The Power of Open-Book Management: Releasing the True Potential of People's Minds, Hearts, and Hands

Praise for The Power of Open-Book Management

"The Power of Open-Book Management is the essential guidebook for every organization that wants all its associates to understand how they make and lose money--and that should be every organization." --Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge and Credibility Chairman and CEO, TPG/Learning Systems

"Enabling a large group of people in an organization to work together in a coordinated way requires that they share an image and understanding of the system of which they are a part. This book offers a clear and pragmatic approach for doing just that." --Jeff Clanon, Executive Director MIT Center for Organizational Learning

"The Power of Open-Book Management provides an answer to the age-old question: 'How can I get all my employees to act and think like owners?' It is a must read for anyone interested in how we will work in the future." --Tom Corbo, CEO MANCO

"The Power of Open-Book Management offers a groundbreaking look at the benefits of interweaving good management and leadership within organizations." --Larry Spears, Executive Director The Greenleaf Center for Servant-Leadership Editor, Reflections on Leadership

"Before you open your books, open this one!" --Rob Zicaro, Employee-Owner

Web Industries

"Widespread use of open-book management as described in this book is absolutely essential." --Robert B. Rogers, Chairman and CEO The Kauffman Foundation

Today's most exciting new approach to increased employee productivity and superior financial results is open-book management (OBM). The unique, yet revolutionary, concept in this approach is simple: Teach employees the financial basics of business . . . trust them to make good decisions based on this knowledge . . . treat them as responsible stakeholders in the venture . . . and they will make significant contributions to their company's success. In fact, once equipped with OBM know-how, they themselves create a sustainable competitive advantage--a team of business-smart entrepreneurs.

In The Power of Open-Book Management, managers will find a complete guide to understanding and implementing this compelling and innovative method of building, strengthening, and growing their organizations.

Beginning with a thorough overview of open-book management, this engaging book describes the context from which OBM has emerged, why it is so urgently needed, and how it works. Featuring examples of companies like Sprint which have successfully implemented OBM, The Power of Open-Book Management presents a practical, step-by-step plan for bringing OBM into any organization, large or small. The authors cover all the essential areas: reward systems, involvement processes, communication, decision making, education, training, leadership, and accountability.

Special resources in the final section of the book describe ways of sustaining OBM and making its benefits a permanent part of the company culture.

Practical, comprehensive, and in many ways, inspirational, The Power of Open-Book Management gives executives, managers, and team leaders the tools for initiating a direct route to greater profitability and growth.

John P. Schuster, Jill Carpenter, and M. Patricia Kane are principals of Capital Connections, Inc., a groundbreaking consulting and training company specializing in open-book management. Their knowledge and insight are frequently sought and quoted in magazines and newspaper articles. Now five years old, the company was initiated in a joint partnership venture and currently operates independently. Their client list has included companies such as Sprint, Volvo, Bristol-Myers Squibb, UtiliCorp United, Excell Agent Services, and Syncrude Canada Ltd.

JOHN P. SCHUSTER is a speaker, author, and consultant known internationally for his work in leadership, team development, and culture changes as well as open-book management. His experience includes a wide range of organizations and industries. He is a Certified Management Consultant and Certified Speaking Professional. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post, Training, and ASTD Journal, and his first book, Hum-Drum to Hot-Diggity, was published in 1993.

JILL CARPENTER is a business trainer and a senior consultant who has held management positions with two Fortune 100 companies. An expert in organizational systems theory and its application to the world of business, she specializes in integrating the new processes of open-book management throughout an organization.

M. PATRICIA KANE is a senior consultant experienced in all facets of training, with expertise in organizational assessment. Her background includes incorporating open-book management practices into existing organizational initiatives, such as quality and customer-focus programs.