Business strategy Books

Book SynopsisThe book describes what it means to say the world is complex and explores what that means for managers, policy makers and individuals.The first part of the book is about the theory and ideas of complexity. This is explained in a way that is thorough but not mathematical. It compares differing approaches, and also provides a historical perspective, showing how such thinking has been around since the beginning of civilisation. It emphasises the difference between a complexity worldview and the dominant mechanical worldview that underpins much of current management practice. It defines the complexity worldview as recognising the world is interconnected, shaped by history and the particularities of context. The comparison of the differing approaches to modelling complexity is unique in its depth and accessibility. The second part of the book uses this lens of complexity to explore issues in the fields of management, strategy, economics, and international development. It also explores how to facilitate others to recognise the implications of adopting a complex rather than a mechanical worldview and suggests methods of research to explore systemic, path-dependent emergent aspects of situations. The authors of this book span both science and management, academia and practice, thus the explanations of science are authoritative and yet the examples of changing how you live and work in the world are real and accessible. The aim of the book is to bring alive what complexity is all about and to illustrate the importance of loosening the grip of a modernist worldview with its hope for prediction, certainty and control.Trade ReviewAn important contribution to our understanding of complexity science and its relevance for tackling the problems being faced in todays world. * Gareth Morgan, author of Images of Organization *Enjoyable, thought provoking, and insightful. A superb introduction to complexity science for all readers! * W. Brian Arthur, author of Complexity and the Economy and Recipient of the Lagrange Prize in Complexity Science *In the social and physical sciences, complexity is everywhere, changing how we think and act. But how? This book provides an excellent overview both of the underlying concepts and also their implications for how we think about changein economics, organizations and international development. Highly recommended. * Duncan Green, Strategic Adviser, Oxfam GB *Embracing Complexity takes a critical stance in relation to dominant ways of thinking about the social world. It presents complexity thinking as a way of understanding how the world works, and challenges the dominant expectation that leaders can control the evolution of the social and the organisational world. Those willing to take a critical approach will _ nd this an important book. * Ralph Stacey, Complexity and Management Group, Hertfordshire Business School *Table of ContentsEmbracing Complexity ; 1. Introduction ; 2. The Nature of a Complex World ; 3. Unpacking Complexity ; 4. Have We Thought Like This Before? ; 5. The Complexity of Complexity Theories ; 6. Complexity and the Social World ; 7. Complexity and Management ; 8. Complexity and Strategy ; 9. Complexity and International Development ; 10. Complexity and Economics ; 11. Final reflections: what we hope you take away from this book

Read more less

Book SynopsisA clear, engaging, evidence-based guide to monetizing data, for everyone from employee to board member.Most organizations view data monetization?converting data into money?too narrowly: as merely selling data sets. But data monetization is a core business activity for both commercial and noncommercial organizations, and, within organizations, it?s critical to have wide-ranging support for this pursuit. In Data Is Everybody?s Business, the authors offer a clear and engaging way for people across the entire organization to understand data monetization and make it happen. The authors identify three viable ways to convert data into money?improving work with data, wrapping products with data, and selling information offerings?and explain when to pursue each and how to succeed.Key features of the book:?Grounded in twenty-eight years of academic research, including nine years of research at the MIT Sloan Center for Information Systems Research (MIT CISR)?Definitions of key terms, self-reflection questions, appealing graphics, and easy-to-use frameworks?Rich with detailed case studies?Supplemented by free MIT CISR website resources (cisr.mit.edu)Ideal for organizations engaged in data literacy training, data-driven transformation, or digital transformation, Data Is Everybody?s Business is the essential guide for helping everybody in the organization?not just the data specialists?understand, get excited about, and participate in data monetization.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Visual Agile Coach Playbook combines the power of visuals with the agile growth mindset to provide effective ideas and solutions for improved communication, engagement and delivery of value in a fun and motivating package! A picture is worth a thousand words. As complexity and rapid change surround us ever more completely, visuals and their ability to communicate quickly and effectively are an increasingly important business tool.The Visual Agile Coach Playbook is perfect for enthusiasts of progressive working, whether leading change or leading teams. Blending proven models and new ideas with immersive tools and templates. Vibrant, visual and unique, The Visual Agile Coach Playbook willhelp you: Communicate clearly Reduce complexity Problem solve Teamwork effectively Think creatively Deliver valueOpen up The Visual Agile Coach Playbook and start your own Visual Agile Coachin

Read more less

Book SynopsisDon't fly blind. See how the power of experiments works for you.When it comes to improving customer experiences, trying out new business models, or developing new products, even the most experienced managers often get it wrong. They discover that intuition, experience, and big data alone don't work. What does? Running disciplined business experiments. And what if companies roll out new products or introduce new customer experiences without running these experiments? They fly blind.That's what Harvard Business School professor Stefan Thomke shows in this rigorously researched and eye-opening book. It guides you through best practices in business experimentation, illustrates how these practices work at leading companies, and answers some fundamental questions: What makes a good experiment? How do you test in online and brick-and-mortar businesses? In B2B and B2C? How do you build an experimentation culture? Also, best practice means running many experiments. Indeed, some hugely successful companies, such as Amazon, Booking.com, and Microsoft, run tens of thousands of controlled experiments annually, engaging millions of users. Thomke shows us how these and many other organizations prove that experimentation provides significant competitive advantage.How can managers create this capability at their own companies? Essential is developing an experimentation organization that prizes the science of testing and puts the discipline of experimentation at the center of its innovation process. While it once took companies years to develop the tools for such large-scale experiments, advances in technology have put these tools at the fingertips of almost any business professional. By combining the power of software and the rigor of controlled experiments, today's managers can make better decisions, create magical customer experiences, and generate big financial returns.Experimentation Works is your guidebook to a truly new way of thinking and innovating.Trade ReviewNamed one of the "Top Ten Technology Books of 2020" by ForbesNamed one of the "Best Business Books 2020: Technology & Innovation" and the Top Shelf Pick by strategy+businessNamed one of the "10 Best New Business Books of 2020" by Inc. magazine"[Experiments] are a powerful tool for curious teams…" — Wall Street Journal"[Offers new] ideas on what works in the digital experimentation world and it is all illuminating." -- Financial Times"This is a thorough, encouraging guide for leaders looking for ways to encourage their teams to fail early and often in the service of ultimate success." -- Publisher's WeeklyAdvance Praise for Experimentation Works:"Experimentation Works is required reading for all leaders who want to know how companies like Amazon, Google, and Netflix win through fast-cycle scientific experiments—and how it can be done in their organizations. Making business decisions without experimentation is like bungee jumping without testing the cord. Yet far too many organizations still do this. With Thomke's clear explanations and examples, yours won't be one of them." -- Scott Cook, cofounder and Chairman of the Executive Committee, Intuit"Stefan Thomke has written a marvelous book that's both thought provoking and highly informative. As CEO, I saw how his research on business experimentation can transform innovation cultures for the better. Experimentation does indeed work. I highly recommend the book." -- Marijn Dekkers, Chairman, Unilever"Experimentation Works is a masterpiece and a must-read. Thomke, a top academic authority with deep practical insights, explains how low-cost business experiments can revolutionize the way firms design everything from business models to customer experiences. The book's ideas are very powerful, rigorous, and will change how you think about the science and practice of innovation management." -- Eric von Hippel, Professor, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; author, Democratizing Innovation"Stefan Thomke has written the definitive handbook for executives on how to build a high-impact experimentation capability. Experimentation Works is an amazing book with some sage advice: Experiment or perish. It's absolutely the right message at the right time in a world that has gone digital." -- Jay Larson, CEO, Optimizely"Stefan Thomke has written a rare book, one that combines deep and original insights with great practical advice. Experimentation Works is about revolutionary changes in how innovation is managed, decisions are made, and organizations are led. Thomke shows us how business experiments fuel innovation and why companies must test at large scale to compete. The book is a landmark achievement." -- Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group"In an increasingly digital world, CEOs need to drive large-scale scientific business experimentation. If they don't, their companies will die. Companies with strong experimentation systems and cultures will win every time. If you want to learn how this is done, you must read Experimentation Works. The book will change how you think about managing and decision making." -- Mark Okerstrom, President and CEO, Expedia Group"Being an effective leader today means acting with a sense of urgency: making many decisions quickly under great uncertainty. Experimentation Works describes a vital methodology--large-scale business experimentation--that takes the madness out of that equation and sets you and your organization up for success." -- Ajay Banga, President and CEO, Mastercard"Business breakthroughs are achieved through the combination of great ideas and effective implementation. Stefan Thomke's work, which I applied enthusiastically during my tenure as CEO, demonstrates that a process of disciplined experimentation is the best way to drive innovation and gain sustained competitive advantage." -- Gary Loveman, former Chairman and CEO, Caesars Entertainment Corporation"Experimentation Works presents a very compelling case for how companies can leverage the scientific method to drive innovation and reinvent business models for sustainable growth. An immensely valuable guide for leaders of both B2C and B2B companies in an era of accelerating change and disruption." -- Loh Chin-Hua, CEO, Keppel Corporation

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of Contents Part 1: The Organization and Its Environment Chapter 1: Organizations and Organizational Effectiveness Chapter 2: Stakeholders, Managers, and Ethics Chapter 3: Organizing in a Changing Global Environment Part 2: Organizational Design Chapter 4: Basic Challenges of Organizational Design Chapter 5: Designing Organizational Structure: Authority and Control Chapter 6: Designing Organizational Structure: Specialization and Coordination Chapter 7: Creating and Managing Organizational Culture Chapter 8: Organizational Design and Strategy in a Changing Global Environment Chapter 9: Organizational Design, Competences, and Technology Part 3: Organizational Change Chapter 10: Types and Forms of Organizational Change Chapter 11: Organizational Transformations: Birth, Growth, Decline, and Death Chapter 12: Decision Making, Learning, Knowledge Management, and Information Technology Chapter 13: Innovation, Intrapreneurship, and Creativity Chapter 14: Managing Conflict, Power, and Politics

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe proven system for rapid B2B sales growth from the coauthor of Predictable Revenue, the breakout bestseller hailed as a âœsales bibleâ (Inc.)If your organizationâs success is driven by B2B sales, you need to be an expert prospector to successfully target, qualify, and close business opportunities. This game-changing guide provides the immediately implementable strategies you need to build a solid, sustainable pipeline â whether youâre a sales or marketing executive, team leader, or sales representative.Based on the acclaimed business model that made Predictable Revenue a runaway bestseller, this powerful approach to B2B prospecting will help you to:â Identify the prospects with the greatest potentialâ Clearly articulate your companyâs competitive positionâ Implement account-based sales development using ideal account profilesâ Refine your lead targeting strategy with an ideal prospect pTable of ContentsForeword by Aaron Ross ixAcknowledgments xiiiIntroduction: Turning Unpredictable into Predictable 1Part I: Target Chapter 1: Internalizing Your Competitive Position 9Chapter 2: Developing an Ideal Account Profile 31Chapter 3: Crafting Ideal Prospect Personas 45Part II: Engage Chapter 4: Crafting the Right Message 61Chapter 5: Getting Meetings Though Prospecting Campaigns 85Chapter 6: (Dis-) Qualifying Prospects 127Part III: Optimize Chapter 7: Measuring and Optimizing Your Pipeline 147Chapter 8: Leveraging the Right Tools 165Chapter 9: Managing Sales Development Professionals 173Chapter 10: Twelve Habits of Highly Successful SDRs 193Conclusion: The Future of Predictable Prospecting 203Appendix: Quick Guide to Predictable Prospecting 205Notes 219Index 225

