Power of Open-Book Management

Praise for The Power of Open–Book Management

"The Power of Open–Book Management is the essential guidebook forevery organization that wants all its associates to understand howthey make and lose money––and that should be every organization."––Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge and CredibilityChairman and CEO, TPG/Learning Systems

"Enabling a large group of people in an organization to worktogether in a coordinated way requires that they share an image andunderstanding of the system of which they are a part. This bookoffers a clear and pragmatic approach for doing just that." ––JeffClanon, Executive Director MIT Center for OrganizationalLearning

"The Power of Open–Book Management provides an answer to theage–old question: ′How can I get all my employees to act and thinklike owners?′ It is a must read for anyone interested in how wewill work in the future." ––Tom Corbo, CEO MANCO

"The Power of Open–Book Management offers a groundbreaking look atthe benefits of interweaving good management and leadership withinorganizations." ––Larry Spears, Executive Director The GreenleafCenter for Servant–Leadership Editor, Reflections onLeadership

"Before you open your books, open this one!" ––Rob Zicaro,Employee–Owner

Web Industries

"Widespread use of open–book management as described in this bookis absolutely essential." ––Robert B. Rogers, Chairman and CEO TheKauffman Foundation

Today′s most exciting new approach to increased employeeproductivity and superior financial results is open–book management(OBM). The unique, yet revolutionary, concept in this approach issimple: Teach employees the financial basics of business . . .trust them to make good decisions based on this knowledge . . .treat them as responsible stakeholders in the venture . . . andthey will make significant contributions to their company′ssuccess. In fact, once equipped with OBM know–how, they themselvescreate a sustainable competitive advantage––a team ofbusiness–smart entrepreneurs.

In The Power of Open–Book Management, managers will find a completeguide to understanding and implementing this compelling andinnovative method of building, strengthening, and growing theirorganizations.

Beginning with a thorough overview of open–book management, thisengaging book describes the context from which OBM has emerged, whyit is so urgently needed, and how it works. Featuring examples ofcompanies like Sprint which have successfully implemented OBM, ThePower of Open–Book Management presents a practical, step–by–stepplan for bringing OBM into any organization, large or small. Theauthors cover all the essential areas: reward systems, involvementprocesses, communication, decision making, education, training,leadership, and accountability.

Special resources in the final section of the book describe ways ofsustaining OBM and making its benefits a permanent part of thecompany culture.

Practical, comprehensive, and in many ways, inspirational, ThePower of Open–Book Management gives executives, managers, and teamleaders the tools for initiating a direct route to greaterprofitability and growth.

John P. Schuster, Jill Carpenter, and M. Patricia Kane areprincipals of Capital Connections, Inc., a groundbreakingconsulting and training company specializing in open–bookmanagement. Their knowledge and insight are frequently sought andquoted in magazines and newspaper articles. Now five years old, thecompany was initiated in a joint partnership venture and currentlyoperates independently. Their client list has included companiessuch as Sprint, Volvo, Bristol–Myers Squibb, UtiliCorp United,Excell Agent Services, and Syncrude Canada Ltd.

JOHN P. SCHUSTER is a speaker, author, and consultant knowninternationally for his work in leadership, team development, andculture changes as well as open–book management. His experienceincludes a wide range of organizations and industries. He is aCertified Management Consultant and Certified SpeakingProfessional. His articles have appeared in The Washington Post,Training, and ASTD Journal, and his first book, Hum–Drum toHot–Diggity, was published in 1993.

JILL CARPENTER is a business trainer and a senior consultant whohas held management positions with two Fortune 100 companies. Anexpert in organizational systems theory and its application to theworld of business, she specializes in integrating the new processesof open–book management throughout an organization.

M. PATRICIA KANE is a senior consultant experienced in all facetsof training, with expertise in organizational assessment. Herbackground includes incorporating open–book management practicesinto existing organizational initiatives, such as quality andcustomer–focus programs.