Daniel Robin & Associates

Making Workplaces Work Better

Featured "Better Workplace" Reading for January-March 2003

Here are three excellent books released toward the end of 2002: 

Capra, Fritjof, The Hidden Connections: Integrating The Biological, Cognitive, And Social Dimensions Of Life Into A Science Of Sustainability,  288 pages, hardcover, Doubleday (8/2002).   Synopsis:  Physicist and best-selling author Capra (The Tao of Physics) interweaves the latest "new science" thinking about living systems to deliver compelling evidence of the interconnectedness of all living things and the call to apply this awareness to business.  Capra gracefully spans 3.8 billion years, which first "marked the emergence of a universal ancestor from which all subsequent life on Earth descended" through to the modern workplace and leadership implications. In the first half of the book, Capra reviews the evolution of cognition and thought; rethinking outdated Cartesian notions, and suggesting that "consciousness is not only a biological, but also a social phenomenon." Then he touches on technology, language development, and the social loops of culture. Then in a piercing commentary on our global economy, Capra points out that our economy values only one thing:  maximizing capital flows, while the rest of life operates out of a different values system, one that values quality of life, a healthy environment and long-term sustainability.  This remarkable book not only moves readers to think about the larger picture, but it also puts us in the driver's seat of the social networks that are what make up our work world.  We "make" our networks and they, in turn, make us.  A welcome, Inspiring and uplifting point of view in these confusing and difficult times.

NOTE: Our consulting practice extends to this area of sustainability, leadership and clean technology investing through parent company Integrated Investments International, or In3.  See www.in3inc.com for details.

Galford, Robert and Drapeau, Anne Seibold, The Trusted Leader:  Bringing Out the Best in Your People and Your Company,  288 pages, hardcover, The Free Press (12/31/2002). Synopsis:  How does trust affect your work and workplace?  Who do you trust at work and who trusts you?  The Trusted Leader is grounded in the author's original research, defining three areas of trust: 1) Strategic Trust (assurance the organization is doing the right things), 2)  Organizational Trust (in the way things are being done), and 3) Personal Trust (confidence between leaders and employees). These ideas are illuminated through self-assessments and definitions of the competencies of a trusted leader. One chapter introduces the "enemies" of trusted leadership, from the big daddy syndrome and the revenging angel to the rainmaker/jerk. Another section details how major events such as downsizing can build or break trust. The book does not attempt to explain how trust inside the organization translates into gaining the confidence of outside clients and customers, but it does provide some useful tools for facilitating a workplace culture built around mutual trust and respect.  In this era of headline-grabbing corporate trust-breakers, the authors provide a welcome addition to the literature on an important subject.  

For more on this topic, see our article series beginning with Where Does Trust Come From or via keyword trust.

Carter, Louis and Giber, David (Editors), Business: The Ultimate Resource; 2,208 pages, hardcover, Perseus Publishing (8/2002). Synopsis:  Weighing in at eight pounds, five ounces, this behemoth is literally a one-stop-shop for all things business, boasting more than 500 guides, lists, charts, essays, book summaries, biographies and nine categories of handy reference and resource.  180 contributors lend balance and credibility without being too gung-ho about any one right answer.  The "best practices" section alone is worth its weight (well, almost).  Not meant for page-by-page reading, but sure to help "hold down the fort" in the event of any unexpected high winds or for dealing with new challenges.  Not only is this book an excellent value, but it is well organized and extremely thorough.  Of course, not everybody learns well from reading alone (we don't recommend you wait for the movie); still, if you want to make sure you don't miss any low hanging fruit or leave out any potentially easy solutions, this book can come in handy.  

This work will be useful to diverse audiences -- from new managers to seasoned executives.  If nothing else, it will serve as an excellent reminder of what must be considered while working on any important project or venturing into new territory. 

Probably the only thing not addressed thoroughly is corporate governance.  Though there are some entries on ethics, they tend to be academic rather than applied ethics.  Stay tuned to this website for articles and resources on the later.

Currently on sale for $41.97 from Amazon ... aside from the good ol' Dictionary, this may be the first time you can invest in a handy resource and ballast for future earth-shaking events.

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ARCHIVE:  March - June 2003 Hotbooks

See also: All 2002 Hot Books in Review

Three recommended books about applying "new science" at work

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