Read more less

Book Synopsis''A manifesto for twenty-first-century leadership packaged in a fun and engaging story. Buy this book and get it in the hands of everyone in your company'' Darren Hardy, publisher, Success magazineBen is a young manager who has been charged with persuading 500 employees to agree to a merger. Facing an impossible battle, he seeks the advice of an old friend, who introduces him to eccentric Aunt Elle.In the week leading up to the crucial employee vote, Aunt Elle teaches Ben about the power of influence and positive persuasion. Ben also meets with the company''s top executives, coming back with a new leadership lesson each time. Ben finally learns the critical principle so many people in power fail to grasp: it''s not about me, it''s about you.Written with a light touch and filled with practical advice, this book will resonate with all who aspire to influential leadership.Trade ReviewIt really isn't about you. It's about your team, your customers, your community, and your legacy. Share this book with those you care about -- Seth Godin, New York Times bestselling author of LinchpinA manifesto for twenty-first-century leadership packaged in a fun and engaging story. Buy this book and get it in the hands of everyone in your company -- Darren Hardy, publisher, Success magazineThis book captures the essence of life and leadership -- John C Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author of The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom Design Thinking to Design Doing Innovators today are told to run loose and think lean in order to fail fast and succeed sooner. But in a world obsessed with the new, where cool added features often trump actual customer needs, it's the consumer who suffers. In our quest to be more agile, we end up creating products that underwhelm. So how does a company like Nest, creator of the mundane thermostat, earn accolades like "beautiful" and "revolutionary" and a $3.2 billion Google buyout? What did Nest do differently to create a household product that people speak of with love? Nest, and companies like it, understand that emotional connection is critical to product development. And they use a clear, repeatable design process that focuses squarely on consumer engagement rather than piling on features for features' sake. In this refreshingly jargon-free and practical book, product design expert Jon Kolko maps out this process, demonstrating how it will help you and your team conceive and build successful, emotionally resonant products again and again. The key, says Kolko, is empathy. You need to deeply understand customer needs and feelings, and this understanding must be reflected in the product. In successive chapters of the book, we see how leading companies use a design process of storytelling and iteration that evokes positive emotions, changes behavior, and creates deep engagement. Here are the four key steps: 1. Determine a product-market fit by seeking signals from communities of users. 2. Identify behavioral insights by conducting ethnographic research. 3. Sketch a product strategy by synthesizing complex research data into simple insights. 4. Polish the product details using visual representations to simplify complex ideas. Kolko walks the reader through each step, sharing eye-opening insights from his fifteen-year career in product design along the way. Whether you're a designer, a product developer, or a marketer thinking about your company's next offering, this book will forever change the way you think about--and create--successful products.Trade Review"Top 11 Books to Watch for Q4." -- 250 Words (250words.com) A "Best Book of the year" pick." ... worthy reading for anyone looking to launch a new product or tweak an existing one." -- SUCCESS magazine "... a welcome reminder that respecting customers' emotional needs should be your top product-development priority--no matter what you're designing." -- Inc. "If consumers engage with a product to the point of modifying their own behavior--hello iPad!--the marketing is a done deal. It's all about identifying the opportunities then designing products that connect." -- Qantas - The Australia Way "Well-Designed provides a refreshing approach to the way we view successful services, policies, strategies and business models." -- Engineering and Technology Magazine, The Institution of Engineering and Technology ADVANCE PRAISE for Well-Designed: Richard Florida, professor, University of Toronto and New York University; author, The Rise of the Creative Class-- "Steve Jobs's creativity as a designer was the key to his entrepreneurial genius. But can Jobs's style of 'design thinking' be scaled? Jon Kolko shows that it can be--step by step, through a set of processes that are iterative, collaborative, and, best of all, easily learned. Well-Designed is bracingly practical and deeply inspiring." John Maeda, design partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers; author, The Laws of Simplicity and Redesigning Leadership-- "Great companies are made through great products, and increasingly, great products are made through design. Kolko demonstrates that product managers must learn to think like designers; they need to embrace intuition, emotion, and most importantly, empathy. This insightful book is a must-read." Ric Grefe, Executive Director, AIGA, the professional association for design-- "Jon Kolko illuminates the intuitive skills of the designer with such clarity, truly describing 'how' instead of just 'what.' Two millennia ago, Vitruvius's manifesto on great design exhorted, 'utilitas, firmitas, e venustas.' Well-Designed expands on this: make things useful, usable, and delightful--and here's how." Liz Danzico, cofounder and Chair, MFA Interaction Design Program, School of Visual Arts; Creative Director, NPR-- "There are books about design, and there are books about leadership. By uniting practical processes and insightful ideas and interviews, Jon Kolko gives us both: an essential playbook comprising advice, research, and methods for engaged product design leadership." Robert Fabricant, cofounder and Principal, Design Impact Group, Dalberg Global Development Advisors-- "Product managers are the most important link between great ideas and great products. Jon Kolko speaks directly to this critical audience, providing the practical know-how to make design fit within their day-to-day decision making. Well-Designed is the essential guide to design that all product managers will learn from and love." Don Norman, Director, Design Lab, University of California, San Diego; author, Design of Everyday Things-- "Well-Designed presents a unique, powerful, human-centered way to design a product and then, how to master the important and oft-neglected task of guiding it through the complexities of development and delivery. This unique, easy to read, and powerful book is essential for anyone involved with product management."

Read more less

Book SynopsisMake your professional growth a daily habit.With a packed schedule, personal and professional goals, and demands on your time and attention from every direction, it can be hard to set aside quiet time for reflection. Time to learn. Time to find inspiration. HBR Daily Leader makes it easy to regularly put your own development on your agenda. Curated from the Harvard Business Review archives, this collection provides leadership insights to spark your thinking, quotations to inspire you, and questions to encourage deep reflection. With this book as your touchstone, you''ll elevate your performance as a leader.

Read more less

Book SynopsisOffering leaders and senior managers the answers to critical questions on organizational design and management.Leading Organizations offers an accessible and practical new framework for addressing some of the most common issues facing leaders and senior managers today. The two authors, both consultants with McKinsey, took stock of the most common questions they are asked by their clients in the areas of human capital, organization design, transformational change, and merger management. Containing the latest thinking on the most effective answers to those questions, this book offers leaders and senior managers support of their efforts to harness the full potential of their organizations.Leading Organizations is anchored in a series of essays or short chapters using graphics, bullet points, and examples to illustrate the key messages and ensure a highly visual exploration of organizational design and management.Trade ReviewSenior executives should greet this book with joy and gratitude. Meticulous analysis reveals that the ten most important management topics today are as they have always been. So first you learn what most needs to be done – and then the time-tested ways to make it happen. -- Sir Martin Sorrell * CEO, WPP *No one has time to read long-winded business books or is too impatient to do so. Leading Organizations is different...its content is both practical and refreshing. Simply essential reading for any leader. -- Daniel Vasella * former Chairman and CEO, Novartis *Leading Organizations is like reading ten business books in one. These leadership lessons put into action are a catalyst to sustainable competitive advantage. -- Greg Case * CEO, Aon *The book is an accessible, digestible and valuable contribution to business leadership, built on the bedrock of tried and tested experience in managing challenge and change. -- Sir Roger Carr * Chairman, BAE Systems plc *An A-Z guide for leaders, covering everything from talent and teams, to design and decision-making, to culture and change - mandatory reading for anyone who aspires to be a great leader of organizations. -- Herman Gref * CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board, Sberbank *Leading Organizations contains extraordinary insight, powerful ideas, and practical guidance. It has something for everyone, whether you are just setting out or an experienced leader – a must-read. -- Carolyn Fairbairn * Director-General of the Confederation of British Industry *Keller and Meaney's Leading Organizations: Ten Timeless Truths reveals clear, real-world actions on how to tackle the issues that leaders of every organization face. The topics addressed are truly timeless - making it a vital read for start-ups and mature organizations alike. -- Peter Ma * Chairman, Ping An Insurance Company of China *Leading Organizations is straight to the point and counter-intuitive – and, above all, impact-focused. -- Alain Bejjani * CEO and Director, Majid Al Futtaim Holding LLC *A plain talking primer for CEOs and senior leaders who want to focus their attention on what matters. -- Nancy G. Hesse * President and CEO, Cancer Treatment Centers of America *Leading Organizations is easy to read, very pragmatic, and focused on results. -- Walter Bayly * CEO, Bancode Credito del Peru *Great handbook on how to develop high-performing organizations. A fresh departure from conceptual business books - very practical. -- Suh Kyung-bae * Chairman, AmorePacific Corporation *[Keller and Meaney] zero in on the essentials...digging into the few key lessons that matter most. I find Leading Organizations: Ten Timeless Truths to be a lovely example of profound simplicity. -- Robert I. Sutton * best-selling author, and Professor of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University *Table of ContentsIntroduction Part One: Talent and teams 1. How do I attract and retain the right talent? 2. How do I develop the talent we need to win? 3. How I manage performance to unlock our full potential? 4. How do I create a high-performing leadership team? Part Two: Decision-making and design 5. How do I improve the quality and speed of decision-making? 6. How do I reorganize to capture maximum value quickly? 7. How do I reduce overhead costs sustainably? Part Three: Culture and change 8. How do I make culture a competitive advantage? 9. How do I lead organization-wide transformational change? 10. How do I successfully transition into a new leadership role?

Read more less

Book SynopsisJori Pascal Kalkman discusses the complex dilemmas that emergency responders, soldiers, and humanitarians face during crisis response operations. Based on the latest research, this book offers readers a comprehensive overview of how crisis professionals organize and implement their operational activities amidst the chaos of crisis situations.Trade Review'I highly recommend Frontline Crisis Response for anyone looking for an in-depth guide on how to effectively handle crisis situations. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical and empirical knowledge and mindset needed to respond to crises, whether it be in a professional or educational setting. The author presents deep insights and real-world examples to help readers understand how to navigate through complex and challenging situations. Whether you are an experienced crisis responder or a student, Frontline Crisis Response is an indispensable resource that will give you the confidence and capability to act when it matters most.' Aida Alvinius, Associate Professor, Department of Security, Strategy, and Leadership, Swedish Defence University (SEDU)'Today it is enough to open the closest newspaper, turn on the TV, or go online to understand how, unfortunately, timely and important this book is. Frontline Crisis Response is an exceptional collection of insights into frontline crisis response and a must-read for anyone who wants to understand its dynamics. What makes this book stand out is that it provides a rare reflection on dilemmas faced by 'boots on the ground' as well as those higher up in the organization. This is important as a crisis rarely include simple solutions.' Markus Hällgren, Professor in Management and Head of Research, Umeå School of Business, Economics and Statistics, Umeå University, Sweden'Enlightening and highly topical, Frontline Crisis Response is a welcome and relevant contribution to the emerging body of scholarship about crisis management and response. It will appeal to postgraduate students and postdoctoral researchers interested in fields including Crisis Management, Disaster Studies and Humanitarian Research. Since Jori P. Kalkman addresses the multiple, complex dilemmas faced by emergency responders, soldiers, and humanitarians during crisis response operations, this book will also be very useful for practitioners and policymakers.' Kees Boersma, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamTable of Contents1. Dilemmas in frontline crisis response; 2. Leadership: command and control versus decentralization; 3. Sensemaking: creating clarity versus embracing uncertainty; 4. Acting: planned routines versus spontaneous improvisation; 5. Ethics: organizational norms versus individual convictions; 6. Emotions: involvement versus detachment; 7. Ties: cohesion versus contestation; 8. Structures: organizing versus disorganizing; 9. Coordination: integration versus fragmentation; 10. Civilians: inclusion versus exclusion; 11. Technology: early adoption versus skepticism; 12. Goals: restoring order versus social transformation; 13. Advancing research on frontline crisis response.

Read more less

Book SynopsisAt this critical junction in the history of humankind, leaders that are proficient in magical thinking aren’t going to solve our problems. Creating alternative realities is not the answer. We need a very different kind of leadership—leaders who can resist the calls of regression and whose outlook is firmly based in reality. We need leaders who analyze and draw conclusions from, or use their own experiences as a development tool, face their strengths and weaknesses, and critique their own experiences in order to build new understandings. In this very personal and entertaining book, Manfred Kets de Vries, one of the “gurus” in the field of leadership studies offers his thoughts on leadership and life, reflections written for executives and the people who deal with them. As a psychoanalyst and leadership professor let loose in the world of renowned global organizations—as a passionate educator and scholar, or just a human being at the receiving end of heart-rending emails—he examines the pitfalls of leadership and the challenges for the professionals who work with senior executives in today’s AI-focused world. He points out why leaders can derail, and what steps they can take to prevent this from happening. Ultimately, this book encourages you to “Know yourself,” but makes no bones about the challenge it represents. Understanding our “inner theatre” will always be an uphill struggle. Kets de Vries points out why deep dives into our inner world are always fraught with many anxieties. Included in the many subjects covered by the author are the loneliness of command, the management of disappointment, the destructive role of greed, the impact of stubbornness, the role of storytelling, the importance of wellness, and the role of corporate culture. In addition, the book addresses the important topic of how to create great teams and best places to work. Furthermore, the book touches on endings– the ending of our career and the growing realization of the inevitable ending of our life. As time grows short, Kets de Vries emphasizes that we have no time to lose in dealing with our anxieties, regrets, and the things we spend much of our life determined not to see. Taking a deep dive into self-knowledge requires courage and support, and he is here to guide you through it. Table of Contents​1 The Rot at the Top2 A Leadership Laboratory3 The Clinical Paradigm4 An Existential Dive5 The Self-Actualizing Equation6 The Power of Storytelling7 “Rewriting” Stories8 Our Inner Theater9 Caveat Emptor10 The “Freudian” Trajectory11 The Rollercoaster Ride of Change12 The Whisperer’s Dance13 Creating “Aha!” Experiences14 Are You a Prisoner of Optical Illusions?15 The Loneliness of Command16 The Icarus Syndrome17 How Greedy Are You?18 Don’t Regret Regrets19 Managing Disappointment20 A-Players or B-Players?21 How Close-Minded Are You?22 Whatever It Is, I’m Against It23 Living in the “I” world24 Are You Attracted to a Cult?25 Do You Have a Corporate Culture—or a Corporate Cult?26 Creating Best Places to Work27 Can Organizations Provide Wellness?28 Old Age Is Not for Sissies

Read more less

Book SynopsisFoundations of Strategy, second edition is a concise text aimed at both undergraduate and Masters students. Written in an accessible style with the needs of these students in mind, the latest edition has a clear, comprehensive approach, underlined by sound theoretical depth.Table of ContentsPreface to 2nd edition ix Preface to 1st edition x Online teaching and learning resources xi Case list xii 1 The concept of strategy 1 The role of strategy in success 6 A brief history of strategy 8 Strategy today 11 Strategic management of not‐for‐profit organizations 25 The approach taken in this book 27 2 Industry analysis 39 From environmental analysis to industry analysis 42 The determinants of industry profit: Demand and competition 45 Analysing industry attractiveness 47 Applying industry analysis to forecasting industry profitability 57 Using industry analysis to develop strategy 60 Defining an industry 62 Reviewing the five forces of competition framework 64 Segmentation analysis 66 Dealing with dynamic competition 68 From industry attractiveness to competitive advantage: Identifying key success factors 68 3 Resources and capabilities 81 The role of resources and capabilities in strategy formulation 87 Identifying the organization’s resources and capabilities 89 Appraising resources and capabilities 100 Developing strategy implications 106 4 The nature and sources of competitive advantage 119 How competitive advantage emerges and is sustained 123 Types of competitive advantage: Cost and differentiation 131 Porter’s generic strategies and being ‘stuck in the middle’ 140 5 Industry evolution and strategic change 151 The industry lifecycle 157 Managing organizational adaptation and strategic change 167 Managing strategic change 170 6 Technology‐based industries and the management of innovation 193 Competitive advantage in technology‐intensive industries 198 Strategies to exploit innovation: How and when to enter 204 Competing for standards 210 Implementing technology strategies: Creating the conditions for innovation 215 7 Corporate strategy 233 The scope of the firm 238 Key concepts for analysing firm scope 239 Diversification 241 Vertical integration 249 Managing the corporate portfolio 258 8 Global strategies and the multinational corporation 271 The implications of international competition for industry analysis 277 Analysing competitive advantage in an international context 280 The international location of production 285 How should firms enter foreign markets? 288 Multinational strategies: Global integration vs. national differentiation 292 Strategy and organization within the multinational corporation 297 9 Realizing strategy 309 From strategy to execution 313 Organizational design: The fundamentals of organizing 318 Organizational design: Choosing the right structure 325 Organizational culture 332 10 Current trends in strategic management 343 The new environment of business 344 New directions in strategic thinking 349 Redesigning organizations 354 The changing role of managers 358 Glossary 365 Index 371

Read more less

Book SynopsisUniversal Principles of Branding is a concise, visual introduction to 100 of the most fundamental elements of branding. Table of Contents Abstraction Anthropology / Ethnography Association Authenticity Bandits and robots Beauty, not beautification The Big Five Black box or scientific method Blurring Body of work Brand architecture Brands are a technology Branded Unconscious Campaigns Case studies Celebrities Character Comfort Commit to the bit Conflict Context Crafty creativity Customer journey Delivery Difference and Différance Digital to social strategist Disaggregated data Do no harm Don’t fear the audit Ecosystem Engagement Environment/Anti-environment Erotics of brands Everybody lives in a body Everyone works in branding Flexing Frameworks Framing Gathering (and dividing) Generosity (and humility) Go outside your lane Haptics Hearing voices History and genealogy Heterogeneity How you say it Identity Influencers are a racket Intimacy Jargon (and fear) Jungian-ish archetypes Kill the Human Let's put on a show Magic and superstition Management The Master Narrative Problem Mystery is sexy Naming is knowing No such place as “away” Nostalgia Observation One ______ fallacy Out of Home, but in the Mind Parody is a sign of success Party people Permission Playtime Politics Professionalism second Relationships Render unto Caesar Repair and age Repetition and syncopation Retinal / non-retinal Rituals and routine Scoping Semantic infiltration Signals Skepticism Social Responsibility Standards Strategy Tag, you’re it Take me home Talk to the gatekeepers Taste the rainbow Tension Thinking over wisdom Time Touchpoints Values Valuation Viruses and variants War Language Weakest link What if your logo was a drum pattern? What is the product? World-building You are not a brand Zany, cute and informative

Read more less

Book SynopsisWeâve all been there. We are in a working group or at a meeting, discussing a topic or a challenge, and all the while, as a separate track running underneath our conversation, there is a subtext that no one explicitly addresses.This is an example of âthe elephant in the room.â Most of us notice the elephant, it gets in the way, and itâs difficult to deal with until someone points at it and says, âThere it is, letâs take a look at it and reduce its impact.â With an engaging use of examples and questions, Lotte Svalgaard addresses how we can best deal with the elephant and thus promote job satisfaction, creativity and productivity. In the context of action, what we notice often recedes into the background and gradually slips out of focus until we eventually reconnect with our need to reflect and recreate a space for it. This book addresses the challenge of focusing on, holding on to and acting on what we notice âin the middle of it allâ. Maintaining a simultaneous focus on task

Read more less

Book SynopsisNamed to the longlist for the 2021 Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award in the Leadership categoryAre you ready to lead? Will you pass the test?Despite all the effort through the years to understand what it takes to be an effective leader, the challenges of leadership remain enormously difficult and elusive; even today, most CEOs don't last five years in the job. The demands to deliver at a consistently high level can be unforgiving.The loneliness. The weight of responsibility. The relentless second-guessing and criticism. The pressure to build all-star teams. The 24/7 schedule that requires superhuman stamina. The tough decisions that often leave no one happy. The expectation to always have the right answer when it can be hard just to know the right question.These challenges are brought into their highest and sharpest relief in the corner office, but they are hardly unique to chief executives. All leaders face their own version of these tests, and the authors draw on the distilled wisdom, stories, and lessons from hundreds of chief executives to show how every aspiring leader can master these challenges and lead like a CEO. These foundational leadership skills will make all aspiring executives more effective in their roles today and lift the trajectory of their careers.The CEO Test is the authoritative, no-nonsense insider's guide to navigating leadership's toughest challenges, brought to you by authors uniquely qualified to tell the stories. Adam Bryant has conducted in-depth interviews with more than 600 CEOs. Kevin Sharer spent more than two decades as president and then CEO of Amgen, where he led its expansion from $1 billion in annual revenues to nearly $16 billion. He has served on many boards and is a sought-after mentor for CEOs of global companies.Leadership is getting harder as the speed of disruption across all industries accelerates. The CEO Test will better prepare you to succeed, whether you're a CEO or just setting out to become one.Trade ReviewShortlisted for the Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award in the Leadership Category"I would comfortably recommend this book to anyone from business school students to CEOs in the most successful organizations, anyone who desires to embody the qualities of authentic leadership." — The LaddersAdvance Praise for The CEO Test:"Adam Bryant and Kevin Sharer make a brilliant, inspired team. Bryant brings a vast mental database of more than six hundred structured conversations with elite leaders, combined with a gift for weaving smart, lucid prose. Sharer brings decades of strategic experience, including as CEO of Amgen, which became one of the world's first truly great and enduring biotechnology companies. I just love the idea of bringing Bryant's incisive insight together with Sharer's practical wisdom to address the vexing challenges of leadership." — Jim Collins, author, Good to Great; coauthor, Built to Last and Beyond Entrepreneurship 2.0"Sharer and Bryant mine insights from hundreds of CEOs to identify universal lessons that will help leaders at all levels become more effective. They steer clear of the truisms and platitudes that are all too common in leadership books and instead rely on their genuine journalistic curiosity and a gift for pattern-spotting—along with memorable stories—to bring the essential challenges of leadership to life." — Meredith Kopit Levien, CEO, The New York Times Company"The CEO Test provides an honest, candid approach to the countless issues that leaders at all levels might face. It's a must-read, whether you’re in the CEO seat today or aspire to be in it in the future." — Stephen J. Squeri, Chairman and CEO, American Express"Bryant and Sharer have captured the essence of successful leadership. Their examples are equally applicable to companies large and small and to leaders of all functions and levels, from the C-suite to entry level." — Ellen J. Kullman, former Chairman and CEO, DuPont; CEO, Carbon"As two astute observers and successful practitioners of the art themselves, Bryant and Sharer have crafted a magnificently insightful guide to great leadership. The CEO Test should be required reading, not just for CEOs but for leaders at all levels who are ready to raise their game." — Ronald D. Sugar, former Chairman and CEO, Northrop Grumman Corporation; board director, Apple, Amgen, Chevron, and Uber

Read more less

Book SynopsisDavid Rubens is Professor in the United Nations University for Peace European Centre for Peace and Development (Belgrade), where he is Programme Director for the International Postgraduate Study Programme in Strategic Risk and Crisis Management. He founded the Institute of Strategic Risk Management in 2018, which has established itself as a leading platform for academics, practitioners and policy makers across the range of security, risk and crisis management-related sectors.Trade Review"This is the right book at the right time. This is an imaginative, far sighted and relevant book, and I take great pleasure in recommending it for anyone interested in any aspect of strategic risk and crisis management." * Professor Ljiljana Markovic PhD, Academic Director, ECPD *"Captivating. David Rubens has brought a lifetime of scholarship and practical work on Risk and Crisis Management to a subject we spend too little time thinking, or more importantly, doing something about. His entertaining stories and practical lessons offer a supremely useful handbook for everyone who confronts risks and crises in today's world - that's all of us." * General Stanley McChrystal, Author, Team of Teams *"David Rubens provides an incredibly timely and indispensable guide, equipping managers, policy makers, and all of us with the knowledge and insights for managing complex risks that we need if we are to find a safe course through the treacherous waters that lie before us." * Stephen Flynn, Founding Director, Global Resilience Institute, Northeastern University *"There is an ever-increasing need to look at strategic risk and crisis management from a meta-perspective, allowing both high level integration of multiple stakeholders but also ensuring that there is meaningful engagement in the issues facing communities around the world. David Rubens' book offers both a deeply researched and highly detailed academic analysis combined with a practical approach that will have real value for practitioners, whatever area of risk management they are involved in." * Nadine Sulkowski, Project Lead, Erasmus+ BUiLD programme (Building Universities for Leading in Disaster Resilience) *"Crisis management practitioners have recognized for years that a definitive and detailed handbook that can help all levels of those involved in crisis management planning, policy or execution is needed. This is now available, and I strongly recommend anybody and everybody interested or engaged in crisis management have this book in quick and easy reach." * David Horobin, Head of Crisis Management, Geneva Centre for Security Policy *"This handbook is extremely useful and timely, as it fills the gap between academia and practitioner, providing vital insights to discuss complex risks whilst providing a framework for action." * Xavier Castellanos, Under-Secretary-General, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies *"In a world of chaos and instability, this book matches formal academic rigour with a deep understanding of the challenges that the world is throwing at us. It offers the reader a structure and methodology that is invaluable in developing frameworks that would support our own activities within the regional and global risk environment we are all operating in." * Marqueza Cathalina L. Reyes, Senior Technical Advisor for Resilience and DRR, Climate Change Commission Philippines *Table of Contents Chapter - 00: Introduction Chapter - 01: Setting the scene - An overview of historical crisis management research; Chapter - 02: Corporate risk management in the 2020s; Chapter - 03: Black swans + grey rhinos – being ready; Chapter - 04: Causes of crisis management failure; Chapter - 05: Incident command systems and hierarchical management; Chapter - 06: Leadership; Chapter - 07: Resilience; Chapter - 08: The regulatory system – a failing safety net; Chapter - 09: Global urban resilience in the 2020s; Chapter - 10: Creating the new urban order; Chapter - 11: In the stranglehold of a pandemic - learning from Covid-19; Chapter - 12: Wicked problems; Chapter - 13: Case studies;

Read more less

Book SynopsisAntonia Wade is the global CMO of PwC, leading brand strategy for one of the world's most trusted companies, creating flagship campaigns and running the marketing technology stack. Previously CMO at Capita and she led global marketing teams at Thomson Reuters and Accenture. Based in London, UK, she is on boards for ITSMA and Propolis and is a mentor for the Marketing Academy scholarship program. She has been ranked by Marketing Week as a Top 100 Marketer.Trade Review"Rigorous thinking about B2B marketing is still an anomaly rather than the norm, even though B2B companies form a vast part of the global economy. This much-needed book combines a strategic lens with a treasure trove of practitioner advice on how to navigate the challenging but intellectually fascinating task of attracting the elusive B2B buyer. If you want your marketing organization to be valued as a profit centre and not a discretionary expense, read this book." * Jann Martin Schwarz, Co-Founder and Global Head, The B2B Institute at LinkedIn *"A great many books have been published about B2B marketing, but none by someone who is as demonstrably at the top of her game as Antonia Wade. Somehow, she found the time between CMO roles at some of the world's biggest B2B companies to codify how she approaches the challenge of marketing complex B2B products and services to hard-to-reach business buyers in 2023. In this book, Antonia explains how conventional approaches/thinking/strategies/wisdom may misalign with today's reality, provides a new framework for engaging different categories of decision makers at different buying stages and sets out what B2B marketers need to do to be successful. It's clear, concise and compelling, and it's a book every aspiring B2B marketer should read." * Joel Harrison, Editor-in-chief, B2B Marketing *Table of Contents Section - ONE: ; Chapter - 01: Why do we need a buyer journey framework?; Chapter - 02: The buyer journey framework – What buyers need; Chapter - 03: The buyer journey framework – The B2B marketer’s role; Chapter - 04: Horizon scanner; Chapter - 05: Explorer; Chapter - 06: Hunter; Chapter - 07: Active buyer; Chapter - 08: Client; Chapter - 09: Summary of section 1; Section - TWO: ; Chapter - 10: Bringing the buyer journey together; Section - THREE: ; Chapter - 11: Taking a buyer journey view of brand; Chapter - 12: Using tech and data to drive results across the journey; Chapter - 13: Return on investment, setting targets and a new partnership with sales; Chapter - 14: Appendix

Read more less

Book SynopsisBe a more effective leader with strategic thinking Leading with Strategic Thinking reveals what effective leaders do differently. Eschewing the one-size-fits-all leadership model, this helpful guide outlines four general leadership types and demonstrates how each type achieves success whether through personal vision, structured process, collaboration, or by empowering others. The authors identify the actions and skills that distinguish strategic leadership, drawn from interviews and focus groups with over three hundred leaders from around the world. Examples and case studies illustrate these concepts in action, and the provided reference materials steer readers toward more advanced information on this important topic. The disruptive forces of technology and globalization raise new challenges for leaders. This book is a manual that will help executives and aspiring leaders harness these forces and address the two central questions of strategic leadership:Trade Review“Leading with strategic thinking is a fantastic place to start if you have an interest in bettering the way you behave and think (and strategise) as a leader, if you are looking for inspiration for bringing psychological or behavioural ideas to your business, or simply if you’re keen to understand more about yourself and where your actions might take you” (B2B Marketing, February 2016)Table of ContentsForeword xiKristi Savacool Preface xv Introduction xxi Issues and Considerations xxi Fundamental Questions xxv Chapter 1 Fundamentals of Strategic Thinking and Leadership 1 The Nature of Strategic Thinking 1 The Art of Leadership 22 Chapter 2 The Four Types of Strategic Leadership 47 The Visionary Type: Driving Strategy through Personal Insight 55 The Directive Type: Driving Strategy through Structure and Process 71 The Incubating Type: Driving Strategy through Empowering Others 84 The Collaborative Type: Driving Strategy through Cocreation 99 Chapter 3 Examples of Strategic Leadership 117 Indiegogo 118 P&G’s Latin American Merger with Gillette 130 Design for America 141 Google Takeout 149 Chapter 4 Applying Strategic Leadership 159 Gaining Strategic Insight 160 Driving Strategic Change 164 Todd Connor and the Bunker 168 Chapter 5 Garnering Buy-in, Commitment, and Advocacy 179 Winning the Hearts of Your Followers 181 The YMCA of the USA 184 Engaging the Minds of Your Followers 192 The United States Coast Guard 193 Leveraging the Hands of Your Followers 201 The Heartland Angels 203 Chapter 6 Developing Strategic Leadership 211 Competencies of the Strategic Leader 213 Organization and Individual Development 237 GE’s Crotonville 242 In Closing 247 Resources 249 Firming Up and Rounding Out Your Skills and Abilities 249 Notes 261 References 271 About the Authors 279 Index 28

Read more less

Book SynopsisNew and expanded edition.An International Bestseller - Over One Million Copies Sold!Shortlisted for the Financial Times/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award.Since Aristotle, we have fought to understand the causes behind everything. But this ideology is fading. In the age of big data, we can crunch an incomprehensible amount of information, providing us with invaluable insights about the what rather than the why.We''re just starting to reap the benefits: tracking vital signs to foresee deadly infections, predicting building fires, anticipating the best moment to buy a plane ticket, seeing inflation in real time and monitoring social media in order to identify trends. But there is a dark side to big data. Will it be machines, rather than people, that make the decisions? How do you regulate an algorithm? What will happen to privacy? Will individuals be punished for acts they have yet to commit? Trade Review'Just as water is wet in a way that individual water molecules aren't, big data can reveal information in a way that individual bits of data can't. Mayer-Schonberger and Cukier show us the surprising ways that enormous, complex and messy collections of data can be used to predict everything from shopping patterns to flu outbreaks' - Clay Shirky, author of Cognitive Surplus and Here Comes Everybody'Every decade, there are a handful of books that change the way you look at everything. This is one of those books. Society has begun to reckon the change that big data will bring. This book is an incredibly important start' - Lawrence Lessig, Roy L. Furman Professor of Law, Harvard Law School, and author of Remix and Free Culture'An optimistic and practical look at the big data revolution - just the thing to get your head around the big changes already underway and the bigger changes to come' - Cory Doctorow, Boing Boing'In Big Data, Mayer-Schonberger and Cukier break new ground in identifying how today's avalanche of information fundamentally shifts our basic understanding of the world. Argued boldly and written beautifully, the book clearly shows how companies can unlock value, how policymakers need to be on guard, and how everyone's cognitive models need to change' - Joi Ito, Director of the MIT Media Lab'This brilliant book cuts through the mystery and the hype surrounding big data. A must-read for anyone in business, information technology, public policy, intelligence, and medicine. And anyone else who is just plain curious about the future' - John Seely Brown, former Chief Scientist, Xerox Corp. and head of Xerox Palo Alto Research Centre'The book teems with great insights on the new ways of harnessing information, and offers a convincing vision of the future. It is essential reading for anyone who uses - or is affected by - big data' - Jeff Jonas, IBM Fellow & Chief Scientist, IBM Entity Analytics'Big Data is a must-read for anyone who wants to stay ahead of one of the key trends defining the future of business' - Marc Benioff, Chairman and CEO, salesforce.comAn excellent primer - Financial Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll companies must grow to survive--but only one in five growth strategies succeeds. In Profit from the Core, strategy expert Chris Zook revealed how to grow profitably by focusing on and achieving full potential in the core business. But what happens when your core business provides insufficient new growth or even hits the wall? In Beyond the Core, Zook outlines an expansion strategy based on putting together combinations of adjacency moves into areas away from, but related to, the core business, such as new product lines or new channels of distribution. These sequences of moves carry less risk than diversification, yet they can create enormous competitive advantage, because they stem directly from what the company already knows and does best. Based on extensive research on the growth patterns of thousands of companies worldwide, including CEO interviews with 25 top performers in adjacency growth, Beyond the Core 1) identifies the adjacency pattern that most dramatically increases the odds of success: "relentless repeatability;" 2) offers a systematic approach for choosing among a range of possible adjacency moves; and 3) shows how to time adjacency moves during a variety of typical business situations. Beyond the Core shows how to find and leverage the best avenues for growth--without damaging the heart of the firm.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBuy now with one-click. Amazon''s business model is deceptively simple: make online shopping so easy and convenient that customers won''t think twice. Yet Amazon''s success is largely down to CEO and founder Jeff Bezos, a man described as both a ''happy-go-lucky mogul'' and a ''notorious micromanager''. His high energy, passionate approach to retailing has driven Amazon to the top.Jeff Bezos is smart. Originally a computer geek, he had the vision to capitalise on the untapped online market for books. He''s also a calculating machine who creates ''deal-flow'' charts for every major decision, from what business to create to how to choose a spouse. One Click explores what makes Bezos Bezos. Through detailed research and interviews with Amazon employees, competitors and observers, Richard Brandt has deciphered how Bezos thinks, what drives his actions and how he makes his business decisions.Amazon.com was waiting to be discovered. It took Bezos''s u

Read more less

Book SynopsisDo you have a grip on your business, or does your business have a grip on you? All entrepreneurs and business leaders face similar frustrations--personnel conflict, profit woes, and inadequate growth. Decisions never seem to get made, or, once made, fail to be properly implemented. But there is a solution. It's not complicated or theoretical. Based on years of real-world implementation in more than 100 companies, the Entrepreneurial Operating System(R) is a practical method for achieving the business success you have always envisioned. In Traction, you'll learn the secrets of strengthening the six key components of your business. You'll discover simple yet powerful ways to run your company that will give you and your leadership team more focus, more growth, and more enjoyment. Successful companies are applying Traction every day to run profitable, frustration-free businesses--and you can too. For an illustrative, real-world lesson on how to apply Traction to your business, check out its companion book, Get A Grip.Trade Review"Since implementing the entrepreneurial operating system outlined in [Traction], my company has been more productive than ever... The book brings proven business best practices from the top thought leaders in business into one hands-on manual that you can apply today." --Dan Moshe, founder and CEO of Tech Guru, for The Business Journals' "The most important business books ever written" "Implementing [Traction's] structured approach at Avondale has had a tremendous impact on our leadership's productivity and has improved operations throughout the organization." --Karl Stark and Bill Stewart, cofounders, Avondale "The concepts and tools that have been masterfully captured in the pages of this book have provided some of the magic that has helped us grow our business 300 percent over the last five years. Don't miss it!" --Craig Erlich, CEO, pulse220 "The concepts in this book have changed my life! I'm now able to let go of the day to day, knowing I have developed a team that can efficiently handle the details. We have consistently grown every year for the last four years in a very tough market, while the competition has struggled." --Ronald A. Blank, President, The Franklin Companies "Having coached and trained over 13,000 entrepreneurs, I know the challenges they face. This book is a must for any business owner and their management team. Traction provides a powerful, practical, and simple system for running your business." --Dan Sullivan, President and Founder, The Strategic Coach "With the Traction tools in place, we now have faster growth, increased profitability and great people that we enjoy working with. Our growth rate has averaged over 20 percent per year. These results put us in a position to sell our company to a public company for above-normal multiples and reacquire the company after just a year and a half." --Rob Dube, President, Image One "The Traction principles have helped me build a solid leadership team, crystallize our plan, and create the discipline to take the organization to the next level." --Sam Simon, President & CEO, Atlas Oil Company "Traction is far and away the most potent and useful approach I've ever seen for running a successful company. The content is bulletproof! You have to read this book." --Vince Poscente, Bestselling author of The Age of Speed "The concepts in this book have revolutionized our enterprise. We are highly profitable, adroit, flexible, and have a results-oriented culture. Working with Gino's tools has made a meaningful difference in who we are today." --Albert M. Berriz, CEO, McKinley "The tools are sensible, effective, and a must for any organization, entrepreneur, or leader. I personally use them within my national real estate valuation company and this year we grew 150 percent, after being in business for more than 14 years." --Darton Case, President, The Entrepreneurs' Organization "The concepts in Traction saved our company from mediocrity and propelled us to excellence. They have provided us with the tools to deal with any situation that might arise and better yet, to head off some situations at the pass. We now have all the right people in the right seats doing the right jobs. --Rob Tamblyn, President, The Benefits Company "By applying the Traction disciplines we have been able to grow revenue by 50 percent over the last three years and profit exponentially more." --Robert Schechter, C.L.U., Ch.F.C., Chairman, Schechter Wealth Strategies "Traction is a must-read. What you will learn are the same tools that have enabled me to grow my business 100 percent over the last three years while staying balanced and having fun. This book will change your life." --Bernie Ronnisch, President, Ronnisch Construction Group

