Getting the Right Things Done: A Leader's Guide to Planning and Execution


Pascal Dennis - 2006
    Strategy deployment, called hoshin kanri by Toyota, has proven to be the most effective process for meeting this ongoing challenge. In his new book Getting the Right Things Done, author and LEI faculty member Pascal Dennis outlines the nuts and bolts of strategy deployment, answering two tough questions that ultimately can make or break a company's lean transformation: * What kind of planning system is required to inspire meaningful company-wide continuous improvement? * How might we change existing mental models that do not support a culture of continuous improvement? Getting the Right Things Done demonstrates how strategy deployment can help leaders harness the full power of Lean. Organization leaders at all levels and the management teams who are responsible for strategy deployment will find this book especially insightful. It tells the story of a fictional (yet very real) midsized company, Atlas Industries that needs to dramatically improve to compete with emerging rivals and meet new customer demands. Getting the Right Things Done chronicles the journey of the company and its President/COO, an experienced lean leader who was hired five years ago to steer Atlas in the right direction. While Atlas had already applied some basic lean principles, it had not really connected the people and business processes so that the company could dramatically improve. Atlas' challenge: "Something was missing: a way of focusing and aligning the efforts of good people, and a delivery system, something that would direct the tools to the right places." Enter strategy deployment. The book is designed to provide readers with a framework for understanding the key components of strategy deployment: agreeing on the company's "True North," working within the PDCA cycle, getting conse

The Ten Faces of Innovation: IDEO's Strategies for Defeating the Devil's Advocate and Driving Creativity Throughout Your Organization


Tom Kelley - 2005
     The role of the devil's advocate is nearly universal in business today. It allows individuals to step outside themselves and raise questions and concerns that effectively kill new projects and ideas, while claiming no personal responsibility. Nothing is more potent in stifling innovation. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience managing IDEO, Kelley identifies ten roles people can play in an organization to foster innovation and new ideas while offering an effective counter to naysayers. Among these approaches are the Anthropologist—the person who goes into the field to see how customers use and respond to products, to come up with new innovations; the Cross-pollinator who mixes and matches ideas, people, and technology to create new ideas that can drive growth; and the Hurdler, who instantly looks for ways to overcome the limits and challenges to any situation. Filled with engaging stories of how companies like Kraft, Procter and Gamble, Cargill and Samsung have incorporated IDEO's thinking to transform the customer experience, THE TEN FACES OF INNOVATION is an extraordinary guide to nurturing and sustaining a culture of continuous innovation and renewal.

You Can't Fire Everyone: And Other Lessons from an Accidental Manager


Hank Gilman - 2011
     Plenty of managers never asked, expected, or trained to be put in charge of other people. But when it happens, these accidental bosses often find that learning to manage is like learning to swim by being dropped into the deep end of the pool. Hank Gilman knows what that's like. As a top editor for "Fortune, Newsweek," and the "Boston Globe," he has helped nurture some outstanding talent. His success can be attributed largely to his management style, which allows him to treat his employees like, well, humans, while holding them accountable. But he was far from a natural when it was time to take charge. Gilman shares the lessons he's learned-through trial and error-during his two decades as a manager in one of the craziest businesses on the planet. Writing in a warm but no-nonsense voice, he offers straight-up advice on the ins and outs of hiring, firing, motivating, and dealing with cranky superstars. Gilman argues that your employees should always come first-and that managing down, as opposed to managing up, will ultimately lead to a successful career as a boss.

Why Hospitals Should Fly: The Ultimate Flight Plan to Patient Safety and Quality Care


John J. Nance - 2008
    He, alone, masters in one mind the fields of aviation, health care safety, medical malpractice law, organizational sociology, media communication, and, as if that were not enough, the art of fine writing. Only he could have made sophisticated, scientifically disciplined instruction about the nature and roots of safety into a page-turner. Medical care has a ton yet to learn from the decades of progress that have brought aviation to unprecedented levels of safety, and, in instructing us all about those lessons, John Nance is not just a bridge-builder - he is the bridge. This book should be required reading for anyone willing to face the facts about what it will take for health care to be as safe as it truly can be." Donald M. Berwick, MD, MPP President and CEO Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)

Leadership and Self-Deception: Getting Out of the Box


The Arbinger Institute - 2000
    However well intentioned they may be, leaders who deceive themselves always end up undermining their own performance.This straightforward book explains how leaders can discover their own self-deceptions and learn how to escape destructive patterns. The authors demonstrate that breaking out of these patterns leads to improved teamwork, commitment, trust, communication, motivation, and leadership.

Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action


Simon Sinek - 2009
    It was their natural ability to start with why that enabled them to inspire those around them and to achieve remarkable things.In studying the leaders who've had the greatest influence in the world, Simon Sinek discovered that they all think, act, and communicate in the exact same way—and it's the complete opposite of what everyone else does. Sinek calls this powerful idea The Golden Circle, and it provides a framework upon which organizations can be built, movements can be lead, and people can be inspired. And it all starts with WHY.Any organization can explain what it does; some can explain how they do it; but very few can clearly articulate why. WHY is not money or profit—those are always results. WHY does your organization exist? WHY does it do the things it does? WHY do customers really buy from one company or another? WHY are people loyal to some leaders, but not others?Starting with WHY works in big business and small business, in the nonprofit world and in politics. Those who start with WHY never manipulate, they inspire. And the people who follow them don't do so because they have to; they follow because they want to.Drawing on a wide range of real-life stories, Sinek weaves together a clear vision of what it truly takes to lead and inspire. This book is for anyone who wants to inspire others or who wants to find someone to inspire them.

Nonprofit Kit For Dummies


Stan Hutton - 2001
    But like all adventures, running a nonprofit organization is a real challenge.Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, Second Edition shows you the fun-and-easy way to get your nonprofit up-and-running. It contains savvy advice from the experts on everything from incorporating and managing your nonprofit to unbeatable tactics for raising money and managing public relations. This hands-on, no-nonsense guide is packed with tons of useful information that will give you everything you need to: Plan your nonprofit for the community Write a buy-in guaranteed mission statement Incorporate and apply tax exemption Build your board of directors with the right people Design a volunteer program Have a paid staff run your nonprofit Create budgets and financial reports Craft the perfect fundraising plan Write a great grant proposal Raise money from individuals Included in this must-have resource is a bonus CD-ROM that contains sample grant proposals, over a dozen budget and cash flow projections, multiple fundraising plans to choose from, and a list of indispensable Web resources to keep your nonprofit on track. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, Second Edition is the ultimate nuts-and-bolts guide to getting your nonprofit off the ground and giving back to your community!

The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization


John C. Maxwell - 2005
    Maxwell's thirty years of experience teaching people how to make a significant difference in their organizations.Don't wait for that promotion!Start leading NOW... right where you are!What's the number one question leadership expert John C. Maxwell is asked while conducting his leadership conferences?  "How can I implement what you teach when I'm not the top leader?"Is it possible to lead well when you're not the top dog?  How about if the person you work for is a bad leader?  The answer is a resounding yes!  Welcome to The 360° Leader.  People who desire to lead from the middle of organizations face unique challenges.  And they are often held back by myths that prevent them from developing their influence.  Dr. Maxwell, one of the globe's most trusted leadership mentors, debunks the myths, shows you how to overcome the challenges, and teaches you the skills you need to become a 360° leader.If you have found yourself trying to lead from the middle of the organization, as the vast majority of professionals do, then you need Maxwell's insights.  You have a unique opportunity to exercise influence in all directions-up (to the boss), across (among your peers), and down (to those you lead).The good news is that your influence is greater than you know.  Practice the disciplines of 360° leadership and the opportunities will be endless... for your organization, for your career, and for your life.

Nonprofit Management: Principles and Practice


Michael J. Worth - 2008
    Essential for the classroom. -Robert Silverman, University at Buffalo Nonprofit Management: Principles and Practice, the first comprehensive textbook written for the Nonprofit Management course, covers such topics as the scope and structure of the nonprofit sector, leadership of nonprofits, managing the nonprofit organization, fundraising, nonprofit enterprise, financial management, collaborations and mergers, nonprofit lobbying and advocacy, and international trends. Written specifically for students, this text integrates research, theory, and the practitioner literature and includes more than is found in the more prescriptive, practitioner-oriented alternatives. Providing an overview suitable for students enrolled in their first course in the field, the book also includes cases and discussions of advanced issues for those with experience. Key FeaturesTakes a balanced approach to varied perspectives and controversial issues and encompasses traditional concepts as well as new approaches and thinking Integrates social sciences research, management theory, and practitioner literature Includes mini-cases to enhance student understanding of the issues involved in real-world situations Gives students direction on where to go in the literature to learn more through chapter-ending Suggestions for Further Reading Includes Questions for Discussion at the end of each chapter to help students apply chapter content to actual nonprofit organizationsAccompanied by High-Quality Ancillaries This text is supported by Instructor Resources on CD, featuring sample syllabi, suggested exercises and discussion questions, PowerPoint slides, and more. This CD is available to qualified instructors by contacting Customer Care at 1-800-818-SAGE (7243) from 6 am 5 pm, PST. Nonprofit Management is ideal for courses in Nonprofit Management, Not-for-Profit Management, and Public Management.

Nonprofit Management 101: A Complete and Practical Guide for Leaders and Professionals


Darian Rodriguez Heyman - 2011
    This book provides nonprofit professionals with the conceptual frameworks, practical knowledge, and concise guidance needed to succeed in the social sector. Designed as a handbook, the book is filled with sage advice and insights from a variety of trusted experts that can help nonprofit professionals prepare to achieve their organizational and personal goals, develop a better understanding of what they need to do to lead, support, and grow an effective organization.Addresses a wealth of topics including fundraising, Managing Technology, Marketing, Finances, Advocacy, Working with Boards Contributors are noted nonprofit experts who define the core capabilities needed to manage a successful nonprofit Author is the former Executive Director of Craigslist Foundation This important resource offers professionals key insights that will have a direct impact on improving their daily work.

The Art of Social Media: Power Tips for Power Users


Guy Kawasaki - 2014
    By now it’s clear that whether you’re promoting a business, a product, or yourself, social media is near the top of what will determine your success or failure. And there are countless pundits, authors, and consultants eager to advise you.   But there’s no one quite like Guy Kawasaki, the legendary former chief evangelist for Apple and one of the pioneers of business blogging, tweeting, facebooking, tumbling, and much, much more. Now Guy has teamed up with his Canva colleague Peg Fitzpatrick to offer The Art of Social Media – the one essential guide you need to get the most bang for your time, effort, and money.   With more than 100 practical tips, tricks, and insights, Guy and Peg present a ground-up strategy to produce a focused, thorough, and compelling presence on the most popular social-media platforms. They guide you through the steps of building your foundation, amassing your digital assets, going to market, optimizing your profile, attracting more followers, and effectively integrating social media and blogging.   For beginners overwhelmed by too many choices, as well as seasoned professionals eager to improve their game, The Art of Social Media is full of tactics that have been proven to work in the real world. Or as Guy puts it, “Great Stuff, No Fluff.” http://artof.social/

The Oz Principle: Getting Results Through Individual and Organizational Accountability


Roger Connors - 1994
    At its root, the principle works like this: Like Dorothy and the gang in The Wizard of Oz, most businesspeople have the tools to succeed, but when things go wrong they blame circumstance or others instead of looking within for the true cause of unsatisfactory results. Once individuals learn to accept responsibility, they can use the Oz Principle to become better leaders. Now, with corporate scandals in the headlines and the culture of victimization running rampant at every level of the business world, Roger Connors, Tom Smith, and Craig Hickman return with a new edition of The Oz Principle. Fully revised, this edition will update the statistics, concepts, and relevant companies through fresh, timely anecdotes and stories.

Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence


David Keirsey - 1998
    Advertised only by word of mouth, the book became a favorite training and counseling guide in many institutions -- government, church, business -- and colleges across the nation adopted it as an auxiliary text in a dozen different departments. Why? Perhaps it was the user-friendly way that Please Understand Me helped people find their personality style. Perhaps it was the simple accuracy of Keirsey's portraits of temperament and character types. Or perhaps it was the book's essential message: that members of families and institutions are OK, even though they are fundamentally different from each other, and that they would all do well to appreciate their differences and give up trying to change others into copies of themselves.Now: Please Understand Me IIFor the past twenty years Keirsey has continued to investigate personality differences -- to refine his theory of the four temperaments and to define the facets of character that distinguish one from another. His findings form the basis of Please Understand Me II, an updated and greatly expanded edition of the book, far more comprehensive and coherent than the original, and yet with much of the same easy accessibility. One major addition is Keirsey's view of how the temperaments differ in the intelligent roles they are most likely to develop. Each of us, he says, has four kinds of intelligence -- tactical, logistical, diplomatic, strategic -- though one of the four interests us far more than the others, and thus gets far more practice than the rest. Like four suits in a hand of cards, we each have a long suit and a short suit in what interests us and what we do well, and fortunate indeed are those whose work matches their skills. As in the original book, Please Understand Me II begins with The Keirsey Temperament Sorter, the most used personality inventory in the world. But also included is The Keirsey Four-Types Sorter, a new short questionnaire that identifies one's basic temperament and then ranks one's second, third, and fourth choices. Share this new sorter with friends and family, and get set for a lively and fascinating discussion of personal styles.

Fundraising for Social Change


Kim Klein - 1995
    It includes topics such as asking for money, using direct mail effectively, using the Internet, and making a career of social change fundraising.

Zilch: The Power of Zero in Business


Nancy Lublin - 2010
    She helped it evolve from a debt-ridden, stodgy not-for-profit to a fast-moving, buzz-driven magnet for teens. Do Something now draws more than one million monthly hits on its Web site, while dispensing millions in grant money to young people with good ideas and a hunger to help others. Lublin now shows why the best not-for-profits are brilliant at doing more with less and what the mainstream business world can learn from them, especially in tough times. For instance, organizations like Do Something are tops at motivating people with nonfinancial incentives and doing effective grassroots marketing on a shoestring budget. Lublin's book distills the best lessons and stories from her career and includes interviews with other leaders of flourishing not-for-profits, such as Wendy Kopp of Teach for America, Adam Sterling of Save Darfur, and John Lilly of Mozilla.