Management of the Absurd

By Richard Farson

Book Overview

Facile formulas, catchy slogans, ten-step programs, and quick fixes too often dominate today's management training programs. But in organizations as in all of life, human behavior is seldom predictable, and business dilemmas do not easily lend themselves to gimmicks or simplistic answers. In Management of the Absurd, psychologist, educator, and former CEO Richard Farson presents a series of management paradoxes designed to challenge conventional wisdom and encourage managers to reexamine their assumptions about effective leadership. Here, at last, is a dramatically new understanding of organizations and human relations. In his explorations of more than 30 paradoxical situations, Farson demonstrates the value of a radically different perspective on leadership and offers managers powerful new ways to cope with the many perplexing problems of organizational life. Managers at every level will recognize the very real dilemmas and complexities that Farson describes, and will be challenged by these provocative new views of the art of managing people. Here are some of Farson's startling insights: The better things are, the worse they feel. Once you find a management technique that works, give it up. Big changes are easier to make than small ones. The more we communicate, the less we communicate. Nothing is as invisible as the obvious. Effective managers are not in control. Organizations that need help most will benefit least from that help. Many readers will share Michael Crichton's response to this book, as he observes in the foreword, He irritated me. He provoked me. He made me nod, he made me smile, and he made me shake my head.... He] reports morethan experience; he gives us wisdom. Guided by Management of the Absurd, managers of the 21st century will be able to accept the inherent complexity of management situations and work through these dilemmas, not with manipulative and simplistic techniques but with understanding, compassion, and effectiveness.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0684800802
• ISBN13: 9780684800806
• Release Date: March 1996
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.0" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Of the best business books ever

It's amazing this book isn't handed out to every literate adult in America. In so few pages, it completely challenges linear thinking about everything from running a meeting to raising kids, and you'll find yourself constantly finding real-world examples of what he's talking about after you read it. Though much of what he writes may not be new, as he frequently cites the predecessors he learns from, the ingenuity is how he coherently and concisely pulls it all together.

Leadership is a paradox, not a formula

I enjoyed this book so much I made it required reading in the leadership course that I teach. (Although it is not the ONLY book that I require...linearity has its' place.) Interesting that some of the other reviewers treat the book harshly, if I may paraphrase, because Farson does not provide any "formulas" for leadership. The entire central thesis of the book is that leadership is not about "formulas," it is about finding balance between extremes. It is about paradox. An excellent book to stimulate reflection and introspection; a foolish one if you are bound too heavily by linear thought.

At last a management book with some original thinking

After reading books that talk about 10 effective ways to leadership and 5 different ways to managing, this book was an eyeopener. It is business wisdom in action and I read this book at least 25 times and each and every time, its originality in managament thoughts stunned me. a must read for anyone interested in the philosophy side of management.

Farson gets it!

Farson's "Management of the Absurd" addresses business from a perspective rarely represented -- that of a wise man who understands business because he understands people.Best example: Instead of viewing managing as akin to a sculptor molding clay into the desired form, Farson suggests that the very best a manager can hope for is to fall into a pile of clay and make an impression...In other words, Who you are is more important than what you do.Great advice for managers who substitute management techniques for integrity and character.

What an eye opening perspective! A must-read!

How or why I picked this book from the shelf, I don't know. Perhaps the word "Absurd" was so provocative that I was drawn to the book. At any rate, this is certainly a must-read for anyone in business who struggles to be a leader - which Farson defines using Bennis' definition - one who does the right thing rather than one who does a thing right. Too much time is spent in business doing the wrong thing right. We try to change organizations by changing the individuals most in need of change. Wrong, says Farson. Focus change on those who need to change least, because they are capable of changing most. Farson comments on technology, individuals, organizations, relationships, and much more. If you feel you cover lots of ground only to end up back where you where, I advise you to create a new perspective on your efforts by reading this book.