Read more less

Book SynopsisHuman creativity has been one of the fundamental drivers of civilization and progress - solving immense problems, creating opportunities and overcoming enemies like no other force. Often it has baffled its sceptics by finding new and better resources, unexpected environmental technologies and genuinely amazing products that no one had predicted. However, like so many before it, Western civilization is now suffering from serious internal decay with its bloated public sectors, punitive taxes, over-regulation, marginalized citizens, stagnation, debt, unemployment and pessimism. This important and fascinating book explains why internal decay is normal. But it also shows how and why solutions can be found by countries and companies, enabling more creativity and adaptability than ever before. It's through the power of creativity that society and business can overcome the challenges and crises of today.Trade ReviewAn engaging and highly readable synthesis of history, science and social science that places itself on par with the greatest interdisciplinary writing of recent years. If you enjoyed Steven Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature, Niall Ferguson's Civilization, Fukuyamas The Origins of Political Order or Matt Ridley's The Rational Optimist, then this book is for you. --Ryan Smith, senior book editor at the Centre for Political Studie: The creative Society is a book that the reader cannot put down until you have reached the last page. It is simply exciting and fascinating. --Berlingske Tided: Lars Tvede's The Creative Society is a superb analysis of why different civilizations have lost momentum (...) Without a doubt one of the most important contributions to the public debate over the last decade. Read it and understand how we can create a prosperous future. --Brian Mikkelsen, chairman of the Danish political party The Conservatives

Read more less

Book Synopsis"The rarest of business books that teaches decision makers how to think, not what to think." - Malcolm GladwellWhen it comes to our hardest choices, it can seem as though making trade-offs is inevitable. But what about those crucial times when accepting the obvious trade-off just isn't good enough? What do we do when the choices in front of us don't get us what we need? Rather than choosing the least worst option, Creating Great Choices offers a model that guides you towards a new and superior answer... integrative thinking.First introduced by world-renowned strategic thinker Roger Martin in The Opposable Mind, integrative thinking is an approach to problem solving that uses opposing ideas as the basis for innovation. Now, in Creating Great Choices, Martin and his longtime thinking partner Jennifer Riel vividly illustrate how integrative thinking works, and how to do it.The book includes fresh stories of successful integrative thinkers that will demystify the process of creative problem solving, as well as practical tools and exercises to help readers engage with the ideas. And it lays out the authors' four-step methodology for creating great choices, which can be applied in virtually any context. The result is a replicable, thoughtful approach to finding a "third and better way" to make important choices in the face of unacceptable trade‐offs.Insightful and instructive, Creating Great Choices blends storytelling, theory, and hands-on advice to help any leader or manager facing a tough choice.Trade Review"…a refreshing and novel twist on the underlying cognitive processes of great decision-making…sound and wonderfully articulated." -- CHOICE, the publication of the American Library Association"useful management guide to decision making" -- Engineering and Technology Magazine, The Institution of Engineering and Technology"The Opposable Mind introduced the idea of 'integrative thinking'…[In Creating Great Choices], Riel and Martin turn this insight into a method that they say everyone can learn and practise. In the process they interweave the latest in behavioural and design thinking with new examples from Lego to Unilever." -- Financial Times"If you're trying to plan an organization's future, this book contains multitudes. Two talented strategists offer vivid stories to unlock your creativity, strong evidence to challenge your assumptions, and practical exercises to sharpen your thinking." -- Adam Grant, LinkedIn"Roger Martin has been recognized in our annual business book awards more than any other author… Perhaps the only thing more impressive than the consistently high quality of that prolific output is range." -- 800 CEO READ, Editor's Choice"Making good choices is central to business and personal success...This new book … focuses on the process of learning and practice, the methodology, and the tools and skills leaders need to cultivate integrative thinking." -- IEDP Developing Leaders"A decade on from The Opposable Mind, Martin sets out a practical workbook on the subject… If you take one thing away it is that to make great choices you need must be prepared to take problems apart before building fully creative solutions." -- EconomiaA 2017 Best Business Book -- The Globe & MailAdvance Praise for Creating Great Choices:Malcolm Gladwell, bestselling author, The Tipping Point, Blink, and Outliers; staff writer, The New Yorker--"Creating Great Choices is the rarest of business books that teaches decision makers how to think, not what to think. I found it superb and wholly original."Adam Grant, New York Times–bestselling author, Give and Take and Originals; coauthor, Option B--"This book contains multitudes. Two talented strategists offer vivid stories to unlock your creativity, strong evidence to challenge your assumptions, and practical exercises to sharpen your thinking. I’ll be recommending it to leaders, students, and anyone else who wants to get better at problem solving."David Taylor, Chairman and CEO, Procter & Gamble--"Integrative thinking is powerful. It provides a concrete way to leverage diverse voices and to collaboratively create better choices. I have worked hard to become a practitioner of this approach of finding the better third way, because I truly believe it leads to more effective and more creative choices. Creating Great Choices provides an essential resource for thinking differently that can help leaders resolve some of their toughest problems."Arianna Huffington, author, Thrive; CEO, Thrive Global; and founder, Huffington Post--"Everybody wants to succeed in their jobs and in their relationships and make the world a better place if they can. Creating Great Choices is a book that can actually help you make that happen, offering concrete, practical advice and tools to help you overcome challenges and manage your relationships. It’s an essential read that won't just change how you think, it will also change how you act."Tim Brown, CEO, IDEO; author, Change by Design--"Integrative thinking is a critical skill for business and life. The Opposable Mind introduced the idea. With practical and inspirational approaches, Creating Great Choices sets you on the path to mastery."Daniel H. Pink, author, Drive and To Sell Is Human--"Integrative thinking is a powerful idea that offers new answers to our toughest problems. In this compelling work, Riel and Martin show us how to use this fresh mental model to make great choices rather than settle for weak compromises. Bursting with practical tips, engaging exercises, and keen insights, this book belongs within arm's reach of every leader trying to navigate the future."Lowell C. McAdam, Chairman and CEO, Verizon Communications--"In an age where society is tending more and more to lock in on one line of thinking, Riel and Martin give us the tools to break away from our prejudices and eliminate our blind spots, giving us the chance to arrive at a different and better conclusion. A critical tool in both business and life."

Read more less

Book SynopsisKaren Beaven is an executive coach and the founder of the HR Entrepreneur's Network. She has operated at HR Director level for a number of years at companies including River Island and AllSaints, and has been ranked as one of the most influential HR practitioners by HR Magazine in 2016 and 2017. She was also recognised as HR Director of the year in 2015 and has been listed as a Global HR superstar by HRO Today.Trade Review"Karen has an obvious passion for and commitment to the HR profession. This book does a wonderful job of chronicling her HR journey and sharing her narrative. Her insights will be helpful as a guide to other HR professionals who want to make a difference." * Dave Ulrich, Rensis Likert Professor, Ross School of Business, University of Michigan & Partner, The RBL Group *"What Karen Beaven has created is the missing link between individual, professional, organisational and business perspectives, on the key role HR professionals can have in the fabled future of work. Packed full of quotes, references, exercises and real-life stories, this is the go-to book for those serious about their impact in the work they do, that might now be called HR Strategy. Reset and reinvent HR? You bet..!" * Perry Timms, Chief Energy Officer, PTHR #5 HR Most Influential Thinker 2018 *"This is a practical guide for HR professionals seeking to create performance-enhancing HR led by commercial goals. It is all the more powerful coming from an award-winning HRD who has been there and done it, experiencing the ups and downs and building resilience with humility and learning. A most useful handbook to progress your HR career and achieve more." * Darren Hockaday - HR Director, Gatwick Airport *"This is a must-read book, whether you are an experienced HR professional or a novice at the start of your career. It is an indispensable guide to understanding the world of work and adding strategic value by challenging you to rethink your understanding of HR. The future is really is all about the People Experience and awareness of self, business, industry and profession." * Shakil Butt, HR Hero, HR and Leadership Consultant *"This much-needed and easy-to-read book provides a fantastic guide for today's HR professional. It is a great combination of education into modern practice and terminology blended with practical advice and encouragement for how to navigate the shifting commercial landscapes that we all face." * Kim Atherton - Chief People Officer, OVO Energy and CEO, Just3Things *"Finally, a professional self-help book for HR practitioners from the 'Bouncebackability' Queen herself! As an avid fan of Karen's PX vision, I look forward to a future HR profession full of human-centric and business focused practitioners, closely collaborating with their people and leaders to build commercially successful and sustainable organisations. As Karen states - 'To be inspirational, you must first be inspired', and this book will do that for you." * Natal Dank - Chief HR Agilist at Southern Blue Consulting and co-founder of the Agile HR Community *"In a world where HR has to be as creative, agile and future-focused as any other part of the business, this book shows not only how important this is but how to make it possible. It will be the go-to resource for all my HR coachees who are looking to make their mark in business." * Paul Deeprose, Founder of The Career Gym *"This book is a massive gift not just to HR leaders but to all leaders. Karen turns fundamental concepts into extremely practical steps but most of all she conveys all of her experiences and recommendations in a truly human way. After reading this book you will look after yourself and your people differently and you will be totally confident that you are adding additional value to your organization." * David Frost, Organisational Development Director at Total Produce plc *"An excellent handbook for anyone with HR or line management responsibilities, putting the employee experience at the forefront. The chapters are well researched, providing snackable information with sections on how your thinking will be changed, toolkit essentials and reflection questions." * Julie Merritt, General Manager *"This is an inspirational guide written by a been there, seen it, done it industry specialist who knows what she is talking about and is not afraid to explain it. By learning about staff, the benefits of a personal network, the industry you work in and your aspirations, the reader can grow into a passionate leader and guide a business to become a driving force in their field." * Stu Walker, Managing Director - Integrated Sales & Marketing Solutions *"The book is a clear call to HR professionals to continue developing themselves, encourages reflection on the profession and its responsibilities, and the skills needed to succeed in Human Resources - along with guidance on how to develop them. It's great to see a book on HR stepping out of our traditional task and priorities and considering the wider organization, industry and future trends. This book is a true toolkit for the HR professional - a 'how to' guide on how to be great at what we do - whilst also encouraging us to step outside of our comfort zone." * Gemma Dale, Co-founder, The Work Consultancy *Table of Contents Section - ONE: Know your self; Chapter - 01: Continuous personal development; Chapter - 02: Drive and passion; Chapter - 03: Comfort zone; Chapter - 04: Interpersonal skills; Chapter - 05: Bravery; Chapter - 06: Your personal network; Chapter - 07: Inspirational leadership; Section - TWO: Know your business; Chapter - 08: Product; Chapter - 09: People; Chapter - 10: Productivity; Chapter - 11: Annual results; Chapter - 12: Commercial focus; Chapter - 13: Markets and channels; Chapter - 14: Technology; Chapter - 15: Culture; Chapter - 16: Purpose; Section - THREE: Know your industry; Chapter - 17: Competition; Chapter - 18: Business environment; Chapter - 19: Rules and regulations; Chapter - 20: Trends and forecasting; Chapter - 21: Where's the talent?; Chapter - 22: Workforce planning; Chapter - 23: Resources; Section - FOUR: Know your profession; Chapter - 24: Professional accreditation; Chapter - 25: Responsibilities; Chapter - 26: Advisory bodies; Chapter - 27: Career framework; Chapter - 28: Professional development; Chapter - 29: The development of the industry; Chapter - 30: The future of work

