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Fundamentally Different
Known for his compelling logic and easy-to-understand style, Friedman shares the most important insights he learned during a 27-year business career in which he led one of the most unique and successful companies in his industry. Captured in his self-styled Fundamentals, this collection of wisdom is so simple, yet powerful, that you’ll wonder why the principles he describes aren’t more commonplace in every organization across America.
But Friedman’s Fundamentals aren’t just about business. They’re a guidebook for life. And like so many other people who’ve already embraced them, you’ll no doubt find your life enriched by their practice.
- GenresBusinessNonfiction
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2011
23 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
June 7, 2017
Great reminders, but a little long and self-praising. I did get a couple of gems out of it, though.
August 15, 2019
Recap of culture implementation with long list of "fundamentals" and examples. Interesting read, but Culture by Design is a more sistematic approach for change.
May 31, 2020
Some good ideas here, but dull overall. Appreciate the emphasis on excellence and taking personal responsibility.
January 20, 2016
Friedman cites over and over again, Stephen Covey (Author of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People) as an inspiration for his Fundamentals. Covey doesn't hide his belief that God is the source of his advice and principles in 7 Habits. Covey was a Mormon, and placed Mormon concepts such as being Gods in embryo stage into his book by rewriting it as "limitless potential".
Friedman uses the word Rituals to describe his process for ingraining the Fundamentals into a business. The top 5 definitions of the word "Ritual" are religious in nature.
At one point he cites the success Ritz Carlton had in ingraining desired customer service via their 20 Basics. But in Ritz Carlton's case, it was tangible, measurable things directly related to job duties such as "Escort the customer to an area of the Hotel rather than just pointing the way".
Friedman's version of the 20 Ritz Carlton Basics are not tangible, measurable things directly related to specific jobs, but instead are more generalized personal betterment and philosophical ideas such as "People are good, fair and Honest". I felt the book veered into general self-help rather than anything that can and should be implemented into offices.
He advocates starting every meeting with a Ritual, such as contemplating a Fundamental. This is eerily like a prayer and reflecting upon Holy Scripture. Considering Freidman is a big fan of Covey's pseudoreligious writing and teachings, it starts to make sense why the book feels like I am being indoctrinated into a faith, rather than being given solid business advice.
Friedman uses the word Rituals to describe his process for ingraining the Fundamentals into a business. The top 5 definitions of the word "Ritual" are religious in nature.
At one point he cites the success Ritz Carlton had in ingraining desired customer service via their 20 Basics. But in Ritz Carlton's case, it was tangible, measurable things directly related to job duties such as "Escort the customer to an area of the Hotel rather than just pointing the way".
Friedman's version of the 20 Ritz Carlton Basics are not tangible, measurable things directly related to specific jobs, but instead are more generalized personal betterment and philosophical ideas such as "People are good, fair and Honest". I felt the book veered into general self-help rather than anything that can and should be implemented into offices.
He advocates starting every meeting with a Ritual, such as contemplating a Fundamental. This is eerily like a prayer and reflecting upon Holy Scripture. Considering Freidman is a big fan of Covey's pseudoreligious writing and teachings, it starts to make sense why the book feels like I am being indoctrinated into a faith, rather than being given solid business advice.
November 23, 2011
In his debut book, Fundamentally Different, Friedman shares what he has learned through nearly three decades in the business world. His conversational style engages the reader. And who is that reader? Definitely business leaders, but you'll be happy to know even the average person can gain a wealth of knowledge by reading Fundamentally Different. That's because it's not merely a business book. Many of the 30 Fundamentals featured can be applied to daily life.
Friedman discusses each Fundamental at length, relaying how they applied to his years in business. There are also blurbs throughout the book from others who discuss their experiences. Fundamentally Different also includes several Appendices, which include the Original Fundamentals Card, emails to employees, and a survey that RSI sent each year to clients, vendors/suppliers, and employees.
While Fundamentally Different is Friedman's first book, it shouldn't be his last.
Friedman discusses each Fundamental at length, relaying how they applied to his years in business. There are also blurbs throughout the book from others who discuss their experiences. Fundamentally Different also includes several Appendices, which include the Original Fundamentals Card, emails to employees, and a survey that RSI sent each year to clients, vendors/suppliers, and employees.
While Fundamentally Different is Friedman's first book, it shouldn't be his last.
October 14, 2012
David Friedman has written one of the best books I have ever read. It is written in a style that speaks to the heart and makes you want to take action. It is a business book that helps business people to set clear values into their organizational structure. According to Friedman clear values define the ultimate success of any corporation. The book is filled with information about unifying the staff and corporate management. It covers team building, learning to lead without an ego, putting the needs of others before yourself, so much good information. Even though it is a business book, the material in it will roll over into your personal life and help with relationship building. It is a must read.
December 12, 2012
The author, a successful entrepreneur, lays out a great structure for developing, implementing and maintaining values and culture in an organization.
Wonderful examples abound of how the author implanted values in his organization and consequently boosted the value of his company.
What's disappointing: most of the book is focused on the values that were integrated into the author's company. The way this is described it probably won't be as useful to most readers as it could be.
Nonetheless thus is a great book for organizations that are just getting started, or are struggling with dysfunctional culture.
Wonderful examples abound of how the author implanted values in his organization and consequently boosted the value of his company.
What's disappointing: most of the book is focused on the values that were integrated into the author's company. The way this is described it probably won't be as useful to most readers as it could be.
Nonetheless thus is a great book for organizations that are just getting started, or are struggling with dysfunctional culture.
July 7, 2011
Fundamentally Different" is well-written and very thoughtful. Friedman describes principals that he applied, allowing his company to grow from small family run business to an award-winning company, recognized numerous time for their values and culture. The book contains many examples that demonstrate how the principles discussed have been applied in numerous businesses. I definitely recommend this book to people, companies, and educational institutions that are interested in understanding effective corporate cultures.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews