Customer Reviews

Building the Bridge As You Walk On It: A Guide for Leading Change (J-B US non-Franchise Leadership)

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While this is the third book written by Quinn in a trilogy on the process of helping individuals and organizations to make deep change, I happened to read this one first. I then eagerly read his other two books.

It is human nature to find a comfort zone and then try our hardest to stay in that zone. We feel safe, secure, and in control in our comfort zone. Sometimes, however, we try so hard to stay in the zone that we exert more energy than it would take to change. So why not change? Change is difficult and necessitates giving up power. Prior to reading the book I felt it was almost admitting failure. Change can be especially difficult when we are acting in the role of leader, and trying to move a large group of individuals toward the fulfillment of a goal or vision. How, then, do we lead and manage change? How do we transform an organization?

Leadership is a state of being, which Quinn calls the "fundamental state of leadership". This is a state in which we are open to personal change, and consequently draw others to us by our change in behavior. In the book Quinn gives a detailed explanation of this new model of leaderhip and thoroughly examines the personal nature of change. He gives examples ordinary people who have led extraordinary change efforts. These stories motivate, they bring heroic efforts within reach of the ordinary individual.

Executive, middle manager, associate, student, father or mother - all will benefit from this book.

Dr. Quinn and his colleagues have been working with us at Prudential Retirement to help create a culture founded on the concepts that arise from this book. The effect on our business has been significant. I wholeheartedly recommend it.

That said, this book asks a lot of its readers. It provokes reflection, thought and contemplation about organizational change and the inner change that must precede it. If you are looking for a quick airplane read on the subject, this book is definitely not for you. If you have some reflective time to devote to this complex subject, it will provide an outstanding return on your investment. The book and its author possess an authenticity that you will appreciate.

This book is deeply esoteric, and if you have not had the benefit of reading his first book, Deep Change, then you may find yourself wondering what the key elements to change and bridge building are. Although the author offers pearls of wisdom, they are hidden and dispersed throughout the chapters. Don't expect to read this book over the weekend in order to start on the next. This book requires time and thought, and, you will need to discern for yourself what the potential lessons are. In some ways the author appears confused about whether he is attempting to convey how to develop deep change or if he is attempting to convey bridge building. You will need to decide for yourself if this is merely semantics. In my mind, there is a definite distinction between the two yet the author has trouble deciding what he is trying to present. In some ways the book reminds me of Sufi Parables; in that you may discern a different meaning or lesson on a different day depending on your attitude and mind set at the time of the reading. All in all, this is a deeply philosophical book that may leave you disappointed. My suggestion? Pass this one up and go for his earlier book, Deep Change

Base on my understanding of the American society, I am not surprised that this book, like Quinn's previous book "Deep Change," doesn't get as many reviews as it deserves, but I am confident that this book, and Qinn's trilogy, will become classic down the line.

This book would seem esoteric for the society that is addicted to data and techniques, thinking that what we need is more information and skills in order to lead. It does require the reader to be more mature to understand the content at a deeper level. In my case, my understanding of Systems Theory helps a great deal. In fact, this book fills the gap that is missing in the systemic leadership books that I have read.

Edwin H. Friedman's A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix is one of the books that I like best on leadership and systems theory. However, even though it describes the sickness of the societies, organizations, families, etc. extremely well, it lacks the recommendation for the leader to develop the systemic quality to transform the society, organization, or family he or she is leading. Quinn's books fill the gap right on the spot.

As a Chinese living in America for 16 years, my concern is seeing the rampant reductionism in this society that seems to be leading America to gradually becoming like a third world nation that I escaped from. Books like this, though few, give me hope. America has a bright future if more leaders can chew this book, and its two siblings.

Walking naked into the wilderness. Being willing to talk about the elephants filling the room. Recognizing the trunk growing on my own face. Letting yesterday's organization go, those cozy perceptions that make our own inaction seem to be the safest way. Taking the road less traveled. Questioning my supervisor in an open, warm and respectful way---rather than complaining about him or her over lunch with a friend. Realizing the more of us who believe we are responsible for the organization we are part of, the more real that organization will become. That we are co-creators of our work reality--that there is no Them doing bad things to US.
These were many of the thoughts that emerged through my exploration of Robert Quinn's book Deep Change.

It is very challenging for me to evaluate Building the Bridge as I had the great privilege of Dr. Quinn including my story and some of my experiences once I faced my own fears at work several years ago.

There is no question in my mind, however, that Robert Quinn is a man of great wisdom and great gifts which he freely shares in a warm, personal and authentic way. After finishing his books I feel as though I have had a long conversation with a man who wants me to fulfill the purpose of my life. Such unselfishness is so rare in our age of narcissism and self-aggrandizement. I found his approach helped coax me toward being a more authentic, honest, and courageous leader.

No other author has brought me such insights in such an inviting and comforting way.

Jeremy Fish, M.D.

Reading this book caused my understanding, interest and excitement about self-management and self-motivation, and about leading and motivating others, to expand enormously - perhaps even to explode in a positive manner. After discovering the table of "Eight Polarities and Eight Creative States," I have referred to it repeatedly. All of us know that motivation of one's self or others may be ethereal and certainly is metastable. Dr. Quinn has carefully chosen the most pertinent terminology and thoroughly explained why and how we can move toward balance between the extremes of the Eight Polarities and thereby lengthen our stay within "the fundamental state of leadership." The examples shared are contagious - as is the fundamental state of leadership.

Dr. Quinn explains, "Teaching...the concept [is] not the key. The key [is] to challenge [others] and support them in choosing to enter the fundamental state of leadership" following one's own inherently contagious example. Excitement mushrooms from the possibility and understanding of how to choose to live in the fundamental state of leadership and consequentially to pervade positive, effective leadership influence.

Bob Quinn explores what it takes to be in the "Fundamental State of Leadership", stressing it is more about who a leader is than what a leader does to be effective. Eight practices are introduced which illustrate the creative tensions that exist in the leadership role. This book makes you think. Where each leader will come out on each of the 8 dimensions will depend on your own style and strengths, but the book serves as a great discussion/think stimulator to aid in the growth of your leadership ability.

Robert Quinn has done an excellent job in using the practical experiences of individuals to teach the importance of:experiencing change, creating change, and leading change. It is crucial for all who are in positions of leadership to bring about balance in their own spiritual and physical activities in order to foster a work environment that is healthy, productive and authentic. The reality of action,contemplation,reflection and change strengthens the 'inner
being,' and produces dynamic leadership.
The 'epiphany' experienced by selected characters such as Merton, Yamamoto, Silverberg,Parker,and others can be regarded as a part of our common experience; but must be viewed as the trajectory into the uncommon realizatin that we are invariably 'more than we think we are.' With the new awakening we not only transform our own lives, but the lives of others.

This is a marvelous book, full of amazing and life-changing insights. A must read for everyone.

Absolutely inspiring. Great material for those out there who are looking to achive personal growth in life and business.