A Force Of Ones (Jossey Bass Business & Management Series) - Hardcover

Herman, Stanley M.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1555425615 ISBN 13: 9781555425616

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 1994

Synopsis

This book celebrates the power of the individual in the workplace, and offers support and guidance for enlightened individualism at work. The author provides tools and guidance for enhancing one's personal effectiveness on the job.

About this title

Reviews

Management consultant Herman ( The People Specialists ) here argues that individual self-development can exponentially enhance corporate group programs and can improve your work satisfaction and career prospects. He cautions against self-deception, warns of the imperfect judgment of those in authority who "see you in . . . ways that depend as much on their own needs and biases as on your actual behavior" and provides exercises to develop psychological acumen. Herman urges individuals to initiate informal dicussions with their bosses in which they can develop mutual support by articulating each other's strengths and weaknesses. He calls attention to conflicts, stressing that contention is a normal dynamic in human relationships and not necessarily a sign of breakdown; he also concedes, however, that not all interface talks bring about reasonable resolutions: "If you don't hold the cards, you can lose, even if you play the hand well." Perhaps the most helpful section of the book considers power and politics. While disdaining "hardball players," Herman also realistically notes that if you "strongly disapprove of politics, you probably won't get to be a CEO."
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Herman, an organizational behaviorist, gives his answer to the problem of individuals who feel their contributions get lost in the current vogue for teamwork. If individuals understand what drives them and learn how to communicate their work desires in any direction, they will have more confidence to work in teams and see good results. This book is arranged around four themes: self-awareness, working relationships, organizations as individuals, and power/politics. The premise is based on Gestalt psychology, which Herman used in his last book, Authentic Management (1977). However, the ideas are presented in a context with which many can identify and use. The only criticism is the sprinkling of poetry, which looks silly. Nonetheless, managers, those who aspire to manage, and academics will find this book compelling. Highly recommended.
- Rebecca A. Smith, Harvard Business Sch. Lib.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 1994
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1555425615
• ISBN 13: 9781555425616
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 261