Pioneering Organizations: The Convergence of Individualism, Teamwork, and Leadership

Rating:
Summary: Implementing a leadship program--where the problems lie...
Review: For me, the first 2/3rd's of Davis's book is a good source of what to look for when you're considering implementing a leadership program within an organization. His points reflect (and clarify) the key items you ought to have in place, or be willing to develop and put into place, if you truly want to implement a full-fleged, sustainable leadership initiative. I read his book after I went through an attempt to initiate a leadership program--too bad for me. I would've saved myself a lot of frustration and work if I had read his book first and checked for the key items.

Easy to read. Great examples. A "No Holds Barred" approach. Simple checklists. It's all there. After reading his book, you'll have the ability to see where the potential problems lie within your organization that will be an obstacle to implementing a leadership program.

Not sure about the last 1/3 of the book. He presents his methodolgy which is a bit complex and confusing. But that's okay, what I got out of the first 2/3rd's was well worth the purchase.

This book is not for the 'weak of heart' senior management folks who only wish to 'talk' about leadership.

Rating:
Summary: Implementing a leadship program--where the problems lie...
Review: For me, the first 2/3rd's of Davis's book is a good source of what to look for when you're considering implementing a leadership program within an organization. His points reflect (and clarify) the key items you ought to have in place, or be willing to develop and put into place, if you truly want to implement a full-fleged, sustainable leadership initiative. I read his book after I went through an attempt to initiate a leadership program--too bad for me. I would've saved myself a lot of frustration and work if I had read his book first and checked for the key items.

Easy to read. Great examples. A "No Holds Barred" approach. Simple checklists. It's all there. After reading his book, you'll have the ability to see where the potential problems lie within your organization that will be an obstacle to implementing a leadership program.

Not sure about the last 1/3 of the book. He presents his methodolgy which is a bit complex and confusing. But that's okay, what I got out of the first 2/3rd's was well worth the purchase.

This book is not for the 'weak of heart' senior management folks who only wish to 'talk' about leadership.

Rating:
Summary: Achieving Convergence of Enlightened Self-Interests
Review: In the Foreword, Chip R. Bell correctly points out that this book "provides a new framework for helping enterprises combine the synergy of the team with the conviction of the individual. It offers leaders a deeply grounded philosophy and practice of how to galvanize vision, unearth spirit, and channel courage in a fashion that forges contribution." Throughout his book, Davis explains how to create and then sustain a strong convergence of individualism and teamwork -- teamwork built on healthy self-interest -- and leadership that encourages the contributions of both. He carefully organizes his material within three Parts: An Exploration into Pioneering Organizations, Creating Pioneering Organizations for the 21st Century, and Appendices: Pioneering Tales which examine four quite different organizations (Vignette Corporation, the IC2 Institute, the Post Ranch Inn, and Starbucks). All four exemplify the five "pioneering principles" previously explained in depth. These principles are: a pioneering vision, a convergence of (self) interests, interdependent individualism, teamwork as aligned individualism, and finally, convergent leadership. One of the book's most useful sections is "The Organization Convergence and Commitment Checklist" (included in Chapter 7) which consists of questions which each organization must consider while addressing business, individual, teamwork, trust, and process issues.

One theme which Davis develops throughout his book is the increasingly important need not only to to preserve life but to "find new ways to nurture the quality of life." He affirms the value of various benefits created by "the speeding enterprises of the information world" even as we must do everything humanly possible to preserve the planet by pioneering the common good with convergent leadership. We must regain control (in common purpose) of the human "agenda", indeed to "rescue it from the clutches of the selfish few and their paid politicians." Another important theme (previously but only briefly indicated in this review) is what is generally referred to as "enlightened self-interest." That is to say, the most effective organizations, the "pioneering organizations" featured in Davis' book (including the four discussed in the appendices), illustrate a profitable and sustainable convergence of principled individualism with divergent priorities. The latter could well include "increased global understanding, mutual respect [between and among nations], and perhaps eventually world peace."

Who will derive the greatest value from this book? Primarily, I think, decision-makers in organizations within which there is a compelling, on-going need to combine the synergy of the team with the conviction of the individual. I agree with Davis that "the interdependent balancing of the interests of the individual with those of the group and community may have been the secret of pioneer America's economic success." That is even more true now than ever before. An individual with vision and determination in combination with effective teamwork can create a "dynamic tension which explains the energy and industry" of all pioneering cultures throughout the world. That may well be the "key" to both prosperity and peace. In that event, credit the pioneering organizations and their leaders.

Rating:
Summary: Insights into individualism, teamwork and leadership
Review: Pioneering Organizations provides insights into individualism, teamwork and leadership qualities and needs, examining the experiences of major pioneering organizations from IBM to Microsoft to reveal how organizations solve problems and grow. The underlying reasons for the rise and fall of such pioneers are examined in chapters which draw important connections between business visions and market realities.