Red Hat CEO Jim Whitehurst's new book, The Open Organization: Igniting Passion and Performance, has only just been released, but it's already receiving rave reviews from some of the biggest names in business and technology. Here's a sampling of some of the accolades:
Dana Blankenhorn, author with SeekingAlpha, calls The Open Organization “the best business book of the year.” Blankenhorn writes, “In my view, Whitehurst writes like a man who, having been given fire, is anxious to spread that fire.”
Chris Anderson, co-founder and CEO, 3D Robotics and former editor-in-chief of Wired, feels The Open Organization shows leaders how to adapt to today's changing business environment. “In a wired world, everyone knows that management needs to change from 'command and control' to leadership based on transparency, collaboration, and participation. But the question is, how do you actually lead that way? Jim Whitehurst's interesting tale of his own reinvention as a leader, with lessons from other leaders in companies such as Whole Foods, Pixar, and Zappos, finally provides the blueprint that leaders have been seeking.”
John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco, likes how The Open Organization “takes us where all leaders need to be if we want to succeed in the future – outside of our traditional comfort zones.”
The book's focus on openness resonates with Michael Dell, chairman and CEO of Dell. “This is a great read for anyone hoping to lead and succeed in a society being redefined by expectations of transparency, authenticity, access – and, yes, openness.”
Jeanie Daniel Duck, former senior partner and managing director of Boston Consulting Group and author of The Change Monster, concurs, particularly in regards to open collaboration with employees. “Many people are wary of change. For executives who worry about millenial employees and the power of the Internet, it is scary indeed. Yet those same employees could offer valuable new perspectives, ideas, and passion. The question is, how do today's managers capture those desirable attributes without setting off the perfect storm? The answers are in Jim Whitehurst's book.”
Innovation and engagement are two of the main selling points for Charlene Li, founder and CEO, Altimeter Group, and author of The Engaged Leader and Open Leadership. “In today's disruptive economy, only the leaders – and their organizations – who are open and learn to adapt to the fast-changing needs of customers and employees will survive. Whitehurst speaks from personal experience about what works – and what doesn't – to foster openness and speed. If you have an inkling of a desire to lead an innovative, fast-moving, and engaged organization, this book is for you.”
The Open Organization is available now through Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other retailers.