The Fiefdom Syndrome: The Turf Battles That Undermine Careers and Companies—And How to Overcome Them

By Robert J. Herbold
Produced by Oasis Audio
Read by Grover Gardner

5.17 Hours • 07/07/2005 • abridged
Format:
  • 1 Format: Library CD
  • $36.00

    ISBN: 9780786177943

Is your company threatened by turf battles, shut out of key data sources by territorial “lords,” or ravaged by hundreds of “micro-companies?” If so, your organization may be suffering from a potentially crippling case of “Fiefdom Syndrome.” Robert Herbold, former COO of Microsoft, presents a wealth of case studies from the usual (and always interesting) suspects—IBM, Proctor and Gamble, Microsoft, and Wal-Mart—to illustrate an affliction that affects for-profit and non-profit organizations alike. Like headaches, fiefdoms can become a persistent problem and if left untreated, can send organizations into an endless loop of deteriorating health and repeated investigations into the cause. Prudent companies will take Herbold’s advice and learn how to prevent and treat their little fiefdom problem.

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Summary

Summary

Is your company threatened by turf battles, shut out of key data sources by territorial “lords,” or ravaged by hundreds of “micro-companies?” If so, your organization may be suffering from a potentially crippling case of “Fiefdom Syndrome.” Robert Herbold, former COO of Microsoft, presents a wealth of case studies from the usual (and always interesting) suspects—IBM, Proctor and Gamble, Microsoft, and Wal-Mart—to illustrate an affliction that affects for-profit and non-profit organizations alike.

Like headaches, fiefdoms can become a persistent problem and if left untreated, can send organizations into an endless loop of deteriorating health and repeated investigations into the cause. Prudent companies will take Herbold’s advice and learn how to prevent and treat their little fiefdom problem.

Editorial Reviews

Editorial Reviews

“An important book for any leader who is responsible for sustained business growth.” —A.G. Lafley, Chairman, Chief Executive and President, The Procter & Gamble Co. 
“With…thorough analysis and practical insights, this book will help you recognize, eliminate and prevent the cancer of individual agendas.” —Michael Dell, Chairman, Dell Inc. 
“Identifies the causes, symptoms, and cures of one of the great diseases (scourges) that insidiously destroy large corporations in America.” —Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, Bank One Corporation 
“A must-read…All institutions need a clear, unified mission and Bob Herbold’s new book will help managers achieve it.” —Hank Paulson, Chairman & CEO, The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. 
“The Fiefdom Syndrome tackles a pervasive and seldom discussed problem—namely, why organizations tend to become slow-footed, fragmented, and mediocre.” —John Doerr, Partner, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers 
“Takes on the bureaucracy and turf battles that Sam Walton fought his whole life to overcome. I strongly recommend it.” —Rob Walton, Chairman of the Board, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. 
“Identifies a critical business problem…few have been able to solve—until now…Should be required reading across corporate America.” —James I. Cash, Jr., PhD, James E. Robison Professor of Business Administration, Harvard University Graduate School of Business 
“Provides valuable insights on how to…avoid the pitfalls of decentralization that goes too far.” —Dick Kovacevich, Chairman and CEO, Wells Fargo & Company 
“Whether you are in business, government, education or…non-profits, I urge you to read this book, and…take its advice.”  —Jack Kemp, Co-founder of Empower America and former candidate for Vice President of the United States 
“The book has an important message for all organizations and individuals…A must-read for everyone, not just business people.”  —Walter Hewlett, Independent Software Developer and Chairman, The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation 
“In an approachable manner, [Herbold] demonstrates how discipline, creativity, and enforcement are keys to preventing the spread of fiefdoms…Prudent companies will take Herbold’s advice and learn how to prevent and treat their little fiefdom problem.” —Amazon.com
“[An] exceptional book on how individuals and small groups thwart the success of a larger organization…Essential for everyone interested in business.” —Library Journal

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Author

Author Bio: Robert J. Herbold

Robert J. Herbold was hired by Bill Gates to be Chief Operating Officer of Microsoft Corporation. During his seven years as COO, from 1994 to 2001, Microsoft experienced a fourfold increase in revenue and a sevenfold increase in profits. Prior to Microsoft, Herbold spent 26 years at The Procter & Gamble Company, the last five years as Senior Vice President of Marketing. Herbold is now the Managing Director of Herbold Group, LLC. He is also a Senior Executive in Residence at INSEAD in Singapore, a member of President Bush’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, and a director serving on several corporate boards.

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Details

Details

Available Formats : Library CD
Category: Nonfiction/Business & Economics
Runtime: 5.17
Audience: Adult
Language: English
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