Description
In 1995, the cleanup and closure of contaminated nuclear weapons plant Rocky Flats was estimated to require more than 70 years and $36 billion. Despite these dire predictions, contracting company Kaiser-Hill managed to get the job done 60 years ahead of schedule and $30 billion under budget. Drawing upon firsthand accounts and public records, Cameron (management, U. of Michigan) and Lavine (organization studies, Boston College) describe ten principles of positive leadership that made this company's remarkable success possible. They also explain how these same principles may be implemented by leaders in other kinds of organizations. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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The most contaminated nuclear weapons plant in the country, Rocky Flats was an environmental disaster and the site of rampant worker unrest. Although estimates projected that cleaning up and closing the facility would take 70 years and $36 billion, the project was completed 60 years ahead of schedule and $30 billion under budget, and most of the site is now on its way to becoming a wildlife refuge. Kim Cameron and Marc Lavine explain how this amazing feat was accomplished and how other organizations can apply the same methods to achieve breakthrough levels of performance. The authors discovered that the Rocky Flats leaders used a distinctive “abundance approach,” identifying and building on sources of strength, resilience, and vitality rather than simply solving problems and overcoming difficulties. Drawing on numerous firsthand accounts and public records, they identify 21 specific leadership practices and key techniques that were fundamental to this innovative approach. This fascinating and thoroughly researched case study provides a complete guide for anyone wanting to better understand and apply the lessons of this remarkable, history-making achievement.
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