The Seven Arts of Change: Leading Business Transformation That Lasts

by David Shaner

Overview

Many businesses try to change, but few succeed. At best, a few buzzwords and new reports become part of the company's structure. At worst, programs crash and burn, and the members of the organization become irreparably disillusioned with the revolving door of new-mission statements. According to David Shaner-a business consultant with a 100% success rate of change at companies including Duracell, Frito-Lay, Caesars Palace and Gillette-the problem is that those changes don't address either individuals or the corporate culture. They're only on the surface.
Combining lessons drawn from four decades of Aikido with knowledge gleaned from his 30-year consulting career, Shaner merges Eastern philosophy with Western business savvy to present his Seven Arts of Change (including the Arts of Preparation, Relaxation, and Compassion), showing how individual adjustments-from the CEO down-can transform a company. Using exercises, strategies, and real-life examples to show how to awaken the untapped potential in any organization and every person within it, Shaner shows how to create change built to last.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781402767845
Publisher:	Union Square Press
Publication date:	11/02/2010
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	4.90(w) x 7.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

David Shaner holds an endowed chair as Herring Professor of Asian Studies and Philosophy at Furman University. He is also an internationally renowned teacher of Ki-Aikido and holds a Seventh Degree Black Belt. Shaner has taught at Harvard University, was a member of the Olympic Valley USA Ski Team, and has served as a Fulbright Fellow in India.

Editorial Reviews

Shaner, a professor of philosophy and Asian studies and an Aikido master, has a compelling strategy for transforming companies from the top down. His first book intriguingly mixes Eastern philosophies with Shaner's experience as a business consultant for two years at Fortune 500 companies. He examines the seven arts of change�preparation, compassion, responsibility, relaxation, conscious action, working naturally, and service—and what they entail. Using examples from companies he's worked with, like Duracell and Ryobi Motor Products Corporation, the author illustrates how spiritual thinking can improve efficiency, and how the seven arts can revitalize a company. His advice is not only for companies, but for the individuals within the companies, the true catalysts of change. As Shaner writes, "Everyone thinks of changing the company, but no one thinks that means changing himself." Luckily, Shaner shows us what such change requires. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly