The Learning Paradox

by Jim Harris

The most potent catalyst in a firm's success: change In this insightful book, Jim Harris details the philosophy and specifics of creating companies that respond successfully to change. With practical... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0771575742
• ISBN13: 9780771575747
• Release Date: May 1998
• Publisher: Macmillan Canada
• Length: 314 Pages
• Weight: 1.46 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Useful, informative, and enlightening

In "The Learning Paradox," Jim Harris weaves together topics including leadership, customer service, value, economy, information, technology, learning organizations, and environment. He shows how the current economy is changing the relationships between customers, organizations, employees, and managers. "The Learning Paradox" is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals adapt to this economy. Harris divides twelve chapters into two parts.In Part I, Harris examines the paradoxes between the "Old Rules" and the "New Rules". He discusses how security is now based on adaptability, not stability. He writes entire chapters on how leaders can become Problem-Finders and Opportunity Seekers, how to create sustainable enterprises, and how to create value within organizations.Part II is dedicated to the shifts in thinking required for an organization to thrive in the changing economy. He practices what he preaches in the value-added department: he includes discussion questions with these chapters. Readers can share the chapters with their teams and use these questions to discuss their organization's future.Harris fills his book with case studies and examples of how some organizations already are shifting gears, taking advantage of technological advances, and adding value for their employees and customers. His research is carefully documented and end-noted so his readers can easily learn more if they like. Harris' writing style is straight-forward and very easy to read. This book has been very useful for me in thinking about our organization's needs and future.

Useful, informative, and enlightening

In "The Learning Paradox," Jim Harris weaves together topics including leadership, customer service, value, economy, information, technology, learning organizations, and environment. He shows how the current economy is changing the relationships between customers, organizations, employees, and managers. "The Learning Paradox" is dedicated to helping organizations and individuals adapt to this economy. Harris divides twelve chapters into two parts.In Part I, Harris examines the paradoxes between the "Old Rules" and the "New Rules". He discusses how security is now based on adaptability, not stability. He writes entire chapters on how leaders can become Problem-Finders and Opportunity Seekers, how to create sustainable enterprises, and how to create value within organizations.Part II is dedicated to the shifts in thinking required for an organization to thrive in the changing economy. He practices what he preaches in the value-added department: he includes discussion questions with these chapters. Readers can share the chapters with their teams and use these questions to discuss their organization's future.Harris fills his book with case studies and examples of how some organizations already are shifting gears, taking advantage of technological advances, and adding value for their employees and customers. His research is carefully documented and end-noted so his readers can easily learn more if they like. Harris' writing style is straight-forward and very easy to read. This book has been very useful for me in thinking about our organization's needs and future.

An excellent book on finding the edge you need!

The Learning Paradox shares its practical concepts and insightful ideas in many areas that people and organizations need work on! From the page that you are encouraged to rip out before you start to the final words from other leaders and authors, Jim Harris captured my imagination.At work it is often hard to remember where you are going, let alone how to get there. When I look to enhance the workplace and make myself more valuable, Jim's chapter on Creating Value reminds me about control, teamwork, alignment and continuous learning.The section called Shifting to the New Realities delves into the information technology impacting us all, from the Web to the Environment. It also serves as an excellent handbook on customer retention and delight. How often we aim for that -- but how hard it is to maintain! Jim manages to use substantial evidence to support his ideas, yet makes it all seem absolutely do-able!I can't recommend this book and author highly enough! Be sure to also read his technology and Internet information -- it is provocative and exciting.