The Six-Month Fix: Adventures in Rescuing Failing Companies Hardcover – November 28, 2001

This is a book for those who like purposeful conflict that leads to winning and conquest. In other words, it`s a book for corporate warriors who like a good fight. It is no coincidence that the author spent his time off in Oxford, reading there about Julius Caesar`s conquests. Sutton, too, is a warrior who likes to get into a fight and to win. If you like these blood sports too, read his book. If, however, you like more to do good socially, then read his book and make money so that you can use your gains for Useful Social Purposes. If, on the other hand, you shy away from this aspect of money, then find someone who has already done what this book recommends and is already rich, and convince him or her to give you some money for your Useful Social Purposes.What most managers and MBA`s miss, you see, is that the world is not MBA-town, but rather Jack Nicholson`s Chinatown, where the Tongs often try to take over your territory, and you have to use their methods to get it back. Neither Harvard Biz nor Stanford Biz (my alma mater) teaches this. Sutton does. He is the equivalent of Keifer Sutherland in `24, who does the necessary dirty job so that you and I can enjoy a peaceful life. Or rather, probably only you; I also like this sort of commercial combat and have done some of it. So when I tell you that Sutton`s book is good and real, I am speaking from sanguinary experience.If I have any reservations, they are minor ones only, but I do have two.The first: Sutton seems to relish the fight so much, that it seems that if there`s a choice between doing something peacefully and doing it with eclat, he`d choose the latter. But for a turnaround pro who does not aspire to manage a copacetic corporation, this is a plus. Ninety nine MBAs out of a hundred would choose the former, and in a turnaround situation would flop. Here it is also very apt for Sutton to observe that good turnaround pro`s are often useless for running a stable business. This is true, just as an aerobatic pilot would die of boredom if he has to fly a 747 back and forth across the pond. He is there for the action and the thrill, not just for the money, or for the handsome uniform.The second reservation perhaps flows from the first: Mr. Sutton is still an agent at heart, not a principal. This is like the difference between a hunting dog and a wolf. The first needs someone who would tell him what to hunt, and throw him his 20% bonus bone; the second hunts by himself in partnership with others. This is not a matter of degree but a matter of essence. Sutton is really a mercenary at heart, not an Emperor. He does not really want to build an empire. So he is not a Julius Caesar, who fought for himself, but rather a Marcellus, who fought for others. Still an honourable profession, but less memorable.Yet these reservations in no way dent the five stars I give the book. Get it, read it, then get yourself a broken company and fix it. You may even like it. Whether you then sell it and do another, or (like me) use it as a nucleus to build your own empire (and occasionally hire mercenaries like Sutton who`ll take their skinny 20% and leave you with the fat 80%), is entirely up to you.

Being an investment manager for private equity fund in BRIC I found this book a very good manual not only for turnaround advises, but also for how to act as a shareholder striving to increase cash flows.To fulfill an objective review.Pluses:+ well written, crispy advises that a ready for use in real life+ good insight on practical turnaround approach+ applicable for all geographies and situations+ easy to read and follow. Not a daunting textbookMinuses- a little bit wordy in the middle, as a turnaround blueprint may be shortened- quite outdated examples (although recipes are still useful)Total: the must read for those who involved in corporate decision making (management, boards, shareholders, CEOs)

The other reviews give details I agree with. I found Sutton's name on the Turnaround Management Assoc website, got the title of the book and read it. Great stuff. From my experience as a corporate Internal Audit Director for big firms for 18 years, his experiences match many of mine regarding what causes problems and the fixes. A big consideration is that Sutton actually works to turn the company around and save it, rather than get heavy debt, sell off the pieces and shut it down so the lenders of BK capital make the money, not the shareholders. I bet Enron could use Sutton, but many of their execs might not last long (but I have read Enron has just named another turnaround specialist).

Not too often do you read a book from a seasoned pro that is full of great tips and strategies and is also fun to read. The author puts a smile on your face with his direct approach to what it takes to improve the financial results of your company. My copy is underlined and starred all over the place. It's now my reference manual to helping companies survive and thrive.You will love it.

Simple read that allows for a lot of insight into the world of corporate recovery. This is an easier read than some of the more dense text book style books that are out there. If you are looking to get into a turnaround situation I would pair this with one of the denser reads out there.

Every business excutive should read this book, even if you company isn't in trouble yet.

Amazing book that gives you an insight on business and the pitfalls to come. This books shares stories that everyone could learn from

Ive read a lot of business books but this one ranks at the bottom. It wasnt written: it was most probably taped during the authors spare time i.e. commuting in traffic, traveling etc. The book has advice like "attack drugs and alcohol at work...".Some chapters, like the last, ramble on with no real objective. Ive never returned a book to Amazon but there always a first

Fantastic book :)