From Publishers Weekly
The fable has been a durable vehicle for imparting wisdom since ancient times, and in this tale about a former high-flying enterprise that’s fallen on hard times-and just happens to be managed by squirrels-the form is deftly deployed by author Denning (The Springboard: How Storytelling Ignites Action in Knowledge-Era Organizations). The former World Bank executive turned consultant, whose client list includes General Electric, McDonald’s and the U.S. Army, uses his extended parable not only to make this volume more lively than most business books, but also to emphasize his main point: that storytelling is a crucial tool for surmounting the challenges facing leaders today. "The ability to tell the right story at the right time is emerging as an essential leadership skill for coping with, and getting business results in, the turbulent world of the 21st century," he writes. Like many real companies, Denning’s Squirrel Inc. must deal with a technological change in order to survive. In this case, the company must transform itself from a nut-burying firm to a nut-storing firm. The main squirrel in the apologue is Diana, a company exec who learns the basics of creating stories from a bartender at the local nectar tavern. Although written in a narrative form, Denning’s book provides plenty of "pull-out" nuggets for quick reference as well as concise summaries at the end of each chapter. This book may not turn skeptics into believers, but it should ignite the intellectual curiosity of all who would like to learn more about the power of telling stories in the boardroom.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Review
“…a very effective management tool…it is sure to inspire readers working in all sorts of organizations…” (Edge Magazine, February 2005)
“…This charming little book holds many secrets within its attractive covers….” (City to Cities, Jan/Feb 2005)
“…clearly encapsulates both the why and how of seven types of organisational storytelling”. (Knowledge Management, September 2004)
“…makes serious points about leadership and change…” (Financial Times, 29 July 2004)
Review
“…a very effective management tool…it is sure to inspire readers working in all sorts of organizations…” (Edge Magazine, February 2005)
“…This charming little book holds many secrets within its attractive covers….” (City to Cities, Jan/Feb 2005)
“…clearly encapsulates both the why and how of seven types of organisational storytelling”. (Knowledge Management, September 2004)
“…makes serious points about leadership and change…” (Financial Times, 29 July 2004)
Review
“Squirrel Inc. is a wonderfully refreshing look at leadership that contains countless insights on how stories create meaning and can inspire even cynical management to act. This book is both provocative and evocative. It’s central message kept resonating in my head for weeks after reading it. I highly recommend this book¾and it is a great read, as well.”
--John Seely Brown, former chief scientist, Xerox Corp; and director of its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC)
“It is hardly a nutty idea that narrative is a useful means of transferring knowledge from one human—or squirrel to another. Steve Denning’s wonderful story about stories is a unique way to tell a fundamental truth about how organizations improve their performance.”
--Thomas H. Davenport, President’s Distinguished Professor, Babson College and Accenture Fellow
“I’ve witnessed the power of narrative in my work and life, but I haven’t had the tools to effectively employ story when I’ve needed it most. Denning’s book provides the ‘how to’ for which I’ve been looking.”
--M. Gary Ryan, director, Brand Development and Strategy, People Magazine
“Steve Denning is one of the most imaginative knowledge practitioners around, so it isn’t surprising that he’s produced a charming and illustrative fable about organizational life (among other things). Read it and grow wiser in the ways of squirrels and men!”
--Larry Prusak, coauthor, What’s the Big Idea and Working Knowledge
“The success of a leader can best be measured by how many who actually followed. In the management literature of today, we are overestimating the more rational dimensions of leadership and underestimating the importance of how to craft a story that attracts the fullness of human desire. Steve Denning's work is an important reminder and great inspiration to all leaders who wish to connect with their employees on all the human dimensions required to create true followership.”
