Movies to Manage By

FROM THE PUBLISHER

"A tasty confection that is both fun to read and though-provoking. Clemens and Wolff have crafted and engaging book that illustrates the entire gamut of good and bad leadership behavior. I recommend it especially to young managers who are growing into or aspiring to leadership roles." — George R. Stephan, Former Chairman Kollmorger Corporation "Readers of this book should be allowed to go to the movies on company time. The flicks take on a whole new meaning." — Roy Rowan, Author of The Intuitive Manager Movies do more than just entertain. A good film can also teach. Charles Foster Kane, the tragic protagonist of Citizen Kane, is the perfect example of how hoarding power can lead to chaos in business and personal matters. Dead Poet Society's John Keating is the archetype of the employee who has affected change downward but has not solicited the support of superiors who may later stonewall other projects. And Norma Rae (in the movie of the same name), a seemingly powerless factory worker, shakes up the plant's male-dominated management and becomes the company's most influential leader. In this entertaining and instructive book, you will discover that film is indeed an untapped source of leadership wisdom for businesses, large and small. You will see your own organization—as well as your own management and leadership challenges—mirrored here in the examination and analysis of nine compelling and highly accessible film narratives. John K. Clemens, professor of management at Hartwick College, is the founder and executive director of the Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute, an organization that conducts leadership seminars for emergingleaders in Fortune 500 companies. He is also the coauthor of The Classic Touch: Lessons in Leadership from Homer to Hemingway. Melora Wolff is an essayist, poet, and playwright who teaches workshops and seminars in film, literature, and creative writing. She is the writing consultant for the Hartwick Humanities in Management Institute.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

Readers of this book should be allowed to go to the movies on company time. The flicks take on a whole new meaning.  — (Roy Rowan, author of The Intuitive Manager)

A superb and badly needed practical exposition of the more subtle skills of leadership and of the pitfalls that lie in wait for the unprepared. It teaches while it entertains—something that can't be said about most management books. The use of great movies to illustrate is inspired, particularly when the authors combine "reel" life with real-life examples.  — (Roger Allen, author of Winnie-the-Pooh on Management)

Once business executives read this book, movies will never be the same. What formerly was entertainment now also becomes a learning experience.  — (John W. Johnstone, former chairman, Olin Corporation)

A striking new addition to leadership education, this book is innovative, easy to follow, and highly adaptable to numerous learning situations. Any individuals interested in the management field will find this book useful.  — (Robert E. Pursley, Lieutenant General, USAF (retired); former president, Logistics Management Institute)

A tasty confection that is both fun to read and thought-provoking. Clemens and Wolff have crafted an engaging book that illustrates almost the entire gamut of good and bad leadership behavior. I recommend it especially to young managers who are growing into or aspiring to leadership roles.  — (George R. Stephan, former chairman, Kollmorger Corporation)