In Search of Excellence by Tom Peters

One more must read book. 7-S model is interesting and provides insight into the working of organization. This link shows the various models at organization, team and individual levels.

7-S model define the various elements which forms the organization. I am still trying to understand the various stages in the life of any organization. Is there exits a trend for stages during life of Organization? May be on the lines of Tuckman's team model.

Another team model worth reading is Situational Leadership.

Experience matters more than any theoretical knowledge. I think in Architect role, we get lot of opportunity to hone leadership & process management skills but people management skills take a backseat. In my view, People management skill is also important in long term and one should find ways to develop it.

The Google Story by David A. Vise

Not just another book. It looks more like a fiction. Google phenomenon happened during our lifetime and before our eyes. Its a inspirational story.

Sergey Brin and Larry Page are people of principles and beliefs. They have reaped benefits of economies of scales. Google is default search engine and have unique position. Power of Google lies in
- Search Engine business case i.e. Information and Search significance are directly proportional to each other, both are growing at fast pace.
- Secondly, in having a winning edge on technical front. Mammoth hardware clusters and creative software to harness the power to generate lightening results.
- and in the last, they are able to build a big brand name associated with high integrity, values and reach.

Lets end this blog entry with Google Motto "Don't be Evil".

"The World is Flat" by Thomas L.Friedman

Shape of world is changing from Round to Flat. This brilliant book finds out the forces behind it and impact of them on our day to day life.

A must read book for every organization & individuals who wants to survive in Flat world. Rules of game are changing. Countries & Corporation who will adapt to changing rules will grow and others will fight for their survival.

I feel, in another decade, people in India & China will face the same challenge and difficult time as faced by people in West today. It will be opportunity and concern at the same time.

Another thought, all flatteners are happening to reduce TIME spent in chores. Time is becoming most precious and whatever we think of today is time consuming, will not be done by us in future. It will be either outsourced, off shored, in-sourced, automated, extinct or ignored.

Check Convergence II chapter in book, vertical silos are replaced by Service ecosystem in businesses. It reflects that World is also adopting concept SOA in its own way.

Empires Of The Mind by Denis Waitley

I am currently reading "Empires of the Mind" by Denis Waitley.

Few excellent excerpts from the book -

Y'day natural resources defined power. Today knowledge is power.
Y'day hierarchy was the model. Today synergy is the mandate.
Y'day leaders commanded and controlled. Today leaders empower and coach.
Y'day employees took orders. Today teams make decision.

Book defines three prejudices to avoid
- The Rut of Average
- The Rut of Conventional Wisdom
- The Rut of Group-Think

A Leader's Critical Traits
- Self confidence
- Mental toughness
- Ambition to achieve

Life is like a field of newly fallen snow;
where I choose to walk, every step will show.

The Four legs of Value
- A sense of Belonging
- A sense of Individual Identity
- A sense of Worthiness
- A sense of Control & Competence

The 3-D vision of Leaders
- Viewing failures as not to be repeated learning experiences.
- Reinforcing past success to nourish confidence for taking new risks.
- Imagining future successes as real, despite the unknowns.