The Provocateur: How a New Generation of Leaders Are Building Communities, Not Just Companies

by Larry Weber

What's the difference between CEOs like Lou Gerstner of IBM and Larry Ellison of Oracle? Between basketball coaches Phil Jackson and Bobby Knight? Or media entrepreneurs Oprah Winfrey and Rupert Murdoch? Gerstner, Jackson, and Winfrey are provocateurs, leaders who are successful not just because they have built a company or an organization, but because they have created a community. Provocateurs are changing both the form and the content of leadership...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0609608266
• ISBN13: 9780609608265
• Release Date: January 2002
• Publisher: Crown Business
• Length: 285 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.8" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

A great book

This is a book for CEO's who want to win in their industry; most books that try to give insight to winning positional techniques get lost in mundane detail. This author concentrated on the essence of what is important. Read this first then read: Blue Ocean Strategy by Kim & Mauborgne

An Insightful and Necessary Book

Ever hate an overbearing, autocratic boss because he made your life a living hell with his monomaniacal demands? Apparently so has Larry Weber, because he advocates a management philosophy that elevates cooperation over tyranny, results over ego gratification. People who categorically reject his philosophy cling to organizational principles that were obsolete in the 1960's. He should be commended for his courage to tell the truth.

Worth Repeating

Weber's book may be repeating what we know works in business, but that doesn't mean everyone is doing it. For those who are, it is refreshing to be reminded you are on track. For those who are wondering how to improve or keep their company dynamic, this book offers insights and perspectives that often get lost in the day-to-day challenges. I've been recruited to turn around major divisions of Fortune 500 companies and have been consistently successful by doing the very things outlined in Weber's book. Not only do they work, they are still needed.

Weber is one of a handful who get it

Weber is just touching upon what he has to share about leading, managing and marketing. Many tech companies and the customers they serve (you), have benefited from his insight, counsel and leadership. I learned something. There are plenty who would teach leadership, I would rather learn from somebody who knows and lives leadership.

definitely worthwhile

I am an avid reader of business and management books and I found this one very "provocative!" |Weber delivers a contemporary view of management that is very applicable in today's chaotic business world. The profiles he presents are both entertaining and insightful. I think any executive that reads this book will discover principles that he can leverage in the work place.