The 2,000 Percent Solution: Free Your Organization from "Stalled" Thinking to Achieve Exponential Success [Paperback]

Donald Mitchell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 14, 2003

Organizations, like people, are creatures of habit. They tend to approach problems in predictable ways. This revolutionary book argues that such ingrained habits, which often masquerade as efficient procedures, actually obstruct growth.The 2,000 Percent Solution introduces "stall busting," a process that shows you how to recognize typical stalls (like poor communications, disbelief, misconceptions, procrastination, tradition and bureaucracy) and how to overcome them.Through unorthodox examples ranging from the sinking of the Titanic to sketches attributed to Leonardo da Vinci for a bicycle, The 2,000 Percent Solution redirects knee-jerk reactions onto more productive paths. In addition, you'll learn about a new set of thought processes for designing and implementing solutions that will reap benefits 20 times greater or faster than the same tired "normal" solutions. Packed with specific examples, advice and questions to help you improve your organization's process weaknesses, you'll learn how to go beyond today's best practices into the uncharted realm of what needs to be imagined and accomplished.Since the first printing of this book in 1999, organizations all over the world have made The 2,000 Percent Solution a daily resource for overcoming the dual challenges of tough competitors and a difficult business environment. We are particularly pleased that the book has become popular in the rapidly growing and changing markets of China. Readers say the advice and examples are as timely today as when the book was first published. We look forward to hearing your comments and questions at [e-mail].

Editorial Reviews

Review

BOOKNEWS "Argues that ingrained habits in organizations, often masquerading as efficient procedures, actually stall growth, and shows how to recognize typical stalls and overcome them. Uses unorthodox examples, ranging from the Titanic to da Vinci's bicycles, to examine common stalls, and gives direction for dealing with these causes of organizational inertia and inefficiency." -- BookNews

COMPUTERWORLD, February 1, 1999 "The authors tackle 'stalled' thinking . . . Tradition, Disbelief, Misconception, Unattractiveness, Bureaucratic, Communication and Procrastination. Any information technology manager is likely to

recognize all of these. Chapters 9 through 16 identify 'stallbusters' -- seven steps for overcoming these problems. Chapter 9 is an excellent source for overcoming one's own 'stalls.' The book is enlivened with brief vignettes incorporating historical examples." -- ComputerWorld, February 1, 1999

Donald Frey (former Chairman and CEO of Bell & Howell) in DIRECTORS & BOARDS, Volume 23 #2 Winter 1999 "THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION is a brightly written, well organized, enjoyable and instructive book on how to revive companies that have 'stalled out' (not growing, with shrinking market share and profits). The title refers to the exponential improvement that can be gained by getting companies out of a stall . . . I strongly recommend the book. Any managerial, and many non-managerial, members of large companies will identify with much of the book. Their world will be mirrored in any number of its pages. I hope that reading the book will motivate such people in our too-many stalled companies 'to stop the slow leaks'. . . ." -- Donald Frey

THE WASHINGTON TIMES, March 29, 1999 "Are you procrastinating? . . . The authors . . . have a handle on the issue of complacency . . . [The authors] provide a clear and concise look at the many road blocks that good ideas must overcome in most companies. By identifying and offering other directions, they show how companies can avoid these blocks and find some other roads to travel." -- The Washington Times, March 29, 1999

Thomas Brown (Editor) MANAGEMENT GENERAL, August 1, 1999 "This book is nominated to be one of the 10 best business books of 1999. 'Stretch goals!' How many times have you either heard or spoken those words? The phrase is so often spoken that it has unfortunately become a clich. Along come three authors who obviously not only believe in stretch goals but have built a kind of science around them. They begin their book by suggesting that a great number of us are in "a stall," which is a polite way of saying 'stuck in the status quo.' No argument there, from perhaps just about all readers; few people believe their organizations are driving at 100% throttle, let alone 2000%! So, quickly, the authors assert that you, personally, can do something about this: 'Shoot for the Moon When It Counts' is their advice. Then they go, chapter by chapter, enumerating those myriad places where individuals (just like you) and teams (just like yours) get stuck: in traditions, in disbelief, in misconception, in communications, in bureaucracy, in procrastination. Less kind reviewers might say, "Yawn!" to such a list of basics; yet, taken as a whole, this book is verbal dynamite. The authors' repeated insistence that there isn't even one area of organizational life that can't be turbocharged by upping the gain on the goals' amplifier makes for a great book. Their last paragraph is worthy of framing; it says, in part: 'We must each evolve into self-actualized individuals, who can recognize stalls and the stall mind-set, both personal and corporate, and then guide companies and organizations to overcome specific stalls to become self-actualized. Mitchell, Coles, and Metz are now experts in stretch-goaling (or stall busting); their book is a testament to the fact that, with just a little effort, you can be an expert in this field as well." -- Thomas Brown