Read more less

Book SynopsisDirty data is a problem that costs businesses thousands, if not millions, every year. In organisations large and small across the globe you will hear talk of data quality issues. What you will rarely hear about is the consequences or how to fix it.Between the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data draws on classification expert Susan Walsh’s decade of experience in data classification to present a fool-proof method for cleaning and classifying your data. The book covers everything from the very basics of data classification to normalisation and taxonomies, and presents the author’s proven COAT methodology, helping ensure an organisation’s data is Consistent, Organised, Accurate and Trustworthy. A series of data horror stories outlines what can go wrong in managing data, and if it does, how it can be fixed. After reading this book, regardless of your level of experience, not only will you be able to work with your data more efficiently, but you will also understand the impact the work you do with it has, and how it affects the rest of the organisation.Written in an engaging and highly practical manner, Between the Spreadsheets gives readers of all levels a deep understanding of the dangers of dirty data and the confidence and skills to work more efficiently and effectively with it. Trade Review'If you are teaching data science then all your students should be made aware of this book. When it comes to organisations. I can’t see any reason for not making sure that anyone managing an Excel data base has a copy to refer to.... Excellent value for the price' -Martin White, Informer 'I gained many practical tips for using a spreadsheet to clean data, and alternate ways of approaching classification while reading this book - there is hope for cleaner data!' - Mary Silvia Whittaker, SLA Taxonomy'I have rarely found such a brilliant argument about the importance of COAT - the overall approach to the management of data. The author approaches all her topics with palpable humour and presents them in lively and attractive style. A relevant acquisition for business information departments or their equivalents in public libraries as much as putting it on the desks of the people dealing with all kinds of business data.'Elena Maceviciute, Swedish School of Library and Information ScienceTable of ContentsBetween the Spreadsheets: Classifying and Fixing Dirty Data

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Real Deal Seth Godin, New York Times bestselling author of LinchpinI''d rather hire someone who has studied [Peters''] writings than someone who has an MBA Matthew Kelly, CEO of Floyd Consulting and New York Times bestselling author of The Dream ManagerThe Excellence Dividend is a critical work from one of today''s leading visionaries in business. Winner of the Thinkers50 Lifetime Achievement Award and the CEO Reads Lifetime Contribution to the Business Book Industry Award, Tom Peters is one of the world''s most revered management gurus and global business thinkers.For decades, he has been preaching the gospel of putting people first, and in today''s rapidly changing business environment, this message is more important than ever. Studies show that fewer than one-third of employees feel engaged with their work and that half of all jobs are at risk due to technology. But Peters has a solution: aTrade ReviewWell-polished nuggets and anecdotes about how to build and maintain a culture of excellence. * Financial Times *Tom Peters is a unique and compelling voice of passion, enthusiasm, and insight into organizational and managerial life. The Excellence Dividend proves that his thoughts are as vital now as they ever were. -- Stuart Crainer, co-founder, Thinkers50Tom Peters continues to push our thinking and shape our practices. His passion for people, innovation and leadership - critical ingredients fueling a culture of excellence - is contagious. -- Marianne Lewis, Dean and Professor of Management, Cass Business SchoolI'd rather hire someone who has studied [Peters'] writings than someone who has an MBA. -- Matthew Kelly, CEO of Floyd Consulting and New York Times bestselling author of The Dream ManagerMakes me glad to be alive in 2018. -- Sally Helgesen, author of The Female Advantage and The Female Vision, co-author How Women RiseA bundle of beautiful dynamite. While I've been a CEO for 30 years, I still learned much worth knowing from The Excellence Dividend. You will too. -- John C. Bogle, founder, VanguardEver since the 1982 publication of In Search of Excellence, Tom Peters has shaped the way an entire generation of entrepreneurs looks at business. Now, thank goodness, he's back at it, applying his unquenchable passion for excellence to an utterly transformed world that needs his wisdom more than ever. -- Bo Burlingham, former Inc. editor and author of Small Giants and Finish BigWow jumps off every page of Tom Peters' book, The Excellence Dividend, delivering brilliant insights and imploring business leaders to change before it's too late. -- Cheryl Burgess, CEO of Blue Focus Marketing and author of The Social Employee

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe highly practical lessons in How to Get to Great Ideas are based on neuroscience, psychology and sociology. Written by former advertising creative director Dave Birss, this book offers a brilliant new system for conceiving original and valuable ideas. It looks at how to frame a problem, how to push your thinking, how to sell the idea, how to build support for it and how to inspire others to have great ideas. It proves that any organization - and any individual or department within an organization - can create a fertile environment for ideas. Combining a practical research-based system with fascinating insights and inspiring and humorous writing, the book also includes the problem-solving system RIGHT Thinking. This is a tool which enables a more effective way to generate more effective ideas, and is one that anyone can use to transform themselves or their business. Training on this system is also available in person from the author. And will be released soon as an Trade ReviewMakes you sit up and listen. * Rachel Evans, Experian Data Quality *One of the most original speakers I've ever seen. Dave is one of the most creative minds off and on the stage. * Darko Buldioski, Allweb Events *Brilliant and thought provoking. I love Dave's ability to open my mind to new concepts and ways of thinking. * Graham Ruddick, Digital Doughnut *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''The Challenge Culture is a must-read for employers and employees alike, and promises to get ideas for long-term success percolating.'' - Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group''Nigel''s career, vision and humanity are very refreshing'' - Claude Littner, former Chief Executive of Tottenham Hotspur and author of Single-Minded: My Life in BusinessChallenge is essential for survival and sustained success in today''s volatile world.We live in an era when successful organisations can fail in a flash. But they can cope with change and thrive by creating a culture that supports positive pushback: questioning everything without disrespecting anyone.Nigel Travis has forty years of experience as a leader in large and successful organizations, as well as those facing existential crisis - such as Blockbuster as it dawdled in the face of the Netflix challenge. In his ten years as CEO and Chairman of Dunkin'' Brands, Travis fTrade Review'Smart and insightful, this work offers an insider's account of the leadership approach behind a successful global brand that executives in any industry can emulate.' * Publishers Weekly *'The insights of The Challenge Culture provide a powerful playbook for people across the business world.' * Sam Kennedy, president and CEO of the Boston Red Sox *'Nigel Travis has hit the nail on the head. Collective brilliance can only come from challenge and he proves this throughout his own leadership journey. Entertaining, edifying and exactly right.' * Manley Hopkinson FRSA FRGS, author of Compassionate Leadership *Women, especially young women, in today's world need to understand the importance of challenging authority and speaking up to share their point of view. The Challenge Culture brilliantly explains how to do it. * Nicole Lapin, author of Boss Bitch and Rich Bitch *Nigel Travis shares his insight on the importance of creating a challenge culture, one that questions the status quo, encourages internal pushback and helps companies be nimble enough to adapt to change. The Challenge Culture is a must read for employers and employees alike, and promises to get ideas for long-term success percolating. * Robert Kraft, chairman and CEO of the Kraft Group and The New England Patriots *'The world is filled with CEOs who major in one or two parts of their enterprise, but minor in none. Nigel understands the intricacies of everything. And even better, he knows how to put them together to make a business run the way it should. This book not only takes you inside his businesses, but inside the mind that challenged them to thrive. If you can use 20% of what he's suggesting, you'll be ahead of the game. Use 40% and you can blow the doors off.' * Mark Goldstein, former chief marketing officer, BBDO Worldwide *'Business and politics have become ever more competitive and unpredictable. In order to succeed in this environment, Travis introduces The Challenge Culture where employees are encouraged and are sufficiently self-confident to push back, engage in debate and along with their leaders search intensively for the best answer to critical issues. A must read for all people leading organizations in these turbulent times!' * Larry Bossidy, former chairman and CEO of Honeywell International, coauthor of Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done *'Dissent is not disloyalty but can be the spark for innovation and the safeguard for integrity. ... Conformity kills creativity and subverts justice and The Challenge Culture is the antidote to a contagion of conformity across sectors.' * Jeffrey A. Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean for Leadership Studies and Lester Crown Professor of Leadership Practice, Yale School of Management *Nigel's career, vision and humanity are very refreshing. * Claude Littner, former Chief Executive of Tottenham Hotspur, author of Single-Minded: My Life in Business *

Read more less

Book SynopsisJulian Birkinshaw is Professor and Chair of Strategy & Entrepreneurship at LBS. He's a Fellow of the British Academy & holds PhD & MBA degrees. He was recently placed 39th on the global Thinkers 50 list of thought leaders in the field of management. Ken Mark is a businessman, entrepreneur, research & writer. He's written more than 100 case studies for use in MBA classrooms.Table of Contents PART ONE ORGANISATIONAL BEHAVIOUR 1 Change management: Kotter’s eight-step model 2 Cognitive biases in decision making 3 Emotional intelligence 4 Managing work groups: Belbin team roles 5 Matrix management 6 Mintzberg’s managerial roles 7 Motivation: Theory X and Theory Y 8 Negotiating techniques: BATNA 9 Schein’s model of organisational culture 10 360-degree assessment PART TWO MARKETING 11 Customer lifetime value 12 Ethnographic market research 13 Market orientation 14 Multichannel marketing 15 Met promoter score 16 The 4Ps of marketing 17 Pricing strategies: dynamic pricing 18 Product life cycle 19 Segmentation and personalised marketing PART THREE STRATEGY AND ORGANISATION 20 The ambidextrous organization 21 The BCG growth-share matrix 22 Blue ocean strategy 23 Core competence and the resource-based view 24 Corporate social responsibility: the triple bottom line 25 Corporate strategy: parenting advantage 26 Five forces analysis 27 Game theory: the prisoner’s dilemma 28 Generic strategies 29 The McKinsey 7S framework PART FOUR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP 30 Brainstorming 31 Design thinking 32 Disruptive innovation 33 Greiner’s growth model 34 Open innovation 35 The seven domains assessment model for entrepreneurs 36 Stage/gate model for new product development 37 Scenario planning PART FIVE ACCOUNTING 38 The accrual method in accounting 39 Activity-based costing 40 The balanced scorecard 41 The DuPont identity 42 Economic value added 43 Ratio analysis PART SIX FINANCE 44 Black-Scholes options pricing model 45 Bond valuation 46 Capital asset pricing model 47 Capital budgeting 48 Modern portfolio theory 49 Modigliani-Miller theorem 50 Time value of money 51 Valuing the firm 52 Weighted average cost of capital PART SEVEN OPERATIONS 53 Agile development 54

