Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"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.

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.

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.

This book provides insight and understanding into the powerful dynamics of executive teams. The methodology, frameworks and practical tools are highly useful in creating a higher level of functioning for teams, starting at the top of the organization. Specific examples and case scenarios illustrate how these techniques have contributed to more fulfilling and productive work dynamics in several reknowned organizations. Focusing on the core skills of influencing and conflict resolution, as well as situational leadership, the book outlines a 'road map' for improving the effectiveness of senior teams and their individual players.

This book is built on the premise that a lot of companies have, metaphorically speaking, the head of a dead elephant sitting in their boardrooms. The dead elephant's head represents conflict, disagreement and rivalry between the executives themselves. No one wants to talk about the dead elephant's head, because no one wants to admit that it's there. Unfortunately, it's a big, ugly reality that must be addressed sooner or later, and everyone knows it. Author and consultant Howard M. Guttman maps out a process companies can use to deal more openly and honestly with internal conflicts. He begins with the premise that conflict isn't inherently bad and can even serve a productive purpose, if it's properly managed and conducted according to the rules. We strongly recommend this book to corporate executives - and to the worker bees who have to duck when those Goliaths in the corner offices start slinging rocks.

When Goliaths Clash is full of great advice for managing confilict at the most senior levels of an organization. Since conflict is abundant at all levels in today's organization the same ideas can be applied to manage conflict at all levels. Gutman's advice to confront conflict, not avoid it, is valuable for all managers who want to move their organizations forward.

Great book! A structured insight into human behavior, different management styles and interactions in organizations. Describes real life situations and - more importantly - how to deal with them. Some very thought-full suggestions on how to interact with others at work as well as privately. A practical guide on organizational development and it's role to become more successful. Is easy to read and digest.

I'll certainly keep it close for reference when "Goliats clashes" in my company.

I truly enjoyed When Goliaths Clash. I read it in two days and found it provided a deeper perspective on high performing teams. I personnally have been with organizations where senior management allows the "dead elephant head" to sit in the middle of the room and never, never address it. Howard Guttman is right on target with his perspectives and reinforces his research with lively, real life stories. I highly recommend this book to leaders who want to take their organiztions, functions, or departments to the next level.

I found this book to be very interesting in many respects.It not only pertains to business but also how we relate to everyday people on communicaton and getting along with others. The reading was very stimulating as I found it very difficult to put down.I recommend it highly to everyone.