for Personal, Career and Family Success. It was well received. You left the attendees wanting more.

Again, thank you for making this presentation and we look forward to the possibility of you speaking again at a future function.

Sincerely,

J. David Long
President

June Breeze, CHRP
Human Resources
DMR Consulting Group Inc.
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

As a Career Management Counsellor I have noticed that people fail not because they are not good at something, but because they have no focus, or their attitude towards life, themselves, or others is a barrier. I enjoyed Growing the Distance because it validates my thoughts and outlook on life. It is simple. It is not new news - it's not invented - it's not a 'rah rah,' preaching type of read. It is like having a conversation with the wise old woman in the village. It's a recipe for enjoying our time on this earth.

June Breeze

Jeanne MacLennan
Teacher
Waterloo County School Board
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada

I have discovered that Growing the Distance is like a good wine: it needs to be read slowly, with each page savored and appreciated. There is enough thought-provoking information on each page that I believe one needs to think, digest, and relate the information back to one's own personal life. I read a few pages either in the morning or in the evening, and found it to contain some really insightful information. I would like to suggest that a condensed version (a pocket book) containing daily 'gems' might be of value. Imagine a book intended to be read on a daily basis with insightful comments or questions page by page, attempting to inspire the reader to make changes in their life. Food for thought.

Jeanne MacLennan

Carol Donlon
St. Clements, Ontario
Canada

Thank you for the gift of wisdom presented in your workshop and Growing the Distance. I have stretched my comfort zone by challenging myself to pursue new goals. You are one of the most authentic trainers that it has been my pleasure to meet. Thank you for contributing to a positive change in my life!

Carol Donlon

Ross Buchanan
CEO
Strategic Training International
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada

Congratulations on your new book, Growing the Distance. In my professional development and consulting profession, I read a lot of books. I have to say that your book is right up at the top of the list. There is no reason in the world that Growing the Distance shouldn't be an absolute incredible success for you. After being on a road trip for ten days working with clients, I've had the chance to read it twice. I see Growing the Distance being more than a book you read once. It's a book I will continually use as a personal resource tool. I've always enjoyed your writing style, but I have to say that this book has taken you to another dimension.

Again, congratulations on an outstanding book.

Ross Buchanan

John Matlock
TV News Producer
Kitchener, Ontario
Canada

I'm just back this evening from a short audio/visual convention in the U.S. and made it a priority to read Growing the Distance on the aircraft. I'll tell you... it sure put me in the right frame of mind at the convention to learn, inquire, read, network, and even dream a little too!

Congratulations on a fine piece of writing. You have managed to string together nuggets of wisdom like pearls on a necklace. The book is attractive, readable, and the kind of reference I want to revisit again & again when facing tough decisions.

I just wish to thank you for the book and to let you know how much I enjoyed being inspired by it.

John Matlock

Jim Johnson
Johnson Training Associates
Calgary, Alberta
Canada

I am only half way through Growing the Distance, but felt that I had to write to tell you how helpful it has already been. The bite-sized format really gets the message across. In my training and consulting business I focus on small business owners. Often they do not read... and it is difficult to get them to do the reading that is necessary to really improve their business (and themselves). I am confident that I can use Growing the Distance to reinforce the concepts in our training programs.

The short stories and quotations really hit home! I will include a copy of Growing the Distance with many of the programs from now on.

Thanks for helping me to help others succeed in business!

Sincerely,

Jim Johnson

Lynda Kuiack
Director of Western Operations, Speakers' Spotlight
Vancouver, BC, Canada

Thank you so much for forwarding me your new book, Growing the Distance. I just finished reading it this weekend - excellent! Lots of information -- lots of things to think about. Yet it was easy to read and organized in such a way that would make it easy to pick up again and again and re-read particular chapters. I particularly liked the Growing Points at the end of each chapter, as well as the "stories" (e.g. Let's Be Frank).

Carmel C. Maloney
Instructor, Olds College
Olds, Alberta, Canada

I am currently working on my Masters degree, focusing on quality and leadership. From reading your book, I recognized and learned that I really am working on me -- that authentic leadership is working from the inside out.

Thanks for writing this book -- it has helped me to recognize the qualities of a "true leader." I will share this with my students, family, and friends.

Honourable John C. Crosbie, P.C., O.C., Q.C.
Scotia Centre
235 Water Street
St. John's, NF A1C 5L3
Canada

I have just returned from a trip that took me to California and Arizona for two weeks and then back through Ottawa to St. John's. During that time I read the book by Jim Clemmer which I found most interesting and enjoyable.

I thought that Mr. Clemmer's book contained a great deal of excellent advice for anyone who is concerned with controlling how they behave and develop themselves and who is interested in a growing process in developing qualities of leadership that they might have. As the author says "how we change and control ourselves will determine the effect we have on others." The book has much good advice to be followed for those who are interested in changing and controlling themselves and providing leadership in whatever activities they undertake.

The author's analysis of what leadership is and how we all best develop our leadership qualities is really excellent and important for people to understand. There are many astute observations in this book including that while our organizing systems, technologies and the type of work we do change, people are still people, so that the human elements guiding our behavior are consistent.

The quotations made throughout the book to illustrate the points made about how to develop as a leader are always relevant and astute. Just one example is a quotation from Helen Keller who once said "Nothing is more tragic than someone who has sight but no vision." That is a real insight.

Again I particularly appreciated the author's views on what he calls the epidemic of the Victimitis Virus. He shows the danger of the holiness of always being the injured party and being the historically oppressed who find not only sanctity but safety in the state of victimization. Listening to radio open line shows in this day and age, we have example after example of people who think themselves to be victims and who use that thought or condition as an excuse to cease all efforts to help themselves. As the author so well points out, once infected with that Virus, the sufferers run away from personal responsibilities with excuses like "it's not my job" or "I was just following orders" or "I am too old to change" or other suitable excuses.

It is very useful to have together in one book such thoughts as that of Eric Hoffer who is quoted as saying that "it still holds true that man is most uniquely human when he turns obstacles into opportunities."

I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone who wishes to do some thinking or learning about how you can grow, how you can influence people and become a leader in whatever sphere you operate in. The book is written so that it is easy to understand, full of good advice and examples and not only well worth reading but entertaining and insightful as well.

Once again, it was really a fine piece of work and I hope that the author has a great success with sales of this most worthwhile book.

The Honourable John C. Crosbie, P.C., O.C., Q.C.
Former Senior Cabinet Minister, Federal and Provincial Governments of Canada

Mark Brzezicki
Supervisor, Training & Development
Dofasco Inc.
P.O. Box 2460
Hamilton, ON L8N 3J5
Canada

First of all thank you for the opportunity to review Jim's latest work. To do the task justice I read the manuscript three times.

Jim's writing style has a nice even flow to it. The work is not academic or preachy, and I enjoyed the layout style. I will say that the average person will be more apt to pick up books that have fewer words on each page, and fewer total pages. The idea of using two different fonts is visually appealing. It helps separate Jim's writing from the stories and anecdotes. The graphics are cute and do add a touch of whimsy to the feel of the book. I think there's room for a few more. I'm curious as to why you chose a balloon as the symbol for the front cover. The first connection my brain made was that a balloon is what you use to escape in (ala wizard of oz). Once I thought about it, a balloon is also something you can use to get a better perspective on things.

I found this to be a very compelling read on a very serious subject. The humorous quotes and stories are overshadowed by the more serious ones. Frank's story is my favorite, and it carries quite an impact. It definitely drives me to think. I enjoyed "The Dash." What I will say is that I found this refreshing to read. It is right on the mark. Change is personal and starts inside with commitment to change ourselves first. It is also damn hard work. It is not something you can "do" to somebody else, no matter what some author's believe.

This book is personal. It does not pretend to give you the answers. This book is unique in that it is about who and why, not how and what. There are no process flow charts, no seven habits, seven steps, seven dwarfs. There are no statistics or instructions. Jim isn't telling you what to do. This is not an instruction manual. It is a road map of the heart. It tells you about the towns along the way, but it doesn't tell you which ones to stop at, which roads to take, how much gas to buy. That's up to the reader, and Jim makes that very clear. (Pretty good analogy to the pathways theme, huh?)

Growing the Distance is definitely applicable for use by managers and training professionals attempting to help people throughout their organizations but I feel it depends on the organization and where they are on the readiness for change scale. Especially management levels that believe they have to "fix" their workforce, not themselves. The message that you have to make change happen with them, not to them, has to be crystal clear to people in management roles. And it has to start at the individual level. You hafta gotta wanna!

Congratulations on a job well done. Your passion for your work shines through in Growing the Distance. Of all the books on this subject I have read, this one comes closest to generating the "Aha!" that is required for people to fully understand the basic principles of personal development.

All the best in your future endeavours,

Mark Brzezicki

Your writing is inspriational!! Growing the Distance has been unbelievably useful both in my career and @ home. In my humble opinion, while your E.Q. is outstanding, your courage & willingness to engage this awareness with others is a blessing for us all. Thank you!

Hollis Larson

Once I started reading, I couldn't stop! The book so plump with humor and wisdom I found the need to share it immediately. It is like a magnificent movie you don't want to end. Your purpose, vision and value have definitely inspired me, I can't stop talking about it. Thanks for the Learning Experience.

Beverley Maloney
College of the North Atlantic