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Lean Enterprise Leader: How to Get Things Done Without Doing It All Yourself
Lean Enterprise Leader How to Get Things Done Without Doing It All Yourself Author:Stephen Hawley Martin The author of Lean Enterprise Leader has two ambitious goals. First, he seeks to explain to top managers who want to eliminate bureaucracy, operate more cost-effectively, and push decision-making to those closest to a situation, how to transition from a hierarchal-pyramid structure to one that operates though interlocking, empowered teams. One l... more »ogical time to undertake this leap forward into the twenty-first century, he says, is when downsizing becomes necessary due to cost pressures or increased competition since the new organization will require 25 to 40% fewer workers. He outlines a participatory approach, which involves as many employees as possible based on the theory is that people who have a hand in deciding a course of action are likely to do their best to make it work. Second, the author explains to newly-selected team leaders how to transition from "command and control" managers into coaches who work to bring out the best performances possible from team members. A system is also outlined that when put in place aligns a team’s objectives with top management’s objectives and provides a tracking mechanism. The system also insures work is shared equitably by all, that each team member is held accountable for commitments made, and using a carrot and stick approach, that deadlines are met. For a relatively thin volume (144 pages), the book is surprisingly thorough in achieving both goals––although the author does say that outside help in making the transition to a flat organization will probably be helpful, as will training for team leaders in order to reinforce principles set forth in the book.« less