As One: Individual Action Collective Power

by Mehrdad Baghai, James Quigley

Our world is as much about cooperation as it is about conflict; as much about collaboration as competition. Yet our knowledge of collective behavior is still relatively slim. Leaders who have been trained in the command-and-control mode of management are realizing that it often fails to truly engage people; in response, management thinkers have proclaimed the advent of a new, participatory model. But why should there be only two modes of collective behavior?

For the past two years Deloitte has invested in a major global initiative, the As One project, to study effective collaborations. The project has discovered that there are many modes of "As One behavior" and that all are effective in certain contexts. As One defines eight archetypes of leaders and followers. Taking more than 60 cases of successful collective behavior, the authors define the characteristics for each model and show how you can apply them to your organization. As One will show you a new way to lead, and to get your team working to reach all your goals. Imagine what we could accomplish if we could unlock the power of As One on a global scale.

Genres: Business, Leadership, Nonfiction

352 pages, Hardcover

Published February 3, 2011

About the author

Mehrdad Baghai is a Principal in the Sydney and Toronto offices of McKinsey & Company, and co-leader of the firm's world-wide growth practice.

Reviews

[Nick Woodall · Rating 5 out of 5]

As One is one of those business books that simply needs to be required reading in college, and especially by every leader that is running a business or organization today. Well-organized, thoroughly researched, and peppered with stories that will enlighten and inspire. The diagnostic questions at the end of each chapter are not only relevant, but beautifully designed to lead the reader into an analysis of his/her leadership style. I highly recommend this one!

[Abhishek Shekhar · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is detailed and through with examples and case studies but the eight archetypes defined in book for leaders and followers are difficult to apply. I wish there was a matrix or checklist which could help reader to identify the archetypes while they are being described in the case studies. Nevertheless the approach sets out new way to meet team goals.

[Shaun · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an amazing book about working better together in the workplace. The former CEO of Deliotte & Touche, James Quigley and his colleague Mehrdad Baghai have compiled a book that categorizes 8 different archetypes of how organizations work together. They are as follows:
1. Landlord & Tenants
2. Community Organizer & Volunteers
3. Conductor & Orchestra
4. Producer & Creative Team
5. General & Soldiers
6. Architect & Builders
7. Captain & Sports Team
8. Senator & Citizens

Some are top-down directed and others are bottom-up emergent. If you like Malcolm Gladwell books, this is an excellent read, that I highly recommend. The authors list concrete examples of each archetype and suggest how to help improve organizations and improve collaboration in the workplace.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want to learn more about being an effective leader? This is a fascinating book on leadership. There are many leadership styles, and certain situations are more suited to one style over another. Filled with stunning graphics and countless case studies, this book illustrates various forms of leadership and when best to use them.

Fascinating read, and very instructive!

[disclosure...one of the authors is my dad--and he's a leadership genius! But I may be biased...]

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

getAbstract strongly recommends this expansive, beautifully produced, hugely entertaining book about leaders and followers. Management consultant Mehrdad Baghai and former Deloitte global CEO James Quigley, writing with top Deloitte managers, relate widely diverse stories to show how leaders interact with followers. They draw eight leadership models of collaboration – each of which is proven to work in the right circumstances, and each of which can be applied to organizations today.

[Paul W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Getting large numbers of individuals to work together effectively to achieve a shared purpose is a challenge many business leaders face. This book, co-authored by Mehrdad Baghai, a strategic adviser to Deloitte, and Jim Quigley, Deloitte's Global CEO, outlines a language which helps organisations address challenges in strategy execution.
There are case studies, research notes and further information at www.asone.org

[Dr. Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for all levels of leadership. The authors share varied styles of leadership that are easy to compare to ones type of leadership style. The stories that align with the styles of leadership are inspirational and very thought provoking. A must read.

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only skimmed this, but it I found the short examples were more interesting than thinking about the different organization types. Very text book feel, but quick reading.

[Abigail Sarah Brody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent guide about group and team dynamics in companies—food for thought.

[Bryan]

Eight models of how leaders and followers interact effectively. There's nothing too new in here but it's not a bad read for someone new to leadership models.