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09/10/2007
Juggling Elephants


Loflin, J. & Musig, T. Juggling Elephants: Be the Ringmaster of Your Work and Life! Reed Business Information: 2005.

Order the Book at Amazon.com or visit http://www.jugglingelephants.com

PRKC Category
Organizational Development

Abstract
Juggling Elephants is a parable for everyone. Mark, the hero, has too much to do, too many priorities, too much stress and too little time. He begrudgingly sets out for an afternoon of family time with his daughter at the circus. It is with the ring master that he learns that trying to get everything done is like juggling elephants…impossible. Using the metaphor of the three-ring circus, the book is written as a dialogue between Mark and the ringmaster who becomes his mentor. The ringmaster has Mark consider his work, family and personal life as the master thinks of his acts in the circus: if you juggle elephants, no one including you will be thrilled; a ringmaster can’t be in all three rings at one, the key to success is quality acts, and intermission is essential.

While the advice is not new, the presentation of circus and the circus analogies helps the ideas of balancing, class acts, and delegation stick in a new and meaningful way. It helps any reader better focus time and energy so that you run your circus and your circus doesn’t run you.

Application to 4-H/Youth or the Field of Youth Development
For any youth development professional, there is a continual challenge of taking care of your own personal and professional circus. Juggling Elephants is a fresh approach to becoming the master of your youth program and your own life. From reminding us that we can’t be in all rings at once to we need an intermission, the ideas parallel key components of successful youth professionals. Juggling Elephants is a great analogy for any work environment and sets out to illustrate how to create your personal best and hence your professional best, as well.

Other Comments
Juggling Elephants is a light hearted quick read. Some may not appreciate the large print and circus illustrations but for this reviewer it added spice and fun to the reading experience. The book will take an afternoon to read and is one you can return to time and time again for more tips and advice. A great pick me up of reminders on how to set priorities and maximize efficiency when the circus is running away with you.

Reviewed by Jenny W. Jordan, State 4-H Faculty - September 2007
 
 
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The University of Georgia and Ft. Valley State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and counties of the state cooperating. The Cooperative Extension Service offers educational programs, assistance and materials to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, age, sex or disability. An equal opportunity/affirmative action organization committed to a diverse work force.