--Mats Lederhausen, managing director, McDonald's Ventures, McDonald's Corporation
Book Description
Take a satirical scamper through organizational life in the midst of changing times, brought to you by master storyteller and former World Bank executive Steve Denning. With wisdom and a healthy dose of wit, Denning introduces a cast of furry characters who together learn the fine art of change through storytelling in their quest to overcome obstacles, generate enthusiasm and teamwork, share knowledge, and ultimately lead their company into a new era of success and significance. Through the stories of Squirrel Inc., readers will learn that the ability to tell the right story at the right time can determine the outcome of any major change effort. In each chapter Denning's squirrels learn to use storytelling to address leadership challenges: How to bring about change How to communicate who you are How to transmit values How to foster collaboration How to stop rumors How to share knowledge How to lead your organization into the future
Download Description
Take a satirical scamper through organizational life in the midst of changing times, brought to you by master storyteller and former World Bank executive Steve Denning. With wisdom and a healthy dose of wit, Denning introduces a cast of furry characters who together learn the fine art of change through storytelling in their quest to overcome obstacles, generate enthusiasm and teamwork, share knowledge, and ultimately lead their company into a new era of success and significance. Through the stories of Squirrel Inc., readers will learn that the ability to tell the right story at the right time can determine the outcome of any major change effort. In each chapter Denning's squirrels learn to use storytelling to address leadership challenges: How to bring about change How to communicate who you are How to transmit values How to foster collaboration How to stop rumors How to share knowledge How to lead your organization into the future
From the Inside Flap
Take a satirical scamper through organizational life in the midst of changing times, brought to you by master storyteller and former World Bank executive Steve Denning. With wisdom and a healthy dose of wit, Denning introduces a cast of furry characters who together learn the fine art of change through storytelling in their quest to overcome obstacles, generate enthusiasm and teamwork, share knowledge, and ultimately lead their company into a new era of success and significance. Through the stories of Squirrel Inc., readers will learn that the ability to tell the right story at the right time can determine the outcome of any major change effort.
In each chapter Denning's squirrels learn to use storytelling to address leadership challenges: How to bring about change How to communicate who you are How to transmit values How to foster collaboration How to stop rumors How to share knowledge How to lead your organization into the future
Combining business strategy with business narrative, Squirrel Inc. reveals how leaders can use both traditional and non-traditional stories to guide their organizations through difficult times.
From the Back Cover
“Squirrel Inc. is a wonderfully refreshing look at leadership that contains countless insights on how stories create meaning and can inspire even cynical management to act. This book is both provocative and evocative. It’s central message kept resonating in my head for weeks after reading it. I highly recommend this book, and it is a great read, as well.”--John Seely Brown, former chief scientist, Xerox Corp; and director of its Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) “It is hardly a nutty idea that narrative is a useful means of transferring knowledge from one human--or squirrel to another. Steve Denning’s wonderful story about stories is a unique way to tell a fundamental truth about how organizations improve their performance.” --Thomas H. Davenport, President’s Distinguished Professor, Babson College and Accenture Fellow “I’ve witnessed the power of narrative in my work and life, but I haven’t had the tools to effectively employ story when I’ve needed it most. Denning’s book provides the ‘how to’ for which I’ve been looking.”--M. Gary Ryan, director, Brand Development and Strategy, People Magazine “Steve Denning is one of the most imaginative knowledge practitioners around, so it isn’t surprising that he’s produced a charming and illustrative fable about organizational life (among other things). Read it and grow wiser in the ways of squirrels and men!”--Larry Prusak, coauthor, What’s the Big Idea and Working Knowledge “The success of a leader can best be measured by how many who actually followed. In the management literature of today, we are overestimating the more rational dimensions of leadership and underestimating the importance of how to craft a story that attracts the fullness of human desire. Steve Denning's work is an important reminder and great inspiration to all leaders who wish to connect with their employees on all the human dimensions required to create true followership.”--Mats Lederhausen, managing director, McDonald's Ventures, McDonald's Corporation
About the Author
Stephen Denning is a private consultant specializing in knowledge management and organizational storytelling. His clients include GE, IBM, Shell, McDonald’s, and the U.S. Army, among others. He is the author of the acclaimed book, The Springboard: How Storytelling Ignites Action in Knowledge-Era Organizations.
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