When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization [Hardcover]

Howard M. Guttman (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 25, 2003

Left unchecked, conflict that starts in the boardroom can very quickly infect entire organizations and compromise productivity and morale. Guttman provides a workable approach to diffusing conflict before it spreads, and to channeling opposing views, and the passions that drive people to conflict, toward common strategic goals.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The Central New York Business Journal: "Well-written and chock full of real-life examples, When Goliaths Clash provides a road map for those wondering how to manage the two pit bulls, er executives, in corner offices."

--Central New York Business Journal

"The Central New York Business Journal: ""Well-written and chock full of real-life examples, When Goliaths Clash provides a road map for those wondering how to manage the two pit bulls, er executives, in corner offices.""

Financial Executive: ""[Guttman] does a terrific job of melding sharp advice with good examples. His prose is lucid and the voice is consistently sharp, making the book an easy and highly productive read."""

--Central New York Business Journal

Review

"The Central New York Business Journal: ""Well-written and chock full of real-life examples, When Goliaths Clash provides a road map for those wondering how to manage the two pit bulls, er executives, in corner offices.""

Financial Executive: ""[Guttman] does a terrific job of melding sharp advice with good examples. His prose is lucid and the voice is consistently sharp, making the book an easy and highly productive read."""

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 17 and up
  
• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Amacom; 1st edition (April 25, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814407498
• ISBN-13: 978-0814407493
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.3 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 (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,848,937 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A break from traditional thinking., April 11, 2003

By 

David Schenkel (New York City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization (Hardcover)

"When Goliaths Clash" was a quick, enjoyable read which packed a punch in it's message.

The perspectives offered by the author appear to run counter to traditional thinking about interpersonal conflict. I found myself challenged to review my personal view of conflict and how I deal with it in a business context.

I particularly enjoyed the authors, 'real life', observations of how conflict has impacted the many referenced business leaders and their organizations. These references added life to the material and set a good backdrop for it's presentation.

Since my reading of this book, I have had the opportunity to apply some of what is offered. I can attest to my surprise in just how powerful and positive my team's results were. Not only did our business issues get addressed but, relationships amongst team members shifted for the better.

My copy was borrowed, so I bought an extra one. That book lasted in my office for two days before it also was borrowed.

Obviously, people in my company are enjoying the message.

This is a book for all levels of management and a good addition to a manager's library. So, either hide your copy or buy enough to share.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lead to another book, December 2, 2008

By 

Carolyn Thornlow "Concinnity Services" (New York) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization (Paperback)

I couldn't get excited about this book. I kept putting it down in favor of other books. When I came back to it for the last time, it was with the attitude of "let's just dispense with this already." As other reviewers have said, the book does contain information about how and why organizations derail. But, the reason why I could not form a relationship with the book is because its perspectives were muddy. From a clinical point of view, you will see the damage of silos, conflict and internal competition. From an individual point of view, you will realize that you should pause before sending an email (duh). I even agree with the prescriptive point of view -- that leaders need to be more self reflective. The book fell down for me because it did not speak to the reader as the person who needs to be self-reflective. There was nothing to spark individual insight ... the most salient thing the book calls for. If that's something you're interested in, read How To Reduce Workplace Conflict and Stress.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Practical, powerful, insightful, April 25, 2003

By 

Felice in Florida (Sarasota, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Goliaths Clash: Managing Executive Conflict to Build a More Dynamic Organization (Hardcover)

When Goliaths Clash was a practical and grounded guide to addressing issues prevalent in most leadership teams. Unlike other books of this nature, it was not academic or theoretical, but provided common sense advise on how leaders can identify and resolve problems that could be derailing their organization and preventing them from maximizing their effectiveness. I particularly liked the chapter on e mail; a new area of communication landmines and one that has actually exagerated the issues described in the book.