"Good enough" isn't enough ...(Review)

"Good enough" isn't enough ... Alan Weiss AMACON, 2000 251 pages, $25.00

As a result of his observations over the last two decades, Alan Weiss presents a look at current practices in organizations. He identifies ten processes that he believes are important in successful organizations. Although he takes a somewhat sarcastic jab at those in academe, he presents many strategies that are taught in business schools today (i.e., the alignment of employee's objectives in support of corporate goals; the use of power sources; etc.). With the use of numerous anecdotes from easily identified organizations, serious topics are presented in an interesting way. He discusses where he thinks we are and where he thinks we ought to be.

Like Gardner (1963) in his book Excellence, Weiss criticizes mediocrity and advocates making the good better and better best. In the explanation of why "good enough" isn't enough, Weiss presents nine challenges to organizations. He challenges many currently accepted notions and/or practices. Nothing appears to be off limits. He also questions (and rightly so) the qualifications of many self-proclaimed consultants.

Managers are cautioned not to be afraid to rock the boat. Close is not good enough: one should always strive for the best. Through examples, Weiss illustrates the value of raising the level of expected performance as a means of getting desired results. Unlike many books that make vague references to organizations or executives, leaving the reader to wonder which one, Weiss' examples clearly identify companies and people, that in his estimation, have been successful or unsuccessful as the case may be. Such boldness is refreshing and adds to the strength of his arguments. While others have specifically named positive examples, few mention the names of those that are used in negative examples. Weiss does not hesitate to use lessons in failure as a means of moving from poor to good, to better, to best.

Many interesting issues are raised in the nine challenges discussed by Weiss. Without outlining all of the issues, several are ...