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Up the Organization
Book

Up the Organization

How to Stop the Corporation from Stifling People and Strangling Profits

Robert Townsend
Jossey-Bass, 2007
First Edition: 1970

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Editorial Rating

8

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Recommendation

This is a reprint of a classic best-selling book on business that has been widely copied but never duplicated. Yes, other successful collections of short, clever aphorisms have appeared and faded, but Robert Townsend had the ability to pierce the heart of the matter with stiletto sharpness. Just gloss over the small out-of-date references (like salary levels) and enjoy his ABCs of management. While some of Townsend’s recommendations still seem radical, he lived by these principles, and was a very successful, popular executive with Avis and American Express. getAbstract cautions that this is a book of epigrams, not a narrative, so it might be a little choppy. Still, Townsend manages to balance a savvy, fun attitude with serious, strategic advice.

Take-Aways

  • Always lead with the needs and interests of your followers in mind.
  • Since those most affected by decisions usually understand the situation best, move decision making as close to the front lines as possible.
  • Eliminate all bureaucracies, because they do not contribute to profit and fun.

About the Author

Robert Townsend worked at a global financial-services company as a banker and revitalized a major car rental company as president and chairman. He served as an executive at several other companies, and was a popular lecturer and TV talk show guest. He died in 1998.

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