The Will to Lead: Running a Business With a Network of Leaders [Hardcover]

Marvin Bower (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0875847587 | ISBN-13: 978-0875847580

Drawing on over 60 years of experience at McKinsey & Co., Bower sets forth his vision of what's needed to lead people to work together effectively, efficiently, and enthusiastically. While the command-and-control style of leadership once contributed to the building of America's might, Bower argues it is no longer the best system for today's intensely competitive global marketplace. People down the line don't like the system and don't do their best work under it. Moreover, command-and-control management breeds rigidity and excessive reliance on authority. Bower urges companies to shift away from managing through authority and hierarchy to running a business with a network of leaders and leadership teams scattered strategically throughout the business. He describes the factors in designing a leadership company and explains how leadership can be learned on the job. Bower weaves in personal experiences from his own learning journey as he reflects on the implications for future leaders.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

At least since World War II, "command and control" has been the dominant model for running organizations, but this concept is being seriously reconsidered today. Bower sums up over 60 years of experience with McKinsey & Co.?an international management consulting firm?with personal advice on how to run a business built on a network of leaders. His background qualifies him to comment on such business strategies as leading vs. commanding, developing leaders and leadership teams, and leading governing boards. The author is a straight shooter, offering a legitimate alternative to the massive leadership hype that fills the shelves these days. Recommended for academic and larger public libraries.?Dale F. Farris, Groves, Tex.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

It has long been clear to me that some better way to manage a business is sorely needed. . . . Hierarchy is so poorly regarded that many able people shy away from joining large companies. . . . My purpose is to change the way your company is run. . . . Therefore, this book is offered as a challenge to chief executives, boards of directors, top executives, middle managers, business academics, consulting firms, gurus, and B-school graduates to find the best way for particular companies to switch from managing with authority to leading people.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0875847587
• ISBN-13: 978-0875847580
• Product Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #225,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good tale and framework for measuring your leadership, November 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Will to Lead: Running a Business With a Network of Leaders (Hardcover)

Too many book talk about leadership with hyperbole and abstraction. They view leadership as a set of mechanical traits that one can possess, or they perform hero worship by telling stories about various leaders. This book does neither.

Bower provides the right amount of stories as well as his views on what it takes to lead. The books conversational style and well thoughtout ideas make it well worth the time. This work causes introspection that is more valuable and more action oriented than the other tomes on leadership, self help, etc.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book on a philosophy and experience of a leader, December 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Will to Lead: Running a Business With a Network of Leaders (Hardcover)

The Will to Lead greatest benefit is that it is a first person account of a proven business leader in a dynamic business. What is surprising about the book is that it is very non-consulting-ease even through the author is a former Managing Partner from McKinsey & Co. The first person account and stories contain mulitple nuggets of what it takes to be a real leader. You may have to wade through a few stories that seem a bit self serving of the author. However, these are only the recollections of a lifetime of leadership so they are certainly allowable. Other books on leadership (Kotter et al) provide a more scientific view, however Bower's been there and this is what its like approach gives the book credibility and value

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What an inspirational book!, May 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Will to Lead: Running a Business With a Network of Leaders (Hardcover)

If all managers and bosses could read this book the world would be a better place. Marvin Bower has a simple and engaging style of writing that sets him apart from other business writers. I highly recommend this book for those looking for insight regarding their management styles.