William Mahoney (Editor) UPDATE, February 1999 " THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION is written to inspire executives to free themselves and their business organizations from their 'mind-forged manacles' to 'achieve exponential success' . . . Filling the book with true-life business stories, the authors ask executive readers to extract lessons from the problems and find solutions that can help them. How-to steps are included, along with calls to action, for setting objectives and plans that achieve more than today's best practices and that go for the 'maximum result that can be achieved' . . . Then, they introduce 'stallbusters,' namely ways to analyze and overcome your habits and those of your company... A series of questions guides readers on how to create the ability to 'soar like an eagle' . . . Curious about the title? It's the payoff for thinking big. 'Forget about 100 percent improvement; the achievable goal is expanded to breakthrough 2,000 percent progress' . . . ." -- William Mahoney --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

"An exciting book that rightly focuses on the enormous benefits that can stem from truly radical thinking about any business. Its greatest strength is the hundreds of engaging, real-life stories that illustrate the authors' principles." -- C. Michael Armstrong, Chairman and CEO, AT&T Corporation

"In calling attention to the basic breakdowns or 'stalls' that can, and have, afflicted so many organizations, THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION offers a visionary yet commonsense way to be a victor rather than a victim in today's rapidly evolving world." -- Norman R. Augustine, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Lockheed Martin Corporation

"Organizations fall behind when they stand still. Many achieve perpetual motion only to find that they've been running in circles. THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION is a blueprint for managers seeking to harness the energy of the organization and transform it into forward progress with growth momentum. It offers clear thinking that can help make your organization a bigger winner." -- James M. Kilts, President and CEO, Nabisco

"Drawing on a wealth of examples from history, business, sports, and entertainment, THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION applies rigorous thinking to important issues that impede the growth and progress of organizations. The result is a series of practical recommendations of ways leaders can accomplish much more and improve the success of their organizations dramatically." -- Robert C. Clark, Dean, Harvard Law School

"A much-needed paradigm for unlocking hidden potential. The organization that demonstrates an unswerving commitment to THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION will be well-positioned to consistently deliver exponential success rather than small, insignificant change." -- Charles A. Phillips, President and CEO, United Distillers & Vintners, North America

"If you ask yourself and your company just half of the questions suggested in this book, maybe just one-quarter of them, you will be vastly better prepared for the 21st century." -- Walter Kiechel III, Former Managing Editor, Fortune Magazine

"A colorful look at how we can be our own worst enemy, and best friend, in business." -- Dr. Kenneth L. Lay, Chairman and CEO, ENRON Corporation

"At last a practical way to focus the organization on being a winner and individuals on doing what's right for the business the first time . . . rather than waiting around to be asked, basking in the past." -- Orin R. Smith, Chairman and CEO, Engelhard Corporation

"Buy and read THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION, and you'll have the winner's edge for your organization and your career." -- Glenn Schaeffer, President, Mandalay Resort Group

"It's easy for individuals to get caught up in the grind of daily business, and for organizations to find themselves trapped by ineffective practices. But 'business as usual' assumes that the way things are is the way they must be. THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION provides a valuable service, demonstrating the importance of outside-the-box thinking as well as providing practical suggestions that can make a difference in both personal and organizational effectiveness." -- Robert B. Catell, Chairman and CEO, KeySpan Energy

"Ever since the early days of DIRECTORS & BOARDS, we have drawn on Don Mitchell's wisdom for enhancing the knowledge and wealth of our audience. Readers of THE 2,000 PERCENT SOLUTION can count on a quantum jump in their business and personal effectiveness." -- Dr. Robert Rock, Chairman and Publisher, Directors & Boards --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 274 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (August 14, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595291139
• ISBN-13: 978-0595291137
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (91 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,422,784 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Ho Hum, November 9, 2004

By 

G. J Wiener (Westchester, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 2000 Percent Solution: Free Your Organization from "Stalled" Thinking to Achieve Exponential Success (Hardcover)

Everyone seems to love this book. Me, I find it long on theory and a bit short on examples. The writing style sounds like reasonable corporate management theory. However the examples are just not very memorable and even quite boring.

Truthfully the authors could have been better served by talking in a language that would reach a wider audience. They over-analyze this stall process like its a big part of organizations today. The big part of succesful organizations is those who encouragement teamwork. This is hardly emphasized here or if it is the dry writing style hides it quite well.

Some good theory yes, but overall The 2000 Percent Solution has a dull dry style that really only delivers at 40%.

27 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unstoppable Change: Peril or Opportunity?, November 13, 2000

By 

Robert Morris (Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
(TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The 2000 Percent Solution: Free Your Organization from "Stalled" Thinking to Achieve Exponential Success (Hardcover)

I presume to suggest that you first read the authors' more recently published book, The Irresistible Growth Enterprise in which they explain how to achieve "breakthrough gains from unstoppable change." One of the key points in that book it is imperative to understand the nature and extent of such forces as they affect a given organization...then respond accordingly. Another key point stresses the importance of anticipating future changes which inevitably create problems. Each of these problems requires an effective solution. That is, a "2,000 Percent Solution" which enables an organization to get "20 times better and faster results from the same or fewer resources."

The subtitle of this book correctly suggests why the authors wrote it: To "free" organizations from "stalled" thinking so that they can achieve "exponential success." Note the words embraced by quotation marks. Most organizations (especially the larger ones) can easily become captive to basic assumptions and presumptions which are no longer valid...or at least appropriate. As a result, those involved feel obligated to defend the status quo. Their thinking is stalled. Managers become bureaucrats. Because they are defending the status quo, they resist and resent any suggested changes of it. Of course, change does occur: The organization deteriorates. The "best and the brightest" employees leave as do under-served customers.

The reference to "exponential success" is also very significant. The authors correctly believe that, in the absence of Divine Intervention, sustainable success can only be achieved exponentially: building a skyscraper one floor at a time, paving a road to Oz one yellow brick at a time, eating a whale one bite at a time.

Part One explains how you can free your organization from "mind-forged manacles." To do so, you must overcome:

The Stall Mind-Set ["If I ignore it, it will eventually go away."]

The Tradition Stall ["But we've never done it that way before."]

The Disbelief Stall ["I can't believe you suggested that."]

The Misconception Stall ["Wet highways cause rain."]

The Unattractiveness Stall ["It may work but it just doesn't look right."]

The Communications Stall ["I'll get back to you with some feedback when I can."]

The Bureaucratic Stall ["This is highly irregular."]

The Procrastination Stall ["Interesting. I'm going to give it the careful thought it deserves."]

The authors analyze each of these familiar stalls and evasions. Then in Part Two, they suggest (and explain in detail) "Eight Steps" by which to overcome them. This book is "primarily about what to do differently rather than how to do something better than you do it today." Pogo once observed, "We have met the enemy and he is us." Stalling and evading strategies are basic to human nature. We tend to employ one or more of them whenever we feel threatened or confused or inadequate...or because, like Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, we simply don't want to do what we are asked to do.

I highly recommend this book. The wealth of information and material is carefully organized and lucidly presented. The authors seem to have no illusions whatsoever as to the difficulty of implementing the "Eight Steps." The success of those initiatives will indeed be exponential. My guess is that organizations which have the greatest need for this book will be most resistant to its recommendations. Those involved in such organizations would be well-advised to "think small." That is, select a specific situation in which "unstalled thinking" can have an immediate, obvious, and quantifiable impact. Complete the "Eight Step Process." And then leverage that success to achieve other successes...one "2,000 Percent Solution" at a time.

Obviously, both this book and The Irresistible Growth Enterprise can be read separately and still have great value. As noted previously, I suggest that the latter be read first. I also presume to suggest that both books will have even greater value if read in combination with Peter Schwartz's The Art of the Long View.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars I found this to be so much eloquently worded, rehashed stuff, June 9, 2003

By 

Bruce Cote (Marshfield, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The 2000 Percent Solution: Free Your Organization from "Stalled" Thinking to Achieve Exponential Success (Hardcover)

"Obstacles are things people see when they lose sight of their goals." Sorry, but I can't wrap myself around this one. If I worked in an organization where I found such symptoms were the rule and not the exception, I would quit. I honestly have not completed the book, because everytime I pick it up again, I just feel that the authors get mired in their contrived circumstances. If their cures aren't mere common sense, then those too feel contrived. Maybe this works for some, but not for me. Thumbs down. -Bc