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Book Reviews July
2005 Why does a sports team continue its winning ways even though recent teams lack the talent of their predecessors? Why are some companies always positively perceived by employees, customers, Wall Street analysts, and the media while others seem to be under a perpetual cloud? How does a company like Gillette or a team like the Chicago Cubs end a losing streak and breaks out of a circle of doom? What does it take to bring an organization like Continental Airlines or the BBC from mediocrity to magnificence? These are some of the issues and examples that you will discover when you read "Confidence - How Winning Streaks and Losing Streaks Begin & End". Author Rosabeth Moss Kanter will convince you that the goal of winning is "not losing two times in a row". In her view, success and failure are not events, they are self-fulfilling tendencies. "Confidence is the sweet spot between arrogance and despair--consisting of positive expectations for favorable outcomes." says Kanter, a Harvard Business School professor. She applies the discipline of cognitive psychology to explore the winning and losing streaks of a variety of organizations, including the BBC, Gillette, Seagate, Verizon, Continental Airlines, Target and sports teams such as the University of North Carolina women's soccer team, New England Patriots, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Eagles. The result is an enlightening anatomy of the behaviors, decisions, and actions that build and restore confidence, and lead to positive outcomes. Drawing on dozens of interviews, Kanter logically explains the role that confidence plays in the performance of institutions and individuals. Winning streaks are fueled by confident people who are secure in their own abilities and the ability of their leaders. Winning streaks are characterized by continuity and continued investment, while losing streaks are marked by disruption and a lack of investment that typically give way to a self-fulfilling prophecy of failure. Losing streaks are often created and then perpetuated when people lose confidence in their leaders and systems. Combining theory with practical advice, Kanter details how losing organizations can instill accountability, collaboration and initiative-Kanter's three pillars of confidence-to help start a turnaround. While the book is filled with helpful lessons for organizations, there is plenty for the individual to take away and integrate into his/her own life. That is, our own attitudes…positive or negative…contribute significantly to the outcome of specific situations within our lives. Success and failure can both be contagious. Small steps and accomplishments can have a big impact. Confidence can sometimes outweigh raw talent. Even under the most challenging situations, confident leadership and behavior can help unleash positive energy. Whenever we find ourselves under trying circumstances, it is an inspiring reminder of the value of "Confidence", a book that I highly recommend to all readers. John Armstrong is a seasoned software marketing veteran who does consulting work through the 280 Group. |
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