Review
"Harris is one of the best speakers and authors I've ever been introduced to. His style is informative, topical and easy to understand. The paradigms presented have real-world application to a broad range of organizations." (Bill Foster, Managing Director, Publications, Richard Chang Associates Inc., California)
"A great book for enlightened leaders to give to all their staff." (Susan Jurow, Executive Director, College University Personnel Association,Washington, DC)
"This is a book to make managers think about how they view the world, their organisation and their role in it. It's readable, it's entertaining, it's challenging and it's worth reading. Recommended." (Progress, June 2002)
"The Learning Paradox allows us to internalize points and understand completely through meaningful, real-world anecdotes."(Nick Truyens, GM, LEGO)
"The only book you really need to get a synopsis of current and sound business principles." (Bruce Jones, Vice President, Royal Bank)
"Every day the future keeps coming at us whether we like it or not. The Learning Paradox provides individuals and organizations with the keys to unlock the right attitude and the mechanism for developing the necessary skills to go out and meet the future with confidence." (Kenneth Clarke, Chairman, Royal LePage)
"To gain or regain our employees' loyalty we must grow their independence! This win-win corporate paradox is difficult for leaders to embrace, but embrace it we must. Read the book." (John Kempster, former President, Hallmark Cards)
"Organizations that fail to make the transition to the new IT paradigm will cease to exist. This book gets your attention . . . and effectively highlights areas where your learning energy needs to be focused so that you don't become a victim of the new learning-based digital economy. The Learning Paradox and the workshop questions will really help you get on top of the key issues affecting your business and professional growth."(David Cox, Chief Strategy Officer, Global Information Technology Operations, Bank of Montreal)
"The Learning Paradox is 'right on' with its diagnosis and strategy for coping with the unprecedented demands of extraordinary change. It's rare to find such leading-edge insights and wisdom expressed so clearly, making it worthwhile and delightful to read." (Eli Bay, President, Relaxation Response Institute)
"The Learning Paradox shifted our strategic thinking." (Richard Jensen, General Manager, Manufacturing, CXY Chemicals)
"Innovating and creating wealth in the 21st century will require new ways of learning and leading. The Learning Paradox takes the fear out of change. It's an inspirational guide that supplies the tools we need for exploring our full potential as individuals and members of organizations." (Rick Spence, Editor, Profit magazine)
"The Learning Paradox forces you to think. Every leader and aspiring executive should read it." (Rick Broadhead, Co-author, Canadian Internet Handbook)
"The business environment has changed dramatically, leaving instability and confusion in its wake. The Learning Paradox clearly and concisely explains what issues need to be addressed to enable companies to survive and compete." (Jim Poirier, Executive Vice President, Credit Union Central of Canada, 1996)
"A manual for today's business leaders - a template for future strategy and decisions. Continual learning should be the basis for every leader's agenda." (Bill Williams, CEO, TEC (an international organization for CEOs)
"In an era of rapid change and uncertainty, job security has quickly become a thing of the past. The Learning Paradox is a must-read."(Arthur R. Soler, President, Cadbury Chocolate Canada)
"The Learning Paradox provided insight and focused on the future by teaching us that we are ultimately responsible for managing our careers." (Mark Sheinfeld, Senior Vice President, SHL Systemhouse (a MCI Company)
From the Inside Flap
Digitization, deregulation, globalization, new competitors, Net-based business and liquidintellectual capital are rewriting the rules of business. In times of rapid change, experience may be your worst enemy! Almost every rule we know about business has changed. Change, creativity and ingenuity are the drivers of new growth. Organizations thrive by creating new value for customers.
Over 80 percent of the technology we will use in 20 years hasn't been invented yet! What will prepare you for the future? Learn how to learn. Become self-corrective and self-reflective. Increase your creativity and work better as a team member. The Learning Paradox will show you how to:
Create new markets, products & services
Design systems & structures for growth
Maximise shareholder value, employee security and customer loyalty by creating effective monopolies
Lock customers into new relationships that delight
Attract and retain the best employees
Keep margins higher than your industry average
In the past, a secure job came from working for a large, established organization, preferably a monopoly or market leader in a stable industry. The longer your service, stronger your union, higher your rank or the more specialized your knowledge or function, the more secure you were.
Everything that used to create security now creates insecurity! Large companies have been the largest net job losers in the '90s. Established companies in stable industries are facing stiff competition from new challengers as a result of digitization, deregulation and globalization. Monopolies are crumbling. Even governments are outsourcing. Old-style unions that resist new practices decrease their members' security. Workers who haven't learned new skills in the next 25 years are more likely to get a pink slip than a gold watch. And if you have your Ph.D you likely know a lot about outdated stuff. We have moved from a knowledge-based to a learning-based economy. Learning, changing and accepting uncertainty create security. Paradoxically, these are what we fear most as adults!
How can you:
Build a positive, motivating vision of the future while experiencing the wrenching effect of reorganization and change?
Focus people on the corporate challenges when they are so focused on job security?
Align people with the corporate strategy when they seem too cynical?
Create, innovate and continuously improve while maintaining the stability and security that people need?
Maintain control, yet allow people the freedom and autonomy to do what they need to be effective and satisfied in their work?
Create learning organizations when people are reluctant to take risks and be open about their mistakes?
Have people take responsibility for their careers and lives when they feel like victims of uncontrollable circumstances?
Develop leaders who are powerful without diminishing the power of others?
Generate confidence when the leaders themselves are not sure what the future will bring?
The Learning Paradox will answer these questions and address the challenges organizations are facing.
How can individuals and organisations create job security? Now, in The Learning Paradox, one of Canada's most successful management consultants offers a new approach to building a positive work life. By embracing change and continuous learning, we can overcome our fear of the unknown and create real security in our business and personal lives.
