Turning the Pyramid Upside Down

Book excerpt: "The upside down pyramid is particularly important in customer facing organizations ... a good read for any leader." —Jim Estill, Partner at CanRock Ventures, owner of CEO Blog, Time Leadership Globalization and hyper-connectivity are significantly affecting the way all organizations are led, requiring a shift in both leadership approaches and the organization’s context/culture. Leadership attributes and behaviors must move from a concentration on what I need to do to what WE must do, if the organization is to succeed. Leaders need to focus on ensuring that within the organization, there is a high degree of engagement. Flat organization structures, operating without command and control hierarchies, will be better able to respond effectively to this new complex, fast-paced, global environment. Through discussions with industry leaders and drawing on her years of consulting and coaching experience, Marilyn Jacobson covers the necessary tools needed in both leadership approach and organization culture to make these adjustments. Jacobson provides examples of positive organizational changes leaders can make to tackle future challenges, highlighting engagement and adaptability as keys to success in this complex, fast-paced, global environment.