The inside dust jacket of “Good is Not Enough,” written by Keith Wyche, contains the following commentary: “You may have gone to the right schools, taken the right courses, made all the right moves in your career. But somehow, it’s not working. You’re stuck, and nobody will tell you why.” The author addresses these concerns. In this book, focusing on corporate life as it applies to minority professionals, although the advice may be useful to anyone aspiring to rise through the ranks of corporate America, the author explains why it is important to understand and master the corporate culture. How one should learn how to control his/her perception and visibility, be more prepared than everyone else and never give up on your goals, among other important lessons.

The author goes on to explain how career killers such as a lack of clear, documented expectations, an unwillingness to demand feedback, guidance and direction and not take it when it is given and create a personal value proposition that is measurable and quantifiable, will prevent even the best and brightest from realizing their career potential. Those just starting out in the business world, however, and many who are early in their professional careers need more than truisms and anecdotal advice. They need hands-on guidance.

An issue faced by many readers of good business books, such as “Good is Not Enough” is that these books can explain to those who agree with its premise what works generally, but cannot customize its lessons to an individual’s situation. In any given office situation there are dynamics that affect the working environment. This includes one’s coworkers and immediate supervisor as well as the office in general.

Nor do most readers of business and inspirational books know what specific steps they need to take now and the successive steps that should follow. While Wyche’s advice is often useful, certain individuals in the workplace often act in an arbitrary fashion and may block your development due to their own self-interest over the company’s interest. Therefore, sometimes, as in a game of chess, one’s best next move may appear to be counter-intuitive. Sometimes the best thing do cannot be learned simply by reading an inspirational book. This is where Full Circle NY (FCNY) plays a key role.