RUNNING THINGS: The Art of Making Things Happen

by Philip B. Crosby ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 9, 1986

A cursory, unpersuasive pitch for the proposition that the art of leadership can be learned. Crosby (Quality Is Free, Quality Without Tears) does not flinch from the obvious--or the trendy. Leaders, he asserts at the outset, are responsible for creating the lifestyles of their organizations. Lifestyles that produce a successful operation, according to the author, are marked by arranging (i.e., purpose), establishing (systematic orientation that gains cooperation), exampling (as in role modeling, delegation, et al.), handling (anticipating as well as responding to change), and overcoming (prevailing productively). Crosby devotes a short chapter to each of these matters, combining relentlessly upbeat commentary with set-piece anecdotes and can-do fables. He even recycles the ""Three Little Pigs"" to make a muddled point about attitude and dedication. The author exemplifies his key conceits in a cautionary case study of a fledgling service enterprise named (no kidding) GNU Co. (for Generating New Understanding) and then quits cold. The final 40 percent of the text is given over to an idiosyncratic lexicon which runs from ability (""the talent and energy to perform"") through youth (""a situation that is overcome by having lived a while""). Included as well are pietistic entries for drug abuse, ego, family councils (monthly gatherings of all hands), prayer (recommended as a fine way to start any meeting), succession, tardiness, titles, and unions. Trivial and tedious fare. A superior choice for anyone with a serious interest in inspired and inspiring leadership is Harold J. Leavitt's Corporate Pathfinders (1985).

Pub Date: June 9, 1986

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: McGraw. Hill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 15, 1986

Categories: NONFICTION