My dad's first book just came out: L.eadership in N.onprofit O.rganizations by B.arry D.ym and H.arry Hutson (B.arry and H.arry!). [I have added periods to prevent my parents (H.arry and Sally!) from accidentally discovering my blog via Google. See likely scenario.] He's a leadership and organizational consultant but has decided to write books too. No doubt there is some source of value (and income) in this line of work, but to be honest I fell asleep reading the back cover. It advertises features like
"Chapters on leadership constructs such as fit, dynamics, readiness and flow which provide useful insights and methods to enable success,"
and the "Overarching concept of alignment which reframes leadership as an active process where the awareness of and response to the interplay of multiple, relevant factors matters more than charisma, pedigree or power."
Super. I am reminded of Office Space, or the multiple websites enumerating managerial lingo/jargon/buzzwords for giggles. Such as:
You get the point.
But this one is the best, because it took me a little while to figure out that the company is REAL. Stand back, or the vacuity of substance will suck you in:
"The Actionable Group applies proprietary methodology and experience to help clients understand the links between their operating process capability and customer/market facing activities. We deliver actionable programs that significantly improve business results and increase company value."
When I get around to looking inside my dad's book, I will provide an update, but for now, let me leave you with the last lines of the Acknowledgements:
"And I, H.arry Hutson, want to thank my wife, Sally, for her love—and her courage. Our children, Emily and Matthew, now in their twenties, are making the world better in their own ways. So must we all."
Godspeed.
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