Read more less

Book SynopsisPurna Virji is a globally renowned content strategist and Principal Consultant, Content Solutions at LinkedIn. She previously led global learning and thought leadership programs for Microsoft and is an award-winning former journalist. Virji is a top-rated international keynote speaker and has been featured in The Drum, TNW, Marketing Land and Adweek. She has also been recognized as an Adweek Young Influential, was crowned the Search Personality of the Year by the US Search Awards and was named the most influential PPC Expert in the world by PPC Hero.Trade Review"There are few people out there that understand content marketing and how it drives business impact more than Purna Virji. Her book brings together decades of experience in one of the fastest evolving and most critical areas of marketing today. Not only will you walk away with a better understanding of how we got to where we are, but a step-by-step plan on how to create, deliver and measure content that won't just drive growth, but will build a brand your customers will love and advocate for on your behalf." * Joanna Lord, Global CMO & Marketing Advisor *"If there's someone who we can all learn from about high impact content marketing, that is Purna! She's one of the savviest, most experienced, well-rounded, empathetic digital marketers I know, who has developed some of the most compelling content I've ever read." * Aleyda Solis, International SEO Consultant & Founder, Orainti *"Less is more and relevancy is key. In typical Purna-style with some hilarious examples, this book makes content marketing easy to apply with timeless principles. A must read for every marketer to remind us that despite sophisticated technology and algorithms, it's still about people." * Mascha Driessen, Vice President, Continental Europe Microsoft Advertising *"High-Impact Content Marketing is a thoroughly enjoyable and eminently readable guide for content and marketing professionals who are navigating this moment of singular change. Just as AI powered by large language models disrupts the industry, Purna Virji has created the essential manual to help content professionals not just navigate the storm, but to thrive in a world where behavioural science and human empathy will be the superpowers that help content professionals stay ahead of the machines. The book is chock full of useful tips, inspirational anecdotes, and practical frameworks to help even the most skilled communicators thrive in a changing world. Truly, a must read for content marketing professionals!" * Keith Boyd, Senior Director, Employee Experience, Microsoft *"Content marketing has no end. It always has room for fine tuning to stay competitive and to adapt the market shifts. This book is a comprehensive ultimate guide for the content marketer at any level. It covers the causes and effects, and solutions for a variety of scenarios. Keep it within your reach at work." * Motoko Hunt, President, International Search Marketing Consulting, AJPR *"High-Impact Content Marketing is a game-changing guide that offers a fresh, holistic perspective on content creation and strategy, drawing from Purna's extensive experience in diverse industries and roles. With its practical, easy-to-apply and evergreen principles, this book paves the way for a new, more zen approach to marketing that transcends content marketing alone. Its focus on creativity, trust, empathy and leveraging AI to amplify our humanity makes High-Impact Content Marketing the essential guide for marketers seeking to connect, empower and inspire in a fast-paced digital world." * Jenise Uehara, CEO, Search Engine Journal *"I am thrilled to endorse Purna Virji's ground-breaking book on content marketing, which couldn't have come at a more opportune time. As the world of marketing continually evolves, it is essential for marketers to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing needs of their customers. This book, with its focus on practicability, analysis and customer needs provides a refreshing perspective on how to future-proof your content marketing strategy." * Prof. Dr. Sepita Ansari Pir Seraei, Professor of Digital Marketing, Hochschule für angewandtes Management *"I learned my favourite metric from Purna - ROTS - return on time spent. Purna's ideas have been battle tested for years across a multitude of industries. This book is sure to become your go to guide for building sustainable, high return-on-effort content." * Aaron Levy, VP of Paid Search, Tinuiti *"The ultimate reference guide for content marketing planning and execution. The frameworks here can scale up or down and apply to any industry, a must have for teams of one or one hundred." * Elizabeth Marsten, Vice President, Commerce Strategic Services at Tinuiti *"Purna's book is a game-changer for anyone looking to bridge the gap between content creators and the c-suite. Having watched her in action, I know that Purna has the unique ability to help audiences understand the value of content in the long-term, taking an empathic, audience-focused approach that challenges readers to think beyond what Google wants and instead focus on what's right for the searcher. The real-world examples make this book a must-read for anyone seeking to communicate effectively with executives and solve the right problems with the right content at the right time. In a world full of quick tips and tricks, this book grounds you in an approach that should stand the test of time, that's why I would consider this a must read. Tricks come and go, understanding how to solve problems for customers and communicating that value to inspire action does not." * Wil Reynolds, VP Innovation, Seer Interactive *"This isn't a traditional content marketing book. Purna Virji covers everything from step-by-step audience anthropology to competitive analysis, to specific creative tactics, to distribution. It's a perfect guide for new content strategists and old pros who are looking to reset." * Ian Lurie, Digital Marketing Consultant *Table of Contents Section - Section 1: Evolve or Perish with the Status Quo Chapter - 01: Why it's time to reinvent and future-proof your approach to content marketing Chapter - 02: The must-haves for long-term content marketing success Chapter - 03: Needs analysis: How you'll build a strong foundation Section - Section 2: Build the Right Foundation for High Impact Chapter - 04: The GIFTED way to figure out internal needs Chapter - 05: How to conduct a powerful, conversion-driving customer needs analysis Chapter - 06: Decode the competitive landscape with a competitor content audit Section - Section 3: Design a High-Impact Strategy Chapter - 07: High-impact strategy and measurement planning Chapter - 08: High-impact brainstorming: How the best ideas are born Chapter - 09: Mine, combine, refine: Simple strategies to optimize your brainstorming Section - Section 4: Create and Distribute the High-Impact Way Chapter - 10: Make inclusion the default Chapter - 11: Time-proven copywriting strategies to keep people reading on and on Chapter - 12: Build with distribution in mind: Less effort. More impact.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBali Padda is the operations maverick behind LEGO's remarkable turnaround from a business basket-case, struggling to deliver on its orders, to the biggest and most profitable toy brand in the world. As Chief Operations Officer at LEGO, Bali overhauled the toy company by shaking up its operations and instilling essential business fundamentals. He resolved issues across the supply chain and forged close partnerships between functions. He cut unpopular product lines and diverted the company's attention on hero items. He developed a relentless focus on customer service - of delivering what was promised - and he instituted weekly performance briefings known as the Visual Factory, which ultimately spread throughout the whole organization and transformed culture and performance. LEGO became the largest toy manufacturer in the world, and Bali was honoured with becoming the company's first non-Danish CEO in 2017.In Deliver What You Promise, Bali distils his methodology at LEGO into ten essential, fundamental lessons. From how to reduce complexity to prizing reliability over agility. Why a business should be treated like a living organism and how to bring everyone together under a shared sense of purpose. On when to use soft and hard managerial skills and the hidden risks of success. Illustrated by insider stories from LEGO, these are enduring principles that both young starters and established leaders alike need to know and can implement straight away, to deliver on what is promised.Trade ReviewFull of timeless, insightful and essential business strategy with great stories ... Bali knows how to keep a successful company firing * Tony Fadell, inventor of the iPod and bestselling author *Every day I think about how Bali would do things. My company is 100% run in the Bali Padda style * Niels Duedahl, CEO, Norlys *Bali Padda's mind and writing shed light on some of the most complex challenges faced by organizations. There are two kinds of leaders: those who ask for clarity, and those who bring clarity. Today we need more of the latter. Bali Padda stands out in this rare category. * Yves Morieux, Managing Director and Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group (BCG) *An amazing book about how mastering the supply chain became a fundamental pillar to save LEGO and to make it a formidable company. It is probably the most needed book today for companies facing unprecedented supply chain disruptions. * Carlos Cordon, IMD Professor of Strategy and Supply Chain Management *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFred R. David, Forest R.David, and Meredith E. David area fathersondaughterteam that have published more than 50 articles in journals such as the Academyof Management Review, Academy of Management Executive, Journal of AppliedPsychology, Long Range Planning, International Journal of Management, Journalof Business Strategy, and Advanced Management Journal. Tworecent articles, listed below, are changing the way some strategic managementcourses are taught. Fred R. David hasbeen lead author of this textbook for three decades. This text is a globalleader in the field of strategic management providing an applications,practitioner-approach to the discipline. Approximately 500 colleges anduniversities currently use this textbook in 20 countries. With a PhD inManagement from the University of South Carolina, Dr. David is currently theTranSouth Professor of Strategic Planning at Francis Marion University inFlorence, South CaTable of ContentsPART 1: OVERVIEW OF STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT The Nature of Strategic Management Business Vision and Mission The External Assessment The Internal Assessment Strategies in Action Strategy Analysis and Choice PART 3: STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION Implementing Strategies: Management and Marketing Issues Implementing Strategies: Finance and Accounting Issues PART 4: STRATEGY EVALUATION AND GOVERNANCE Strategy Evaluation and Governance PART 5: KEY STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT TOPICS Business Ethics, Environmental Sustainability, and Corporate Social Responsibility Global and International Issues PART 6: STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT CASE ANALYSIS How to Prepare and Present a Case Analysis

Read more less

Book SynopsisHave you heard about artificial intelligence (AI) and big data but felt they are technologies too big or too complicated for you or your business? Do you imagine AI as a Hollywood science fiction stereotype or something in the far and distant future?Take heart. AI is none of those things. It’s part of our everyday lives, and it has the power to transform your business. This book will put AI, big data, the cloud, robotics, and smart devices in context. It will reveal how these technologies can dramatically multiply any businesses—including yours—by strategically using your data’s latent, transformative potential. Noted business leader, data consultant, and Columbia professor Asha Saxena has distilled her twenty-seven years of experience teaching Fortune 500 leaders in this powerful and insightful book. In The AI Factor, business leaders will learn how to understand the data they already have and how to use it innovatively to grow their businesses using Saxena’s unique methodology.

Read more less

Book SynopsisColin Barrow is the former Head of the Enterprise Group and current Visiting Fellow at Cranfield University. His career spanning nearly 40 years, he has lectured, researched and collaborated with colleagues in business schools in the UK, America, Australia, East Asia and throughout Europe. He is also the author of The Business Plan Workbook and Financial Management for the Small Business (both published by Kogan Page). He is based in Cornwall, UK.Table of Contents Section - 00: Introduction Section - 01: Accounting Section - 02: Finance Section - 03: Marketing Section - 04: Organizational behaviour Section - 05: Business history Section - 06: Business law Section - 07: Economics Section - 08: Entrepreneurship Section - 09: Ethics and social responsibility Section - 10: Operations management Section - 11: Quantitative and qualitative research and analysis Section - 12: Strategy

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe past two decades have seen an explosion both in the volume of data we use, and our understanding of its management.However, while techniques and technology for manipulating data have advanced rapidly in this time, the concepts around the value of our data have not. This lack of progress has made it increasingly difficult for organisations to understand the value in their data, the value of their data and how exploit that value. Halo Data proposes a paradigm shift in methodology for organisations to properly appreciate and leverage the value of their data. Written by an author team with many years’ experience in data strategy, management and technology, the book will first review the current state of our understanding of data. This opening will demonstrate the limitations of this status quo, including a discussion on metadata and its limitations, data monetisation and data-driven business models. Following this, the book will present a new concept and framework for understanding and quantifying value in an organisation’s data and a practical methodology for using this in practice.Ideal for data leaders and executives who are looking to leverage the data at their fingertips.Table of ContentsIntroduction1 Who owns the definitions and terms about data?2 What is metadata?3 Other ideas of data value and monetization4 Value from a different source5 Hello Halo Data6 Getting to know Halo Data7 Early examples of Halo data approaches8 Halo data and data ethics9 Halo data framework10 Halo Data applied risk assessment, regulation, customer, the citizen11 Halo Data and storytelling

