Policymaking is of its very nature a people-centered business-a good reason why highly effective policy analysts display not only superb technical expertise but excellent people skills as well. Those "people skills" include the ability to manage professional relationships, to learn from others about policy issues, to give presentations, to work in teams, to resolve conflict, to write for multiple audiences, and to engage in professional networking. Training programs for policy analysts oft...

Today's economy is fueled by knowledge. Every leader knows this to be true, yet few have systematic methods for converting organizational knowledge into economic value. This book argues that communities of practice--groups of individuals formed around common interests and expertise--provide the ideal vehicle for driving knowledge-management strategies and building lasting competitive advantage. Written by leading experts in the field, Cultivating Communities of Practice is the first book t...

“This book has the potential to change CEO mindsets, human resource practices, manager behavior, and employee well-being—if only enough people grab it and heed its powerful messages.” —Rosabeth Moss Kanter, author of Think Outside the Building“Dobbin and Kalev have spent their careers studying why diversity initiatives fail and what it takes to fix them. Their data-driven book doesn’t just spotlight the problems—it’s packed with solutions.” —Adam Grant“Essential re...

Time-tested principles for making collaboration more effective, efficient, and even fun."Straus is one of America's preeminent facilitators with stories to tell and lessons to share. With his help, you , too, can build a collaborative organization or community." —Lawrence Susskind, Ford Professor of Urban and Environmental Planning, MIT and President of the Consensus Building InstituteEvery day we work with others to solve problems and make...

Clear, actionable steps for you to build new values, experiences, and perspectives into your organizational culture, infusing it with the diversity, inclusion, and belonging employees need to feel accepted, be their best selves, and do their best work.Bypass the faulty processes and communication styles that make change impossible in so many other organizations; access these practical tools and ideas for increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in your com...

The human resources function is at the forefront of a company's efforts with respect to two of the key elements of organizational design—people and organizational structure. While human resources practices differ around the world, it would seem to be universally true that in order for companies to successfully achieve their strategic goals and objectives they must strive to attract, motivate, and retain those employees who are best qualified to carry out the necessary activities of the com...

In the world of Facebook, Twitter and Yelp, water-cooler conversations with co-workers and backyard small talk with neighbors have moved from the physical world to the digital arena. In this new landscape, organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to government agencies to political campaigns continuously monitor online opinions in an effort to guide their actions. Are consumers satisfied with our product? How are our policies perceived? Do voters agree with our platform? Measuring ...

Tried and tested practical wisdom about participatory, long range and strategic planning.In rapidly changing, complex landscapes organization leaders need concrete plans not simplistic advice. Reactive plans often entrench the problem. But when many minds focus together a new array of ideas and options can generate profound insight, creative strategy and high resolve in the whole group. What can leaders, consultants and facilitators do to ensure this happens?As a master pra...

In today's highly networked and competitive global economy, mounting social and environmental problems are forcing corporations to focus on more than just their stockholders' interest in meeting bottom line profitability. More and more companies are recognizing the value of identifying and building relationships with all of their organization's stakeholders-employees, customers, suppliers, and even communities. In fact, recent research has shown that companies that treat their employees we...

"Business Schools Face Test of Faith." "Is It Time to Retrain B-Schools?" As these headlines make clear, business education is at a major crossroads.For decades, MBA graduates from top-tier schools set the standard for cutting-edge business knowledge and skills. Now the business world has changed, say the authors of Rethinking the MBA, and MBA programs must change with it. Increasingly, managers and recruiters are questioning conventional business education.Their concerns? ...

In addition to their formal structure and the rules and standard operating procedures used to support and operate the structure, organizations also rely heavily on their organizational culture as an important tool in controlling and coordinating the activities of their members (e.g., executive, managers and employees), formulating communications among those members, and providing incentives and reasons for them to act in ways that the leaders of the organization considers to be necessary i...

CREATE A POWERFUL COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE FOR YOUR BUSINESS WITH HIGH-PERFORMING GLOBAL LEADERS“Finally, a book that can guide leaders who are facing a shortage of global talent. Not only is this book an inspiring read, but it also provides practical and sustainable best practices that can help global leaders select and develop top talent.”—STEVE BENNETT, Chairman of the Board, Symantec, and former President and CEO, Intuit“Provides ac...