dispatches from the new world of work

The Decent Thing to Do Is the Smart Thing to Do

Going back 25 years to 1982 and In Search of Excellence, Bob Waterman and I were simply interested in what made for excellent corporate performance. We didn't have much in the way of pre-conceived notions. Delightfully, our research showed that some very human "basics"—doing rather than talking, focusing on the growth and wellbeing of our people and our customers, and being clear about "what we care about around here"—were the apparent bedrock of superior performance. Five years on, my Thriving on Chaos snuck into print. Needless to say I was pleased when Hoover Institute reviewer Paul Weaver wrote in the Wall Street Journal: "Mr Peters is an enthusiast, a storyteller and a lover of capitalism. He is saying [in Thriving on Chaos] that effective management is management that delivers more value to customers and more opportunity for service, creativity and growth to workers. He is saying that the decent thing to do is also the smart thing. It's a wonderful message."

Immersed in a somewhat leisurely summer, and on the verge of the 25th birthday of Search, I have been thinking about what the good or bad or indifferent practice of management is all about. Notwithstanding the very real threat posed by nihilistic terrorists, I do believe that entrepreneurial capitalism is the strongest force possible for unleashing human potential and perhaps a relatively peaceable kingdom—from Tinmouth Vermont to Dubai to Nairobi. And, by and large, successful entrepreneurial capitalism depends upon the effective practice of management. And if you believe Paul Weaver—"Effective management is management that delivers more value to customers and more opportunity for service, creativity and growth to workers. ... The decent thing to do is also the smart thing"—effective management is humanistic management. With such grand "stuff" circling in my brain, I composed a rambling piece that you'll find here. It is no more than a halting effort to answer, "What's it all about, Alfie?"

Tom Peters posted this on 08/31/07.

Comments

Keep rambling. What has caught my attention over the years is the passion you bring to any discussion. Thank you. It takes passion to make a connection. And connection is what it is all about. The world is full of communication noise but very little really connects and makes a difference.

Posted by Phil Clark at August 31, 2007 10:04 AM

TP - thank you for writing "Thriving on Chaos". It is a brilliant book of practical advice with the overall theme: "Predictability is a thing of the past. Learn to love change!" - as powerful and useful today as when it was written in 1987.

Posted by Mike L at August 31, 2007 2:20 PM

...And so goes the old wise man, into his years, into the wisdom of many passing days...he has found it's not to teach one how to fish but rather teach them how to create a place of welcome...where all things are not forced but freed. Keep driving TP, the road is always beautiful...

Posted by PK at August 31, 2007 4:42 PM

Tom,

Thanks a lot for this great pdf. It made my day. It energized me. A little question though... I'm a real fan of yours, meaning that I embrace your school of thought and know your ideas pretty well: why did you put "empowerement" in the 7 Es??? You happened to hate that word!

Take care

Posted by Samir at September 1, 2007 9:27 AM

Power - the Art of Power new book - Hanh - love it - maybe incorporate some of it - Buddhist insight - link below - happy Labor day - have we stopped paying taxes for the year yet?!

Posted by John at September 1, 2007 3:58 PM

'Rambling' is wonderful - thanks

'Ramblings' allow us to have insight into the real person. Your ramblings show your principles â€“ and they havenâ€™t changed since I first read your work in the early 1980â€™s. The language may change - the principles seem exactly the same to me. Keep it up.

Posted by Trevor Gay at September 1, 2007 6:38 PM

Tom, love your ramblings!! Stumbled on some supporting "ramblings" the other day that might be of interest -- a penny for your thoughts: http://www.trafford.com/06-1721

Have a wonderful Labor Day Holiday!

Posted by Jim at September 1, 2007 9:35 PM

Come on Tom, you shouldn't do this to me! It's monday, first thing in the morning, nice classical music and... here you come to shake my mind (soul?)! Yes, Karen Lamb is right, I should have started one year ago.

Just let me add: excellent is my minimum, SUBLIME is my goal!!

Thanks for your "shaking"

Posted by pachi at September 3, 2007 3:34 AM

Tom:
Take a look at some of your books and materials in this 13 minute video of my personal library in Chihuaua Mexico. Sample: THRIVING ON CHAOS. http://video.google.es/videoplay?docid=2070769841164752559&hl=es

Greetings from Chihuahua
Armando Ortega
www.marketing-in-mexico.blogspot.com

Posted by Armando Ortega at September 15, 2007 7:23 PM