A Force Of Ones (Jossey Bass Business and Management Series) [Hardcover]

Stanley M. Herman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1555425615 | ISBN-13: 978-1555425616 | Publication Date: March 15, 1994 | Edition: 1st

Individuals face intense pressure to conform in today's team-oriented workplaces, where one-size-fits-all behaviors are often fostered by such programs as total quality management and employee involvement. In the process, both organizations and individuals lose a vital advantage. For as Stan Herman argues, even in a world of groups, individuality remains the key to inventive solutions and organizational success. In A Force of Ones Herman acclaims the power of the individual in the workplace and reminds us all of the importance of ones; a team - and its organization - after all, can only be effective when individual members are capable and self-assured. He offers guidelines and exercises to help you identify your particular strengths and hone them to achieve self-empowerment and satisfaction at work. Through stories and poems he illustrates how to use these important tools to increase self-understanding and focus clearly on priorities. Herman demonstrates ways to make more powerful contact with others through individual initiative networks, and to function effectively amidst the power and political dynamics in your organization.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

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.

From Library Journal

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.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 261 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1st edition (March 15, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1555425615
• ISBN-13: 978-1555425616
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,236,579 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.