Add BookmarkStrategy and the Fat Smoker; Doing What's Obvious But Not Easy
We often (or even usually) know what we should be doing in both personal and professional life. We also know why we should be doing it and (often) how to do it. Figuring all that out is not too difficult. What is very hard is actually doing what you know to be good for you in the long-run, in spite of short-run temptations. The same is true for organizations. What is noteworthy is how similar (if not identical) most firms' strategies really are: provide outstanding client service, act like te... (show more)
We often (or even usually) know what we should be doing in both personal and professional life. We also know why we should be doing it and (often) how to do it. Figuring all that out is not too difficult. What is very hard is actually doing what you know to be good for you in the long-run, in spite of short-run temptations. The same is true for organizations. What is noteworthy is how similar (if not identical) most firms' strategies really are: provide outstanding client service, act like team players, provide a good place to work, invest in your future. No sensible firm (or person) would enunciate a strategy that advocated anything else. However, just because something is obvious does not make it easy. Real strategy lies not in figuring out what to do, but in devising ways to ensure that, compared to others, we actually do more of what everybody knows they should do. This simple insight, if accepted, has profound implications for 1. how organizations should think about strategy 2. how they should think about clients, marketing and selling and 3. how they should think about management. In 18 chapters, Maister explores the fat smoker syndrome and how individuals, managers and organizations can overcome the temptations of the short-term and actually do what they already know is good for them. (show less)
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A great read for anyone who's always had doubts and challenges towards many of the "rules" of strategic management and business consulting. A lot of stories and parallels to people you may have encountered in the business world or previous bosses you may have had. Interesting similarities are also made to human scenarios and conditions which make it easy to relate to.. Read this with low expectations and you'll be blown away! So much better than other "sell-out" authors an... (show more)
A great read for anyone who's always had doubts and challenges towards many of the "rules" of strategic management and business consulting. A lot of stories and parallels to people you may have encountered in the business world or previous bosses you may have had. Interesting similarities are also made to human scenarios and conditions which make it easy to relate to.. Read this with low expectations and you'll be blown away! So much better than other "sell-out" authors and other "prescribed" readings from "so-called" experts! (show less)
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A simple but clever approach to teaching us to solve the real problems in our life and work instead of just treating symptoms. How many overweight smokers do we know on diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and breathing meds? How many of these poor souls live in pain with bad backs, bad knees, etc... The best treatment; wire their jaws closed, help them to stop smoking and make them exercise. Companies do the same thing; they reorganize people and furniture, but never change the bus... (show more)
A simple but clever approach to teaching us to solve the real problems in our life and work instead of just treating symptoms. How many overweight smokers do we know on diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and breathing meds? How many of these poor souls live in pain with bad backs, bad knees, etc... The best treatment; wire their jaws closed, help them to stop smoking and make them exercise. Companies do the same thing; they reorganize people and furniture, but never change the business model or daily practices that are hurting the company. (show less)
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