Edgewalkers: People and Organizations That Take Risks, Build Bridges, and Break New Ground (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Consultant Neal, who specializes in the study and practice of spirituality in the workplace, believes that people are changingand that those who aren't can be led to changein the direction of understanding themselves as something more than material, as intuitive creatures with one foot in the real and another in the possible. Such changed people are able to forge alliances and create unusual opportunities, abilities that are essential for innovation and growth. Neal closely describes these desirable traits, interviews those who are already practicing, and gives instructions for those who wish also to become new.”–Reference & Research Book News

“Judi Neal is an Edgewalker. Her book magnificently describes the profile of individuals and corporations committed to the essential and spiritual transformation of the human family.”–Michael Stephen Chairman, Aetna International, Inc. (Retired)

“When I think of the word Edgewalker Judi Neal immediately comes to mind. Through her powerful writings, presentations, and leadership of the Association for Spirit at Work she has stretched the minds and hearts of thousands of people. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever considered living and working in pursuit of a higher calling that just might change the world.”–Charles C. Manz author of Super Leadership, Emotional Discipline, and co-author of The Wisdom of Solomon at Work

“Visionaries can peer through the screen that separates reality from possibilities and see glimpses of a more hopeful way. Edgewalkers however, can move easily between both worlds, blending the best of both into their lives and world. Executives, leaders and anyone who resides in Maslow's top realm will love this book! It's their passport to the better frontier.”–Martha I. Finney, consultant and co-author, HR From the Heart: Inspiring Stories and Strategies for Building the People Side of Great Business

“As you think about all the voices raised on issues about management and leadership over the last 20 years, most have been echoes. Judi Neal, by contrast, has been an original. She pulsed the appetite for managerial leaders to talk about issues like 'workplace spirit' early; then she started to profile the people who were making such issues tangible, manageable, popular, and productive. The result is her amazing Edgewalkers book. There is really no other book like it, because there is no other voice quite like Judi's. Listen up.”–Tom Brown, Publisher and Co-founder, BrownHerron Publishing, and "Best Practice" editor, Business: The Ultimate Resource

“Years ago we called ourselves 'corporate outlaws', managers who were willing to toss aside accepted practice and try new and different techniques. Today Judi Neal has put a new name to leaders who take risk and who understand the importance of the whole person to an organization-EDGEWALKERS! I'm proud to be one and to have participated in Judi's workshops, where my leadership skills were set even more wildly free. Every organization needs Edgewalkers.”–Sharron Emmons Information Technology Manager, Northeast Utilities System

Product Description

They're the first people to volunteer to head up a new business unit, lead a cross-company initiative, or take on an overseas assignment. They're the glass half-full folks, who are constantly thinking "out of the box," forging alliances with colleagues in other departments, seeking out new solutions to old problems, and anticipating challenges on the horizon. And in today's increasingly diverse workplaces, they are often people who have pursued unusual educational and career paths, traveled widely, and speak more than one language. Judi Neal has a term for these people: Edgewalkers. Literally, an edgewalker is someone who walks between two worlds. In ancient cultures, each village had a shaman or medicine man who would visit the invisible world to obtain vital information, guidance, and healing for members of the tribe. Today's corporate edgewalkers serve a similar function, interpreting trends from the marketplace, translating messages across departments, and envisioning the future impact of today's decisions and actions. "Edgewalking" doesn't come without its own risks and challenges; these unconventional people often clash with more traditional, rule-bound colleagues, and they are often frustrated by organizational systems that emphasize quantitative results over creative impulses. And yet in today's fast-changing, globalized business environment, organizations must recruit and support these people in order to stay competitive. Featuring colorful interviews with edgewalkers from a variety of fields and practical tools to gauge and manage your own edgewalking skills, Edgewalkers explores the opportunities that are created by defying formal boundaries and fostering creativity at every level of the organization.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Praeger Publishers; annotated edition edition (October 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0275989208
• ISBN-13: 978-0275989200
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #427,580 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and inspiring, September 8, 2009

By	Michael Bischoff (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

On the surface, this book describes people who are "Edgewalkers," people who walk between two worlds, building bridges between different ways of thinking and acting. I think the book is worth reading for the stories and description of "Edgewalking." However, I think the book is also very useful for ANYONE who desires to have more meaning, depth, and purpose in their work. I've read many books about management and leadership. This is one of the best. I highly recommend this book if you want to know how to be true to your own values and also be effective in your workplace. Neal uses stories to illustrate every point she makes. It is an easy and engaging read that also has substance and helpful step-by-step instructions for finding your own vision and making it happen.

5.0 out of 5 stars Treasury of Insights and Practices of True Leaders, May 3, 2007

By	Jane C. Nebelung (NIANTIC, CT USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Edgewalkers provides a sound frameworks and wonderful examples of people and organizations who have stepped out of "mainstream" ways of thinking and acting. Edgewalkers' actions create breakthrough results and a new reality. In this book, Judi Neal provides guidance and encourages readers to be courageous and step out to the edge our potential, for the world needs us now.