Ostentatious Time-Wasting comprises thirty-four short (or very short) stories about what Bob Stone learned while attempting (with some success) to dismantle centralized management at the Pentagon and throughout the Federal government. Some of the lessons are things “everybody always knew,” but didn’t often follow; some are profoundly imprinted on Bob’s heart. All are useful to living and leading.

Tom Peters called the stories wise, practical, and inspiring. His overall assessment is that “Ostentatious time-wasting is as fine a leadership book as I have read in many many a year.” Philip Howard says that it “shows how a sense of purpose and a healthy disrespect for rules can get good people to a good place.”

And every story is fun to read!

The news pages are full of unethical politicians, the sports pages full of rule breaking players and parents, the business pages full of sleazy companies and greedy CEOs, the education pages full of students who cheat on exams. What's a person to think? Perhaps you really do have to cheat to win. Perhaps you need to shade the truth to get ahead. Good people hear that ""everybody does it,"" and wonder.

Read The Ethic Challenge and wonder no more. This breezy, story-filled guide to becoming a more ethical person explains why ethical behavior is a winning strategy, then lays out six things everyone can do to keep strong and to follow their good intentions. It prepares people to stick to their basic values in the face of ethical challenges they meet every day

Confessions of a Civil Servant is filled with lessons on leading change in government and the military. Bob Stone based the book on thirty years as a revolutionary in government. It comes at a time when Americans are hungry for government that works at all levels.

The book tackles fourteen overarching themes in government, developed through entertaining stories of Stone's own experiences as a civil servant. Among the topics Stone covers are 'tackling a job when you haven't a clue', 'organizing for the mission', 'dealing with difficult bosses', and 'getting past the barriers to change'.

This is a must-read for anyone in a leadership position in government, the military, or academia.