Read more less

Book Synopsis Professor David Falzani MBE is a serial entrepreneur, business consultant and non-executive director. He began his career as an engineer at IBM, before joining a Silicon Valley style start-up, Madge Networks, which grew from 240 employees to 2,000 in 3 years and IPO'd on the NASDAQ. This experience led him to study for an MBA at The Wharton School (USA) and SDA Bocconi (Italy).  He has been a mentor and/or trainer for growth programmes at Nottingham University, and Oxford University Saïd Business School, as well as Royal Academy of Engineering's Leaders in Innovation Fellowship and Enterprise Hub overall, supporting over 2,000 companies. David is a Professor at Nottingham University Business School's Haydn Green Institute and has published more than 60 articles and blogs.  Trade Review“This book is a must read for anyone considering pricing for their products. With price often neglected in the rush for growth, Falzani highlights the long-term implications for cash, margins, profitability and ultimate value of the company, as well as providing a toolkit to address the thorny issue of pricing.” Dr Andy Phillipps, Co-founder of Booking.com “One of the biggest challenges start-ups face is defining a route to market for innovative products and services. Understanding pricing lies at the heart of a successful commercialization strategy and this book provides an excellent basis for decision making. David Falzani takes the reader from the fundamentals of pricing all the way to the impact of subtle pricing changes on the success of the business. An essential read for entrepreneurs.” Simon Barnes PhD, Managing Partner, Tate & Lyle Ventures LP "At last, a practical book on pricing. I enjoyed it so much I read it in one sitting, and think it's essential reading for every start up or large corporate alike." Henning von Spreckelsen, Management Board, Small Business Charter and Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering “This is a must-read for any business owner who wants to succeed and create a sustainable business. Professor Falzani is a regular contributor to our readers and this book reflects the wealth and depth of valued business insight and wisdom he has to share.” Christina Lattimer, Founder of People Development Magazine “The most exciting book on pricing I have read. If you're feeling nervous about setting prices, this practical book will help you make better pricing decisions and avoid typical mistakes so companies can be profitable, reinvest and grow sustainably.” Steve Cleverley PhD, CEO, Oxentia Ltd (a spin-out of Oxford University Innovation) “Price is the most often neglected of the 4 Ps of marketing - this book finally fixes that.” Michael Hughes MBE, Founder, Silicon Valley Internship Programme, and Co-Founder, LoopUPTable of Contents Why is price so important for success? Why under-pricing is a key business error Pricing 101: the basics – plus some surprises Why price should almost never be ‘cost-plus' Value and price: how the relationship is changing Unlocking growth: would you like a bank account that pays 25% interest? Doubling your price: Price as an agent of growth Framing and priming: they're all around us Other strategies for pricing Can you double your price? Increasing differentiation: The role of brand Real price is not equal to stated price Money on the table: pricing menus, on-sell and up-sell Day rate vs total Use bundling Establishing multiple price points and pricing runways Managing over-demand Get premium customers to self-identify Carry out experimental ‘tests' in the market Using framing and priming Remember to revisit price often, if not continuously 10. On the road to success

Read more less

Book SynopsisSolutions Focus Practice is transforming coaching, consulting and leadership in organisations all over the world. A powerful yet simple approach to positive change, a solutions focus approach to people problems explores what works in a given situation and aims do more of it.The Solutions Focus is the definitive guide to this revolutionary yet practical alternative to conventional wisdom. It demonstrates how the unique SIMPLE method of working sidesteps the search for the causes of trouble and heads directly for the solution. Today national solutions focus associations around the world from Sweden to Australia, base their training on the methods explained here. Solutions focus is in widespread use by consultants, coaches, facilitators and managers. It can be applied at one-to-one, group or organisational levels. Applications include health and wellbeing, sales and negotiation, team building and leadership, performance mana

Read more less

Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction: The Age of Ecosystems 1 Part One 1 Sparks of Magic 15 Certain features of the economy have remained the same for years and years, but now they’re changing 2 The Walls Come Tumbling Down 31 The Dawn of an Ecosystem Economy 3 The Exhilarating Path Ahead 55 How the Uncertain Future Will Shape the Evolution of Ecosystems Part Two 4 Going Where the Puck Will Be 95 Choosing Where to Play in the New Ecosystem Economy 5 It Takes a Village 129 Finding Your Place in the Ecosystem, Choosing Your Role, and Picking the Right Collaborators 6 Survival of the Fittest—Changing from the Inside Out 159 How to Make the Leap Conclusion: Ten Time-Tested Principles for the Emerging Ecosystem Economy 187 Finding Prosperity in a World of Sectors Without Borders Acknowledgments 199 List of Illustrations 201 Notes 203 About the Authors 215 Index 219

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis textbook provides an overview of the core concepts, theories and methods in strategic communication, using examples from research and experiences from practice.Strategic Communication begins by explaining the fundamental concepts related to communication, organizations and strategy, and then explores the communication processes within leadership, reputation, crisis and change. The authors work to present a framework for the future, underpinned by the concept of Communicative Organizations. The content of this 2nd edition has been fully updated to incorporate the latest research and practice examples, including a new chapter on The Future of Strategic Communication'. The new edition also features enhanced pedagogical features to aid learning, such as key takeaways, and new international case studies and examples throughout.After reading the book the student or reader will be able to define and reflect upon strategic communication as an academic field and proTrade Review"This book provides a very good overview on the fundamentals of strategic communication. It is very common that Master’s students want to follow their studies on strategic communication but don’t know the basis and theories of the area. Falkheimer and Heide made an excellent job presenting the beginnings of this new science."—Ivone Ferreira, Assistant Professor at School of Social Sciences, Nova University of Lisbon, Portugal, and Researcher at ICNOVA Research UnitTable of ContentsPreface, Introduction, Part I. Fundamentals, Chapter 1. What is communication?, Chapter 2. What is strategy?, Chapter 3. What is strategic communication?, Part II. Communication Processes and Organizations, Chapter 4. Strategic communication in Society and Market Places, Chapter 5. Organizational identity and culture, Chapter 6. Change and crisis communication, Chapter 7. Mediatization, Part III. Future Developments, Chapter 8. The Future of Strategic Communication – Communication Value and the Communicative Organization

Read more less

Book Synopsis"The best sales book of the year" — strategy+business magazineThat gap between your company’s sales efforts and strategy? It’s real—and a huge vulnerability. Addressing that gap, actionably and with attention to relevant research, is the focus of this book.In Aligning Strategy and Sales, Harvard Business School professor Frank Cespedes equips you to link your go-to-market initiatives with strategic goals. Cespedes offers a road map to articulate strategy in ways that people in the field can understand and that will fuel the behaviors required for profitable growth. Without that alignment, leaders will press for better execution when they need a better strategy, or change strategic direction with great cost and turmoil when they should focus on the basics of sales execution.With thoughtful, clear, and engaging examples, Aligning Strategy and Sales provides a framework for diagnosing and managing the coreTrade Review"A great sales book ... With thoughtful, clear, and engaging examples, Cespedes provides a framework for diagnosing and managing the core levers for effective selling in any organization." -- Sales Pro Insider "...the best sales book of the year. I know we've got a few months left in 2014, but I'm not too worried that I'll be proven wrong--I've been waiting for a sales book like this one for a long time and the odds that another will appear before December 31 are long indeed." "...Aligning Strategy and Sales is well worth the cover price." -- strategy+business magazine "With so many books focused on the elevator pitch, closing the sale, or other minute sales techniques, Aligning Strategy and Sales is a refreshing change of pace." -- 800 CEO READ "...the book is a must read." -- Gartner Frank Cespedes was named one of the "Top 50 Sales & Marketing Influencers" by Top Sales World ADVANCE PRAISE for Aligning Strategy and Sales: Lou D'Ambrosio, Chairman, Sensus; former CEO, Sears Holdings and Avaya Inc.-- "Finally ... a business book with real, pragmatic insight about the crucially important, but often ignored, discipline of sales and why it's vital to any plausible strategy. Written in an effective and sometimes edgy tone, Aligning Strategy and Sales is a compelling playbook for companies looking to accelerate their growth." Jeffrey Bussgang, General Partner, Flybridge Capital Partners-- "You spend a lot on sales. A LOT. Read Cespedes' wise words to get a better handle on how to make your sales investments pay off through smart, strategic alignment." Charles Wilson, CEO, Booker Group-- "It often feels like salespeople are from Mars and strategists from Venus. Little wonder so many strategies fail when tested by real-world customer contact. Whether you are in sales, strategy, or a CEO, you should read this book. It addresses thorny issues like culture and compensation, and it will help you get results." Mardia van der Walt, Senior Vice President, Middle East and Africa, T-Systems International-- "The execution of strategy within an organization is dependent on two critical elements: the creation of a culture that enables strategy execution, and the ability of the sales force to execute on the sales tasks aligned to the strategy. And this is what Frank Cespedes manages to do with Aligning Strategy and Sales." Jeanne O'Kelley, cofounder and CEO, Blueprint Technologies-- "Frank Cespedes has brilliantly captured why aligning strategy and sales is so darn difficult. He walks you through the alignment process in a methodical yet witty manner, reminding you of the nitty-gritty intricacies that will provide the wind in the sails of your strategy. This book should be required reading for all senior executives and sales managers."

Read more less

Book SynopsisIf you aren''t working with a strategy, you''re wasting your time.Strategy isn''t just a set of plans handed down from the C-suite. To grow as a leader, you need to understand your company''s strategy and align your thinking, projects, and team with organizational goals and vision. Master these abilities with the HBR Guides to Building Your Strategic Skills Collection. This three-book set, which includes the HBR Guide to Thinking Strategically, the HBR Guide to Managing Strategic Initiatives, and the HBR Guide to Setting Your Strategy, will help you change the way you think about your work, manage your most important priorities, and craft a strategy for long-term growth.You''ll learn how to: Understand what strategy is--and what it isn''t Define a clear strategy, whether you''re in a start-up or in an established business Manage a portfolio of strategic projects Embed strategic thinking into your daily tasks and decisi

Read more less

Book SynopsisHow do I start a business on a budget?How do I find my first 100 customers and make my first 100k?How do I build a network and get my business noticed? Whether you want to transform a fledgling side-hustle into a full-time endeavour or simply have an idea that's keeping you up at night, this is the ultimate blueprint for building your own business. With no network, no capital and no previous experience, Nafisa built her business from scratch and has helped hundreds of founders to do the same. Now, she wants to share her honest, game-changing advice. From how to nail sales and branding to understanding how to build a network, Nafisa lifts the lid on business culture and questions everything you think you know about the business world.Trade Review‘Nafisa is a brilliant, incisive entrepreneur and How to Make Money is the handbook for anyone with a business idea and belief. Think of it as the best short cut you could ever take’ELLA DOLPHIN, CEO of STYLIST ‘Straight-talking but highly emotive, How To Make Money provides superbly tangible insights into laying the foundations for your own brand playbook, via ideas that bust through the bravado and bluster of standard business talk’KATIE BARON, author of FASHION AND MUSIC ‘Nafisa Bakkar saw a gap in the market for a website that curated modest fashion for Muslim women. She had £50, no experience and no network. Her business, Amaliah, is now pushing a seven-figure turnover. How to Make Money is Bakkar’s no-nonsense guide to all the steps it took, and the moments she nearly quit, with anecdotes from entrepreneurs such as Mohammed Khalid, who had an idea for a halal chicken shop, opened Chicken Cottage by the Brick Lane mosque, and now has 140 outlets – an underappreciated British success story’THE TELEGRAPH, Best Self-Help Books of 2023

Read more less

Book SynopsisYou've got your hands on one of the greatest marketing manuals ever written--the classic that defines the strategies, plans, and campaigns of today's marketing battlefield.Table of Contents2500 Years of War.The Principle of Force.The Superiority of the Defense.The New Era of Competition.The Nature of the Battleground.The Strategic Square.Principles of Defensive Warfare.Principles of Offensive Warfare.Principles of Guerilla Warfare.The Cola War.The Beer War.The Burger War.The Computer War.Strategy and Tactics.The Marketing General.

Read more less

Book SynopsisTrade Review"IFRS 9 and CECL Credit Risk Modelling and Validation: A Practical Guide with Examples Worked in R and SAS by Tiziano Bellini is a precious resource for industry practitioners, researchers and students in the field of credit risk modeling and validation. The author does a great job in covering the various topics in a scientifically sound and comprehensive way without losing practitioner focus. The SAS and R case studies further contribute to its value and make it indispensable for anyone working in credit risk!" --Bart Baesens, KU Leuven and the University of Southampton "It is commendable that practitioners like Dr Tiziano Bellini find the time to write volumes on the important industry developments in risk management. This timely volume provides a guide to credit risk modelling and validation in the context of IFRS 9 and CECL expected credit loss estimates. The book is thus developed in the context of the familiar PD, LGD and EAD framework. Recent challenging developments are discussed, for example the treatment of lifetime losses is very timely. The last part of the book, where multivariate time series models are brought into play, can also give ideas to researchers who may wish to make their work more relevant for the industry. More generally, this volume provides an unparalleled guide for graduate and MSc students. Examples in R and SAS make the book a must-have for risk management practitioners." --Damiano Brigo, Imperial College LondonTable of Contents1. Introduction to Expected Credit Loss Modelling and Validation2. One-Year PDs3. Lifetime PDs 14. LGD Modelling5. Prepayments, Competing Risks and EAD Modelling6. Scenario Analysis and Expected Credit Losses

Read more less