Riding the Tiger
Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times
By: Priscilla Nelson, Ed Cohen
Published: July 1, 2010
Format: Hardcover, 200 pages
ISBN-10: 1562867342
ISBN-13: 978-1562867348
Publisher: American Society for Training and Development
"We had to grab this tiger by the tail and prevent it from completely devouring everyone and everything in its sight", write talent management experts and former Satyam Computer Services executives, Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen, in their leadership lesson filled book Riding the Tiger: Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times. The author describe the crisis that almost destroyed Satyam Computer Services, and the initiatives that not only saved the company from bankruptcy, but transformed the entire organization into a more effective and growing business.
Priscilla Nelson (photo left) and Ed Cohen share the remarkable turnaround of the near calamitous failure of the company derisively called "India's Enron", as Satyama was brought back from the brink of disaster. The leadership and management techniques that led to the company's recovery from scandal and near demise, form the basis for the strategies outlined by the authors. The concept of "leading through learning" formed the backbone of the transformation from financial pariah to respected growing corporation prevented a chaotic environment within the company. That inner organizational tranquility and sense of resolve that the problems could be overcome, led to the successful rebuilding process. The collaborative efforts of the company leadership and the employees resulted in a resolution of longstanding issues, the financial chicanery that brought the company to the brink, and the continuation of effective programs and initiatives led the organization out of trouble and back to profitability.
Ed Cohen (photo left) and Priscilla Nelson present a proven system for meeting a corporate crisis and achieving a successful result. The authors demonstrate why it is critical to identify the facts and status of the crisis, and show strength and solidarity within the company ranks from top to bottom. These goals must be put into action by the learning group immediately to prevent further damage. The authors describe their Lights On strategy for facing and overcoming a crisis with the learning group in place. The concept rests on two pillars and includes insights from as many areas of the company as possible.
The first part is the learning pillar which includes:
* technology learning
* domain knowledge
* people and business leadership
* completion and closure of existing programs
* pre-paid vendor supplied programs
The communication pillar consists of:
* regular factual updates
* differentiation of fact from fiction
* Building the confidence of the leaders
For me, the power of the book is how Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen convey the importance of their proven system for overcoming a corporate catastrophe. The Lights On strategy was formulated to save the Satyam organization, and the process worked very well. The authors present the system as a formula that can be applied to any corporate crisis for a successful resolution. The steps of the Lights On strategy works as a self checking system that ensures that all areas of the crisis receive attention. The steps of the systems include:
* Hold everything
* Build a start-stop-continue worksheet
* Deploy learning resources in an optimum manner
* Start an information safari
* Include critical communication and bring people together
* Develop 30, 60, and 90 day scenario plans
I highly recommend the insightful and visionary book Riding the Tiger: Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times by Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen, to any corporate leaders who are serious about developing a company crisis management strategy. With this book, and the experiences of the authors with the Satyam turnaround as a guide, any organization can cope successfully with any potential disaster. When applied at Satyam Computer Services, the strategies provided in the book were not only effective, but facilitated a complete renewal of the company to growth and vibrancy.
Read the practical and disaster averting book Riding the Tiger: Leading Through Learning in Turbulent Times by Priscilla Nelson and Ed Cohen, and put the power of the Lights On strategy to work for your company. Your organizational culture, communications, and learning will be improved immensely as a result.
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