I work for a small, but very successful company in the computer
industry, doing graphic arts and programming. I'm having an issue with
my boss/mentor that I'm looking for a way to solve. We're great
friends, as well as coworkers, so I know that any attempt I make to
help solve this problem that I see he has will not be met with
resentment.
 Basically, I find that he has problems communicating what he wants,
what he likes about something, and what he doesn't like about
something. For example, if he doesn't like something, he'll just tell
me, "That looks like shit. Change it... to something better." But he
is unable to tell me what should be changed, or why it looks 'like
shit.' However, if I make some little change, he loves it. I have seen
this with not only myself, but others. He is into motivational
audio-cassettes and books, so I'm thinking that I should get him some
book or audio-cassette that offers advice on how to better express
one's views and oppinions. Could one of you find and suggest such a
book/cassette, preferably available online, such as from amazon.com?
Thanks.

Hello.

I've located a number of titles that should help your boss/mentor
improve his ability to express his views and opinions.

"Say What You Mean, Get What You Want: A Businessperson's Guide to
Direct Communication"
by Judith C. Tingley 
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0814479049/

"Communicating Effectively For Dummies"
by Marty Brounstein
"What the author presents here is an entire training course and then
some on how to communicate effectively. This book will help you
clearly get your message across to people at work, in social circles,
in relationships."
Available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0764553194/

"Powerful Conversations: How High-Impact Leaders Communicate"
by Phil Harkins
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0071353216/

"Communicating at Work"
by Tony Alessandra
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0671788558/ 

Essential Managers: Communicate Clearly
by Robert Heller
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0789432447/

Fierce Conversations: Achieving Success at Work & in Life, One
Conversation at a Time by Susan Scott
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0670031240/
Cassette available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/074352599X/
Audio CD available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743526007/

"Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss what Matters Most"
by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen, Roger Fisher 
Book available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/014028852X/
Cassette available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553525689/
Audio CD available from Amazon.com:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0553456121/

search strategy: amazon.com, communications, business

I hope this helps.

Thanks, Juggler, that's just the help I was looking for! Looks like
that'll work great!

While I don't condone the foul language = shit; your boss/mentor seems
to be doing great. He can tell when you haven't done your best and he
has you rework without confusing you with suggestions. Since the
company is very successful, it looks like your boss knows how to get
you to produce good stuff; perhaps much better than he could produce
without you. My compliments to both of you.   Neil