In this compact and accessible business parable, Paul and Beck (coauthors of Revved!
) claim that savvy managers can turn any company around by creating a happy, positive workplace and valuing employees. While empowering employees is a straightforward concept, according to the authors, most managers “don't live it.” Lessons in making this seemingly effortless turnaround are recounted through the story of an ambitious HR director at a distressed magazine publishing company. With the guidance of a successful entrepreneur, she revitalizes productivity and amazes her skeptical, numbers-oriented boss. While elementary in tone and message, a simple wisdom emerges that can be understood and shared by any manager in any industry. In dismal economic times, this small and genial fable provides the hopeful message that it is still the individual human spirit and cooperation that propels innovation and productivity. (May)
