Identity Is Destiny: Leadership and the Roots of Value Creation: Laurence D Ackerman, Laurence D. Ackerman
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Editorial Reviews
Laurence Ackerman is a consultant who specializes in “corporate identity.” While this concept has been around for 50 years, he notes, these days it often encompasses little more than names, symbols, and slogans. Ackerman believes a deeper meaning, one more akin to that defining human identity, should instead be applied in order to tap its true potential. This, he argues, will result in crafting a positive “governing force” that completely shapes an organization and determines the relationship it enjoys with stakeholders. Identity Is Destiny primarily consists of eight “laws” that Ackerman suggests a company must understand before uncovering its true identity and implementing a total operational philosophy that is based upon it. To illustrate these key principles (i.e., organizations are alive, unique, and constant, but growing; true direction and natural drive must be determined before successful strategies can be formulated), he mixes details from his own life with examples from companies with which he has worked (including Upjohn, Maytag, and Korn/Ferry International). Not everyone will agree, or see how it can be applied to his or her own businesses. But those who do will find ideas that could enhance their leadership efforts. –Howard Rothman
Review
” Identity Is Destiny is an insightful book that will help interested readers become exceptional leaders. In walking the reader through the ‘Laws of Identity,’ Ackerman allows one to experience truths that will enable managers to exploit their companies’ inherent profit potential, and create value and wealth if applied to all aspects of day-to-day business. Understanding the simple truths imparted in the pages of this fascinating book will help anyone, at any level, in any business become a wiser, more effective leader.” — Vernon Loucks, Jr., Chairman, Baxter International
“Here is a new management tool for business leaders that answers the toughest of questions: Who are we and what business are we in?” — Jeffrey Fox, CEO, Fox & Company, and author of How to Become a CEO
“Identity Is Destiny is not your garden variety how-to-be-a-leader book. It is a deep, insightful, uplifting account of leadership as a way of living. Ackerman’s natural laws ring true as universal ways that people find identity and mastery by understanding their inner selves, connecting to others, and creating meaningful work that helps organizations and societies prosper. Both personally inspiring and business savva winning combination.” — Rosabeth Moss Kanter, Harvard Business School, author of World Class and Rosabeth Moss Kanter on the Frontiers of Management
“Many books are written each year espousing principles without authenticity. Ackerman’s personal connection to the concept of identity creates an authenticity that makes the book for more credible than most ‘how-to’ business books. Identity Is Destiny is a must-read for any executive looking to unlock the true value and potential of their company.” — David Lebow, Chief Operating Officer, Office of Product and Strategy, AMFM, Inc.
“This book is powerfulit reveals new truths that managers have not been exposed to before. The principles contained within the Laws of Identity are new knowledge in the field.” — Mark Mendenhall, Professor of Business, University of Tennessee
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