Carrison (Semper Fi
) argues that the not-for-profit Federal Bureau of Investigation, one of the most imposing, tightly run and constantly evolving organizations in America, has valuable management lessons to offer the corporate world. The author interviews top FBI management and street agents, who reveal why recruitment, retention, loyalty and willingness to change prevail despite life-threatening danger, low pay and frequent relocation. Exploring the strength of the FBI “brand,” Carrison credits the selective, rigorous two-year and 22-week training and probation program, the FBI-as-family ethos, regular skills training and testing at all levels, and the “One for All, All for One” culture for creating and reinforcing an allegiance virtually unseen in for-profit firms. The author demonstrates how these techniques and principles can be integrated into the corporate world through strong, no-nonsense but sincere top-down leadership and a genuine commitment to common goals, even as those goals change. Although a dense read with an unabashed admiration for military-style management and “self-sacrifice,” the lessons are indisputably germane to corporations and the fascinating sidebar interviews with agents will captivate readers. (Jan.)
