Leading the Revolution: How to Thrive in Turbulent Times by Making Innovation a Way of Life
by Gary Hamel

What you will probably notice immediately upon picking up this book is the glossy, heavy-weight paper, the stunning colorful photos, and the vivid, attractive diagrams and charts. Once into the content, you’ll note a similarity to Tom Peters’ commentary on the necessity of revolution, rebellion, and change. If you enjoyed Hamel’s first book, Competing for the Future, and Tom Peters’ approach to revolution, you’ll appreciate the author’s no-holds-barred assessment of the issues facing companies all around the world as they struggle to catch up with the new economy.

Based on an extensive study of revolutionaries, this book is packed with insight and practical advice. Leading the Revolution shows you how to: 

• Get off the treadmill of incrementalism
• Harness the imagination and passion of every employee
• Save your company from becoming a “one-vision wonder”
• Create vibrant internal markets for ideas, capital, and talent

Drawing on the examples of activists who profoundly changed their companies, the author outlines the practical steps anyone can take to lead a successful revolution in their own organization.

(This book review was originally published in 2001 as one of the Top 10 Books – Edition 6.)