I am close to finishing my next book which will be published in the Spring. It describes how organizations (often mindlessly) copy the business practices of pace-setting organizations, consultants, and academic institutions (I call these Bellwethers), the 8 most dispiriting examples of these (i.e. engagement surveys, performance appraisals, mission statements, pay grades, etc.) and how these get in the way of efforts to build organizations that inspire employees, customers, stakeholders and society. I also show how we can achieve the original aims of these business processes, by removing them and replacing them with different and more enlightened approaches. The current working title is “The Bellwether Effect: The 8 Stupid Things Companies Do, and What They Should Do Instead”
The title has proven to be a bit of a challenge – I have had very strong feedback from early reviewers in both directions – some love the opaque nature of the Bellwether (what does that mean?) and they say that “stupid” is catchy and provocative, and all agree that these 8 things really are stupid. But, as people have pointed out to me, “stupid” is not a good fit with my philosophy and what I teach. And “should” in the subtitle feels too prescriptive for some people.
So I would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think of this title? Can you think of a better title that is catchy, edgy, grabs people’s attention and helps to bring the book into people’s awareness?
I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions.
Hi Lance — I hear you. I love the first part: The Bellwether Effect — and for the post colon second part, how about: The 8 Mindless Rituals Companies Follow To Their Detriment When There’s a Better Way.
Deborah
Deborah, this is very cool – I love “mindless” and “ritual” – both very pertinent words to the content.
I once read a blog of yours where you were consulting with insurance company (??) for farmers. The agents didn’t have a good response with the farmers.
You asked them what would Mother Teresa do. (I can’t remember the exact details).
I think you could begin from that question. In todays world scatological language and the f*** word is rampant.
Possibilities can still be created without using scatological language, in my perspective.
You may want to consider the following alternatives or any variation thereof:
“The Bellwether Effect: The 8 Mindless Things Companies Do, and How They Can Do Better”
“The Bellwether Effect: The 8 Mindless Things Companies Do, and How They Can Be More Effective”
“The Bellwether Effect: The 8 Mindless Things Companies Do, and What They Can Do To Be [more] Effective”
Brahm
Great thoughts Brahm. I am collecting many lovely ideas from many people, including yours and it is producing a flurry of creative thinking! Thanks so much!
I almost forgot.
“Should” is like an obligation, or an authoritarian order with no possibilities.
Brahm
“Beyond the Bellwether Effect: Why these Eight Strategies aren’t the Answer to your Organization’s Success”
I agree that staying away from should is important as we are inundated with ‘shoulds’ these days.
Or
“Inspired Leadership/Inspired Organizations: Moving Beyond the Bellwether Effect”
Having worked in a very uninspiring organization for 23 years, I believe it’s important that your message get out to those who truly seek to be inspiring….dispiriting leadership needs to be a thing of the past but is still the norm in many large organizations.
Thanks for the opportunity to weigh in.
This is excellent Denyse! I think you are right – a word in front of “The Bellwether Effect” is what is needed. Stay tuned.