Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation [Hardcover]

Laurence D Ackerman (Author), Laurence D. Ackerman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2000

Brand names, logos, and slogans are the identifying marks of corporations, but in the turbulent environment of the business world, these markers have little effect on the success of a company. Instead, it is an organization's underlying identity that contains the key to creating value, which, in turn, drives the success of the corporation.

This enterprising book reveals how organizations can adapt successfully to the fast-paced marketplace when decisions are based on the bedrock of identity. The author's "laws of identity" will help managers be authentic leaders, recruit employees who will flourish in the corporate environment, and develop a product mix that both meets customer needs and highlights the talents of the organization.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Laurence Ackerman is a consultant who specializes in "corporate identity." While this concept has been around for 50 years, he notes, these days it often encompasses little more than names, symbols, and slogans. Ackerman believes a deeper meaning, one more akin to that defining human identity, should instead be applied in order to tap its true potential. This, he argues, will result in crafting a positive "governing force" that completely shapes an organization and determines the relationship it enjoys with stakeholders. Identity Is Destiny primarily consists of eight "laws" that Ackerman suggests a company must understand before uncovering its true identity and implementing a total operational philosophy that is based upon it. To illustrate these key principles (i.e., organizations are alive, unique, and constant, but growing; true direction and natural drive must be determined before successful strategies can be formulated), he mixes details from his own life with examples from companies with which he has worked (including Upjohn, Maytag, and Korn/Ferry International). Not everyone will agree, or see how it can be applied to his or her own businesses. But those who do will find ideas that could enhance their leadership efforts. --Howard Rothman

Review

" Identity Is Destiny is an insightful book that will help interested readers become exceptional leaders. In walking the reader through the 'Laws of Identity,' Ackerman allows one to experience truths that will enable managers to exploit their companies' inherent profit potential, and create value and wealth if applied to all aspects of day-to-day business. Understanding the simple truths imparted in the pages of this fascinating book will help anyone, at any level, in any business become a wiser, more effective leader." -- Vernon Loucks, Jr., Chairman, Baxter International

"Here is a new management tool for business leaders that answers the toughest of questions: Who are we and what business are we in?" -- Jeffrey Fox, CEO, Fox & Company, and author of How to Become a CEO

"Identity Is Destiny is not your garden variety how-to-be-a-leader book. It is a deep, insightful, uplifting account of leadership as a way of living. Ackerman's natural laws ring true as universal ways that people find identity and mastery by understanding their inner selves, connecting to others, and creating meaningful work that helps organizations and societies prosper. Both personally inspiring and business savva winning combination." -- Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School, author of World Class and Rosabeth Moss Kanter on the Frontiers of Management

"Many books are written each year espousing principles without authenticity. Ackerman's personal connection to the concept of identity creates an authenticity that makes the book for more credible than most 'how-to' business books. Identity Is Destiny is a must-read for any executive looking to unlock the true value and potential of their company." -- David Lebow, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Product and Strategy, AMFM, Inc.

"This book is powerfulit reveals new truths that managers have not been exposed to before. The principles contained within the Laws of Identity are new knowledge in the field." -- Mark Mendenhall, Professor of Business, University of Tennessee

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 250 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (March 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157675068X
• ISBN-13: 978-1576750681
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #785,650 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Not Just Another Business Book, February 1, 2000

By 

Gary J Baumann (New York) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation (Hardcover)

Identity is Destiny is surprising in several ways. The depth of its business content becomes quickly apparent, challenging the reader's thinking beyond common theories about the importance of identity for organizations. Real-life examples of the Laws of Identity are included with every chapter. The book then touches the reader individually in a surprising and wonderfully unexpected way, creating a connection with the author that feels quite personal--you feel you know Mr. Ackerman in a way not normally associated with such a work. Finally, you get swept-up in the pure prose of the work and realize that Mr. Ackerman's talents do not stop at mastery of business identity but extend to excellent and enjoyable writing as well. An important book for all these reasons, and just plan good to read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A "Must-Read" for Corporate CEOs and Soon-to-be-CEOs, January 26, 2000

By 

Michael T. Eckhart (Potomac, Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation (Hardcover)

Mr. Ackerman educates the reader through his relentless search for the souls of company after company -- what makes these major corporations tick, how each one "creates value" in a unique way, and what a leader must do to turn on the potential of a company. This business of identity should be Consideration #1 when motivating employess, assessing acquisiitons, funding research programs, etc. The essence is: does it really fit? The value of the book became apparent when I got to Chapter 3 or 4, and from there it was not-stop reading. The book wiil change forever how you view your company, your competition, and the corporate world at large.

9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Way of Being, February 8, 2000

By 

David (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation (Hardcover)

"A Way of Being"

Identity is Destiny transcends business. It is a treatise on potentiality.

The thesis - that corporate entities manifest similar humanistic, value creating characteristics as those of individuals - is wholly unique and is hammered home in each of the lucid case histories presented . In so doing, Ackerman breathes fresh air into what traditionally has been perceived by stakeholders as a "lifeless" arena.

Ackerman's prose is personal and engaging. The author's incisive mind cuts to the heart of what makes organizations tick. His approach to unearthing "the golden nugget" is not only original, but also highly relevant. This reviewer has even been able to put into practice a few of the laws offered up!

Above all, the book is personally enriching. Identity is Destiny amounts to one of those rare business reads that empowers the reader to reflect on his larger self and place in the world.