The Open Organization: Igniting Passion and Performance

(Hardback)

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This is a story of reinvention.

Jim Whitehurst, celebrated president and CEO of one of the world's most revolutionary software companies, tells first-hand his journey from traditional manager (Delta Air Lines, Boston Consulting Group) and "chief" problem solver to CEO of one of the most open organizational environments he'd ever encountered. This challenging transition, and what Whitehurst learned in the interim, has paved the way for a new way of managingone this modern leader sees as the only way companies will successfully function in the future. Whitehurst says beyond embracing the technology that has so far disrupted entire industries, companies must now adapt their management and organizational design to better fit the Information Age. His mantra "Adapt or die."

Through a mix of vibrant stories, candid lessons, and tested processes, Whitehurst shows how Red Hat has blown the traditional operating model to pieces by emerging out of a pure bottom up culture and learning how to execute it at scale. And he explains what other companies are, and need to be doing to bring this open style into all facets of the organization.

Reviews

"If you're looking for a good business book to dive into, add this to your list." -- The Huffington Post "CEO Jim Whitehurst's The Open Organization is the best business book of the year." -- Seeking Alpha (seekingalpha.com) ADVANCE PRAISE for The Open Organization: MICHAEL DELL, Chairman and CEO, Dell-- "In The Open Organization, Jim Whitehurst clearly demonstrates how building avidly engaged communities of employees, partners, and customers can ignite the kind of passion and innovation that drive outsized results for businesses and for society as a whole. This is a great read for anyone hoping to lead and succeed in a society being redefined by expectations of transparency, authenticity, access--and yes, openness." CHRIS ANDERSON, Cofounder and CEO, 3D Robotics; former Editor in Chief, Wired magazine-- "In a wired world, everyone knows that management needs to change from 'command and control' to leadership based on transparency, collaboration, and participation. But the question is, how do you actually lead that way Jim Whitehurst's interesting tale of his own reinvention as a leader, with lessons from other leaders in companies such as Whole Foods, Pixar, and Zappos, finally provides the blueprint that leaders have been seeking." JEANIE DANIEL DUCK, Former Senior Partner and Managing Director, The Boston Consulting Group; author, The Change Monster-- "Many people are wary of change. For executives who worry about Millennial employees and the power of the internet, it is scary indeed. Yet those same employees could offer valuable new perspectives, ideas, and passion. The question is, how do today's managers capture those desirable attributes without setting off the perfect storm The answers are in Jim Whitehurst's book." CHARLENE LI, Founder and CEO, Altimeter Group; author, The Engaged Leader and Open Leadership-- "In today's disruptive economy, only the leaders--and their organizations--who are open and learn to adapt to the fast-changing needs of customers and employees will survive. Whitehurst speaks from personal experience about what works--and what doesn't--to foster openness and speed. If you have even an inkling of a desire to lead an innovative, fast-moving, and engaged organization, this book is for you." JOHN CHAMBERS, Chairman and CEO, Cisco-- "With The Open Organization, Whitehurst takes us where all leaders need to be if we want to succeed in the future--outside of our traditional comfort zones."

Author Bio

JIM WHITEHURST is CEO of Red Hat, the largest open source software company in the world. Before joining Red Hat, Whitehurst held various positions at Delta Air Lines, most recently as Chief Operating Officer, responsible for operations, sales and customer service, network and revenue management, marketing, and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Delta, he was a Partner at The Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and held various leadership roles in BCG's Chicago, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Atlanta offices.