About the Book
How relationships among leaders determine the success or failure of any organization
No one would dispute the idea that relationships matter in business. Yet despite their obvious importance, they remain largely a mystery. Why do some conflicts get resolved quickly while others lead to permanent animosity? Why do some relationships grow stronger over time, others more fragile?
Diana McLain Smith argues that most of us never even think about our relationships, at least not until they get into trouble?and by then it may be too late. Convinced that others have attitude problems, we focus on getting them to change. But that never works; it just convinces our colleagues that we?re the source of the problem. What we need to change, Smith argues, are the patterns of interaction between us.
Smith shows us how to build work relationships that are flexible and strong enough to survive the toughest challenges. She draws on fascinating case studies, especially the Steve Jobs/John Sculley meltdown, which nearly destroyed Apple in the 1980s.
This book will break the myth that relationships are too mysterious to decode and too difficult to change. It offers powerful tools that can help anyone, from new recruits to CEOs.
Review :
?The most original ideas on conflict in years. A must read for anyone interested in making their organization a success.?
?Roger Fisher, author of "Getting to Yes"
?One of the most enlightening and useful books I?ve read about that indomitable, freighted four- syllable word that has the power to destroy dreams and lives or enliven them: relationships. Smith has a unique style, smart and deft, coupled with a fresh sense of humor.?
?Warren Bennis, distinguished professor of business, University of Southern California, and coauthor (with Noel Tichy), "Judgment"
?Work relationships are like the weather?everybody talks a lot about them, but most think they can?t do much about them. Such fatalism soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, resulting in mediocre and frustrating teams at all levels. A master adviser to teams, Diana Smith persuasively shows how those who truly care about performance and relationships can simultaneously nurture both.?
?Peter Senge, autho
aThe most original ideas on conflict in years. A must read for anyone interested in making their organization a success.a
aRoger Fisher, author of "Getting to Yes"
aOne of the most enlightening and useful books Iave read about that indomitable, freighted four- syllable word that has the power to destroy dreams and livesaaor enliven them: relationships. Smith has a unique style, smart and deft, coupled with a fresh sense of humor.a
aWarren Bennis, distinguished professor of business, University of Southern California, and coauthor (with Noel Tichy), "Judgment"
aWork relationships are like the weatheraeverybody talks a lot about them, but most think they canat do much about them. Such fatalism soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, resulting in mediocre and frustrating teams at all levels. A master adviser to teams, Diana Smith persuasively shows how those who truly care about performance and relationships can simultaneously nurture both.a
aPeter Senge, author, "The Fifth Discipline"
aA rare bookaasensitive in human terms, but also practical and hard-edged.a
aLord Dennis Stevenson, banker, chairman, HBOS, plc
aSmith offers advice thatas applicable to politics, governance, and life itself. An easy read that can really pay off.a
aGeraldine A. Ferraro, former member of Congress
aWith advice that is both practical and profound, Smith shows us how to bring out the very best in our partners, teammates, and ourselves.a
aMichael Wheeler, professor of management practice, Harvard Business School
aSmith has written a masterpiece . . . for all leadersafrom business to politics.a
aJonas Gahr Store, minister of foreign affairs, Norway
aAn invaluable guide to a domain thatas becoming ever more important, not only in business but across sectors. I wish I had this book when I co-founded City Year twenty years ago.a
aAlan Khazei, CEO, Be the Change, and cofounder, City Year
aThese days relationships are recognized as business lifeblood and everyone works to improve them, so Diana McLain Smithas "Divide or Conquer: How Great Teams Turn Conflict into Strength" is right on the money. She takes you behind the media stories of relationships that made headlines a] to illustrate how a broken relationship can cause severe damage not just to the people, but to the company and the brand. Relationships happen, but great relationships take thought and effort. Theyall never be easy, but "Divide or Conquer" provides the tools and insights to make them easier.
aLeadership Turn.com
a[Smith] does a phenomenal job of breaking down the dynamics, dysfunctions, errors, and blind spots that caused all kinds of turmoil at Apple, ultimately ending in Steve Jobs being removed from his job. a] This kind of thing happens all the time in business and personal relationships, and this book seeks to help us understand why and suggests ways to prevent it from happening. Smith provides some great models, examples, and techniques to help you here. More importantly, she provides some tools to help you push the reset button and try to get things on a healthier trajectory. Brilliant stuff, and very practical.a
-Genuine Curiosity.com
