Story Behind The Book
Change is constant. The process has been going on since the beginning of time and will continue forever. The world is changing physically, socially and economically. Change is here to stay. And change creates problems. In fact, the greater the quantity and velocity of the changes, the greater the quantity and complexity of the problems we will have. Why does change create problems? Because everything --everything-- is a system, whether we are talking about a human being, an organization, or the solar system. And every system is, by definition, composed of subsystems. When change occurs, the subsystems do not change synchronously. Some subsystems change faster than others. The result is disintegration. Any problem you might have --with your car, your marriage, at work--analyze it and you will find that something has fallen apart, and it has fallen apart because of change. These manifestations of disintegration caused by change, which we call problems, require solutions. And whatever decision organizational leaders take about how to deal with these problems will create new changes, and those changes will create new discontinuities, and thus tomorrow's problems. The purpose of management, leadership, parenting, or governing-- any form of organizational leadership--is to solve today's problems and get ready to deal with tomorrow's problems. And that means managing change.
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Reviews
“While early promotions in one’s career are due to excellence in a professional discipline, promotions to key management positions hinge upon excellence in interpersonal skills. This book is the culmination of Dr. Adizes’ theoretical studies, vast experience and great intuition. It will help you understand and better deal with subordinates, peers, and specifically your supervisor.” <br /><br />-—Sass Somekh, Executive Vice President of Applied Materials, Inc. <br /><br />“Every management team is a unique slight mutation of the many others we know. With four basic characters; P, A, E, I, Dr Adizes succeeds in giving us the tools to create the ‘full DNA’ of the numerous management teams that exist out there. With a masterful writing, based on tens years of real life experience, Dr Adizes brings to life characters that are the archetypes of managers we all see around us. Then he takes it one step further by showing us how to fix the unhealthy components of any given mutation.” <br /><br />—Dr Moshe Benbassat, Chairman and CEO of ClickSoftware Inc. <br /><br />“Adizes provides help to everyone in his latest book no matter where you are in your life cycle. His wisdom is basic to being a successful manager, father, husband, and leader. There are no limited to what you can achieve if you can strengthen and overcome your own weaknesses through teamwork and improved communications. Adizes provides the insight to help you do it.” <br /><br />—Charles D. Peebler, Jr., Plum I Managing Director and Plum II Director and Venture Partner.